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GUIDES

Welcome to

Welcome to

Vanuatu has a number of exotic and

interesting attractions on offer so be sure to take full advantage of this tropical oasis. We

hope you enjoy your stay.

‘Welcome to Paradise’ is the phrase that most visitors hear on arrival to Vanuatu, probably because this unique island nation is just that: a paradise on earth. Boasting three official languages and a rich, diverse local culture, Vanuatu is the perfect tropical getaway.Vanuatu is made up of 83 islands, many of which have been inhabited for thousands of years. With each island offering its own distinctive traditions, the diversity in the region is second to none. The people of Vanuatu are Melanesian in origin, and more than 120 languages are spoken throughout the region.

Vanuatu, which means ‘land eternal’, was initially discovered by European explorers in 1606 with the arrival of the Spaniards to the island of Espiritu Santo. The Spanish didn’t colonise the area, but merely retained knowledge of it as a passageway for ships in the South Pacific. In fact, the region almost faded into oblivion until Louis Antoine de Bougainville rediscovered it in

1768. Captain James Cook followed in the ensuing years and named the area New Hebrides, a name that was retained until 1980 when the country gained full independence.

For almost thirty years, in the late 1800s, administration in New Hebrides was disputed between England and France. In 1906, the two countries eventually agreed to enter into a joint administration agreement called the British-French Condominium. The agreement was highly unusual because two governmental systems were implemented. The only time there was unification between the governments was when a dispute arose between the two, which was settled in one court. Meanwhile, natives were not granted citizenship by either government rendering them nationless. These laws were practiced up until full independence, almost 80 years later, when the region was renamed Vanuatu.

Welkam“Welkam long Paradaes” hemi olsem wan toktok we evriwan we i stap kam insaed long kaontri oli stap harem. From nomo se smol yunik kaontri ia, hemi wan Paradaes ples long wol. Wetem olketa tri (3) ofisol lanwis mo olketa lokol kalja blong hem we oli difren, Vanuatu hemi oferem wan experiens we ol man oli stap tokabaot i gud tumas be olketa samting ia, yumi no save faenem long wan narafala ples bakeken long wol. Olketa Eksplora blong Europe oli bin diskaverem Vanuatu (we hemi minim se “Etenol Lan”) long 1606, taem ol man Spain oli bin kam so long Espiritu Santo. Ol man Spain ia oli no bin stap long taem long ples ia be oli kat strong tingting se hemi wan ples we hemi impoten long Saot Pasifik espeseli blong olketa ship we oli stap pass. Be rili se olketa man Europe ia oli foketem rijen ia kasem taem we Louis Antoine de Bougainville hemi bin diskaverem bakeken kaontri long 1768. Long nekis yia blong hem, Captain James Cook hemi bin kam mo putum nem ia New Hebrides (Niu Hebridis), nem we Kaontri i bin karem kasem yia 1980 taem hemi winim Indipendens blong hem.

Administreisen blong Niu Hebridis hemi bin stap long han blong tufala kaontri ia, Inglan (England) mo Franis (France) blong kolosap 30 yia kasem yia 1906 taem tufala kaontri ia i bin agri blong saenem wan joen agrimen. Oli bin kolem niufala agrimen ia “British-French Condominium” mo hemi bin wan samting we hemi no nomol from se i bin kat tu (2) sistem blong Loa mo penalti we i bes long tuketa sistem. Kaontri i bin aplaem olketa Loa ia kasem taem we hemi bin kasem independens blong hem 80 yia afta.

Olsem we yufala i save luk, Vanuatu hemi yunik long evri kaontri. Kaontri hemi kat 83 aelan evriwan , ova long 120 lanwis mo ol pipol blong hem oli ol Melanesian. Wanwan aelan hemi kat ol lokol tradisen we oli pulum plante interes blong ol pipol we yumi no save faenem long ol narafala kaontri long wol mekem se ol Visita we oli stap kam long kaontri mo kobak, oli kat strong tingting blong kambak oltaem.

