5 months in Vanuatu

Okay, lots of questions.

I will be spending 5 months interning in Vanuata during the wet season. I am concerned about malaria. The advice from different websites is very conflicting. I will be in Port Vila for the majority of my time, but would like to explore the other islands and rural areas if possible. Due to family history I'd like to avoid taking pills, especially Mefloquine for prolonged periods. Would it be advisable, considering it's the rainy season, to not take the pills while in town and have them just when visiting the outer islands/rural areas?

I am also wondering if there are any supplies beyond the normal backpacker stuff which would make life easier while I am there? I don't want to be caught without something obvious and then have to spend the next five months trying find it. I've gone travelling before in Belize and Europe, but not for such an extended period. I've been thinking of bringing a laptop or iphone to help with work but don't know how practical this would be. I've been told that access to electricity can be limited.

As a single woman are there any security concerns I should keep in mind beyond common sense? I haven't run across anything particularly scary sounding while researching, but if people who have visited or lived in Vanuatu have advice I would be happy to hear it.

I really want to explore and get to know the islands as much as possible while there. I'll be spending most of my time on Efate since that's where the job is, but I would like to visit others and especially Tanna and Mt. Yasur. Can you suggest some don't miss sights and activities? I'm adventurous and like nature and climbing on things. I enjoy swimming but I don't have any diving training. I'm on a pretty modest budget (Mt. Yasur will be my big splurge if I can get there). Any help would be much appreciated.

Finally, does anyone have any good book recommendations for the region? Not guidebooks, but good fiction or non-fiction to read before I go/while I'm there to get into the mood.

My experience is Solomon Islands, not Vanuatu, but they are relatively similar.
First, I would not be taking malaria medication for the whole of months, but it may be wise to have something in case you visit a malaria-prone area. I generally use doxycycline on trips of a few weeks. It has the advantage of being a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which may have saved my life on one occasion when I contracted cellulitis in a remote area.
As far as things you may need, a decent can opener was the most basic thing that I could not find for love or money in Honiara. Another was good (lithium) camera batteries.
Definitely bring your laptop, but make sure you have a surge protector, in case the power supply is erratic. These countries are in the 21st century, and computers are common in towns. Mobnile phone coverage is improving all the time.
The main safety issue for us women is to respect culture, and dress modestly anywhere except actually in a resort. Observe what local women your age are wearing. Ni-Vanuatu women commonly wear the "Mother Hubbard" style dress, and you could buy a couple of these to wear while you are there (I understand the best ones are made by the local Presbyterian Church ladies).
In many areas, women wearing trousers are frowned on, and knees should be covered. If swimming anywhere but a resort, you need to cover your upper legs.

Hi

Have only visited for one week so would not presume to give advice.

However, I would strongly suggest you register on the TripAdvisor Vanuatu forum - link below. There are locals, ex pats and frequent visitors on this site who will be able to help you.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g294143-i3827-Vanuatu.html

I loved my one week and will be going back for sure.

re. Ozziegiraffe

Thank you for the advice and experience especially about the can-opener and the malaria. You've confirmed what i was thinking and what I will ask at the travel clinic.

For modesty, would you say that a skirted bathing suit covering the upper thighs would be appropriate if worn with a t-shirt?

re. agingaquarian

Thank you so much for that link, it looks like an absolute gold mine of information.

The modesty problem is the thighs, not the hips or even upper body, at least to the same extent. Get a sarong (lava lava) to wrap around your legs, or make a skirt with an elastic waistband.
I don't even bother taking swimmers to the islands - I swim in clothes.
Keep even the skirted bathing suit for resorts, not the outer islands. Melanesians are very conservative.