Vanuatu, one of Melanesia’s dream islands in vast Oceania.
If ever there was heaven on earth, it would probably be located in the South Pacific in the form of an archipelago and an island called Vanuatu. After just a few minutes spent with the friendly locals, it is easy to see why Vanuatu was chosen as the happiest place in the world in 2006. Vanuatu really looks like a piece of paradise on earth. If you are looking to immerse yourself in tranquility and a simple and beautiful island life, this is the place for you. That’s not to say that Vanuatu doesn’t have luxurious hotels and retreats, but there are also several bungalows on the island, that blend well with the natural surroundings for a more simple and authentic experience.
For an adventurer, there is nothing better than Vanuatu; There is nowhere else in the world that allows you to live near the center of a living volcano, if you will. On the lush green island of Tanna, one of the three largest islands in the south, is the vibrant Yassur volcano. Visitors are told that it is the most accessible volcano in the world, and can be visited with a 4W-drive vehicle at a distance as close as 150 meters from the crater. After 10 minutes walk and you are right on the edge of the 100 meter deep crater which is about 300 meters wide. It is an experience, most people will remember.
If fire and lava are not your thing, there is always bungee jumping or deep sea diving. If you still feel the need for excitement, a trip to Pentecostal Island to see the deepening on land is an experience you will not soon forget.
Your trip to Vanuatu will give you an insight into a unique culture with a fascinating history and many interesting traditions. The Vanuatu Museum contains a fabulous collection of ancient artifacts, ceremonial headdresses and traditional pottery. If you enjoy cultural activities, you will not be disappointed with your stay in Vanuatu. There are dance festivals and art festivals at different times of the year and you will be captivated by the color, music, passion and energy of the people of these fascinating islands.
Tam Tam drumming i Vanuatu
One of the things that makes Vanuatu so wonderful is its people, these islanders are very kind and friendly, always ready to share their customs with tourists. It is obvious that the movements displayed by the locals are genuine as the tips contradict local traditions. The most attractive things about the locals are their music, dance, and food. Vanuatu is home to the largest independent instrument, a carved wooden drum known as Tam Tam. The locals have these instruments of high esteem, and in the past, they were an integral part of the tribal ceremonies, and tourists can have miniature versions of these carried as souvenirs. The diverse ethnic origins of Vanuatu residents are reflected in the cuisine; Chinese and French cuisine are dominant, but there are delicious local dishes that you can enjoy, such as coconut crabs, a dish you won’t find anywhere else. Due to the rich marine life surrounding the island, seafood is heavily featured on the menus of many resorts.
Vanuatu National Museum and Cultural Center
This rich cultural diversity draws visitors to the Vanuatu National Museum and Cultural Center, which is a must-see for anyone interested in history and culture. It is a great place to see shows and cultural events as well as permanent exhibitions featuring traditional artifacts, prehistoric shells, fossils, animals and birds. Once you get an overview of the museum, you can see a lot of history, culture and landscapes up close from the active volcano Yasur on Tanna Island, where you can wander to the edge of the crater to experience a real, vibrant yet harmless volcano.
Can you dance Tanna Toka dance or Rom Spiritual Dance? Otherwise, help is readily available
There are plenty of cultural festivals. During your Vanuatu travel experience, enjoy the colorful Tanna Toka dance, Rome Spiritual Dance and Back to My Roots festival on Ambrym Island and an aquatic music festival performed by the women on Gaua Island. The National Arts Festival at the end of each year also brings together a wide range of cultural performances for visitors.
However, Vanuatu’s most famous cultural event would have to be land diving or the Nagol festival, which is a unique experience for any visitor. This inspirational ceremony is a male fertility ritual that also celebrates the yam harvest. Certainly add this amazing event to your Vanuatu itinerary and prepare to be amazed by this unforgettable experience.
Here are some of the activities you can enjoy during your Vanuatu experience:
Vanuatu’s location makes it the ideal place for a fishing holiday. Port Vila presents a wide range of fishing opportunities for everyone from beginners to experts. Your Vanuatu fishing experiences can range from deep-sea fishing to reef fishing. Local fishing experts can take you to the right place to ensure the best chance of catching the day.
You don’t have to be an Olympic swimmer to enjoy the many. Using a mask, snorkel and fins, and a buoyancy jacket, if you need it, you can spend hours floating in the colors of the South Pacific and see the colorful sight of Vanuatu waters.
Top travel destinations in Oceania
