Thanks for your time!
Hello everyone, I'm April Yeromea.
Welcome to the islands of Vanuatu.
In the next 30 minutes just sit back and relax because I'm going to show you all the wonderful
things you can do here.
Vanuatu is a group of 83 islands with a population of 150,000 people.
From some of the most diverse and intact culture in the world to beautiful beaches, fascinating
wildlife and lava spitting volcanoes.
Vanuatu is truly a land of contrasts.
The islands became a joint colony of Britain and France and in 1980 gained its independence.
Both English and French are spoken but the main language is Baslama.
The main island is Ifate where the nation's capital Port Vila lies in a sheltered harbour
on the south side of the island.
Most of the 50,000 visitors who come to Vanuatu each year arrive through Port Vila.
When arriving in Vanuatu please remember the importance of quarantine regulations.
Vanuatu like any other developing country has a vulnerable agricultural industry.
The people of Vanuatu rely on the production of locally grown fruit and vegetables as a
staple part of their diet and the protection of their gardens is vital.
So too is the protection of the cattle industry.
Please keep Vanuatu green and clean and declare any prohibited items to quarantine officers
or place in bins provided.
Okay you've made it through customs, time now to find your hotel.
Now if you have one of these, a hotel transfer, just come out here and give it to one of the
bus drivers and he'll put you on the right bus.
But if you don't, don't worry because you can pay cash or Vanuatu have an excellent
taxi service.
If you've been given an adventure centre voucher, present it to their desk and they'll
direct you to their waiting bus outside.
Their buses meet every flight and will transfer you to your hotel.
For those special holidays, Adventures in Paradise can give you the option of arriving
at your hotel in style by using their luxury limousines.
You may choose their modern buses.
Avis Rentals has an office at the International Airport.
If you're one of the visitors who want your own transport, then Avis has a range of vehicles
to suit.
Prices are very competitive.
The Meridian Port Villa Resort and Casino is about 5 minutes drive from downtown.
This is a deluxe resort from the stunning architecture of the lobby to the beautifully
appointed rooms.
But one of the wonderful aspects of holidaying in the tropics is the warmth of the outdoors
and the Meridian has outdoor facilities second to none.
Both swimming pools feature friendly service and poolside bars.
The resort is set within 50 acres of lagoon front property amongst tropical gardens.
It has its own private island and a white sand beach.
You can play golf, tennis, beach volleyball and there are plenty of water sports.
But it's the Meridian's newest addition that must be seen to be believed.
Now if you're a romantic just like me, then you've got to take a look at this place.
It is perfect for those special occasions, even your honeymoon.
Located on their own private island paradise, one can still expect superb service.
Imagine breakfast by canoe.
But if you choose to venture back to the resort, a 177 metre long swing bridge takes you directly
to the Veranda restaurant.
Here you'll find a variety of cuisine themed nights and the food complements the magical
setting.
The Meridian has excellent meeting and banquet facilities ideal for seminars, conferences
and even weddings.
The kids club is held daily in the Penguin Village located by the swimming pool.
Kitties are taken on all sorts of interesting outings.
They visit the local fire station and are introduced to all sorts of goodies at the
local marketplace.
A great place for them to take photos home to show mum and dad.
After dark, the Meridian's entertainment programme continues.
Enjoy a tropical cocktail in the lobby whilst listening to a Melanesian band.
Or you could have fun by the pool and then play late at the casino.
Try your luck at the roulette table whilst enjoying your favourite cocktail.
Or you could test your skill against the blackjack dealer and good luck.
This magnificent resort has it all.
Welcome to Liligon Park Royal located in Port Villa.
Vanuatu's leading resort for families and couples is situated on 75 acres of exotic
tropical gardens beside the crystal clear waters of Irokor Lagoon.
The resort provides a wide range of activities for you to enjoy.
A pool and pool bar, tennis courts, a 12 hole golf course with sweeping views, cycling,
sailing a catamaran, windsurfing and snorkelling.
Or just relax on the balcony of your thatched room or bungalow.
The kids will also have the time of their lives in their free kids only club.
You may like to walk through these beautiful gardens and view local handcrafts and find
a gift or two to take home.
You can enjoy a meal at one of Liligon's restaurants.
