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Although
Captain James Cook explored and chartered the Vanuatu archipelago in 1774,
which he named the New Hebrides, he ignored the island of Efate and thus
missed discovering one of the world's most beautiful deep water harbours.
Today
Efate offers safe anchorage to those who visit the capital Port Vila by
boat and there is Bauerfield, the international plane terminal, which is
ten minutes from the capital. Thus Port Vila is the gateway to Vanuatu and
offers visitors a wealth of tourist activities.
Free
of skyscrapers, the town is set within a magnificent natural harbour where
hibiscus dot the surrounding hills and the air is redolent with the scent
of frangipani.
A
boat trip around Efate and the other island retreats, reveals a place
untouched by modern civilisation.
Tanna
Island has almost 16,000 people who inhabit 92 villages in a 56,199 sq km
area. The islanders have remained relatively unchanged by a century and a
half of explorers, missionaries and traders.
Pentecost
Island is a beautiful unspoiled place, home to a spectacular ritual, the
Pentecost Jump.
Espiritu
Santo is the largest and oldest island with the largest population and the
greatest number of natural sights.
The
movie South Pacific was inspired by this island and Bali Hai is named
after Ambae located to the east of Espiritu Santo. For
more general information
on Vanuatu to: |
