Traveling to Vanuatu was my huge dream! Vanuatu is a beautiful country located in the South Pacific Ocean, more than 2000 kilometers from the eastern Australian coast.
It is made up of 83 volcanic origin islands, some of which are still uninhabited, making it one of the most remote places in the whole wide world. The tropical islands are covered with wild jungle, inaccessible for an individual traveller.
Vanuatu landscape is an exceptional mix of stunning coral reefs, volcano craters and fascinating tribal culture. Being accompanied by a local guide you’ll be able to discover unique highlights of the country – go hiking Mount Yasur Volcano in Tanna Island (one of the world’s most active craters) and meet original village people, who are still living their traditional way far from modern civilization.
Traveling to Vanuatu – all you need to know.
No surprise smart travelers follow this hidden paradise to seek unique adventure. As much as it sounds fascinating, vacationing on one of the most isolated world corners requires some preparation, as some of the facts might leave you stunned. Have a safe and enjoyable trip there with few things to keep in mind before getting on a plane and traveling to Vanuatu.
Major facts on Vanuatu!
- The ground shakes even 5 times a day –tiny earthquakes are a part of its existence.
- There is a crazy biosecurity at the Vanuatu border, regarding any food, plant or animal items but also – camping gear and hiking shoes 😉
- WIFI – Network – get a local sim card otherwise you’ll most likely end up with compulsory digital detox!
- Vanuatu is expensive! Vanuatu is a developing country, which means road infrastructure is quite poor and getting around on your own might not be possible outside of the main island (Efate).
- There is no public transport, except on the main island of Efate.
- Health precautions – always antiseptic medication along with some antibiotics, tropical climate also means mosquitoes, so bring insect repellent, consider vaccines hepatitis A & B and tetanus. There are few private clinics on the main island and a public hospital (but remember this is a third-world country and medical support might be very limited).
Travel tips to Vanuatu.
- The climate in the South Pacific is ranges from tropical to subtropical – take breathable clothes that can dry quickly,
- Take some mosquito spray repellent, wear long sleeve and bright clothing (malaria and dengue fever cases appear across Vanuatu).
- Take water purification tablets – water is not drinkable across most Pacific Islands,
- Always travel with medical kit – antiseptic spray, first aid, seasickness tablets, and other medication including Panadol (even some antibiotics) –there are hospitals in Vanuatu but the medical care is basic,
- Bring snorkelling equipment – but remember not every island has decompression chamber,
- Get proper medical insurance,
- Bring hiking shoes 😉 and explore this magic landscape as much as you can!
Flights to Vanuatu.
Vanuatu may be remote, but it is accessible through several international flights. There are many direct flights to Vanuatu arriving at the capital – Port Vila (island of Efate).
You might need to connect through regional hubs like Fiji or New Caledonia. But the easiest way is flying directly from Australia – It’s only a 3-hour flight from the east coast of Australia to Port Vila. The best booking platform is Trip.com, Air Vanuatu website does not always work correctly. I faced a number of booking errors each time I tried it. If you look in advance you can even get cheap flights to Vanuatu (for approx. $200).
My first stop after Australia on the way to Vanuatu was New Caledonia – home to the world’s largest lagoon.
I would highly suggest planning and booking your flights ahead, the number of flights is limited and may be affected by seasonal changes. Never leave your return flight for the last day!
Don’t count on ferry transportation between Vanuatu islands – I read a few bloggers tried it but you really must be prepared for hardcore conditions.
Flights from Australia to Vanuatu.
It’s only a 3-hour flight from the east coast of Australia to Vanuatu (Port Vila). There are few operators connecting those two countries.
Direct international flights to Port Vila are available on Trip.com from:
- AUSTRALIA (Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane)
- SOLOMON ISLANDS
- NEW ZEALAND (Aukland)
- FIJI (Nadi)
Direct flights are operated by Air Vanuatu, Qantas, Solomon Airlines, Fiji Airways and Air Calin.
The best flight connection is Brisbane to Vanuatu or Sydney to Vanuatu, I used both with Qantas Airline.
Visa and entry requirements to Vanuatu.
Most travelers can enter Vanuatu without a visa for stays up to 30 days. Nobody asked me for my return ticket or sufficient funds in order to enter Vanuatu, but these may be requested by immigration officers (all these 3 things are required by immigration office).
Make sure you fill the entry declaration correctly, as I didn’t ;))) I forgot I’m carrying two limes and dales in my bag. You can read it under my post Things to do in Port Vila.
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Persons from non-exempt countries must also possess a valid visa to enter and stay in Vanuatu (Visa Exempted Countries).
