AmyHuang
Vanuatu: Overview
We had chosen to go to Vanuatu to tie the knot just a week ago. It was a beautiful beautiful place. While we were there, we thought we'd take the chance to see the place outside its capital city, so before the wedding we spent 2 days at Tanna visiting one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes, and then spent a bit of time exploring Port Vila and surrounds.
Firstly, Port Vila. It would have to be one of the least developed capital cities I have come across - a small little settlement perched on the seaside yet untouched by McDonalds. In a place where all the businesses are owned by foreigners (resorts and restaurants are all owned by the Australians/New Zealanders/French, and the shops are mostly owned by the Chinese), locals seem relatively content. While in Australia we are complaining about too much foreign ownership of the companies, these foreign investment in Vanuatu has provided employment, a drive for training and income to the population that most locals are quite happy for them to be there.
While in Port Vila we mostly spent the time close to our resort so that we can be available as soon as the wedding coordinator calls for any questions or confirmations (and in case the wedding plan goes wrong) but there are lots of things to do and places to go just outside Port Vila that we managed to sneak a few in. Mele Maat cascade waterfalls was one of the highlights, where the beautiful cascading waterfall has created little water holes you can swim in. Clean, crisp water with a beautiful surrouding to match, it was almost heaven.
A lot of people say there isn't very much to do in Port Vila, but if you know where to look, you won't be bored. Around the Efate island (which only take a day to circle) there are villages and marine sanctuaries to visit. Snorkellers and scuba divers will love the rocky seabed that is home to beautiful coral and sea life. We went to Hideaway Island and fell in love with the underwater world (which I'll have a new post for) however, as we didn't have time, I missed out on diving at Lelepa Island, which according to fellow divers, is even better than say... the Great Barrier Reef. Adventure seekers can find horse riding, village visits and mountain biking.
In my next few posts I'll review some of the places we stayed at and tell you about Tanna. Stay tuned!
Firstly, Port Vila. It would have to be one of the least developed capital cities I have come across - a small little settlement perched on the seaside yet untouched by McDonalds. In a place where all the businesses are owned by foreigners (resorts and restaurants are all owned by the Australians/New Zealanders/French, and the shops are mostly owned by the Chinese), locals seem relatively content. While in Australia we are complaining about too much foreign ownership of the companies, these foreign investment in Vanuatu has provided employment, a drive for training and income to the population that most locals are quite happy for them to be there.
Seaside at Port Vila
Hill top monument - a WWI and WWII memorial
While in Port Vila we mostly spent the time close to our resort so that we can be available as soon as the wedding coordinator calls for any questions or confirmations (and in case the wedding plan goes wrong) but there are lots of things to do and places to go just outside Port Vila that we managed to sneak a few in. Mele Maat cascade waterfalls was one of the highlights, where the beautiful cascading waterfall has created little water holes you can swim in. Clean, crisp water with a beautiful surrouding to match, it was almost heaven.
Looking down towards the harbour (with Iririki in the background) from the hill top monument
Mele Cascade Falls
The local market - open 24 hours Monday to Saturday!
A lot of people say there isn't very much to do in Port Vila, but if you know where to look, you won't be bored. Around the Efate island (which only take a day to circle) there are villages and marine sanctuaries to visit. Snorkellers and scuba divers will love the rocky seabed that is home to beautiful coral and sea life. We went to Hideaway Island and fell in love with the underwater world (which I'll have a new post for) however, as we didn't have time, I missed out on diving at Lelepa Island, which according to fellow divers, is even better than say... the Great Barrier Reef. Adventure seekers can find horse riding, village visits and mountain biking.
In my next few posts I'll review some of the places we stayed at and tell you about Tanna. Stay tuned!
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