Vanuatu’s tropical and subtropical climates guarantee the stretch of Polynesian islands always lives up to its reputation as an idyllic coastal paradise.
Tag: Vanuatu travel
-
Weather in Vanuatu – Tropical Climate and Conditions in Polynesia
However, tourists should be aware of the country's changing weather conditions throughout the year before planning to travel around Vanuatu. There is little climate variation between the seasons; whether it’s around 85 degrees Fahrenheit in summer or 65 degrees Fahrenheit in winter tourists will still be able to swim in the ocean or laze about on the sand. Showers rarely set in either, with rain typically lasting a day at most. However, if you want to avoid wet weather completely you’re best steering clear of Vanuatu between November and April. The famous Southeast Trade Winds bring sunny, warm days and cooler nights all year round. However, they can be more unpredictable during the wet season. A squall can blow up seemingly out of nowhere, so make sure you hold on to your hat! Bungalows have even been known to blow away in blustery weather, but tourists needn’t be too concerned. Resort staff are used to these kind of winds, and will build you another one before too long. Visiting outside the wet season is the best way to avoid any extreme conditions in Vanuatu, but if that's not possible the woolly weather shouldn't interrupt your stay too much.
-
Play Golf in the South Pacific – The Most Beautiful Courses in Island Region
The South Pacific region in Oceania is famous for its picturesque location and laidback lifestyle, but you might not know that the area is also home to some of the world’s most beautiful golf courses.
In this article we take a look at some of the island location's best. Not far from Fiji's international airport you'll find the Denarau Golf and Racquet Club. It’s the sporting hub of the Denarau Island Resort, but you don’t need to be a guest to enjoy its facilities. The course isn't very challenging, but it is beautiful with its palm trees and sea borders. The wet stuff makes for some interesting water shots, although most players should reach the pin in a stroke over par. It’s probably not for the serious golfers, but casual fans of the sport will get a kick out of the sea-creature shaped bunkers and greens.
In Apia, a 40-minute drive from Samoa's international airport you'll find the Royal Samoa Country Club. It has a very regal name and surrounds to match; the 5445 meter course is considered one of the most beautiful in the South Pacific. In its years it's also attracted the right clientele. His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili was a regular here before he sadly passed away in 2007. Even he was challenged by the sixth hole which is totally blind.
Related: Golf Courses in Hawaii
So make sure that you pack your clubs when you set off for the South Pacific!
-
Private Polynesian Luxury at Vanuatu’s Bokissa Private Island Resort
Bokissa Private Island Resort in Vanuatu is a place where travelers can truly take it easy. Footwear isn’t compulsory, and formal uniforms of ties and jackets are actually banned!
Free of these Western shackles, the private island’s guests can enjoy life at a much slower pace. And these tropical surrounds are a wonderful place to do it.
Just step outside the door of your private bungalow, known as a fare, and you're on the beach. The sea breezes cool the cottages in spring and fall, but there's also air-conditioning for those balmy summer nights. Wood shutters ensure the early morning sun doesn't interrupt your beauty sleep, while the netted beds keep the island mosquitoes from biting. Each fare also has an ensuite bathroom, vanity, and minibar to satisfy your late night munchies. The centerpiece of the Bokissa Island Resort is a freshwater pool with a swim-up bar. Lazing about the pool, cocktail in hand, sounds like an excellent way to while away the hours. But your vacation on Bokissa Island doesn't have to be all about taking it easy. You could snorkel or scuba dive on the beach, take a boat out and fish for marlin, or explore the tropical rainforests. With Bokissa guests enjoying exclusive use of the island's 175 acres, there's plenty to discover. And with no more than 36 guests staying on the island at any one time, it's never hard to find some quiet time. Bokissa Private Island Resort offers accommodation, return airport transfers from Vanuatu, and all meals for approximately $300 per person per day. It’s not cheap, but it's quite reasonable for such luxury, exclusive accommodation. -
Getting Around Vanuatu, A Guide to Transport in Vila and Luganville
Many tourists are content to spend their Vanuatu vacation lazing by the pool of their resort with a cocktail in hand. But if you hope to explore, there are a few transport options worth considering.
Vanuatu’s bus service may seem chaotic to Western tourists. The buses don’t run to any timetable, and there are no regular bus stops! But you’ll find many of these buses in the major tourist areas of Vila, Luganville, eastern Santo, and eastern Malekula.
//Look for the vehicles bearing a red letter B near their numberplate, and flag them down as you would a taxi. As there are no set routes, the drivers will happily drive you to any destination on the island.
The taxis in Vila and Luganville look like regular sedans, while in regional areas you’ll find four-wheel drive vehicles marked with a red letter T. The amount charged will depend on the distance you’re traveling, and the condition of the road. To avoid a nasty scare at the end of your journey, you can ask the driver before you set off. Taxis are scarce on Sundays and public holidays, so be prepared to wait longer when traveling on these days.
If you’d prefer to take charge of your travel consider hiring a car or scooter. Cars are available to drivers aged 23 and over, while scooters are available for riders 17 and over. An international drivers license is not required, but drivers must have held a license in their own country for at least one year. The tourist centers of Vila and Luganville have a maximum speed of 50 km/h, but there are no speed limits in rural area. However as many roads are in poor condition, it’s not advisable to go too fast! Cars in Vanuatu travel on the right side of the road, and seatbelts are not compulsory.