Lonely Planet Vanuatu & New Caledonia is your passport to all the most relevant and up-to-date advice on what to see, what to skip, and what hidden discoveries await you.Experience true island-paradise on the black-sand beaches of Vanuatu, go to a kava bar with the locals, or have an underwater adventure in the world's largest … If you’re not feeling that adventurous, Malekula has some excellent offshore islands where you’ll probably be the only guest, and you can spend lazy days on the beach or snorkelling in marine reserves. Locals relax here, too, especially on the petanque courts next to the beach. What you can't tell from a map,…, At the western edge of the ‘Pacific Rim of Fire’ Vanuatu is a land of rumbling active volcanoes, 80-plus lush islands, fringed with deserted beaches, and…. Walk around the Renzo Piano–designed building to discover the agricultural and traditional history of the Kanaks, and venture within for beautiful art and sculptures depicting or originating from New Caledonia. Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher Lonely Planet Vanuatu & New Caledonia is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Lonely Planet Vanuatu (Lonely Planet Vanuatu & New Caledonia) [Harcombe, David, O'Byrne, Denis] on Amazon.com. There are few destinations that offer as much diversity, both scenically and culturally, as the archipelago of 83 islands that form Vanuatu, named the Planet’s Happiest Country. One of the happiest places on Earth sits in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The beach is great for swimming, while the strip of restaurants, bars and nightclubs along the main road could well pull you in from breakfast until the wee hours. In both countries, look out for ancient pottery and elaborate, intricate masks and costumes. An alternative entry point is Valesdir in the southwest. Apart from the outlook across the channel to Aore island it's not a particularly attractive town, but with a good range of accommodation, some cool cafes and kava bars, plenty of dive and tour operators and a cheerful market, it's a fun place to hang out or base yourself for trips around Santo. Deserted beaches, ancient culture, remote and rugged islands and world-class diving are just a small part of the magnetism of this scattered 80-plus island archipelago. Looking for more extensive coverage? Peering down into the rumbling, exploding lava storm of Mt Yasur is a sight you won't soon forget. Lonely Planet Vanuatu & New Caledonia (Travel Guide) eBook: Planet, Lonely, Harding, Paul, McLachlan, Craig: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store © 2021 Lonely Planet. All rights reserved. The history of Vanuatu begins obscurely. Lonely Planet Vanuatu & New Caledonia (Multi Country Guide) $15.99 In Stock. You won’t be able to put it down. Great snorkelling and diving is a given almost anywhere you choose to lay your towel and true island-paradise experiences are possible either in, or just a short ferry ride from, the capitals of Port Vila and Noumea. From rustic abodes with their own deserted beaches, to glamorous resorts taking up entire atolls, island life is life in Vanuatu and New Caledonia. Together with this sample itinerary, the LP helps in the pre-planning stage and is a super handy companion once you hit the ground (not to mention it makes for a great souvenir when you return back home from your trip to paradise). Set around pretty Vila Bay and a series of lagoons, beaches and offshore islands, Port Vila is a surprisingly compact but energetic town. Trendy Baie des Citrons attracts locals and visitors alike. The ‘road’ crosses Mt Yasur’s remarkable ash plain on its way to Port Resolution. The far south is adventure central – it’s here you’ll find accommodation literally hanging from trees (yep, rock yourself to sleep in a suspended canvas cocoon). The south is the home of the naghol (April to June). Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher. Away from Yasur, Tanna island is an extraordinary place, with primitive villages, white- and black-sand beaches, rustic island bungalows and Vanuatu’s most potent kava. Lenakel is the main town with a market, port, several shops and a hospital, and it’s near here that Tanna’s more upmarket accommodation is located. At the highest level, a man has the powerful characteristics of a hawk, and a hawk dance is performed by a spirit man. What little is known of the pre-European contact history of Vanuatu has been gleaned from oral histories and legends. Vanuatu’s capital is the buzzing heart of the archipelago. Want to experience outer island life but with a healthy dose of comfort and plenty of adventure? Vanuatu’s islands each have their own distinct dances and sculptures, and kastom (traditional) villages are still vibrant and easy to find. The guided climb up these twin volcanoes is reasonably demanding and the view is often obscured by low cloud and volcanic smoke and ash. Finish your trek with a soak in one of the many hot springs that mix with seawater in secluded bays around the island. Lonely Planet Vanuatu (Lonely Planet Vanuatu & … Staring down into the cauldron of Mt Yasur as the magma boils, spits and periodically explodes is a surreal – some say scary – experience. Listen out for traditional flute and tamtam (slit drum) playing, and for vibrant voices emanating from church choirs or popular reggae-infused festivals. Vanuatu is a Pacific island adventure far beyond any notions of cruise-ship ports and flashy