Solo Travel in the South Pacific
Welcome to Port Vila and the gorgeous island of Vanuatu in the South Pacific. The South Pacific is not thought of as a solo destination much outside of the hedonists Fiji islands but Vanuatu is well worth visiting alone.
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It may not be the cheapest destination admittedly but there are a lot of activities for the solo explorer that are free or very cheap to make up for the sums spent on hotels and travel there.
INTRODUCTION to VANUATU
Vanuatu, one of the gems of the South Pacific, is home to a population of just over 200,000 across the islands – Efate, Epi, Tanna,Erromango, Malekula, Ambae, Ambrym, Espiritu Santo and Pentecost.
The tropical climate allows for a wide range of activities, anything from cave diving in crystal waters to horse riding along the miles of beautiful coast, and with around 75% of the country covered by natural vegetation, there are amazing opportunities for jungle treks and exploration of one of the nine active volcanoes.
And the people are some of the friendliest you will meet- the country won the Happiest Country in the World award in 2007!
Efate is the heart of Vanuatu, and a good base, or first stop before exploring other islands. Home to the main airport, as well as Port Vila, the capital, Efate has a beautiful and varied coastline, with numerous bays, beaches and inlets. Follow the road north around the coast, to take in colonial towns, villages, coconut plantations and cattle farms.
HIGH SEASON IN VANUATU
It’s colder now in Australia and its even colder in New Zealand but on the pacific island of Vanuatu its summer all year round!
There is no better time to visit the island of Vanuatu and the laid back capital of Port Vila than the summer hemisphere winter time. Temperatures are a lovely 25-30C in the day time with the occasional rain pour in the afternoon.
You will always receive a warm welcome from all the pacific Islands but Vanuatu is one of the closest islands to mainland Australia and is also offering great value for the Aussie dollar.
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PORT VILA ATTRACTIONS
Port Vila Independence Park
Port Vila Indendance park is a large playing field with a lovely old grandstand is where the Condominium was proclaimed in 1906, with the ceremonial raising of the British and French flags.
For years, daily checks ensured that the Union Jack was flying at the same height as the French flag.
Iritiki Island
Iritiki Island is a small island in the harbour is connected to the mainland by a free, 24-hour ferry. Beetle across to the great restaurant, or enjoy a beer and take in the terrific view of Vila, especially at sunset.
There is also the Iritiki Island resort which is a great place to stay.
Erakor Island
Erakor is a lovely resort but take a quiet stroll around for a tantalising glimpse of what many other islets are like. There’s a free ferry service to the island from Port Vila and it offers stunning views of the city.
National Museum of Vanuatu
The National Museum of Vanuatu, in a glorious building, has a large and well-displayed selection of traditional artefacts from the Pacific. There are photographic displays and videos on traditional ceremonies and legends.
Port Vila Market
Port Vila Market is open round-the-clock from early Monday through to noon on Saturday. Fruit and vegetables, flowers, firewood, jewellery, woodcarvings and souvenirs are in the care of ni-Van women wearing colourful Mother Hubbard dresses.
PLACES TO STAY ON VANUATU
Poppys On The Lagoon, Captain Cook Av, Port Vila
Located on Erakor Lagoon to take advantage of cool sea breeze, on a white sand beach. Approximately 15 minutes walk to the town centre (2 minutes by mini bus or taxi) to the shops and restaurants. The lagoon is sheltered and ideal for swimming and water sports. Spacious and fully equipped 2 bedroom Lagoon Suites, huge 3 bedroom Beachfront Villas, all with full kitchen facilities, private verandahs and balconies. All close to family pool and beautiful sand beach.
FROM $119 AUD ***
Why should I stay at Poppys Vanuatu?
Great location, right on the lagoon. About a 15 minute walk into Vila, or walk up the hill to the road with buses running by every few minutes. Lovely gardens, 2 nice pools, very friendly.
Hotel Olympic Port Vila
Rue Bougainville Po Box 3232, Port Vila, Vanuatu
The Hotel Olympic with 21 Guest rooms, 1 Bedroom Apartments, Studio Rooms, and Deluxe Twin Rooms is conveniently situated in the Business District, in the heart of the vibrant city of Port Vila, adjacent to the Port Vila Harbor.The Hotel is perfectly located for the tourist, business traveler, families and sporting groups.
