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The Vanuatu Archipelago is a group of 83 islands, which are located in the South Pacific ocean. Generally mountainous and having volcanic origin, the archipelago lies in a north/south axis and stretches for over 1300 kilometres. The islands cover roughly 12,000 square kilometres, much of which is comprised of rainforest and enjoys a tropical or sub-tropical climate. The capital is Port Vila stands on the island of Efate, the third largest island in the group and is located 800 kilometres west of Fiji and approximaly 2200 kilometres east of Sydney.
The local peoples are of Melanesian descent, and are called Ni-Vanuatu, they have inhabited the islands for an estimated 4000 years. Archeological evidence indicates the first people to reach the islands were the Lapita people, who originated in Papua New-Guinea, and travelled to Vanuatu via the Soloman Islands. Over the last 3000 years sporadic immigration has occurred from many other Pacific islands. This movement of peoples, together with the nature of a widespread archipelago, has left Vanuatu with 115 distinctly different cultures and languages still thriving.
Today the total population is approximately 250,000, with 10% only living in the capital. Port Vila and Luganville are the only two towns in the whole group, with the rest of the population living in small coastal villages. The economy is very simple with 65-70% of the population being small subsistence farmers, with the remainder being involved in small scale farming, fishing, timber, tourism and offshore financial services.
The islands were first seen by the Portuguese explorer Pedro Fernandez de Quirios in 1605, who landed at Big Bay, and named Espiritu Santo Island. In 1774, Captain James Cook circumnavigated the area on his second epic journey, and named the whole archipelago the New Hebrides. This name was retained until 1980 when Vanuatu regained its own independence.
Due to hostile cannibalistic Melanesians, Europeans kept away from the islands until the 1825’s, when traders searching for Sandalwood trees to satisfy the demand in Chinese markets, and whalers, overcame this problem. Missionaries soon followed these traders and European settlement started later in the century, initially by English people who settled at Havana Harbour, on the north coast of Efate. The settlers grew in number, comprised predominately of English and French nationals. In the late 1800’s several European deaths highlighted the necessity for security, and in 1887 a joint naval commission of the English and French, administered greater security surveillance. In 1906 a joint agreement to rule was initiated known as a Condominium. Due to the disparity of the differing parties this quickly became known as the Pandemonium, which, for the Ni-Vanuatu people lasted until July 1980, when complete sovereignty was granted. Today, Vanuatu is an established Republic, recognized the world over as an independent nation, and known as Ripablik Blong Vanuatu, in Bislama, one of the three official languages. Bislama is a phonetic language based on English, which dates back to the original settlers and whalers. Today the three official languages are English, French and Bislama.
During the year 2005, approximately 60,000 tourists visited Vanuatu, which attracted people for its rich diverse culture, its romantic tropical landscapes, the world’s most accessible volcanoes, its turquoise blue waters, and its unparalleled scuba diving.
For your information.
Vanuatu means ‘Land Eternal’.
The international airport is only 10 minutes from Port Villa, and is called Bauerfield Airport.
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| Locations | Regions | Accommodation | Activities |  |
| Champagne Bay |
 With fine white sand and crystal clear water, the beach at Champagne Bay is thought by some to be the best beach in Vanuatu. It lies on the island of Espiritu Santo on the north-east coastline near Hog Harbour, and is the ideal South Pacific location with a gentle curve, tree lined, and backed by t... |
| Isangel |
| Isangel is a small town on the western seaboard of Tanna Island, which lies in the southern regions of Vanuatu. Isangel is the administrative centre for the Tafea Province. The town is approximately 4 kilometres south-east of Lenakel, which is the main town and service centre on the island. Isang... |
| Lamen Bay |
| North of Efate lies a small island called Epi Island, which is approximately a 40 minute light plane ride away. Lamen Bay is a pretty little bay on the north-west tip of Epi Island, and is lapped by crystal clear South Pacific waters, and overlooks Lamen Island.
