out and about
Tours, Tips andaTrips nuatu V n i o d o t What
Vanuatu is all about being laid back and relaxing, or equally, getting out and about and enjoying the vast number of activities on offer.
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EDEN ON THE RIVER Adventure. Animals. Freedom to roam. Cascade waterfalls. Pretty much everything a kid could want? Yep – you can find it all at Eden on the River. Vila’s newest attraction and magnet for kids is set on the Rentapau River, about 20 minutes from Port Vila. There’s a flying fox ride, animals to meet and greet including iguana, pigs, cattle, sheep and horses. A suspension bridge crossing the cascading river and heaps of fresh local produce for sustenance after all the activities. All set within glorious gardens. WHERE: Kooyu Farm, Rentapau, Port Vila HOW MUCH: From VT1800 - 4800 per child depending on tour.
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ISLAND TOURS If you want to see the real Vanuatu, one of the best ways is to see it with locally owned and operated tour companies. Atmosphere Tours offers personalised tours and transfers, tailored to your time frame, budget and interests. Professional drivers and well maintained vehicles ensure your tour is comfortable and enjoyable. We recommend the round island tour or a visit to Ekasup Cultural Village for a real taste of Vanuatu. WHERE: Atmosphere Tours, Port Vila Phone: 27 870 HOW MUCH: Show them Pacific Island Living magazine for a 15% discount.
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THE RIGHT ADVICE If you are looking to purchase a property, set-up a business and / or obtain residency sound experience and assistance can help you navigate your way through the necessary requirements. Law Partners are specialists in company formation, arranging banking services, foreign investment applications, business and other licenses, VAT, accounting, payroll, work and residency permits, vessel registration, body corporate administration, you name it. WHO: Law Partners, chartered accountants and business advisers, previously KPMG, doing business in Vanuatu since 1970 with local and international experience.
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ETAM Port Vila arguably boasts the South Pacific’s best shopping, from locally made artefacts to designer tropical fashion. In town, opposite the Anchor Inn you will find France’s favourite swimwear and lingerie chain, Etam. Etam offers a large collection of ready to wear basics and trendy styled clothing. Sleepwear, underwear and bathers for every shape and size. Prices are affordable and the collection is regularly updated with the seasons. The new home wear collection includes camisoles and bodysuits, mix and match basics and nightgowns. OPEN six days a week.
Vanuatu has twice been voted the happiest place on earth and with good reason, the locals know how to enjoy themselves and how to make holidaymakers welcome. Here we’ve picked eight of the best things to make your stay a memorable one. But there’s heaps more on offer, ask your hotel concierge or visit the Vanuatu Tourism Office in the middle of town or check their website for more activities.
Buy a business, climb an active volcano, visit a custom village or shop for designerwear or local handicrafts.
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INVEST IN VANUATU Vanuatu is well known for offering fairly secure investment opportunities, but not without risks or challenges. With expert advice to help your project run smoothly, you can focus on day-to-day matters that contribute to making a profit. Whether you’ve been in business for years, or you’re just starting out and exploring the idea of working for yourself, it’s hard to be an expert in everything. That’s why it’s a good idea to seek guidance from an independent business adviser. WHO: AJC can give you advice on all businessrelated topics ranging from how to structure your company, obtaining permits/ visas or buying a house.
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SEE THE ISLAND Here’s a tip. Go the Fun Cars at World Car Rentals, it’ll be the highlight of your Vanuatu adventure. Combining the fun of an off road buggy with a fully registered vehicle, the four seater Mini Moke gets you where you want to go in the beautiful Vanuatu sun. Put the boards on top, explore the Blue Hole, hit the beach, pack a picnic and get off the beaten track. Follow your nose so to speak and explore Vanuatu in your time. World Car Rentals have got the vehicle for every adventure. The Mini Moke, 4 x 4 Luxury and tray back vehicle options. OPEN: 7 days, 7.30am 5.00pm, there’s no bad time to start. Just ring and they will deliver.
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SHOP-TIL-YOUDROP There are bargains to be had in Port Vila, from super cheap duty free and European luxury brands at Paris Shopping and Elysium to kaftans and resort wear shops; girls you really need to block out a day for retail therapy in the nation’s capital. The new Vila Handicraft Centre on the Wharf Road is a one-stop shop for souvenirs, local artwork and organic products, while Diana Tam’s art gallery and home studio and the Pilioko Foundation on the Pango Road are all something special. WHERE: Elysium is at the Ocean Walk complex, next door to Bred Bank. Check out ETAM too.
