Tag Archives: Port Vila

Port Vila to Tanna Island, Vanuatu – Part Two

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At Mangoes Resort it’s not just the excellent bar staff who will keep you happy with cocktails, it’s the fabulous food and ambience of an adults-only property as it’s child free.

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Pool view at Mangoes Resort.

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Garden View Bungalow, spacious with a kitchenette which is handy when you simply wish to stay in.

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Coconut Palms Resort has a variety of apartments for different budgets. The Palm Deluxe Apartments here are spacious and top of the range. Single rooms are available as well and the property is only a few minutes walk to the main shopping areas.

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Now back at Port Vila Bauerfield Airport where I’m making my way to Tanna Island with Air Vanuatu as it’s only a 35 minute flight. Air Vanuatu has Air Passes available for island hopping which can be much cheaper than purchasing separate air fares. Be mindful for each and every domestic departure there is a fee of 200 Vatu (approximately A$2.50 per person) regardless if you are only transiting through to the next island. This must be paid at a counter for collection after you’ve checked in.

The domestic and international airports are located adjacent to each other. Transfers are available with companies such as Atmosphere and Adventures in Paradise to your hotel and offer a variety day tours.

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Flying into Tanna Island and trust me the plane is full. Book early is my advice.

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Air Taxi is available too, especially if you need an urgent flight around the islands of Vanuatu.

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Called into the local garage for a top of fuel.

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Arriving at Tanna Lodge Resort after about 20 – 30 minute pick up and transfer from White Grass airport.

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Comprising of 12 individual handcrafted bungalows, all featuring cathedral ceilings, thatched roofs, large spacious interiors, tiled floor and ceiling fans.

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This one has an outdoor garden shower which I personally love.

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Simply enjoying the view and peaceful nature of the area. From the beach, you can visit dolphins, also turtles and whales can be seen, or coconut crabs being Tanna’s non venomous reptiles they can be observed by walking into the Lodge’s own protected rainforest and caves.

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This guy was a local and whilst he’s swimming, I’m just going to watch him … Nice view ‘eh!

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Every single day whilst in Vanuatu, I saw a rainbow without fail.

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Local children playing and having a bit of fun. Bit shy at times but very cute.

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Met lovely Kerrie and Mike from Victoria along the way and it almost seems they were taking new vows.

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Time to leave my beaut Bungalow and meet the owners.

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Delightful Stella (sitting) – laughing at us having a bit of fun. Lisa is a pilot with Air Taxis and her colleagues are giving us a rendition of what it’s like flying small aircraft. Glad we’re not going anywhere right now …

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Some serious shopping next day at the local market which is a good 20 minute walk from the Lodge.

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Don’t let those carrots ‘walk on by’. Fresh as …

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This Tree House stayed put during Cyclone Pam considering Tanna Island was hard hit by it.

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Equivalent to a grocery store with many goods sold in bulk.

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Ned grabbing an ice cream from a local shop, now we’re going to chat about our afternoon’s trip heading off to Mount Yasur. Tanna Lodge also offers tours to the volcano which is handy if you’re already a guest staying at the there.

Stay tuned – Part Three Mount Yasur

Vanuatu “Open for Business”. Port Vila – Part One

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Vanuatu – open for business.

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Air Vanuatu operate several services a week from Sydney with once a week services from Brisbane and Melbourne. They code share with Qantas Airways on these routes.

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Less than four hours flying time you’re almost there. Great for anyone wanting an overseas holiday without having to travel long distances.

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Says it all …

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After arriving in Port Vila it’s interesting to walk around the township and see how the locals are coping after Cyclone Pam. However, it’s warming to see people are still smiling and the artwork depicts a resilient, strong culture who refuse to be flattened.
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The damage has been done, but now everyone’s pulling together, they’ve cleaned up much of the debris and wanting to move on.

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The local central school was spared more damage as this uprooted tree was pushed over during the cyclone and missed the main buildings.

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Moorings Hotel is located close to the main shopping areas with a brisk ten-minute walk along the foreshore. The bar’s roof was damaged during the cyclone, but that didn’t stop us drinking from under it!

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Fresh peanuts from the markets along with a Tusker beer is a fab way to relax.

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Walking down to the markets and some teenagers waved to me after their photo was taken.

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Lawn bowls not! Played on dirt this will test anyone’s skills, even those who’ve been doing it like this for years.

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At the markets I met Miriam who heads up a consortium for those who wish to set up their little eateries – giving them guidance and assistance if need.
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She cooks up a dish to your liking. As usual I asked for spicy …

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You can’t miss the markets as this is the centre of attention for anything worth eating.
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Vanuatu’s national dish is a root vegetable cake called ‘laplap’. It is made from manioc (cassava) grated or shaved into a banana leaf with wild local cabbage and coconut, wrapped into a flat parcel and cooked underground. Generally has a chicken piece laid on the top.
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Hmmm, Kava here is bigger and better than anywhere else in the South West Pacific I’m told. I’ll try it later…

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Just outside the markets there’s a fantastic view of Iririki Resort which will be operating again early December, 2015.

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If you see me walking down the street, see if you can put me in the picture?

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At the end of the day, enjoying a fantastic sunset view at Moorings hotel. Very happy to be back in Vanuatu after a few years absence.