Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 islands with a unique blend of intact tribal communities, resorts, beaches and geography ranging from accessible volcanoes to pristine underwater environments, offering unique and memorable experiences.



Vanuatu is the land of so much to see, so much to do with a reputation for interesting, fun and educational activities to suit any travellers expectations, from treks and abseiling to deserted beach picnics and wreck dive explorations to Cultural villages.

The hospitality and invitation to join and participate in Vanuatus cultural, social and sporting activities is uniquely Vanuatu. From the festivals celebrating tribal customs to the big game fishing challenges and the ocean swims, there are always events on offer for those looking to experience something new.

Many of the islands of Vanuatu have been inhabited for thousands of years, the oldest archaeological evidence found dating to 2000 BC. In 1605, the Portuguese explorer Pedro Fernandez de Quiros became the first European to reach the islands, believing it to be part of Terra Australia. Europeans began settling the islands in the late 18th century, after British explorer James Cook visited the islands on his second voyage, and gave them the name New Hebrides.

In 1887, the islands began to be administered by a French-British naval commission. In 1906, the French and British agreed to an Anglo French Condominium on the New Hebrides.

During World War II, the islands of Efate and Espiritu Santo were used as allied military bases. In the 1960s, the niVanuatu people started to press for self governance and later independence. Full sovereignty was finally granted by both European nations on July 30, 1980. It joined the UN in 1981, and the Non Aligned Movement in 1983.

Some of the best nightspots are the Ni Vanuatu discos scattered about town. If you want to visit one, its best to go with someone who knows the nightclub scene. Club Vanuatu, a private club in Rue de Paris, has plenty to tempt patrons, including bars, snooker, darts, satellite TV and live bands at the weekends. Other popular haunts for a night on the town include the Port Vila Pub, Mamu Bar, Sugglers, Anchor Inn, Breakas Bar and Restaurant, Sunset Bar at the Melanesian and Traders.

Major resort and hotels organise Melanesian style feasts once or twice a week with kastom dancing, kava drinking, local string bands and traditional food, ideal way to try local delicacies such as laplap, and experience the wonderful singing and dancing for which Ni Vanuatu are famous, try at Solos Feast or Mele Botanical Garden at Mele Bay in Port Vila.