Yufala i kat wan gudfala holidei long Vanuatu!

Bienvenue“Bienvenue au paradis” est le mot d’accueil que les visiteurs entendent le plus souvent en arrivant au Vanuatu. Probablement parce que cette nation unique en son genre, composée d’îles, est cela avant tout: une représentation du paradis sur terre. Avec trois langues officielles et une culture locale aussi riche que variée, le Vanuatu se révèle être une escapade tropicale de choix.L'archipel du Vanuatu est composé de plus de 83 îles, nombre d’entre elles sont habitées depuis plusieurs milliers d’années. Chaque île à ses propres traditions, la diversité culturelle de la région se révèle ainsi l’une des plus riches. La population d’origine du Vanuatu est composée de Mélanésiens, et plus de 120 langues et dialectes vernaculaires sont usités à travers l’archipel.

Le Vanuatu, qui signifie ‘notre terre éternellement’, ne fut découvert par les explorateurs européens qu’en 1606 avec l’arrivée des Espagnols sur l’ île d’Espiritu Santo. Les Espagnols ne prirent pas possession de la région, mais retinrent que ses îles sont sur le passage des navires à destination du Pacifique Sud. Vraisemblablement la région retomba dans l’oubli jusqu’au passage de Louis Antoine de Bougainville en 1768. Le capitaine James Cook suivit dans les années suivantes et renomma ses îles les Nouvelles-hébrides, un nom qu'elles porteront jusqu’à l’accession du pays à l’indépendance en 1980.

Pendant près de trente ans, à la fin du 19e siècle, le gouvernement des Nouvelles-hébrides se partagea entre l’Angleterre et la France. En 1906, ses deux nations arrivèrent tant bien que mal à un accord et instaurèrent un système d’administration conjointe appellé le condominium Franco-Britannique. Cet accord à le mérite d’être noté car le résultat fut deux systèmes de gouvernement. Le seul trait d’union entre ses deux gouvernements fut au cours de dissensions communes, avec la nécessité de les résoudre devant une Cour. Pendant ce temps, les indigènes ne furent citoyens d’aucune de ses nations, les rendant de fait apatrides. Ce régime fut de mise jusqu’à l’obtention complète du statut d’État indépendant, près 80 années plus tard, quand l’archipel prit le nom de Vanuatu.

Le Vanuatu offre une quantité d’activités exotiques intéressantes, prenez donc soin de profiter au maximum de cette oasis tropicale. Nous vous souhaitons un agréable séjour.

Éfaté Éfaté, also known as Île Vate, is the most populated island in Vanuatu. Most people live in the national capital of Port Vila, but with so many nearby attractions it is well worth venturing out.The wonderful thing about Vanuatu is that the country is so diverse you can enjoy both a long or short holiday, which can either be planned or simply made up as you go. The entire length of the island can be easily navigated via Long Island Ring Road in two and a half hours without stops. Nonetheless, to take in some of Vanuatu’s most beautiful attractions set aside a leisurely six hours to drive around.

Éfaté played an important role during World War II as a strategic base for the United States military. Some historical relics from this time still remain, but many others were buried underground when the occupied forces finally left the island. At the eastern end of Éfaté sits Forari, one of the three most used ports in Vanuatu. Forari is home to a now defunct manganese mine and stands today as a relic of the past, overgrown by evasive ‘mile-a-minute’ vines. Entire areas of Éfaté have been blanketed by this vegetation, which was introduced by the Americans during WWII as a cover for military operations.

Visitors can take in sights such as the Taka Custom Village, Roosevelt Airstrip and the old Cola Bottle Shop by the road at Havannah Harbour as part of an island tour which starts at Blue Lagoon then ends up with afternoon tea at the ‘Survivor’ series film site.