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TANNA VOLCANO It’s no surprise to those who have visited Tanna’s Mount Yasur volcano that it is Vanuatu’s number one tourist attraction. The lunar-like appearance of the ash plain ensures you will have an out-of-this-world experience and learn a bit about science too! The climb up Yasur is easier than you think, there are handrails and steps carved into the mountain for the last part. Suitable for children from eight years and those with moderate fitness levels make sure you pack a torch. WHERE: Tanna, 45-minute flight south of Port Vila HOW MUCH: Air Vanuatu Island Tours has package deals including flights and accommodation, VT36,500 per person.
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Tour Tips
Three In One Cascades Tour The Mele area of Efaté has much to offer and more than just the Cascades, as we found out on the three in one Evergreen tour.
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here has to be a reason the Mele Cascades is consistently rated the number one attraction in Port Vila by Trip Advisor. With almost 1000 reviews, the common descriptors are ‘stunning’, ‘breathtaking’, ‘beautiful’ ‘amazing’ and ‘spectacular’. With the bar set high, we decide to check it out ourselves and see what all the fuss is about, but not content with seeing just one fabulous attraction, we decide on taking a half day tour with Evergreen to see a bit more of the Mele area. The Cascades is a pleasant 15-minute drive from downtown Port Vila, on the way you pass Vanuatu’s largest village. More than 4000 people live in Mele and you’re welcome to check out the village schools, nakamals (meeting places), churches and the Chief’s residence. Mele is also home to most of the Evergreen staff who commute to work every day. A little way past Mele at Melemaat is the Secret Garden and the half day tour includes a stop here. The Secret Garden is not really a garden tour, more of a historical look at custom and culture in Vanuatu. There are caged animals and birds that you can pet if you want, including pythons and iguanas, coconut crab (which you would not pet unless you wanted to lose a finger) and flying fox. Around the gardens there are numerous tales of custom stories from around Vanuatu. Most are entertaining and informative. Kids will love the display of local housing from many of Vanuatu’s islands and the magic show. After the Secret Garden it’s on to the Cascades and what a sight for sore eyes it is. The Mele Cascades’ main waterfall is 50 metres high,
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but it empties into a series of cascades all the way down to the river. The walk up requires a medium level of fitness – the equivalent of walking up four or five flights of stairs. The view is so gorgeous however that there are several opportunities to stop and catch your breath. We were thankful for reef shoes, but barefoot is probably an option too – do be prepared to get wet. We took a leisurely 20 minutes to walk to the waterfall it could be done a lot faster and a lot slower so it really is suitable for all ages and most fitness levels. Swimming in the many rock pools along the way is absolutely essential, as is sliding off many of the boulders into the clear green waters. Once you reach the top of the cascades there’s nothing to do but pose for photos and enjoy the cool waters. The Mele Cascades has a licensed bar and restaurant and those on an Evergreen 3 in 1 Cascades tour receive a complimentary drink on their return from the waterfalls. You’re welcome to stay a little longer – the restaurant overlooks a series of shallow rock pools perfect for a last refreshing dip. DURATION: 4 hours, departing at 1000. OPERATES: Daily on demand. INCLUDES: Fully air conditioned return transfers, chilled Evergreen water, service of knowledgeable tour guides, visit to Mele Village, visit Secret Garden, Mele Cascades admission fees, lookout view, glass of wine and BBQ lunch, cold drinks at Riverside Garden and morning refreshments. •
Evergreen offer three tours to the Mele Cascades. We chose option three which includes a visit to Mele Village and the Secret Garden which is not really a garden tour, more of a historical look at custom and culture in Vanuatu. There are caged animals and birds that you can pet if you want, including pythons and iguanas, coconut crab (which you would not pet unless you wanted to lose a finger) and flying fox.
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Taste Beyond Anything You’ve Ever Experienced! Trip Advisor Stonegrill Restaurant Port Vila
Free soft drink, beer or glass of wine with each main course upon presentation of this voucher.
Open 7 days a week from 11.30am to 9:30pm Now located at the Vila Handicraft Market Phone 5464506
EKASUP
CULTURAL VILLAGE Hidden Treasure of the Pacific
THE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE Learn about... Our Native Culture Traditional Medecine The Ways of Ancestors Food Preparation Methods Weaving Mats/Baskets/Hats Famous Melanesian Feast JT91
PO BOX 783-Port Vila-Vanuatu
(+678) 24217/7746734 tatokatours@vanuatu.com.vu www.vanuatutourism.com/ekasup.html
Certificate of Excellence
TAKE A RIDE IN PARADISE RENT A CAR AND DISCOVER THE HIDDEN PORT VILA LOCATION DE VOITURES
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EN ROUTE POUR VOTRE PARADIS
T +678 26 517 F +678 26 516
europcar@vanuatu.com.vu www.europcar.vu