This is Vanuatu Island, and chances are you probably haven’t heard of it (enough). So let us change that for you. Vanuatu is the ultimate tropical paradise that promises adventure, relaxation, and culture! Nestled in the South Pacific, Vanuatu is an archipelago of stunning islands where crystal-clear waters meet lush greenery and vibrant local traditions. Whether you’re diving into the vibrant coral reefs of Espiritu Santo, hiking up the active Mount Yasur on Tanna Island, or simply soaking up the sun on Efate’s pristine beaches, there’s something for every island bum! Explore hidden caves, savour delicious island cuisine, and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the Ni-Vanuatu people. Ready to discover the hidden gems of this enchanting destination?
How to reach Vanuatu Island
To reach Vanuatu from Hong Kong, you’ll typically need to take a few connecting flights. Here’s a general outline of your potential journey:
- From Hong Kong to a major hub: Fly from Hong Kong to a major international hub like Singapore, Sydney, Melbourne, or Auckland. Airlines like Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, and Air New Zealand offer these routes.
- From the Hub to Vanuatu: From the international hub, take a flight to Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu. Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Solomon Airlines and Fiji Airways offer flights to Port Vila from these hubs.
- Connecting flights: Due to the distance and flight schedules, you might need to stay overnight or wait several hours at the connecting hub. Check for the most convenient and time-efficient routes based on your departure in Hong Kong.
Best time to visit Vanuatu Island
The best time to visit Vanuatu is during the dry season from May to October. During this period, you can expect pleasant weather with lower humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities like beach visits, diving, snorkelling, and exploring the islands. The temperature is typically warm but comfortable, ranging from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F). Visiting during the dry season also means you’ll avoid the cyclone season, which runs from November to April when the weather can be unpredictable and potentially disruptive. Vanuatu is in the Vanuatu Time (VUT) time zone, which is UTC+11:00. This means Vanuatu is 3 hours ahead of HKT.
Budget requirements for Vanuatu Island
You can expect to spend anywhere between HKD 7,900 and HKD 13,460, including luxury accommodations, dining, activities, and other expenses for a week-long luxury experience in Vanuatu.
Vanuatu Island visa policy
Vanuatu Island offers visa-free entry to short-term tourists from several countries and over 120 jurisdictions. Check the complete list of visa-exempt nations for Vanuatu Island here. Non-visa-exempt foreign nationals can obtain a Vanuatu visa upon arrival, provided they have valid documents. The visa application is completed upon landing in Vanuatu. Travellers must meet the following criteria for a visa upon arrival.
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date and two blank pages within;
- Return ticket to your country;
- Confirmation of accommodation for the duration of your visit
- Sufficient funds to cover your stay in Vanuatu;
- Detailed itinerary of your trip;
- You can submit documents through the pick-up & drop service of the Department of Immigration
& Passport Services.
The must-visit islands of Vanuatu
Efate Island
A must-visit for its vibrant blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, Efate Island is home to the capital city, Port Vila. The island offers pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and stunning coral reefs, perfect for snorkelling and diving. Tourists can explore local markets, indulge in delicious Melanesian cuisine, and experience traditional dances. Special attractions include the Mele Cascades Waterfall, where visitors can swim in clear, refreshing waters, and the underwater post office. Efate’s welcoming locals and breathtaking scenery make it a perfect destination for a unique and memorable tropical getaway.
Explore our guide to the best waterfalls in the world.
Espiritu Santo
Vanuatu’s largest island is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Famous for its pristine white-sand beaches like Champagne Beach and Blue Holes, it’s perfect for swimming and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. Dive enthusiasts can explore the SS President Coolidge, one of the world’s best wreck dives. The island also offers lush rainforests, scenic hiking trails, and the Millennium Cave adventure, combining caving, canyoning, and river floating. Visitors can expect friendly locals, stunning natural beauty, and unique cultural experiences, making Espiritu Santo an unforgettable destination.
Tanna Island
A must-visit for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts, Tanna Island is home to Mount Yasur, one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes that offers an awe-inspiring opportunity to witness eruptions up close. The island’s stunning landscapes include lush jungles, pristine beaches, and the captivating Blue Cave. Visitors can also immerse themselves in traditional Melanesian culture by visiting local villages and experiencing the vibrant kastom dances. With its unique blend of adventure, natural beauty, and rich culture, Tanna Island promises an unforgettable experience for every traveller.
