The Sebel Vanuatu, Port Vila

Escape to Vanuatu

Advantages: Lush rainforests, turquoise waters
Disadvantages: Numerous earth tremors

Feeling stressed? Need to get away? Then imagine unwinding on a sun-drenched tropical island. Picture yourself swimming in turquoise-coloured waters meandering through lush rain forests, or mingling with exotic indigenous tribes. Does such a paradise still exist on earth? Why yes! In the remote islands of Vanuatu. Located roughly halfway between Australia and Fiji, Vanuatu is a Y-shaped Chain of about 80 islands in the southwest pacific. According to geologists, massive tectonic plates in the earth crust collided at this point to form lofty mountains that are mainly underwater. The peaks of the tallest of these rose above the ocean surface creating Vanuatu?s rugged islands. Today, the geologic crunch and grind triggers numerous earth tremors and fuel nine active volcanoes. Daring sightseers can even view molten lava at close range ...

quan 31.07.2007 · Read full review
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Review of Vanuatu (South Pacific Islands)

Getting hot and steamy in Vanuatu

Advantages: White sandy beaches, crystal clear ocean, coral reefs and colourful tropical fish, coconut palms, the list could go on forever.
Disadvantages: humidity from hell in the wet season

. *** Transport *** If your hotel doesn?t provide a shuttle you have 3 options. Take a taxi , a bus or hire a car. The buses are a fantastic way of experiencing life Vanuatu style. These are 12 seater mini buses with a red B on the number plate. For 100 Vatu you can go anywhere around Port Vila and for travelling further out it will cost 200 Vatu. It costs 100 Vatu for each one-way trip and no matter where you are, just stop under a shady tree by the road and wait. In town look for a blue sign with a B on it. A bus will turn up and stop for you, jump onboard and tell the driver where you want to go, pay him when you get off. The buses are basically a cheap way of getting a tour of Port Vila as you cruise around the back streets, up hills and narrow lanes dropping people at their door or to work. It?s brilliant. *** Things to do *** There are ...

casnz 13.12.2004 · Read full review
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Review of Vanuatu (South Pacific Islands)

Vanuatu - another time, another pace

Advantages: paradise, slow paced, friendly people
Disadvantages: expensive to travel to the outer islands

When you step off the plan onto the tarmac at Port Vila International Airport you realise instantly that there is a whole different world you are about to explore. On entering the airport building you are greeted by a group of musicians singing welcoming songs (even at 11:30 at night). The air is warm and the atmosphere friendly. The customs officers greet you with a big smile and even some happy small talk - a far cry from the reception at customs in Australia. Depending on your holiday package, a representative of the hotel/resort you are staying at will be awaiting your arrival, also with a big smile. You will be escorted in a car or mini bus, with your driver giving you all the information you need and more about the island. There are no poisonous insects or animals in Vanuatu, something I was very, very happy to hear. If ...

LTB55 22.05.2004 · Read full review
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Review of Vanuatu (South Pacific Islands)