Perhaps the outdoor cafe where you can relax and enjoy not only tasty food and a cup of
cappuccino but the warmth of both the islands and the friendly people.
Liligon Park Royal is a resort offering you a memorable malanesian experience.
Iroreki Island Resort is perfect for a scheduled holiday just 3 minutes from Port Villa by
a free 24 hour ferry that whisks you across the crystal clear waters of Port Villa Harbour.
Sheltered walkways and glorious gardens introduce you to this intimate island resort.
Hello, welcome to Iroreki Island Resort.
Iroreki is your own private South Pacific island and is ideal for honeymooners and couples.
Individual fares are romantic and tastefully decorated.
Relive the legends of James Mitchiners South Pacific in a superb a la carte restaurant
which boasts sweeping views over Port Villa Harbour.
The Bali Hai Cafe and Bar is a great place to sit and relax before evening entertainment
commences.
Experience the magic of the Pacific on Iroreki Island.
This is the place that memories are made of.
Nestled close to the heart of Port Villa, the malanesian is a short stroll to downtown.
Hello, welcome to the malanesian Port Villa.
Ideal for both business travellers and holiday makers alike.
Your stay at the malanesian is assured to have you well rested and stress free.
Relax with a light snack by the oasis pool or enjoy room service in your comfortably
spacious and well appointed rooms.
The malanesian provides studio and apartment style accommodation.
The malanesian can offer you diverse experiences from carver tasting or mat weaving to eating
great pizzas at Gino's, their authentic Mediterranean restaurant.
Gino's is open 24 hours a day and is popular with local residents.
Every evening around the pool string bands from different islands in Vanuatu entertain
you and share their music.
Your stay is a true malanesian experience.
At Whitesand's Country Club there's an 18 hole international standard golf course and
all the associated facilities including a pro shop, golf buggies, a variety of spacious
malanesian style bungalows, a pool and restaurant.
The course is internationally recognised and has proved to be a strong test even for the
most dedicated of players.
Located only 25 minutes from Port Villa and only a short stroll from Whitesand's beach,
this is an ideal place not only for golf enthusiasts but for those holiday makers wanting to spend
a few days away from it all.
Blue Water Island Resort is Vanuatu's newest resort set next to a turquoise lagoon.
Friendly staff will welcome you, show you around and help you settle into your water's
edge bungalows.
See the fish, turtles and sharks in the natural aquarium then relax at the bar and enjoy locally
caught seafood at the Lagoon View restaurant.
It's a traditional day with a shell of kava in a traditional kava bar.
Kaiviti Village Motel is Villa's most reasonably priced self catering motel.
Guests can enjoy breakfast, snacks, Villa's best hamburgers and drinks served at the poolside
bar and a great place to meet friendly people.
Iroquo Island Resort is one of the most romantic spots in the Pacific.
This is a great resort for honeymooners or just an idyllic spot to spend the day.
Bungalows are scattered along the water's edge and offer total relaxation.
Poppies on the Lagoon offer you a superior Pacific Island style accommodation.
A swimming pool, lagoon frontage and the beautifully appointed rooms gives you a luxurious home
away from home, ideal for families and for couples.
Hideaway Island is everyone's dream of a tropical paradise.
Only 15 minutes from Port Villa it's located in pristine Malibay.
This marine sanctuary is encircled by warm crystal clear waters.
Kayaking, sailing, snorkelling and diving have never been so easy.
There's a beachfront Melanesian style restaurant, bungalow and lodge style accommodation.
Truly an island paradise.
Tamanu Beach Club offers simple yet luxurious plantation cottages on a pristine white sand beach.
The perfect getaway to relax and enjoy distinctive cuisine and excellent wines.
While all of the hotels have great restaurants there's also some excellent dining to be had
in and around Port Villa.
Hi Alec.
Welcome.
Great.
Villa Chameleur is found on the edge of the lagoon just 5 minutes out of Port Villa.
This is a stunning South Sea setting with tables right over the water.
Try an intimate sunset cocktail before sitting down to a meal you'll remember.
The food is exquisite and the service friendly and I recommend my favourite, the coconut
prawns.
This wonderful romantic restaurant also offers accommodation for those wanting an alternative
to large resorts.
Right in the heart of Port Villa you'll find the Olympic takeaway convenient and perhaps
a little familiar.