Pentecost Island
This island is famous for its unique cultural tradition of land diving, a precursor to modern bungee jumping. Between April and June, tourists can witness this daring ritual, where men leap from tall wooden towers with vines tied to their ankles. The island’s lush landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and pristine beaches offer a serene escape. Visitors can also explore traditional villages and experience the island’s rich culture and hospitality. With its stunning natural beauty and unique cultural experiences, Pentecost Island provides an unforgettable adventure for those seeking excitement and tranquillity.
Tourist places to visit on Vanuatu Island
Mount Yasur
Make a stop at Mount Yasur in Vanuatu for its mesmerising volcanic activity and cultural significance. As one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes, Yasur offers visitors thrilling experiences like witnessing frequent eruptions and glowing lava displays. Its rugged landscape and ash plains contrast with lush surroundings, providing a dramatic backdrop for adventurers and photographers alike. Additionally, Mount Yasur holds spiritual importance for local Ni-Vanuatu people, often incorporated into traditional ceremonies and beliefs. Visitors can expect a blend of natural wonder, adrenaline-inducing moments, and cultural immersion, making it a unique and unforgettable destination in the South Pacific.
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Millennium Cave
The experience of visiting Millennium Cave includes hiking through lush rainforests, crossing bamboo bridges, and wading through rivers, making it a challenging yet rewarding trek. The cave is massive and awe-inspiring, featuring stunning rock formations and bats overhead. After exploring the cave, the journey continues with canyoning through waterfalls and swimming in crystal-clear pools. This immersive adventure offers a thrilling, off-the-beaten-path experience, showcasing Vanuatu’s pristine wilderness and captivating landscapes.
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Ekasup Village
Experience authentic Melanesian culture and traditions in this cultural village which offers an immersive journey into local life, showcasing traditional dances, crafts, and cooking methods. You’ll get to learn about the island’s history, medicinal plants, and survival skills used by the indigenous people. The warm, welcoming villagers provide interactive demonstrations, making it a fascinating and educational experience. A visit to Ekasup Village offers a unique opportunity to connect with Vanuatu’s rich heritage and gain a deeper appreciation for its vibrant, living traditions. It’s an enriching experience for those interested in cultural exploration.
Mystery Island
This tiny, uninhabited island offers pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs perfect for snorkelling and diving. Expect a tranquil escape with opportunities to swim, sunbathe, and explore the natural marine life. The island’s isolation and lack of commercial development make it a peaceful paradise, ideal for relaxation and unwinding. Mystery Island’s unique charm lies in its simplicity and the chance to experience nature at its finest, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a serene tropical getaway.
Things to do on Vanuatu Island
Diving the SS President Coolidge Wreck
Located in Espiritu Santo, this world-class dive site offers an unforgettable experience. The SS President Coolidge is a sunken luxury liner turned troopship from World War II, now teeming with marine life and historical artefacts. Divers can explore its cargo holds, engine rooms, and the famous “Lady and the Unicorn” mosaic.
Snorkelling at Champagne Beach
Champagne Beach on Espiritu Santo is famous for its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters. Ideal for snorkelling, the beach offers vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. It’s a perfect spot for both relaxation and underwater exploration.
Traditional Culture at Ekasup Village
Ekasup Village on Efate Island provides an immersive cultural experience. Visitors can learn about traditional Vanuatu customs, food, and dances. The village tour includes demonstrations of local crafts and an insight into the island’s way of life, offering a deep cultural connection.
Zip-lining near Port Vila
For thrill-seekers, zip-lining through the jungle canopy near Port Vila on Efate Island is a must. The course offers various lines that provide breathtaking views of the lush rainforest and waterfalls below. It’s an exhilarating way to experience Vanuatu’s natural landscape from a different perspective.
Local food and cuisines on Vanuatu Island
The local cuisine of Vanuatu, often referred to as Ni-Vanuatu cuisine, is a blend of traditional Melanesian flavours with influences from French, British, and Asian cuisines. It primarily relies on fresh, locally sourced ingredients like seafood, root vegetables, fruits, and coconut.
- Lap Lap: Often considered the national dish, Lap Lap is a baked pudding made from grated root vegetables such as taro, yam, or banana, mixed with coconut cream and wrapped in banana leaves. Sometimes, meat like chicken, pork, or fish is added. Why try? It’s a traditional dish that provides a deep insight into Vanuatu’s culinary heritage and uses local ingredients.