Eton Beach and Crystal Blue Lagoon Beach, which are situated approximately 35 minutes from Port Vila, are well worth a visit. Swim in turquiose waters in lush tropical surrounds and feel a world away from home. Please note that it costs around VT300 per person to use public beaches in Vanuatu. Alternatively, if you're a fishing enthusiast, book a shared charter and try your hand at catching Spanish mackerel, tuna, wahoo, yellow fin, trevally and more.

North and west of Éfaté are small islands called Eretoka (Hat Island), Lelepa, Nguna, Pele and Emao. Seen from a distance, Eretoka Island looks like a f loppy hat. The small island of Eretoka is famous for being the burial site of Chief Roi Mata, who was buried along with his 20 wives. The chiefly title of Roi Mata features in many oral stories still told in the region. Although many individuals probably held the title over a long period, the actions of these chiefs are often attributed to a single individual.

Respecting custom land owners and the culture is important when visiting Vanuatu. Be sure to dress and behave appropriately in public spaces as locals are modest people.

• VisitCrystalBlueLagoon,whichhasaturtlebreedingprogram,beachvolleyballcourtandmassagecentre.EntryaroundVT1800perperson.

• HaveaswimintheplayfulwatersofWhiteSandsBeachorapicnicatEtonBeach.EntrycostsaroundVT300perperson.

• PlungeintothefreshwaterpoolofEtonBlueHole.EntrycostsaroundVT300.

• SeethestunningrockformationsatSaraBeachorrelaxatoneofthecafés.

• SoakinthehotpoolfedfromtheTakaraThermalSprings.• EmbarkonatrailrideatBellevueRanchjustoutside

PortVilla.• PaddlebycanoetotheSiviriCaves,hometoahugecolony

ofbats.EntrytothecavesVT500.• Browsethroughthequirkyroad-sidestallsatHavannah

Harbourortakeavillageculturaltour.• VisitMeleCascades.EntrycostsaroundVT2000.• Forfirst-ratesnorkellingtakethefreeferrytoHideaway

Island.EntrytothemarineparkcostsVT1250perperson.

Things to do

Exploring

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Beaches & IslandsÉfaté is a tropical paradise just waiting to be explored.There are many public beach areas on Éfaté. Eton Beach on the east coast is popular for swimming, snorkelling and fishing with a barbecue hut and shower facilities available. Sara Beach and Takara Beach in the north are picturesque beaches you can explore, both sporting cafes if you want to enjoy some lunch.Tamanu is a beach resort in the south where you can grab a bite to eat and then use the beach for swiming and snorkelling.

Havannah Harbour, a half hour drive west of Port Vila along Round Island Road, is another aquatic paradise for visitors to explore. You can sail across to Lelepa Island to swim, dive and fish. Keep an eye out for dolphins as they are spotted here often on a daily basis. Nearby, Tranquility Island boasts a Turtle Sanctuary as well as you can swim, dive, jet ski and more.

Kakula, Pele and Nguna Islands in the north offer sublime snorkelling and swimming. Take an esky full of refreshments on tour with you to explore these beautiful islands.

Note that entry to public beaches costs around VT300 per person and the money is used to support the local community. Prices can vary from beach to beach and be sure to take coins with you. Remember to pack snorkelling equipment, reef shoes and plenty of water when visiting beaches in Éfaté.

Getting AroundFlag down a mini bus for an interesting way to get around Éfaté. There are no real designated stops for buses, so look out for any mini bus that has a ‘B’ on its registration plate and signal the driver to pull over for you. The cost for using the bus service around town is VT150, but this can increase to around VT300 if you are travelling a longer distance out of town.