FROM $112.03 AUD ***
Why should I stay at Hotel Olympic Vanuatu?
For the rate you are paying for this hotel, it is indeed an excellent value. The rooms are fairly clean and the hotel in general is good.
Fatumaru Lodge Port Vila North
Walter Lini Highway P.O. Box 1359,Port Vila
With a panoramic ocean view – In town and on the beach, ideal for couples and families.Located on the waterfront in a quiet area of Port Vila, this property is just 10 minutes walk from the city centre with its extensive range of fine restaurants, enjoyable activities and shops.
FROM $130 AUD***
Why should I stay at Fatumaru Vanuatu?
You could not fault the staff at Fatumaru Lodge for making us feel welcome, and they were always very helpful, informative and friendly.
Le Meridien Port Vila Resort
Le Meridien Port Vila Resort, Tassiriki Park Po Box 215, Port Vila
La Verandah Restaurant Offers Superb Views Of Erakor Lagoon And The Resort’s Private Island, And Presents An Impressive List Of International Wines. The Lobby/Lounge Bar Serves Snacks Accompanied By Nightly Entertainment, While The Casino Bar Offers Light Fare And Gaming Action.
FROM $134 AUD ***
Why should I stay at Le Meridien Vanuatu?
You could not fault the staff at Fatumaru Lodge for making us feel welcome, and they were always very helpful, informative and friendly
Mangoes Resort Port Vila
A Boutique Property Of 20 Standalone Bungalows, Mangoes Resort Offers Three Main Outdoor Pools, Including A Multi- Level Pool, And Eight Private Plunge Pools. Mangoes Restaurant And Bar Serves Local Seafood, Vanuatu Beef And Organic Cuisine.
FROM $116 AUD ***
Why should I stay at Mangoes Vanuatu?
Mangoes was an exceptional well presented, well run, slice of heaven in beautiful Vanuatu. I couldnt of chosen a more amazing place for me and my husband.
Sunset Bungalows
Tucked Into A Tropical Garden On The Lagoon Shoreline, Sunset Bungalows Offers A Landscaped Outdoor Pool With A Waterfall And Complimentary Use Of Non-motorized Water Sports Equipment Including Kayaks, Pedal Boats And Snorkeling Gear.
FROM $202 AUD ***
Why should I stay at Sunset Vanuatu?
We went to Sunset bungalows to be married. We couldnt have asked for a better experience. The whole resort is wonderful, quiet, clean ,and restful, the food is just super!
Tradewinds Resort Port Vila
Captain Cook Ave Port Vila Vanuatu, Port Vila, Vanuatu;
Tradewinds is a mini-resort boasting high quality self-contained accommodation at a budget price. The resort is a 10- to 15-minute stroll from Port Vila shopping center overlooking the pristine Erakor Lagoon..
FROM $110 AUD ***
Why should I stay at Tradewinds Vanuatu?
Tradewinds in a lovely small resort offering very clean and comfortable bungalows and houses set in a pretty tropical garden with a pool.
Iririki Island Resort and Spa
> Iririki Island > Port Vila >
Follow road through the center of Port Vila, enter the Iririki Wharf.
Take free ferry to Iririki Island.
A Private Island Situated In Port Vila, Iririki Island Resort, Vanuatu, Offers Guests A Quiet Sanctuary Far From The Ordinary. Free Of Skyscraper Office Blocks, This Sleepy Town Is Set Within A Magnificent Natural Harbor. The Resort Caters To Vacationing Couples Of All Ages.
FROM $178 AUD ***
Why should I stay at Iririki Vanuatu?
We got a cheap 6-night deal from Brisbane over Christmas and it was great value for money. Iririki seemed to us to be by far the best place to stay in Vila
The Sebel Vanuatu
The Sebel Vanuatu > VLI > Lini Highway > Port Vila >
The The Sebel Vanuatu Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Port Vila.Each of the 74 well-furnished guestrooms at the hotel ensures a comfortable stay with industry-standard room amenities.Each guestroom has internet access, television, television LCD/plasma screen, separate shower and tub, balcony/terrace
FROM $90 AUD ***
Why should I stay at Sebel Vanuatu?
Good hotel with great ocean views