In the heart of the Antipodes of the Pacific, southwest of the volcanic zone of the fire belt, appears Vanuatu, a magnificent Melanesian archipelago of nearly 80 islands. Despite the great poverty of its inhabitants, it is considered a true paradise on Earth. It has magnificent sites, a fauna and flora of an exceptional diversity and an immense tribal cultural richness approaching the origin of the world. Located a little over 480 km east of New Caledonia, 1500 km from Australia and a few miles west of the Fiji Islands, this territory smaller than Belgium welcomes with open arms tourists eager for adventure, idleness, extraordinary holidays and encounters with unknown civilizations. Here, the change of scenery will undoubtedly be total! Planning a trip to Vanuatu is however one of the most daring challenges.

Indeed, the trip is not at all relaxing, you will need between 30 and 45 hours of flights with stopover(s) to get there and count on 11 hours of time difference on your arrival. But what makes this organization complicated is that despite its small size, the archipelago has an incredible number of sites and natural beauties not to be missed. It will thus be necessary to make a selection according to its desires and its priorities. Vanuatu is above all a very preserved nature. Its virgin tropical forest covers nearly 75% of its surface, the richness of its volcanic soil has allowed many plant species to make their home there. Its marine environment is equally exceptional, coral reefs are among the most beautiful in the world. Adventurers and hiking enthusiasts will go along the many paths along the coast or through the forests to attack active volcanoes and come across isolated tribes living in total harmony with nature. If you are looking for peace and quiet, rest and soft idleness by the turquoise waters, you will also be fulfilled. On the archipelago, the sea is everywhere. Come to gild on the beaches of fine sand, or in the shade of the palm trees. Like a Robinson Crusoe on his deserted island, you will always have an opportunity to find the perfect place, absent from any form of human life. If you are interested in water sports, you will be spoilt for choice. Here, the welcome of tourists is generally warm, the tourist establishments are often of good quality and offer top-of-the-range services. They have developed in the best places in the archipelago and offer many activities such as cruises, water sports, big game fishing in fish-bearing waters, golf and trekking from one to several days in the lush forest. Nevertheless, if there is one activity not to miss, it is diving! It is on the island of Santo that one finds the best spots, some are famous in the whole world by their originality (wrecks boats or materials of the Second World War) like those of Million Dollars Point and Coolidge; others by their natural beauty like that of Tubana. To mingle with the local population you will visit the cities and especially the capital Port Vila on the island of Etafe. One of the highlights of this small capital is the impressive market where you will discover thousands of exotic fish and fruits as well as traditional products in large numbers. But the two main islands are not the only interests of the country, cruises to reach some remote islands exist and they will allow you to meet people who descend only very rarely in civilization. To make the most of your trip to Vanuatu, it is advisable to leave between May and October, which coincides with the dry season. Attention, from November to early May is the rainy season, violent cyclones can strike the archipelago.

Art and culture in Vanuatu
The Vanuatu culture is truly rich, the three official languages are French, English and Bichlamar, however in the archipelago still cohabit more than 120 languages and dialects due to the isolation of the tribes for many years. The art is also diversified, the traditional and primitive craft is very present, one finds carved wooden objects, bags and ceramics. The traditional drawings on the very ephemeral sand are recognized since long years as an exceptional know-how. On the music side, treat yourself to long moments of folklore; groups sometimes use instruments typical of the region.

What to visit in Vanuatu
The island of Efate (the main one): the capital Port Vila (the cultural centre, the Pilioko - Michoutouchkine Gallery, the panoramas on the heights, the waterfalls near Klem, the traditional market, the Independence Park). Discover also the surroundings of the island (turtle farms, the beaches, the village of Ekasup, the volcano, the UNESCO listed estate of King Mata, Luganville). The island of Santo: the capital, and the most preserved nature (its famous diving sites of Million Dollar Point, Coolidge and Tubana, the volcanoes Mount Tabwemasana and Mount Winbo, the Millenium Cave...).

Gastronomic specialties in Vanuatu
As in many island cuisines throughout the world, Vanuatu's gastronomy gives pride of place to seafood products. Fish can be served in different ways, baked in the traditional oven, grilled, marinated or raw with tropical taro, manioc or rice and spices. Many dishes are prepared with coconut. On the meat side, the Vanuatu also prepare chicken and pork to which they have a real value. Try Laplap and Tuluk. The climate being favourable to exotic fruits, one finds some everywhere, try the perfectly ripe mango, banana or papaya.