VanuatuNew CaledoniaSolomon

jahbless20:48 UTC13 Jul 2008

Hi All,

We are doing a tour of South Pacific Islands by backpack and we're going to stay a week per in Vanuatu/New Caledonia and Solomon.
VANUATU
We'd like to find an island where Vanuatu culture enters in touch with coral reef beaches.
We're very courious about Nambas tribe in Malekula or in general tribal way of life and costumes.
We know also Pentecost jumpers and Espiritu Santo beautiful reef.
Which are the easiest island that fullfill these requires to be reached from Port Vila (maybe also not by air)?
Which is the best way to reach Malekula? And Espiritu Santo?

NEW CALEDONIA
Isla des Pins is fascinating us a lot. Can be reached via sea?
Any suggestions of any other places to be in New Caledonia (maybe not too much turistic)?

SOLOMON
We know about beautiful treks in Guadalcanal surroundings. Then we'd like to go to Western Province.
Is better Ghizo or Marovo Lagoon? Which is the best way to go to there? Any other places that really worth?

Thanx
Sabrina&Luca

Laszlo01:33 UTC14 Jul 2008

Traditional tribal cultures in Vanuatu (and elsewhere) tend to thrive away from coral reefs, in the mountainous interior.
Having said that, I think Tanna and Santo are the most traditional islands, and of these, Santo has better reefs.
The easiest way to reach the outer islands is flying, of course.
But if you are keen, you can take a boat - note that most take up to 3 days to reasch Santo, and are extremely basic.

In contrast, it is very easy and comfortable to reach the Isle of Pines by sea.

Gizo itself is not really interesting - better just thought of as a base to explore the surrounding islands.
Marovo Lagoon is huge, so your experience there would depend on which island in the laggon you choose to go to.
Most tourists are happy holed up on a small resort island like Uepi, I personally prefer larger islands with more to do.
Lots and lots of other places in the Solomons are worth going to - including Malaita and Rennel, which are also covered in the current LP guide.

ozziegiraffe14:01 UTC14 Jul 2008

What are your particular interests while in Solomon Islands? Diving? Snorkelling? Culture? Hiking or trekking? Diving is limited to where there are proper facilities, but the other 3 can be done in many places, provided you bring your own snorkelling gear. I suggest you look at Exploring Solomons and then give us some more information here.
You cannot fly from New Caledonia to or from Solomon Islands, only Vila or Brisbane.

Vanuatu_New Caledonia_Solomon Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea
jahbless20:48 UTC13 Jul 2008	Hi All, We are doing a tour of South Pacific Islands by backpack and we're going to stay a week per in Vanuatu/New Caledonia and Solomon. VANUATU We'd like to find an island where Vanuatu culture enters in touch with coral reef beaches. We're very courious about Nambas tribe in Malekula or in general tribal way of life and costumes. We know also Pentecost jumpers and Espiritu Santo beautiful reef. Which are the easiest island that fullfill these requires to be reached from Port Vila (maybe also not by air)? Which is the best way to reach Malekula? And Espiritu Santo? NEW CALEDONIA Isla des Pins is fascinating us a lot. Can be reached via sea? Any suggestions of any other places to be in New Caledonia (maybe not too much turistic)? SOLOMON We know about beautiful treks in Guadalcanal surroundings. Then we'd like to go to Western Province. Is better Ghizo or Marovo Lagoon? Which is the best way to go to there? Any other places that really worth? Thanx Sabrina&Luca
Laszlo01:33 UTC14 Jul 2008	Traditional tribal cultures in Vanuatu (and elsewhere) tend to thrive away from coral reefs, in the mountainous interior. Having said that, I think Tanna and Santo are the most traditional islands, and of these, Santo has better reefs. The easiest way to reach the outer islands is flying, of course. But if you are keen, you can take a boat - note that most take up to 3 days to reasch Santo, and are extremely basic. In contrast, it is very easy and comfortable to reach the Isle of Pines by sea. Gizo itself is not really interesting - better just thought of as a base to explore the surrounding islands. Marovo Lagoon is huge, so your experience there would depend on which island in the laggon you choose to go to. Most tourists are happy holed up on a small resort island like Uepi, I personally prefer larger islands with more to do. Lots and lots of other places in the Solomons are worth going to - including Malaita and Rennel, which are also covered in the current LP guide.	1
ozziegiraffe14:01 UTC14 Jul 2008	What are your particular interests while in Solomon Islands? Diving? Snorkelling? Culture? Hiking or trekking? Diving is limited to where there are proper facilities, but the other 3 can be done in many places, provided you bring your own snorkelling gear. I suggest you look at Exploring Solomons and then give us some more information here. You cannot fly from New Caledonia to or from Solomon Islands, only Vila or Brisbane.	2

Vanuatu_New Caledonia_Solomon