Efate Island – Port Vila
Efate is the main island of Vanuatu, where the capital Port Vila is situated and is the center where the majority of commerce and tourism take place.
The island has a rugged coastline and rolling verdant countryside, fast flowing rivers, cascading waterfalls, isolated sandy bays and lagoons. The interior is verdant rain forest cut only by a few walking tracks to remote weather and radio beacons.
Havannah Harbour, on the north side, is a spectacular natural haven and was used during World War II as a naval rear base by the entire U.S. 7th Fleet. It is also the site of some extraordinary archeological digs.
There are numerous types of accommodation scattered around Efate Island, such as Beachcomber and Bethel, including newly built resorts, or for just a day trip, you can hire a car or take a bus or an aircraft around the island. Cruises offer day and overnight charters to the nearby islands of Hat, Pele, Moso, Nguna, Lelepa and Kakula Islands.
The capital Port Vila is located around a magnificent natural harbor offering stunning views of Iririki, Ifira islands, and a look out all the way to Malapoa Point. These islands have white sand or coral beaches and are accessible by 24-hour ferries. You can go out for the day, or stay at one of the islands’ resorts. There are many activities during the day and restaurants, feast nights and bars for nighttime enjoyment.
The international airport is a 10-minute drive from town and all major resorts and hotels. Vila is a pretty town, clean and uncluttered. The waterfront area is unpolluted, visitors are stunned to look down from the seawall and see live corals and tropical fish. It’s also fast becoming known as the gourmet capital of the South Pacific.
Since it was named the government center in 1906, there are a number of well-preserved colonial era building dotting the city. Notable points of interest in the around town include the Sacre Coeur Cathedral, Porte du Ciel (Vietnamese Catholic church), the pink Court House, the WW2 Memorial, Lookout Point, Parliament House and the Vanuatu Cultural Center.
The potpourri of expatriate cultures is reflected in food styles served in over forty restaurants and cafes – French, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Thai, Melanesian and Mediterranean. You can buy an Aussie meat pie or American chili-dog, sip cappuccino in one of the many outdoor cafes or purchase pates and salads from a patisserie in a supermarket to fill your picnic hamper (basket).
Nightlife in Vila has blossomed steadily, with a fun atmosphere catering for all ages at resort hotels, night clubs and pubs, several casinos and more. You can stroll along the waterfront, or darkened back streets late at night and feel safe. Passing locals are likely to wish you a soft “Good night”, or perhaps strike up a friendly conversation.
Shopping is fun, easy going, and hassle free. There’s no such thing as a hard sell or pushy salesman. Prices are fixed and bargaining is not a part of the friendly lifestyle. The main shopping area follows the shoreline for about a ½ mile along Lini Highway. The large outdoor market can be explored most anytime as it is open around the clock, Monday through noon on Saturday.
