A wonder-filled holiday could be experienced just a couple hours from home. The region of Efate in Vanuatu has magical experiences aplenty to savor.
Whether it's lazing under palms on a secluded white sandy beach, or hiking to the peak of the show-stopping volcano, Vanuatu’s Efate is the best getaway island for creating fun-filled, uplifting memories.
Lockdown indicates many of us just how much we desire the liberty look around the world beyond our front gate, experience different cultures and do things outside our humdrum routine. Exploring far-flung shores can be a while off yet. But closer to home, but a world away from us, Efate offers amazing experiences and postcard-perfect scenery. Certainly one of Vanuatu's most populated islands and residential towards the country's capital city, Port Vila, Efate can also be home to a rugged landscape born in the belly of volcanoes, lush green rainforests and also the warm South Gulf of mexico ringed with bright reefs. Only a three-hour flight from Auckland, Sydney and Brisbane, prone to adventure around every corner on this gorgeous island and listed below are 10 fabulous items to look into start you planning.
Explore Port Vila Town
Wander over the waterfront, around the markets or simply sit within the city's many cafés and reset your watch to 'aelan time'.
Fly High
Take within the best views Efate provides at Vanuatu Jungle Zipline and like the feeling of exhilaration while you fly using the jungle canopy. For just about any more relaxed but equally spectacular approach to explore the rainforest, the new Vanuatu Sky Bridge allows you to see the fern valleys, canyons and hidden pools from 65 metres above ground.
Underwater Therapy
Head to Hideaway Island for some spectacular snorkelling among tropical fish and coral lying just a couple metres within the beach. Finish your entire day having a cocktail watching the sunset and among probably the most picture-perfect views you'll ever experience.
Blue Lagoon
Around Forty-five minutes from the centre of Port Vila, the astounding Blue Lagoon offers lapis-hued swimming holes of limestone-filtered water, swing ropes and delightful picnic spots within the jungle.
Coongoola Cruise
Set sail aboard a spacious 23-metre timber sailing ketch visiting secluded coves and pristine beaches of a good white coral sand, watching dolphins at play and enjoying swimming and snorkelling in warm, crystal-clear water.
Pélé Paradise
The volcanic island of Pélé can be a true tropical paradise. With welcoming locals, fringed reefs, spectacular trails, deserted beaches plus some from the world's best coral formations and marine life, this relaxing and remote island is for certain to assuage the soul.
Explore hidden gems
There numerous exciting methods to explore the character big plus with Efate. Take your pick from the buggy tour through bush tracks to villages, river kayak through the rainforest, mtb among coconut plantations or hike the extinct volcano of Nguna.
Kastom and culture
Although Vanuatu is near to Nz and Australia, it's worlds apart when it comes to culture with over 100 distinct languages and countless dialects, even with a population of just 300,00. Cultural traditions are classified as 'kastom' in Vanuatu, with locals upholding traditional ceremonies which have been part of village life for centuries. A car trip around Efate allows you to feel the diverse cultural lifetime of the locals and will give you a real understanding of their way of life.
Take an Ecotour
Vanuatu Ecotours provide a smorgasbord of activities that will expose you to the island's tropical surrounds and it pristine. Paddle in paradise using a sea and river kayaking tour, explore hidden waterfalls and limestone caves, decide to use the bushwalking trails by having an experienced guide or enjoy leaving the tourist trails far behind with unparalleled off-road access atop a mountain bike. Local Port Vila guides share their knowledge with humour, grace and individuals classic Ni-Vanuatu smiles that illuminate every day.
Lelepa Island dreaming
Set in 160 acres of unspoilt tropical rain forest and palmfringed beaches, Lelepa Island showcases exactly what makes Vanuatu the special island that it's: pure beauty, friendly locals and wonderful cultural traditions.
To book your Efate adventure, visit vanuatu.travel
