15 days on Vanuatu, Malekula, yes or no?

Starting from late September I’ll have 14,5 days on Vanuatu. I’ve read about all the different islands online as well as in the guidebook, and have browsed through lots of posts on here, but would still very much appreciate some of your educated opinions on the following questions…

As I’ll fly straight from Brisbane to Santo I’ll definitely spend a good amount of time there first before moving on to other islands. I also want to visit Tanna, and based on what I’ve read three full days seem to be a good amount of time to spend there. Flying from Vila out to Noumea, I also have in mind to take in Efate for a couple of days, but I’d like my main focus to be on other islands.

My main interests in visiting Vanuatu are:

-Traditional culture (as much as possible no “everybody get up and dance with us” tourist shows)
-Cargo cults
-Nature (Yasur, easy trekking)
-WWII artifacts (scuba diving USS Coolidge, Million Dollar Point etc)

1st question: Would you say it’s worth taking in Malekula for a few days as a stepping stone going from Santo to Efate and onwards to Tanna? I’m toying with the idea of flying from Santo to Norsup, later take the truck to Lamap, and then fly out to Vila from there. Someone commented on here that Malekula is not as “visually traditional” as parts of Tanna and Santo. In your opinion, is it worth sacrificing (m)any of the approximately 8 days on Santo I’d have if I decided against going to Malekula? If so, why?

2nd question: On Tanna, I think I’d best stay on the east side of the island due to the proximity of the volcano, and because I want to attend the Friday night Jon Frum gathering in the village. Am I missing out on anything significant by not staying on the western side of the island?

Since I’ll be travelling alone I’ll want to keep myself busy, so I don’t necessary want or need any “idle” days doing nothing. I like to be active.

Thanks a lot for your answers in advance!

I stayed on Malekula for a week in between travelling from Santo and Efate. I ended up taking a boat there (local style :P ) and jumped off. I was luckily enough to meet the chief of one of the villages and he took me into his village and put me in his family's rest/guest house. Everyone spoke French and Bislama (no English) - so maybe take that into consideration. I got the full culture visit - I cooked, ate and talked with the locals. They showed me (proudly) of their little island they take the cruise ship visitors on.

I'm not into diving so Santo wasn't really my thing. If you're just going to stay in the 'city' you may be disappointed - it's pretty run down and 2-3 days here is well enough.

I've also been to Tanna - stayed on the East side of the island only for 4 days. I stayed with John and Linda in the Tree Top Lodge - closest you can stay to the volcano. No hot water, electricity etc. (like all of the outer islands). I don't think I missed anything by staying here. I could walk to Port Resolution and go horse riding on the ash plain (amongst other things).

I've also been to Epi, Paama, Ambrym and Pentecost if you need any other info !

@sgardner: Thanks a lot for your reply! I have now already made arrangements for a visit of Malekula from Santo. I'll have around 5 days total on Santo first, then 4 days on Malekula, 4 days on Tanna, and finally a couple of days on Efate. I'll get on my way in less than three weeks and will post a trip report after my return!

Have a good trip - I miss the relaxed style of the Ni-Vans!

You've chosen well. When on Santo, try and get up to the end of the road on the East Coast. Fabulous beaches. Kustom owners recently opened basic Bure's on the beach. Other good accommodation is Turtle bay Resort (not expensive).

Thanks a lot for the hints! :)