Vanuatu information

Hello ,

I am planning my trip to Vanuatu on September/October and I would like to get some general information of the life cost over there ( guide for trekking , transportation by car ,bus , accommodation , restaurants , handicraft, …) .
And if somebody out of there has a good (and cheap) address for accommodation in Port-Vila .
General tips are welcome too .
Thanks a lot in advance .

Paulot

Do you plan to leave the city? How long will your trip be?

You will most likely only need 3-4 days in Port Vila (Sundays are lifeless unless you plan that for an all day beach outing). There is good trekking in North Efate- you can go to an island called Nguna and hike, snorkel and sleep over. If you leave the island plan on spending AUD$400 to fly.People go to Tanna and Santo. Other islands are less touristed and also have fewer accommodations. Taking the ships is really local travel and long and unreliable. Travel by bus within the city is 100 vatu (about 1AUD) to anywhere in the city. Twice that for further destinations like the waterfalls and Hideaway Island. You just tell the bus driver where you want to go and he goes. Places to stay- low end-Room with a View, middle- FatuMaru it's on the water, or Hideaway or Melanesian. Restaurants are all different and good enough. The Viet Restaurant in town is good and good value. Plan on spending AUD$16 on simple meals. Chill is also good and the Japanese Restaurant is tasty. 2 small fast food joints here. Numba Wan cafe is a great spot to have a beer and watch the sunset. Movies on Wed and Sun.

Check out some websites and maybe the LP guide. It is a small place really.

Thanks Mika
My trip is around one month and I will focus on different islands like Gaua , Ambrynn , Tanna , Ambae... but not necessary all of them , depending on time and feeling on the spot ; I will stay the minimum in Port-Vila .
Do you possibly know a good adress for accomodation in Port-Vila ?

Check out www.spto.org/spto/export/sites/spto/Where to Stay/vanuatu/ - It has links to many of the websites for the accommodation listed. Internal flights are often full so it would be advisable to book them early. I could also recommend Melanesian Tours if you don't want to do all the work yourself.

Hi Paulot,
I would recommend Room With A View costing 3500 vatu per night including brekky. Contact Justine Lee on 678 23703 or 678 51327 or by email on roomvw@yahoo.com.au She also does free transfers to the airport which will save you 1000 vatu each way.
There are cheaper hostels behind it apparently but this one has a great view of the harbour and several streets in front where there is always action going on.
Also you could check out the hotels-vanuatu site by John and Silvana Nicholls. They also list some accom on other islands such as Epi, Malekula and Santo.
Here's a tip, discuss and maybe pay the price before you get in the bus/taxi.
Happy travels
Jo

Thanks to Newfie and Jo

Paulot

Definitely recommend Room with a View. 4000 Vatu per night for a single room with decent breakfast and free transfers.