Vanuatu

Vanuatu, Vanuatu

There are few destinations that offer as much diversity, both scenically and culturally, as the archipelago of 83 islands that form Vanuatu, named the Planet’s Happiest Country. You will be struck by its tropical playgrounds featuring deserted beaches, lush dense forests, pristine waterfalls, rumbling volcanoes, and traditional villages. Vanuatu is the only place on earth where you can officially post your mail from an underwater post office and from the ash plain on the summit of a volcano.

Population:

247,459 (2016)

Currency:

Vanuatu Vatu (Vt)

Emergency Numbers:

Police: 111
Hospital: 112
Fire: 113
Marine: 114
Promedical: 115

Opening Hours:

Shops are usually open from Mondays to Fridays and close for siesta between 11:30am and 1:30pm. Shops are open at their own discretion on Sundays.

Newspapers:

Daily Post
Independent

The Country

The capital Port Vila, located on Efate Island, is a central and lively hub. With interesting historical influences, Port Vila is a melting pot of Ni Vanuatu, French, English and Chinese shops and restaurants. The markets are the life of the town, with locals and tourists alike shopping for a vast array of local produce. From Port Vila it is easy to travel around the outer islands, each of them with something totally different to offer.

Do & See

Vanuatu’s incredible geographical and cultural diversities bestow on travelers a multitude of sightseeing options. The outer islands offer the opportunity to really immerse in the Vanuatu experience. Each one has its own unique culture and attractions — travelers will certainly enrich their knowledge about the world after the trip. All of the islands are surrounded by the South Pacific Ocean. Discover the nation of Vanuatu – and be mindful of its bewitching spell which will lure you back again and again.

Dining

Port Vila has become famous for being a diners’ paradise. The fresh seafood and local produce are superbly prepared into tantalizing dishes. Try the local Poulet fish or a fresh lobster for seafood, or get to know cuisines that are influenced by the country's French, Spanish, and British colonial past. The variety is simply astounding. Try a succulent Santo beef steak, local Teoma prawns or be adventurous and sample rousette (flying fox), nautou (ground pigeon), and escargots (snails).

The national dish is called Laplap, made from grounded yam or taro roots, often mixed with pieces of pork, chicken, fish or flying fox, wrapped in banana leaves that are then soaked in a coconut and water mixture before being cooked in an underground oven. For vegetarians, there is the traditional nalot, made from breadfruit.

On the outer islands, restaurants outside resorts are very few. Most of the menus will have limited choices and are confined to local produce and island foods. Rice is included in many meals. Sample fresh vegetables, fruit and cuisine at the local markets.

Cafes

Cafe dining in Port Vila, Efate island, is abundant and varied but limited in the remaining islands. On the other islands, snacks are usually provided only at your accommodation and at established times – for this reason, or if you are travelling with younger children, it is best to check beforehand.