Taxis are also readily available in Éfaté. Just remember to always ask about the price before you accept the ride to get a correct costing. It costs approximately VT500 to get around town in a taxi. Note that haggling is not considered good manners in Vanuatu.

http://www.vanuatuhandicraftmarket.com

Harbour ViewChinese Restaurant

Phone: (678) 23668

Port Vila’s Best Chinese RestaurantOpen 7 days lunch & dinner 11am - 2pm, 6pm - 10pm

Yum Cha and Peking Duck available everyday

Authentic Cantonese cuisine served in a great family atmosphere

BANQUET MENU FROM VT 1,600

Dining GuidePort Vila

Au Faré French Restaurant • Bar & Grill Melcoffee, Port Vila • Ph: 25 580

Breakas Beachside Pacific Rim Cuisine Pango Bay Road, Port Vila • Ph: 25 844

Harbour ViewChinese Restaurant Lini Highway, Port Vila • Ph: 23 668

L'Houstalet RestaurantInternational Cuisine Route du Lagon, Port Vila • Ph: 22 303

Kesorn's Exotic Thai RestaurantThai Restaurant The Lookout, Port Vila • Ph: 7731 751

Le Jardin des SaveursFrench Restaurant Route d'Elluk, Port Vila • Ph: 25 405

Nambawan Brewery Bar & RestaurantHome of Nambawan Beer • Bar & Restaurant Lini Highway, Port Vila • Ph: 28 328

Stonegrill DiningGrill Restaurant Port Vila • Ph: 5464 506

Troys War Horse SaloonAmerican Bar • Restaurant • Cantina Mexicana Wharf Road, Port Vila • Ph: 26 670

ShoppingGenerally duty free shopping is only available at airports and wharves in most countries; however, Vanuatu offers a downtown duty free system. This means that you can conveniently do all your duty free shopping along the main street in Port Vila where a number of duty free shops are available. To purchase duty free goods, you simply need to tell the shop assistant your departure date and time, and your goods will be delivered to the airport by the time of your departure. Ask instore about duty free shopping allowances if you're unsure about what they are for returning home.

Automatic teller machines are found throughout Éfaté and will dispense cash readily in local currency. There are also many money exchange stores in town. Shops often provide favourable rates to shoppers. The only tax in Vanuatu is the Value Added Tax (VAT), which is charged at 12.5% on goods and services. Since expatriate residents and tourists make more purchases than most locals they are indirectly supporting the Ni-Vanuatu.

To work out what the Vatu is in Australian dollars, this is a simple comparison: VT1500 is equivalent to around AUD$17.

For your convenience, most retail shops are open during the lunchtime period.

Airport CustomsIt’s important to know some facts about customs in regards to taking artefacts back to Australia and New Zealand. It's advised that all items made from plant material and wood are inspected and treated prior to leaving Vanuatu. Otherwise items will be inspected on arrival back home and, if insect damage is detected, may result in them being destroyed. In some cases, you may even be fined.

Small items that can be packed with your luggage might only require an inspection certificate. If on inspection items look suspect, then you will be advised to get them treated before departure. The process costs around AUD$50 to inspect items and AUD$25 for a certificate.

The Quarantine Service, which will inspect and treat your items, is located close to the airport, and any taxi or bus can take you there. It’s best to visit at least 48 hours prior to departure. Alternatively, Vanuatu Agencies will take care of everything and airfreight items back to Australia for you. For more information, please call this service on 23 943.

On arrival to Australia, you need to declare certain items. For a full list of those items and other useful information, please visit www.daff.gov.au/biosecurity/travel/cant-take. On arrival to New Zealand, you will be required to declare items as outlined on your Passenger Arrival Card. For a full list of items to declare, please visit www.biosecurity.govt.nz/enter/declare.

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A Rick CultureWhile Vanuatu’s population is relatively small with around 265,000 people, its long migratory history makes it one of the richest cultures in the world today.Vanuatu has been the recipient of intermittent migration from other Pacific countries for over 3,000 years now. As a result, Vanuatu has developed into a nation boasting over 120 languages. The three official languages of Vanuatu are English, French and Bislama - a pidgin style of English that evolved when the Europeans arrived. Nonetheless, Ni-Vanuatu people generally converse in a myriad of languages as the result of trading with other regions in Vanuatu over an extensive time period.

