Which Island most recommended

Hello,

I guess I have already asked this question but I would like to hear more reviews/opinions. My time to spend in Vanuati is 18 days which is really tight. I have read the Lonely Planet guide book and it seems to me that there are many interesting sites to visit in the archipelago. I am not sure either that transportation interconnecting the various islands is so negotiable and easy to use or catch up with.
Given my time frame, which islands would you recommend me not to miss ?
I am in favour of the more remote places and less touristic ones.
I want to see Tanna. What about Erromango ? Banks Islands ? Shepherd Islands ?
Is the schedule flights efficient enought to let me visit at least Tanna, Erromango,Epi, Ambrym, Pentecost, Ambae, Espiritu and Malekula ?

Thanks in advance.
Eli

Is the schedule flights efficient enought to let me visit at least Tanna, Erromango,Epi, Ambrym, Pentecost, Ambae, Espiritu and Malekula ?

Absolutely NOT!

I would not plan to visit more than 2-3 outer islands, plus Vila/Efate, in 18 days.

Thank you Laszlo. So which island would you recommend me providing I am fond of more remote places rather than touristic ones ?
I would also like to trek among villages and see rural life. What do you suggest ?

Santo and Ambrym.
Tanna is also great but is more touristy.

Did you also visit Malekula and Pentecost ?
How long have you been in Vanuatu ?

Laszlo, can you elaborate on Tanna being more touristy? What does it mean in reality? More souvenir shop? Full hotels?
I'll be in Vanuatu in the first half of August and trying to decide which islands to go. I'll be in Vanuatu for 16 full days (+ half a day on day 0 and day 17). My initial plan was to divide those 16 days into stay on 3 islands - Efate, Santo and Tanna, but I've heard Malekula is suppose to be really good as well and I'm wondering if I would be able to squeeze it in.
What are your thoughts? Is Malekula worth the visit?
Thanks for your help
Magda

# 5
It seems we are both Mad of Vanuatu.....

Describing Tanna as a touristy island probably creates an image that is not likely to be correct.

Close your eyes. Imagine ... rough dirt roads lined with mango and other forest trees, the occasional clearing with a school or a house or a sign for a bakery. The forest opens out. The road is still dusty. Your pickup fords a stream. As you gain the top of the bank you see a glimpse of the harbour. Beautiful. However you seen that there are only I or 2 places that could be called shops and they are both closed. This is the captial of Tanna.

PS you might also find it hard to find a "hotel"

#7
I try to get impressions from the very few people who answer my posts.
Just out of curiosity, how long have you been in Vanuatu ?
Providing I have only 18 full days to spend in the archipelago, which islands should I give priority ?
Again, I am fond of the more remote and less touristic. I guess Tanna is a must see because of the Volcano.
What would you do in case you have my time frame ?

Thanks
Eli

Indeed, the "touristyness" of Tanna is VERY relative.
It is definitely NOT full of hotels (has maybe a dozen small guesthouses or bungalow resorts) and souvenir shops, but it is the most popular island for day or overnight trips with well-heeled short-term holidaymakers from Vila, and as such is the outer island where one is more likely to encounter overcharging for transport or high entrance fees to the most popular attractions.
Now, if one does make a little effort and spends a bit more time to visit places "off the tourist track", Tanna can still be possibly the most fascinating island in the country culturally, and every bit as friendly as any other.

I have not been to Malekula.
I'd love to go, but as I understand it is not as visually "traditional" as parts of Tanna, Santo or Pentecost, eg traditional dress is only worn there for special occassions. That would make it similar to Ambrym, but without the volcanoes.
So when I had to pick my priorities it slipped (only just!) off my list.
Especially as I had already seen some truly amazing traditional masked dance performances from Malekula during a cultural festival on Ambrym anyway! :-)

I lived on Pentecost for 6 months - central Pentecost has the most amazing snorkelling (beats Ambrym, Malakula, Efate and Santos)!
Malekula was good - although if you can't speak French or bislama you may find it an interesting experience!
I sailed from Pentecost to Efate for a week - a most amazing experience - saw many different islands, fish etc., - definately the best way to see the islands!
Wherever you go you'll find people are really friendly - each island offers it's own little bit of Vanuatu culture. If you are after the off the beaten track experience stay out of the 'cities' - Vila and Santos, and even the bigger ones on Malekula. Only then do you find the true ni-Van friendliness!