Would you like fresh food dad?
Try a big fella burger or fresh local fish and chips.
Next door is Algeco restaurant with an intimate setting and a pleasant ambience.
Dine indoors or out in the courtyard open from breakfast to dinner.
Looster Lay is the restaurant that most French expats call their second home.
Clément the maître d' is one of the great characters of Port Villa and his food reflects
the man.
That's why the patrons return time and time again for their favourite dish completely
ignoring the rest of the delicious French menu.
And Clément has one dish on his menu that is incomparable, flying fox.
Try it and ask him about the first time he discovered it.
The Rossi restaurant set on the water's edge is well known for its espresso coffee, lunches
and dinners feature Vanuatu's fine seafood as well as some imported extras.
Dine and relax with coffee and take in the sweeping harbour views.
Harbourside Cafe and Restaurant features French, Mediterranean and Thai cuisine.
Because of its delicious food it's one of Port Villa's most popular restaurants and
as its BYO one of the most affordable too.
The Waterfront Bar and Grill is known throughout the South Pacific.
It's the basis of Vanuatu cruising yacht club and ocean blue game fishing.
Bring back your catch from a day's fishing and they'll be delighted to prepare it for
your evening meal.
After such a splendid day celebrate with a cool beer at the water's edge.
The bar is a local watering hole where you can meet the locals, exchange stories and
try the Vanuatu Taska beer.
Mix and mingle, listen to some great music, you can even dance a while and of course enjoy
a superb meal.
The Salad Bar and BBQ are renowned, crayfish, coconut crab and poulet fish are their specialty.
This is one of those places that you'll want to return to again and again and soon you'll
be recognised by friendly faces.
Le Cafe du Village set on the waterfront has opened 7 days a week and 7 nights a week.
Great location, great food and a great restaurant.
Catch the ferry to Iroquois Island Resort where a new restaurant has been built over
the water.
This is stuff dreams are made of.
Ice cold champagne and food compliments this idyllic setting.
Club Vanuatu is just off the main street in downtown Port Vila.
Enjoy drinks at the bar or sample the rooftop BBQ in the Great Bistro with the cheapest
prices in town.
Based on the same principles as clubs in Australia and New Zealand, locals and overseas visitors
are welcome.
There's even a special menu for children.
And after dinner spend some time and enjoy a game of pool.
Now you've settled into your hotel and we've shown you some great restaurants to eat at,
it's time now to check out what you can do in Vanuatu.
Come with me.
There's a great variety of tours and activities to choose from.
Pop into your local tour operator who can help you select what to do.
Adventures in Paradise have a booking office in the main street as do the Adventure Centre.
Ocean Blue based in the waterfront bar and grill is comprised of two well equipped Black
Watch game fishing boats and a custom built sports fisher.
Ocean Blue has been hosting keen blue water anglers over the past few years.
It's rare to be able to go somewhere and know that you're going to catch a wide variety
of great sport fish all year round.
As well as three species of marlin you'll find Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin tuna, Sailfish,
Wahoo and Big Trevallies and the infamous Dog Tooth tuna.
One of the most popular day trips is the Epule Jungle River Tour.
Climb aboard your traditional Outrigger canoe for a lazy pedal through the steaming jungle.
To be welcomed in traditional Melanesian style by a village full of surprises.
Be introduced to the Melanesian way of life, see the dancers and hear their music.
And you even have an opportunity to taste the traditional food.
The Adventure Centre have their own special tour on Sailaway Cruises.
This is a day trip for all the family.
Explore the fascinating cave on Lelepa Island and hear of its history and its legends.
It's a sea form cave, probably every million years old.
Then sail to some marvellous snorkelling areas and roll off the deck into crystal waters,
glide over underwater gardens and feed the colourful friendly inhabitants.
Snorkelling gear is provided.
This is the perfect way to spend the day.
A new addition to Port Vila is the seaplane.
Sea Air offers scenic flights, day trips or is available for charter.
A wonderful way to look around the islands.
Vanuatu is a mecca for scuba divers.
The coral reefs team with tropical fish life and there are many safe wrecks to dive.
Nautilus Scuba offer free introductory dives at different resort pools.
Their dive base is situated on the waters edge in the centre of town.