Not only did the migratory waves produce a multi-lingual society, the customs and rituals of immigrants also inspired Vanuatu’s diverse culture. Story-telling, song and dance are all integral to village life with colourful masks, tattoos, body adornments and carvings used to further convey their messages and beliefs. Rituals are keenly practiced throughout the islands with one of the more famous ceremonies - John Frum Day - being celebrated on Tanna Island in February each year. During

the rituals, devotees pray for the mythological John Frum to appear offering western possessions that signify wealth and prosperity.

Today Malvatu Mauri, the National Council of Chiefs, advises Vanuatu’s republican government on matters concerning Ni-Vanuatu culture and language. Since 1994, Vanuatu has been divided into six provinces: Malampa, Penama, Sanma, Shefa, Tafea and Torba. Traditionally, every four years the first-born sons of tribal chiefs are elected as representatives by district council chiefs.

‘Mal’ means a high rank of status, ‘vatu’ means stone, island or place, and ‘mauri’ means something that is alive, which grows in the light. Visitors to the Malvatu Mauri ‘meeting haus’ will see a tall tamtam pole carving with five faces erected nearby. The tamtam, or split drum, is used by the chiefs in each community to gather the villagers together whenever there’s a special occasion or meeting.

The Vanuatu Culture Centre, located opposite Parliament House, showcases artefacts, photos and videos. It's open Monday to Friday 9am–4.30pm and Saturday 9am–11.30am.

Mele VillageWest of Port Vila, Mele Village is nestled in the picturesque cove of Mele Bay.

Approximately 15 minutes north west of Port Vila sits Mele Village where most of the attractions for Mele Bay are located near. For beautiful scenery, meander through lush tropical f lora up to Mele Cascades. Once there, refresh yourself by standing under the falls or take a swim in the pristine rock pools. Entry to Mele Cascades costs around VT2000. Make sure you take reef shoes with you to navigate the wet rocks.

If you’re keen on water sports, there’s a number of fun activities that await you here. Kayak around the bay in a glass bottom sea kayak, snorkel through stunning coral reefs or just kick back and sail around the bay. A number of tour charters operate in Mele Bay, so take the time to check out what tours are available.

Mele Bay is home to the Tanna Coffee Roasting Factory, which is located on Devil’s Point Road. Known for its quality Arabica coffee, the factory cultivates its beans in the fertile soils of Yasur Volcano on Tanna Island. Take a tour to learn about Tanna Coffee and taste the refined flavours for yourself. Open five days a week, call 23 661 to book a tour.

The Summit Gardens, also located on Devil’s Point Road, boasts 6 hectares of gardens which include an extensive array of f lora species. Take in the stunning scenery as well as learn how the flora is incorporated into local village life. For refreshments, grab a bite at the Summit Café, and later peruse the Summit Shop for health and body products made from local essential oils.

If you're keen on an adventure, Vanuatu Jungle Zipline offers zipline tours over the lush tropical canopy. Tours depart from the Summit Gardens 10:45am and 2pm daily.

The Summit Express is a bus service that takes visitors on a fixed route to a number of attractions in Mele Bay including Mele Cascades and Tanna Coffee Roasting Factory. Departing Anchor Inn in the city at 11am, the bus departs from The Summit at 2pm. A day ticket costs VT1000.

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An IslandAside from the main island of Éfaté, the commercial hub of Vanuatu, there’s so much more to explore in this tropical paradise. The islands of Espiritu Santo, Tanna, Pentecost, Malekula and Ambrym are well worth a visit if you’re interested in immersing yourself in the local culture in majestic surrounds.

ESPIRITUSANTOISLANDEspiritu Santo is the largest of Vanuatu’s islands and boasts beautiful beaches, amazing blue holes, and world-renowned diving and snorkelling. While Santo is a Mecca for dive enthusiasts – it’s home to the renowned SS President Coolidge wreck dive, it also offers breathtaking sightseeing for non-divers. Days can be spent lazing on remote white sand beaches, kayaking in pristine waters or trekking through untouched rainforest. Loru Park, stretching 220 hectares, offers nature walks and has a bat cave for those interested in seeing these creatures in their natural habitat.