- Santo Beef: Vanuatu’s Espiritu Santo Island is known for its high-quality, organic beef. The beef is typically grilled or served in stews. Why try? The meat is renowned for its tenderness and flavour, making it a must-try for meat lovers.
- Poulet Fish: Poulet Fish, or Chicken Fish, is a type of white fish with a texture and taste reminiscent of chicken. It’s often grilled or baked and served with local vegetables and coconut milk. Why try? It’s a unique local speciality that you won’t find anywhere else.
- Tuluk: A popular street food, Tuluk is grated cassava stuffed with meat (usually pork) and wrapped in banana leaves, then steamed or baked. Why try? It’s a savoury snack that’s flavorful and filling, offering a taste of local street cuisine.
- Coconut Crab: This dish features crabs that feed on coconuts, giving their meat a distinctive, slightly sweet flavour. They are usually boiled or grilled and served with coconut-based sauces. Why try? It’s a delicacy specific to the region and offers a unique seafood experience.
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Desserts and Drinks
- Roussel: A dessert made from grated coconut and taro, sweetened with sugar and cooked until it forms a thick paste.
- Kava: A traditional non-alcoholic drink made from the root of the kava plant, known for its relaxing effects. It’s often consumed during social and ceremonial occasions.
Best hotels on Vanuatu Island
Tamanu on the Beach (Port Vila), Iririki Island Resort (Port Vila), Rockwater Resort (Tanna Island), M Resort & Soa (Efate).
Book your stay at Tamanu on the Beach via Booking.com
Book your stay at Tamanu on the Beach via Agoda.com
Best restaurants to try on Vanuatu Island
Aore Island Restaurant (Aore Island), Au Fare (Efate), Azure Restaurant (Efate), Cafe Vila Bar & Restaurant (Port Vila), Crystals Restaurant (Port Vila), Chez Louis Restaurant (Port Olry), Natangora Cafe (Espiritu Santo).
Shopping on Vanuatu Island and souvenirs to buy
- Handicrafts: These include beautifully woven baskets, mats, and hats made from pandanus leaves, which are intricately designed and durable. Why buy? They represent traditional craftsmanship and are practical, eco-friendly items.
- Wood carvings: Local artisans create stunning carvings of masks, statues, and bowls from native woods like tamanu and nangai. Why buy? Each piece is unique and reflects the island’s rich cultural heritage and artistry.
- Spices and vanilla: Vanuatu is known for its high-quality spices, especially vanilla beans. Why buy? These make for excellent culinary gifts and bring a taste of Vanuatu back home.
- Shell jewellery: Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings made from local shells are popular souvenirs. Why buy? They are beautiful, lightweight, and easy to pack, making perfect gifts or personal keepsakes.
- Tamanu oil: This natural oil, extracted from the nuts of the tamanu tree, is known for its skin-healing properties. Why buy? It’s a great natural remedy for various skin issues and a wonderful beauty product.
- Kava products: Kava, a traditional drink in Vanuatu, is also available in powder form and other kava-based products. Why buy? It offers a taste of the local culture and is a unique souvenir for those interested in traditional practices.
- Local music CDs: CDs featuring traditional and contemporary Ni-Vanuatu music. Why buy? They offer a lasting memory of the local sounds and rhythms.
- Sand drawings: Intricate designs made by local artists using sand, representing traditional stories and symbols. Why buy? These are unique pieces of art that capture the essence of Vanuatu’s cultural expressions.
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(Feature Image Credit: Alex Arcuri/Pexels )
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Local transportation options in Vanuatu include taxis, minibuses, and rental cars. Taxis are readily available in urban areas, while minibuses offer an affordable way to travel between towns.
The official currency of Vanuatu is the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV).
English and French are widely spoken alongside Bislama, the local language. Learning basic phrases in Bislama can enhance your experience.
Some of the most luxurious hotels with stunning views include Iririki Island Resort & Spa, The Havannah, and Warwick Le Lagon.
Respect local customs and traditions, dress modestly, especially in villages, and always ask for permission before taking photos of people.
Vanuatu is famous for its vibrant coral reefs, active volcanoes like Mount Yasur, traditional Melanesian culture, and friendly locals.
Top beaches include Champagne Beach on Espiritu Santo, Eton Beach on Efate, and Port Olry Beach, known for their clear waters and pristine sands.
A week to ten days is ideal to explore the main islands, experience local culture, and enjoy various activities.
Written By
Shubhanjana Das
An English Major, Shubhanjana is an independent culture and lifestyle journalist with extensive experience ..Read More
