- 27bb Vanuatu
- Information
- Glossary
- Traveler Advice
- Forums
48HourVisit.com
Planning a short visit? Check out 48HourVisit.com, your online guide for short stays and weekend getaways. Ad
Vanuatu Travel Guide
A rich Melanesian culture mixed with striking peculiarities make Vanuatu's identity unique among the South Pacific countries: Australia to the east, Fiji to the west, and Solomon Islands in the southeast. Consisting of about 82 small islands, Vanuatu is home to oddities such as cults worshipping UK's Prince Phillip, villages with gender segregation schemes, and people collecting round-snouted pigs as a symbol of wealth. This Melanesian island republic, which has the world's highest density of vernacular speakers, was juggled between French and British hands before it attained its independence in 1980.
Previously called New Hebrides Islands, Vanuatu is divided into six autonomous provinces, which form a parliamentary democracy that is internationally famous for not charging taxes. Vanuatu's tourism and financial life revolves around Port Vila, the capital and also the largest city.
The locals, called Ni-Vanuatus, speak provincial dialects as the lingua franca, followed by Bislama, or Melanesian blended with English, as the second language. Ni-Vanuatus entertain guests in nakamals or village clubhouses, which have special areas for menstruating women. Slit gongs, rattles and idophones or drums of various sizes are played in nakamals, but reggaeton or hip-hop rapped in Spanish is the tourists' favorite. Kava (pepper root) drinks are also served, as well as steaks, which are among the country's best since animals are naturally grown without artificial feeds.
As part of the Australasia ecozone, Vanuatu has rainforests and clear dive sites. Among the things to see are a shipwrecked Titanic-like luxury liner; the world's most accessible active volcano in Tanna; Malekula's strange dances; and a giant banyan tree the size of a football field. Activities such as rappelling down a waterfall or crossing a cave of stalactites are also part of a Vanuatuan trip.
Vanuatu Landmarks:
- Accommodations (1)
- Bars (10)
- Beaches (1)
- Casinos (2)
- Cinemas (1)
- Hotels (1)
- Restaurants (1)
- Spas (1)
- Theatres (1)
Vanuatu Traveler Advice
User blogs:
Sikkim, a vertical land in India
One of the smallest states in India (which was slightly less than Friuli) had an independent history as far back as 1642, under the dynasty of kings Chogyal, Tibetan term translated from the Sanskrit "Dharmaraja" or "King defender of the dharma." In 1975, through a referendum, it became part of India. In the territory of Sikkim entirely mountainous and with only a few green houses ... Read full Blog post
An Aerial fiesta in Clark Pampanga
Its a party in the sky as multi colored hot air balloons piloted ny different pilots from various partso of the world participated in this annual gathering. As early as 5am, the 2,500 hectare aviation complex at Clar Economic Zone in Pampanga was already crammedi with excitement. Clusters of hot air balloon participants busily prepare their own balloons for liftoff as they need to take advantage of ... Read full Blog post
Loving Laos
Laos seems like a long shot to become Southeast Asia’s next big thing. The food doesn’t win any prizes, the roads are severely potholed by frequent flooding and locals regard the prospect of increased tourism with a sunny indifference that exceeds even Mediterranean proportions. Laos is the least developed and most enigmatic of the three former French Indochinese states ... Read full Blog post
Destinations
See AllIn our Magazine
Summer Destination to Avoid: Gulf of Mexico
EPA is failing to do their job monitoring the air and reporting factual data. The people need to be made aware that their lives and long term livelihood are at stake because of the air quality in Gulf of Mexico.
How to Avoid Traveling Troubles
Traveling to a certain destination might not become memorable if there are too many troubles along the way. Remember that even the best trips are usually not trouble-free. Follow these tips that help lessen the hassles.
Unique Toys from Japan
Japan is known for its fascinating, and sometimes, eccentric culture. From anime, karaoke, to advanced technology, the Land of the Rising Sun always has something unique to offer.