Million Dollar Point located on Segond Channel is a popular dive site as it marks the place where the Americans disposed of tonnes of equipment at the end of the war.

If you’re interested in culture on Espiritu Santo, there's a number of Ni-Vanuatu tour operators who you can organise local tours to villages. For more information, please contact the Espiritu Santo Tourism Association at info@espiritusantotourism.com.

TANNAISLANDTanna is best known as the home of Vanuatu’s most popular tourist attraction, Mount Yasur. As one of the world’s most active volcanoes, its regular eruptions make for some spectacular viewing. Be aware that visitors approaching the crater can be at risk from toxic gas, projectiles and avalanches.

If you visit on a Friday you will be privy to the weekly ceremony dedicated to John Frum. Members conduct rituals in the belief that mimicking American acts will lead to the delivery of western goods owned by American visitors during WWII.

The Whitegrass Plains offers great hiking. Witness the glory of seeing hundreds of wild horses roam free in the tropical wilderness. Amazing views are on offer throughout this hike. Alternatively, embark on a horse riding tour and traverse the stunning landscapes of Tanna on horseback.

PENTECOSTISLANDPentecost Island has become famous throughout the world for the land diving ritual known as Nagol. The ritual, which occurs every Saturday between April and June, influenced the invention of bungy jumping by New Zealander AJ Hackett. Nagol sees local men and boys jumping from a 20–30 metre high man-made tower with only a vine attached to their legs. The vines are carefully selected by the jumpers who know that just ten centimetres can be the difference between life and death.

Pentecost offers a number of activities such as snorkelling, hiking, canoeing and sightseeing for visitors.

MALEKULAISLANDMalekula remains virtually untouched so you can observe village life at its most authentic. Locals are really friendly and are only too happy to share their customs with others. The rugged interior boasts some good birdwatching and trekking, and there are ancient cannibal sites you can visit in the northern part of the island. Additionally you can snorkel through the wondrous coral reefs and explore the local marine life.

AMBRYMISLANDAt the centre of Vanuatu sits the island of Ambrym, a volcanic island which experiences constant eruptions making it an exciting tourist destination. Despite its activity, it emanates mostly smoke and ash so it’s usually safe to be in close proximity. The Yam and Magic Festival, which occurs in July, celebrates the locals'unique traditions and customs.

Nation

For information

on domestic flights, call Unity Airlines on

24 475. For information on things to see and do in Vanuatu, please visit www.vanuatu.travel.

DAY1:ÉFATÉ-PORTVILAAcquaint yourself with Port Vila by catching a bus downtown. Be sure to visit the sea wall where you can sit at a café and enjoy the vista looking across to Iririki Island. You might even catch of game of patonque being played by the locals. It’s never too early to start your duty free shopping, which can be done along the main street. Remember to book your Tanna volcano tour for day 2 of your itinerary. There’s a variety of great restaurants to choose from for dinner on your first night.

DAY2:TANNA–FAMOUSYASURIt’s a 45-minute morning flight to Tanna and then a two hour drive through dense rainforest to arrive near the peak of Mount Yasur. Experience the thrill of this active volcano erupting and bellowing ash in an awe-inspiring feat of nature. Described as an amazing and surreal adventure, this shouldn't be missed. Note: Allow one hour check-in time for domestic f lights and a provincial departure tax of VT200/person is to be paid at each domestic airport.

DAY3:ÉFATÉ–MELEBAYTake the Summit Express bus to some of Mele Bay’s most popular attractions. Walk up to the Mele Cascades through lush rainforest and picnic near the falls. Enjoy a tour and some Arabica coffee at the Tanna Coffee Roasting Factory. Meander through the Summit Gardens, which boasts extensive gardens and stunning tropical f lora.