Their new dive boat Scuba Blue will whisk you away to the magic of Vanuatu's underwater
world.
There's a dive shop on site and full training facilities.
And don't forget that Hideaway Island also offers superb diving.
And if adventure is your game, then the helicopter company has the vehicle just for you.
Let them take you on the ride of your life.
Perhaps a scenic tour into the mountains through steaming jungle, over rivers and past cascading
waterfalls or fly up into the plains and see the wild horses.
And it's off to the beach to take a picnic and get lost for the day in true Vanuatu style.
Cutting Edge offers adventures for the whole family.
This is a quality time experience where the natural history and beauty of this country
is revealed.
You can visit four deserted islands on a day trip or you can even stay overnight.
These safe kayaks are suitable for old and young alike with every kayak paddled by its
own guide.
The Kungula is a wooden ketch operating in the calm waters of Havana harbour.
Dolphins are often seen in these waters.
The day cruise includes a delicious barbecue and morning and afternoon teas.
The Kungula takes divers to Tranquillity Island.
A dive boat will take you to some exquisite locations and for those wishing to stay overnight,
simple Melanesian style bungalows are available.
The perfect way to finish your day is to take a sunset cruise on the Trimaran Tiva.
Fine wines and tasty food is served by Justin and his crew.
Sit back, enjoy their hospitality and watch the sun disappear into a Pacific night.
The Vanuatu National Tourism Office is here to offer advice and information to all visitors
to help you better experience the Vanuatu way of life.
Should you wish to attend a local church service they'll let you know where and when and you're
always welcome.
The National Tourism Office will assist you in catching a glimpse of daily island life
and will tell you where to look and where to explore.
Vanuatu's culture and lifestyle is amongst the most interesting in the world.
The simplicity of village life and the smiling faces of the children reflect their happy
existence, plenty here to be envious of.
The Vanuatu Cultural Centre is also well worth a visit.
There you'll discover the history of this unique island nation.
Ancient statues, carvings, video, film and sound recording and an archive of many facets
of Vanuatu's culture can be seen.
A must do is a visit to the Port Vila Markets.
There you'll discover all types of locally grown fruits and vegetables.
An array of prepared food, flowers, shells, mats and other crafts take time to enjoy the
scenery.
Now Vanuatu isn't just beautiful beaches, wonderful activities and fantastic food, it's
also got some pretty good shopping.
The Sound Centre is a duty free shop situated in the heart of Port Vila.
It sells a range of watches, electronics, cameras, has a great collection of CDs and
toys galore.
The kids will love you for shopping here.
Prouds offers hurry free and hustle free duty free.
In the main street it has an exclusive range of South Sea pearl jewellery specialising
in the black pearl and arguably the largest range of ladro in the southern hemisphere.
Also in the main street is Moshitushkin, Nikolai and Aloi's shop full of original hand painted
designs.
There are t-shirts, dresses, pareos and shirts.
They also design and manufacture exclusively on request.
And every week at leading resorts, Moshitushkin models strut their stuff.
Aloi and Nikolai also run a Malinesian museum which is open to the public.
And if you're getting a little low on money, Goodies is open 7 days a week and during lunch
times for the best exchange rates in town.
They also sell artefacts from all over the Pacific.
Port Vila is a thriving South Pacific capital.
Members of the offshore financial centre can assist you for your financial planning which
can include tax advice, planning for retirement and estate planning.
Vanuatu shipping registry is also recognised and the transport industry is being professionally
run with high standards and a good safety record.
It's the home port for over 450 vessels throughout the world that are registered under the Vanuatu
flag.
Vanuatu is endeavouring to keep its legislation up to date to meet the needs of the growing
financial centre.
Banks, lawyers, accountants, insurance and trust companies provide services to investors.
You can form a company in just one day and there's complete confidentiality over all
dealings.
Vanuatu is serviced by all modern means of communication and we're here to help with
efficient professional financial services.
Now Port Vila is a lot of fun but some of the best sites are offshore and to get to
these outer islands you'll need the help of Vanir.
Vanir's fleet of aircraft offers services to 29 destinations in Vanuatu.
This is when you'll discover what a truly diverse land Vanuatu really is.
To the north of Port Vila and only one hour's flight is the island of Espiritu Santo where
there are several flights daily.