- A return airline ticket.
- Confirmation of accommodation or a local address.
After landing in Port Vila.
TAXI – there’s a fixed price of $15 from the airport to any spot in Port Vila.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Any Van with B registration is a local minibus. It costs as little as $1-$2 to drop you off at any spot within Port Vila. Van B is considered local transportation, drivers and local passengers are kind, and it’s safe to use it.
PRE-BOOKED MINIVAN: Book on Viator a minivan for only few USD.
Shaky ground 😉
EARTHQUAKES: There are over 2000 seismic events reported each year across Vanuatu. Vanuatu is prone to many natural disasters – cyclones, earthquakes and tsunamis. It is very likely you’ll experience tiny ground shaking every day. To avoid soaking wet with heavy tropical rain the best time to visit Vanuatu is during the dry season, which runs from May to October.
CYCLONES: The cyclone season is from November to April, but cyclones can happen at any time.
TSUNAMI: Earthquakes occur regularly. Tsunamis happen but aren’t regular.
There are over 2000 seismic events reported each year across Vanuatu.
Where to stay in Port Vila?
I stayed in Pacifi Paradise Motel is $25/per night, it’s ok but very basic with shared bathroom. It’s located 3-minutes drive from the airport and 10 minutes walk from lovely sea view restaurants and Shopping Center (near Tana Cinema).
If you prefer to stay closer to Villa Bay these are the best accommodation options:
- Moorings Hotel – a beautiful place with great facilities for less than $90 per night.
- Travelers Motel – exotic and top rated for only ~$55/per night.
- Best option: Fabulous 5*star Crystal Palace Hotel for only ~$75/per night.
- 4*star Grand Hotel & Casino ~$140/per night.
The top luxury 5* star Port Vila Resort is Iririki Island Resort & Spa – located on Iririki Island.
Famous Warwick Le Lagoon Vanuatu – luxury stay.
Amazing Hideaway Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary~ $90/per night.
Coco Beach Resort 4*star located in mele Bay.
Exploring Efate Island.
If you want to explore Efate island the best day trip option is Port Vila Full Day Tour – Experience the Real Vanuatu: including a trip to the Blue Lagoon, the Turtle Sanctuary and Rarru.
Alternatively, you can book Full-Day Efate Round Island Trip with Yumi Tours.
Vanuatu is wild.
Regardless location and accommodation standard be prepared for the limited availability of resources in Vanuatu. The country has limited access to electricity and some parts of the country (especially smaller islands) do not even have running water. Bring your own water bottle and filter, or even water purifying tablets (this was the first country I ever used them) to ensure that you have continuous access to clean drinking water. Sunscreen, insect repellent and any necessary medications may be difficult to find outside the main island.
Forgotten islands of Vanuatu.
To meet local tribes of Vanuatu you will need to fly to one of the nearby islands – Tanna, Malekula, Espiritu Santo or Ambrym and take a tour to explore the depths of the jungle.
Vanuatu is home to some of the most untouched bush tribes in the world. With Lapita People as first residents of the islands, there are nowadays over 100 different indigenous tribes, each with its own customs, traditions and even language. Their warm and friendly nature is highly surprising, given cannibalism footprint was till registered in late 1960s.
Unique things to do in Vanuatu.
Traveling to Vanuatu brings a huge adrenaline boost with things like jungle treks, scuba diving or meeting the village tribes. I
- Hike Mount Yasur – the world’s most accessible active volcano! It was a magnificent adventure! It’s a very short hike but unfortunately you need to book a tour.
- Travel across the islands to find out who are Vanuatu tribes, this was the most beautiful part, except for Yasur Volcano.
- Visit Blue Cave in Tanna Island,
- Jungle treks – The Jungle in Vanuatu is something completely different to any Asian jungle 😉
Best time to visit Vanuatu.
Vanuatu experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures and a wet season from December to March.
The ideal time for traveling to Vanuatu is during the dry season, from April to October, when weather conditions are calmer.
Why to visit Vanuatu Pacific Islands?
Vanuatu is an exceptional and unique destination. But remember you are landing on a tiny dot island in the world’s biggest ocean, so do your research beforehand to be prepared for any potential challenges that may arise and once done you will most likely experience the trip of your lifetime.
What really sets the region apart is unique tribal villagers, their warm hospitality and an opportunity to participate in beautiful cultural activities, which are impossible to forget.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which are at absolutely no cost to you – I can earn a small commission on sales generated through this website and thanks to that I can share travel guides and inspirations that may help you reach your dream destinations and discover our unique world. I only recommend sites I actually use and have traveled to. Thank you for your support!