DAY4:ÉFATÉ–PORTVILADay 4 is all about relaxing. Lounge around at your accommodation or wander around Port Vila to do more shopping. For something more upbeat, there’s a number of fun adventure activities available in Port Vila from buggy tours to jetskiing, sports boating and fly boarding.

DAY5:ÉFATÉ–ETONBEACHHire a vehicle and travel east to Eton Beach, which is approximately a 35-minute drive away. Before you leave pick up some picnic items at Au Bon Marche or Boucherie Traverso. On the way to Eton Beach, stop in at Ripples by the Bay located on Narpow Point, Teouma Bay, for morning tea. If you continue to travel south from here, there’s a great beach for snorkelling. Travel on to Eton Beach and enjoy the rest of the day swimming, snorkelling and relaxing.

DAY6:ÉFATÉ–ISLANDTOURYou can either do a self-drive island tour or book a tour. If you choose to drive, make sure you stop at the Wahoo Bar in Havannah Bay, which is known for its fresh seafood and a jetty that you can swim off. Francesca's Italian Restaurant on Havannah Harbour is also great. It's also worth a visit to Survivor Beach and Gideon’s Landing nearby. Most organised island tours provide a Ni-Vanuatu lunch and a visit to a local village so that you can experience how the villagers live.

DAY7:ÉFATÉ–ISLANDCRUISECruise around Havannah Bay in a 23-metre teak ketch with Coongoola Day Cruise. Visit secluded beaches, swim and snorkel through pristine waters, and get up close to the marine life. For more information, call South Pacific Cruises on 25 020.

DAY8:ESPIRITUSANTOORPENTECOSTDay 8 presents a good opportunity to visit another island. If you choose Espiritu Santo, the SS President Coolidge is one of the largest wreck dives in the world. Suitable for both advanced and novice divers, it's an opportunity of a life time. Alternatively, there are a number of Ni-Vanuatu tour operators who you can organise local tours to the villages with. If you decide to visit Pentecost Island, every Saturday between April and June you will be privy to the famous land diving, which sees locals jumping off a 20-30 metre tower with only a vine attached to their legs. Pentecost also offers great snorkelling, hiking, canoeing and sightseeing for visitors. It's just another day in paradise!

DAY9:HIDEAWAYISLAND&THEBEACHBARBook a day trip to Hideaway Island. Hideaway Resort is in a truly picturesque location and offers great swimming and snorkelling, with a comprehensive restaurant. If it's a Friday night, we highly recommend the spectacular fire show at the Beach Bar in Mele Bay. Make sure you get there by 6am so that

you don’t miss this extraordinary show. This is a free event.

DAY10:TATAMOLUKIMYU!It's your last day in Vanuatu so take the opportunity to relax and soak up the last of your tropical holiday. Alternatively, you can always do some last minute shopping. Please make sure that you allow yourself two hours for check in time for your international f light.

Remember that the international departure tax for Vanuatu is included in your airline ticket.

ConsulatesMinistryofForeignAffairsVanuatu 27 750 W: www.governmentofvanuatu.gov.vu AustralianHighCommission(24hours) 22 777 W: www.vanuatu.embassy.gov.auHonorary Consulate of Belgium 22 306 E: famcol@vanuatu.com.vuChinese Embassy 23 598 W: vu.chineseembassy.org/eng/Embassy of France 28 700 W: www.ambafrance-vu.orgConsulate of Philippines 23 144 E: philconsul@vanuatu.com.vuHonorary Consulate of Sweden 22 944 E: swedcons@vanuatu.com.vu

Essential ServicesPOLICE 22 222

AMBULANCE 22 100

VILACENTRALHOSPITALPORTVILA 22 100

THEMEDICALCENTRE The Rock Terrace Building, Port Vila 22 826

DENTAL 22 306

INTERNETCAFÉS Au Péché Mignon, Port Vila 27 271 Nambawan Brewery Bar & Restaurant, Port Vila 28 328 Naviti Internet Café, Port Vila 27 813

BANKATM'S Automatic teller machines are found throughout Éfaté.