The snorkeling in Lamen Bay is part... |
| Lenakel |
 Lenakel is a small town on the west coast of Tanna Island, in the southern region of the Vanuatu Archipelago. The town is one of the four ports of entry into Vanuatu, and has a small harbour and a resident Customs & Immigration Officer. Although essentially a one street town, it is the main town a... |
| Luganville |
| Luganville is the gateway to, and only town on Espiritu Santo Island. With a population of approximately 10,000, Luganville is a sleepy town that sprawls along the waterfront. It has a certain run-down charm as there are many reminders of how it once saw busier times. The town is a 45 minute flig... |
| Mystery Island |
 It seems that every island group in the South Pacific has a Mystery Island, and I wondered why? Was it, I thought, there were so many islands they ran out of names, or maybe they wanted to retain a little ‘mystery’. So I went digging!! I expect it was for the tourists who visited, so they could ha... |
| Pentecoste |
 Pentecost Island is one of the islands within the Republic of Vanuatu Archipelago. It lies 190 kilometres north of Port Vila, the capital. The island is long and narrow, being approximately 56 kilometres long and 12 kilometres wide, and lies on a north-south axis. There is a long chain of lush co... |
| Port Vila |
 Port Vila is the capital city of the Republic of Vanuatu. The town is located around a magnificent natural harbour, and lies on the island of Efate, which is the third largest island in the archipelago. With a population of approximately 20,000, the town is a delight to walk around, interesting, s... |
| Wala |
 Wala Island is a small island, 1.5 kilometres off the north-east coast of Malekula Island, which is the second biggest island in the Vanuatu Archipelago. Wala is famous for retaining many of its traditional Small Namba customs, its dancing grounds with ancient Tam Tams, and its dugout canoes. This ... |
| Efate |
| Efate is the third largest island within the Vanuatu Archipelago, and home to the capital of the Republic of Vanuatu, Port Vila. The island has a population of approximately 40,000, with just over half of this living in the capital. Efate is the most developed island in the group, has the most com... |
| Espiritu Santo |
| Espiritu Santo Island, known simply as Santo, is the largest island in the Republic Of Vanuatu, at approximately 4000 square kilometres. The island lies roughly 300 kilometres to the north of Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, a one hour flight by light plane away. The island has majestic mountain... |
| Pentacost Island |
| Pentecost Island is one of the islands within the Republic of Vanuatu Archipelago. It lies 190 kilometres north of Port Vila, the capital. The island is long and narrow, being approximately 56 kilometres long and 12 kilometres wide, and lies on a north-south axis. There is a long chain of lush co... |
| Tanna Island |
| Tanna Island is in the southern regions of the Vanuatu Archipelago. It is only a small island being approximately 40 kilometres long and 19 kilometres wide, and has a population of approximately 20,000. The highest point is Mount Tukosmera at 1084 metres. The main town is Lenakel, which is situat... |
| Wala Island |
| Wala Island is a small island, 1.5 kilometres off the north-east coast of Malekula Island, which is the second biggest island in the Vanuatu Archipelago. Wala is famous for retaining many of its traditional Small Namba customs, its dancing grounds with ancient Tam Tams, and its dugout canoes. This ... |
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The Melanesian Port Vila
Port Vila
 |  The Melanesian Port Vila Hotel is a three star hotel conveniently located close to Port vila town and only eight kilometres from Bauerfield International Airport.
The staff are friendly and well trained to focus on anticipating the needs of their guests. They will ensure that your room is kept ex... |
Hideaway Island Resort
Port Vila
|  Hideaway Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary is a small coral atoll that's about as close as you'll get to a Robinson Crusoe island escape in the South Pacific. Power is generated around the clock on the island, water is fed from the top of the pristine Cascade waterfalls and outside of the office th... |
Hotel Santo
Luganville
 |  Hotel Santo is situated right in the heart of town and across from Santo Dive Tours and the dive shop. It has budget and more comfortable airconditioned rooms. The hotel also has a drying room for wetsuits and dive gear. The restaurant is a la carte and features locally caught fresh seafood comp... |
Warwick Le Lagon Resort
Port Vila
 |  Warwick Le Lagon Resort & Spa Vanuatu is situated on 75 acres of exotic tropical gardens on the edge of the pristine Erakor Lagoon. Located on Vanuatu's main island, Efate, you are sure to experience the true South Pacific charm of the Vanuatu islands. Offering a touch of paradise, Warwick Le Lagon ... |
Holiday Inn Resort
Port Vila
 |  Overlooking the serene waters of the Erakor Lagoon, Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu is set in vibrant natural surroundings. Meaning “the land that always existed,” Vanuatu is made up of 83 tropical islands located northeast of New Caledonia. Immersed in cultural richness and native splendour, the islands... |
Iririki Island Resort & Spa
Port Vila
|  The Resort is situated on a private island of approximately 69 acres and is five hundred metres from the town of Port Vila and a fifteen minute drive from the airport. The free ferry service runs 24 hours a day. It has stunning views over the harbour. You have the choice of indulging in one of ou... |
Chantily's on the Bay Hotel
Port Vila
|  A small boutique hotel with fabulous views across Fatumaru Bay. The Hotel is five minutes from the centre of Port Vila and ten minutes by car from the airport. |
Poppy's on the Lagoon Resort
Port Vila
|  Nestled amongst an oasis of tropical gardens this peaceful resort is only a 15 minute walk or 2 minute drive to Port Vila's charming town centre.
Poppys on the Lagoon has a wide range of accommodation options, from unbeatable value lagoon view studios to freestanding luxury bungalows, 2 bedroom ... |
White Grass Ocean Resort
Lenakel
|  Sitting on a long extinct lava flow now covered by lush vegetation and a white sand beach, this resort is the leading resort in Tanna with its well maintained facilities, friendly and efficient services. The resort's a la carte restaurant and lounge bar, face magnificent views of sunsets over the h... |
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Nautilus Dive
Diving
Port Vila |  Natulus Scuba offers a rangs of dive options, from wrecks to reef and only minutes away from home base. Scheduled every day from beginners to advances, lessons are available and equiptment can be organised as desired. With the option of two boats they provide easy access to the sites, 'Scuba Blue' ... |
Sailaway Cruises
Sailing
Port Vila |  Offering full day cruises on the 'Golden Wing'. Your in for an experience, sun kissed beaches and pristine waters, roll over-board and snorkell or go to the limits and SCUBA. Including lunch, morning and afternoon teas and snorkelling equiptment, entry fees to Feles Cave and local villages. |
Allan Power Dive Tours
Diving
Luganville | Allan Power Dive Tours is located in the main town, Luganville on the Island of Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu. A true pacific paradise with warm tropical waters and world class diving including one of the best wreck dives in the world.
Dive the world-class dive site of the SS President Coolidge with Vanu... |
Ocean Blue Fishing
Fishing
Port Vila |  Vanuatu’s shoreline drops off steeply due to its volcanic geography, providing incredibly deep waters close to shore – the perfect environment for calm water blue marlin game fishing! With numerous underwater canyons, seamounts, drop offs and FADs, the gamefishing action in Vanuatu is non-stop and e... |
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