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Efate is the main island of Vanuatu, where the capital Port Vila is situated and is the metropolitan of where 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 consequently 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 and gruesome discoveries.
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 in mind, you can hire a car or take a bus or an aircraft around the island.
Cruises offer day and over night charters to the nearby islands of Hat, Pele, Moso, Nguna, Lelepa and Kakula Islands.
The capital Port Vila is located around a magnificent natural harbour offering stunning views of Iririki, Ifira islands, and a look out all the way to Malapoa Point.
The international airport is a 10 minutes 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.
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.
Night life in Vila has blossomed steadily, the atmosphere fun, and caters for all ages offered by the 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.
Getting there
Efate Island is the international gateway with six international airlines flying to Port Vila. Regular return flights are scheduled via Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Noumea and the Solomon Islands. Click here for airlines.
Accommodation
Accommodations in Efate range in style from the basic island bungalows and dormitory Robinson Cruisoe to top end sophisticated over water bungalows. There is something for everyone on any holiday travels to Efate. Accommodation companies can also help you book your resort and hotel of choice. These are: 2VR Vanuatu Vacation Rental Ltd, Vanuatu Standby Accommodation, and Vanuatu Luxury Holiday Homes
Getting around
Most accommodations will organise tours and transfers where required. There are also the local taxi’s which will take you around if you negotiate the rate before setting off. The local buses can be an interesting way to see the town. Bus fares within the greater Port Vila area are 150VT per trip, and start from 200VT to villages or areas outside of town, and exact change in most cases is required, for payment. Just flag a bus down, as there are no set schedule in the main town centre.
Things to do
A variety of tours to experience the history, significance, and beauty of the environment, culture, and people of Efate can be organized by most of the accommodations via guest relations.
Otherwise, there are many Tour offices in town who can organize and book tours for you, if you’re strolling the markets and decide to do something in the afternoon like visiting a cultural village, jet skiing across the harbour, hiking, or abseiling down the waterfall, buggy riding through various terrains, and more.
If you feel lazy, and want to try the local hot plates whilst mingling with the locals, the women at the city market can serve you a delicious lunch with banana, sweet potato, or maniok on the side for a taste of the local food at a low cost.
There is something for everyone to do!
Want to get outside of Vila for a day and experience the real Vanuatu in rural Efate?
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