VANUATUAGENCIES 23 943 Vanuatu Agencies will take care of everything and airfreight items back to Australia for you. Call for more information on inspecting items made from animal and plant materials.

DEPARTMENTOFENVIRONMENT 25 302 For those travelling to Australia, remember that it is prohibited to take feathers on your return journey. If you are purchasing coral, shells or tree fern carvings to take home you may need an export permit. Check with the Department of Environment.

Events

MarketsVANUATU HANDICRAFT MARKET Located near the main Wharf in Port Vila. Boasts 140 handicraft stands, 26 boutiques, a dutyfree shop and local food stands. VILA’S OUTDOOR MARKET MON-SAT 24 HOURS Located in Port Vila on the sea wall next to Downtown Bon Marche. Fresh local produce and stalls selling beaded necklaces, Vanuatu souvenirs and woodcarvings further along the waterfront.NAMBAWAN ARTS AND CRAFT MARKET Located in the heart of Port Vila on the waterfront. The Nambawan Café situated in the market has wireless internet and Moonlight Movies.HEBRIDA MARKET PLACE MON-FRI 8AM-5PM/ SAT 8AM-12:30PM Located in Port Vila’s town centre this market boasts an array of woven bags, hand-painted clothes, mats and more.LUGANVILLE MARKET ESPIRITU SANTO MON-SAT EVENING Main Street, near Sarakata Bridge, Luganville. People come from all over the island to both sell and buy locally-grown produce and handicrafts.

JOHN FRUM DAY 15th February Tanna Island – Celebrate the mythological coming of

John Frum

LAND DIVING OR NAGOLEvery Thursday, Friday &

Saturday - April to June Pentecost Island – Land diving ritual

3K BRED BANK CHARITY SWIM24th May Port Vila

VANUATU OPEN WATER SWIMS6th June Port Vila Harbour – 3.2km swim around Iririki Island

MASTERS IN PARADISE7th - 8th June Port Vila – Rowing competition

ESPIRITU SANTO SWIM WEEK8th - 12th June Espiritu Santo – 5 days of swimming events in this tropical oasis

FÊTE DE LA MUSIQUE21st June Éfaté and Espiritu Santo – World Music Day celebrated in over 40 countries

ROM DANCES & BLACK MAGIC FESTIVALJuly, Ambrym Island – Cultural event

YAM & MAGIC FESTIVALJuly, Ambrym Island 2 day festival celebrating yams and magic

SANTO RODEO25th - 26th July Kavu Park, Espiritu Santo

WILCO ROUND ISLAND RELAYJuly, Port Vila, Éfaté – www.islandrelay.com

MASKELYNE CANOE RACE & FESTIVAL28th - 29th July Malekula Island – Canoe race and cultural festival

PORT-SANDWICH FESTIVALAugust, Malekula Island – Celebration of traditions and culture

BACK TO MY ROOTS FESTIVALAugust, Ambrym Island – Cultural performances.

VANUA LAVA FESTIVALSeptember Vanua Lava Island

FEST'NAPUAN MUSIC FESTIVAL October Music Festival

TRIATHLON DU PARADISOctober Port Vila seafront – Race competition

NUMBAWAN GAME FISH CLASSICNovember Around Port Vila – Game fishing event

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EVENTS IN VANUATU, VISIT WWW.VANUATU.TRAVEL.

JUST BRILLIANT

GUIDES

This guest services room publication is compiled and produced by John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, publishers of specialist room directories and magazines.

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John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket. PO Box 726, Ringwood, Victoria, 3134, Australia. Tel: +61 3 9879 8588 Fax: +61 3 9879 8688 Email: info@johnbatman.com.au Web: www.johnbatman.com.au

Compiled with the assistance of Vanuatu Tourism Office. Images courtesy of Vanuatu Tourism Office.

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