Free
of skyscraper office blocks, the sleepy capital is set within a
magnificent natural harbour. It is a charming potpourri of cultures,
blending elements of Melanesian, English, French and Chinese tastes.
Along the main street there are duty-free shops, restaurants and
handicraft galleries. Port Vila Market comes alive on Mondays,
Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 6.00am to 1.30pm.
Cosmopolitan in character, with modern
buildings and a fine natural harbour, the town is the country’s chief
port. Its proximity to Australia has enabled Port-Vila to develop as a
tourist centre.
Wander through rows of tropical fruits,
vegetables, flowers, shells, artifacts, coconut crabs and souvenir
stalls. Savour the aroma of brewed coffee and freshly baked pastries
tinged with the scent of blooming frangipani.
Probably the most fascinating landmark of
Vanuatu's capital is the Cultural Centre, which contains one of the most
extensive artifact collections in the South Pacific. It
But these are only a few
of the sights and interests in Port Vila - after all, half the fun of a
holiday is discovering these things for yourself.
All around Efate there are things to do or see.
There are beach and island resorts to visit within an hour's drive -
bathe in a hot mineral spring or shower beneath a cascading waterfall,
puddle or fish in a large fresh water lake, play a few rounds of golf or
go horseback riding along a deserted beach. There are daily bus tours of
the island and scenic plane flights or you can charter a sailboat and
see it at your own pace from the water.
Within walking distance of the centre of town,
a range of resorts offers a dozen different ways to cool off. Swim,
snorkel or scuba dive; try your hand at sailing, windsurfing or fishing.
And when you've worked up an appetite, choose
from more than 20 different restaurants.
Just outside the town is Bauerfield
International Airport.
What To Do And See On Efate and In Port Vila
Aerial Tour: This is particularily
spectacular 'doors on - or off'. See traditional lifestyles, coral
reefs, beaches, islands, lagoons and if lucky, dolphins and turtles,
and, as a finale Port Vila.
Cascades Waterfall 12 km drive to Mele Cascades. A classical tropical setting. The
Cascades begin right at the roadside where a large, clear pool
offers great swimming for small children and the elderly people.
City Tour See Port Vila from the comfort of our air-conditioned coaches as
we show you the best sights. We stop at places to take photographs:
Parliament Building, The Old Court House, Chiefs Nakamal, The
Cultural Centre.
Cruise, Snorkelling & Scuba diving,
Sports and Recreation A great variety of watersports, scuba diving, snorkelling,
sailing, jetskis, paraflying. Also available in most resorts: golf,
tennis, poker machines and casinos. Around town there are a few
nightclubs and a cinema.
Horse Riding Riding helmets provided, wear long pants, shoes and suncream on
your face. Horses for both experienced and novices are available.
The trail goes through a plantation with great views.
Museum And Art Gallery Has exhibits on Vanuatu's geology, history and customs including
ritual clubs for killing pigs, arrow points made from human bones,
pig tusks and various carvings from different island ghroups of
Vanuatu.
Nature Walk A nature walk with a difference. You'll be exploring the bush
and a scenic lookout with our expert local guides.
River Tour A tour is a must for everyone with an interest in nature. You
will be greeted by your local guide, then go paddling down the river
and discover the unspoilt greenery and see the lush tropical
rainforest and flowing water Hyacinth.
Round Island Tour A full day where you'll see all the sights of the island of EfatŽ.
From the relative sophistication of downtown Port Vila to the
untamed tropical surrounds and small villages of the other side of
the island.
Traditional Custom Dance Available on Cruiseship days or on a special occassion or island
nights, when various dancers from outer islands perform.
Traditional Melanesian Feast See how food is baked in ground ovens. Dinner is served
Melanesian style. A wide array of food to choose and more than you
can eat, and there is Kava too.
Traditional Village Tour It's not a tour itself, but an experience of how Ni-Vanuatu
live. You learn about custom medicine, food preparation and much
more.
Drive around Efate
While it takes 3 to 4
hours to drive around the island from Port Vila, at least a full day
should be set aside or perhaps an overnight stay at Nagar, Beachcomber
or Blue Waters. Don't include Cascades Waterfalls or Hideaway Island as
part of the round island trip as they require 2 to 3 hours each and
should be allocated their own day or days.
Here's the trip around the island with some
things to look out for along the way. Heading clockwise from Port Vila.
Drive through town towards the airport where you turn left at the
roundabout towards Mele (6km)
Km
Feature
10
Vila Golf Club
10.5
Hideaway Island - turn left for ferry
(scuba, snorkelling, bar & restaurant)
12
Cascades Waterfall (you must buy tickets
in Vila)
12.1
Klem Hill - a steep hill - use low gear
and turn air-con off
12.2
Lookout - turn right (fee applies)
24
Lookout - good for photos
25
Steep hill - low gear - watch for
potholes
26
Coongoola/Sailaway cruises boarding
point (turn left for the beach)
30
Roadside market stall sells WWII Coke
bottles
30.4
Caution - muddy detour around broken
bridge
30.8
WWII water storage (now a swimming hole
for locals)
31.3
Havannah Harbour (ex US anchorage)
35
Caution - no bridge river crossing
(conventional cars should turn back here if it has been raining)
41.3
Siviri village and caves (torch required
and fee applies)
42
Undine Bay
50
Laukarae fishing boat base
52.5
Nagar Restaurant and accommodation
53
Paonaangisu Health Centre
55.5
WWII wreck (could be overgrown and take
some searching)
57
Quoin Hill (was WWII air base)
58
Beachcomber resort and restaurant
60.5
Onesua Presbyterian School
61.6
Epule River (jungle treks by
arrangement)
66
Matarisu Coconut Mill
83.5
Forari Village
83.8
Le Cressioniere Cattle Station (cascades
up river on right)
Pacific Island Travel has 3 offices
in the Netherlands, in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Eindhoven. Please
make an appointment for a talk to our salesstaff. Our offices are
opened from monday to friday between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm and on
saturday between 10.00am and 4.00 pm.
