Discover the Joy and Beauty of a Tropical Paradise
If you love stunning landscapes, pristine waters, WWII shipwrecks, rich history and culture, friendly island people, an active volcano, fresh seafood, award-winning chocolate, the world’s only underwater post office, and Kava, then Vanuatu is the place for you!
There are almost too many reasons to visit Vanuatu. And it remains largely unexplored (tick off another reason to visit, everyone wants to get off the beaten path and have a paradise to themselves!)
Oh, plus, it’s been voted one of the world’s happiest countries consecutively.
Not convinced yet?
Let’s take a closer look.
1. Vanuatu Traditional Culture
Vanuatu prides itself on its deep-rooted culture and is eager to show all of those who wish to listen. You can visit several cultural villages on various islands to get an idea of what island life was like in Vanuatu or take trips to villages and tribes that still live this way on the island of Malekula.
The Ni-Vanuatu people are of Melanesian descent. They will never miss an opportunity to tell you about their history, culture, or ancestry.
You won’t find a culture like this in many surrounding pacific islands.
2. Vanuatu People
The people of Vanuatu, Ni-Vanuatu, can be described as typical islanders. They’re happy, friendly, chilled, relaxed, always smiling, and ready to help. Driving around Port Vila, your journey will probably take an extra 5 minutes because your taxi driver will have to stop to chat and say hit their friend or relative several times. Everyone seems to have a friend or relative they see everywhere.
Their happiness is inspirational and infectious. Leading to the following reason to visit Vanuatu…
3. Vanuatu, the Happiest Country in the World?
Previously named THE happiest country globally, Vanuatu currently ranks 4th on the World Happiness Index. And when you live in one of the most beautiful, friendliest countries in the world, it’s not hard to see why.
Pro Tip: A reliable rainwater tank and a backup power solution are not just amenities here; they are considered essential household infrastructure.
4. Off The Beaten Path
Apart from the cruise ships arriving in Vanuatu, the country remains undiscovered, largely unheard of. The cruise ships from Australia stay for just a few days, primarily exploring the main island.
But Vanuatu has so much to offer, and with such a large archipelago with a unique culture on each island, the only problem you’ll find is how best to spend your time.
Head to one of the outer islands for true Vanuatu life and experience true Vanuatu with very few other tourists around – if any!
It’s also surprisingly accessible, with flights from Australia and Fiji. Domestic travel can be expensive, but ships and flights are generally reliable.
5. The Sea in Vanuatu
The water encompasses so many plus points in Vanuatu…
Whether you want to be in it, on it, or looking at it, Vanuatu’sseas have it all.
Diving, snorkelling, surfing, sailing, kayaking… All on some of the world’s most beautiful pristine waters. Vanuatu has some of the best dive spots globally, not least because you can scuba dive shipwrecks and old WWII spots, including Million Dollar Point. You may also be lucky enough to find some old Coca-Cola bottles left over from the US military, and if not, you won’t be disappointed with the coral reefs and variety of fish.
6. Underwater Post Office
Vanuatu is the only place you can send a letter underwater.
Why would you want to, you ask? Well, that’s an excellent question. But you can. So why not.
7. Fire Dancing in Vanuatu
From water to fire, fire dancing is part of traditional island culture, and in Port Vila can see a free display of this magical fire dancing with a modern twist – for free!
8. Tanna Island Active Volcano
This is the closest you can get to an active volcano, and it’s not for the faint-hearted. You do get close to this active volcano. You feel the heat, taste the sulphur, and see the eruptions. No binoculars are needed – but you will need a mask, a helmet and protective goggles.
You can choose to visit here in the morning, afternoon, or evening. You will go in a guided group that will take you to the best viewing spot that day, depending on the wind’s visibility and direction.
Find out more about a visit to Tanna Island Volcano here.
9. Food
Vanuatu has some of the best fresh produce in the South Pacific. Aside from the large variety of seafood, there’s also great fresh fruit and veg, all cheap and available at local markets. Vanuatu is also home to award-winning chocolate. Vanuatu’s chocolate is produced throughout the archipelago, with each chocolate having its distinct flavour.
If you’ve ever been to the Pacific, you’ll have heard of Kava. If you’ve never been to the Pacific, you’ll listen to Kava as soon as you get there. It’s the local drink for many pacific island countries – and Vanuatu claims to have the best and strongest. (Well, every pacific island country will make the same claim – but you be the judge!)
10. Romance
All this talk of beautiful paradise beaches, white sands and great food… Why not grab your partner and head to some of the fantastic resorts and hotels Vanuatu offers? Aside from the typical chain hotels, you’ll find some incredible gems to make your time with your loved one special. And if you happen to fall in love with Vanuatu (As most people who visit do) and want to look into acquiring property in Port Vila, Contact us at iProperty!