Santo is famous for its scuba diving and in particular the wreck of the President Coolidge.
The largest accessible wreck dive in the world.
Or take up a challenge and do a shark dive.
Hibiscus Tours is Santo's tour company.
Sandy is Hibiscus Tours and he knows the island like the back of his hand.
Take your way up the east coast to visit the Blue Holes, just one of the beautiful sites
Hibiscus Tours can show you.
Then let Sandy take you to a custom village that's kept their traditional culture alive
right through till now.
Hibiscus Tours will also arrange all the usual transfers between the airport and hotels and
resorts.
Oyster Island is run by a Melanesian family who can offer you the true Melanesian hospitality.
Clean simple bungalows and as the name suggests superb fresh seafood.
And then it's on to one of the most beautiful spots on earth, Champagne Beach.
Here pristine white sands meets turquoise ocean.
A playground for old and young and a place I simply fell in love with.
Niwa no Ato children fish and play by the water's edge and with their laughter, the
warm sun, sparkling waters and linen white sands it just seemed right that we should
sip fine champagne.
Well most of us anyway Gary was just happy playing with the kids.
Monarch bungalows are just around the corner from Champagne Beach, Melanesian style bungalows
just metres from the ocean, thus simple, airy and comfortable.
Perfect for that secluded holiday.
From Espiritu Santo to the unique island of Pentecost which has been the home of the famous
land dive or nagol since long before anyone thought of bungee jumping.
Every April and May Van Eyre and Island Safaris can organise trips to what is undoubtedly
one of the most unique festivals in the world.
Here the jumpers are encouraged by the chanting of the rest of the village.
It's a tradition that's been around for centuries and a good festival signifies a bountiful
yam harvest.
Great care is taken in the selection of jumper's vines and the jumping towers are a feat of
ancient engineering, no wire or nails and tied together with just vines.
Legend has it that the original jump was made by a woman trying to escape a would-be suitor
but now only men jump.
From Pentecost it's only a short Van Eyre flight to Norsup on Malakula.
There you'll be met by a guide and a short trip by Outrigger Canoe will have you ashore
at the tiny island resort of Walla.
Walla also proves to be one of the most memorable parts of a visitor's trip to Vanuatu and the
friendly people of the resort and surrounding villages make your stay a dream.
Wander inland with your guide through a coconut grove to a nakamaal or ancient village where
the air is thick with history and ambience.
Life continues as it has for centuries, the canoes continuing to be an important part
of daily life.
Used for fishing these outriggers are also the villages only link with the mainland and
ours too.
And if you've never paddled a canoe don't worry you get the hang of it pretty soon.
A fantastic experience.
When you return to Malakula you can see the distinctive custom dancing at a local custom
village.
Take the time to chat with the villagers about their life and families and even try the traditional
chicken and manioc leplep.
Malakula can also take you to another fascinating destination this time to the south of Port
Villa, Tana Island.
Tana is the home of Mount Yasur, one of the world's most accessible live volcanoes.
The trip to Yasur is an absolute must and there's only one word to describe the Mount
Yasur volcano, awesome.
Near the volcano the Port Resolution Yacht Club has established a simple village like
resort overlooking Port Resolution, one of the most serene settings in all of Vanuatu.
Port Resolution's most famous resident can be found just a short walk down to the waters
of the sheltered harbour.
The Dugong, a rare sea cow, has been entertaining visitors to the harbour for years.
Tana Beach Resort has bungalow style accommodation with a restaurant that looks over the swimming
pool, tropical gardens and onto the ocean.
One of the most interesting experiences in all of Vanuatu is a visit to Yakel, a custom
village just a short four wheel drive from Tana Beach Resort.
While the village chief looks on, local crafts are sold.
The local villagers are happy to be photographed and for the record this is how they dress
every day, it's not just for show.
But the highlight of the visit to Yakel village is the custom dancing, no instruments just
voices, clapping and foot stomping combined to create the absolutely amazing memory that
will be with you for life.
Tana Beachfront bungalows has budget accommodation set in a tropical garden and if you're lucky
you can also see some of the wild horses that live on the plains at Whitegrass.
Well there you have it, just a little taste of all the things you can do on holiday here
in Vanuatu.
I had a great time, I know you will too.
Enjoy.