resorts. Pentecost is famously home to the naghol (land diving), the most remarkable custom in all of Melanesia, where men make spectacular leaps of courage from high towers as a gift to the gods to ensure a bountiful yam harvest. There's plenty of fun to be had, from snorkelling at La Piscine Naturelle and Baie de Kanuméra, to exploring Queen Hortense's cave, taking part in a pirogue excursion or heading out on a day trip to spectacular Nokanhui Atoll. Big Nambas men wind large purple pandanus fibres around their penis, securing the loose ends in a thick bark belt and leaving the testicles exposed. Big Nambas' erpnavet (grade-taking) ceremonies are preceded by lengthy rehearsals. Deserted beaches, ... ©Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd J FD M A M J J A S O N Port Vila °C/°F Temp Rainfall inches/mm 10/50 20/68 30/86 40/104 0 4/100 8/200 12/300 16/400 20/500. Choose between Vanuatu’s black-sand beaches and volcanic islands dotted with blue holes, or New Caledonia’s white-sand beauties, and get to know both countries’ vibrant cultures. Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher. Australia & Pacific travel guides. They kept a stone fireplace where unwelcome outsiders were ritually cooked and eaten. Ambae is actually Vanuatu’s largest volcano, Manaro. The commonly held theory of Vanuatu's prehistory from archaeological evidence supports that peoples speaking Austronesian languages first came to the islands some 3,300 years ago. Vanuatu is an island adventure far beyond any notions of cruise-ship ports and flashy resorts. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Lonely Planet Vanuatu (Lonely Planet Vanuatu & New Caledonia) at Amazon.com. There are many tours up to see the old man, and although you can walk up without a guide (around 45 minutes from the entrance), or join a vehicle going up, it's still best to go with a guide. Some say this is far removed from the ‘real’ Vanuatu, but what it lacks in island culture, Port Vila more than makes up for with good food, luxury resorts, adventure activities, markets and ease of transport. Some say this is far removed from the ‘real’ Vanuatu, but what it lacks in island culture, Port Vila more than makes up for with good food, luxury resorts, adventure activities, markets and ease of transport. There are several levels to dive from, with the youngest boys (and the occasional tourist) often leaping from the lowest rung. Buy LONELY PLANET: VANUATU & NEW CALEDONIA (8TH ED. The Ouvéa lagoon was one of six marine areas in New Caledonia to be listed as a Unesco World Heritage site. Stay a while to get to know Pentecost and its people a little better. But on a clear day the reward for your climb will be peering into an active crater and seeing the red-hot magma boiling below like a satanic pot of tomato soup. A 40-minute flight from Port Vila, Epi is an agreeably rugged and remote-feeling island where days can be spent snorkelling in search of dugongs or sampling ni-Van village life. London Street Art. With only 32 beds, there's a feel of exclusivity but also a welcoming, down-to-earth family vibe. North of Hienghène is the wildest and most stunning stretch of Grande Terre's coastline. Sound unreal? The romantic resort on Oyster Island consists of a scattering of individual traditional-style bungalows (the best are waterfront) and supremely comfortable units. Join the convoy of 4WDs from Tanna’s west-coast resorts to watch the sparks and lava fly as the sun sets. New Caledonia, home to the world’s largest lagoon, has plenty of fishy action for underwater adventurers. Visit the intriguing Big Nambas and Small Nambas tribes, burial sites of chiefs or trek with a local guide deep into the highlands of the Dog’s Head. Each year the stages are selected, towers painstakingly built from local timbers and the vines carefully chosen. This is bungee jumping Vanuatu style – and it’s what started the bungee phenomenon worldwide. Shaped like a sitting dog, Malekula has two highland areas connected by ‘the dog’s neck’. The volcano and most of the island's basic bungalow accommodation is about 30km southeast on the rugged cross-island road via a central fertile, dense forest, aptly called Middlebush. ):9781786572202 City Guides English Books available at Asiabooks.com with special promotions. The lovely 4500 hectare Park of the Great Ferns, in the mountains near La Foa in central Grande Terre, features tropical rainforest with rich and varied flora and fauna. The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Vanuatu & New Caledonia, our most comprehensive guide to Vanuatu and New Caledonia, is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less travelled. The great journey kicks off in Lonely Planet’s home - London, where Oil leaves his mark learning about the legendary street art scene. Episode 169 from Season 1. Shop Lonely Planet US for a great selection including Travel Advice & Inspiration, Guide Books, Language Guides, and Lonely Planet Kids Vanuatu’s capital is the buzzing heart of the archipelago. Luganville is Vanuatu’s 'second city', with a long, languid main road running parallel to the waterfront. It also has turtle- and shark-spotting locations. Deserted beaches, ancient culture, remote and rugged islands and world-class diving are just a small part of the magnetism of this scattered 80-plus island archipelago. You will be struck by its tropical playgrounds featuring deserted beaches, lush dense forests, pristine waterfalls, rumbling volcanoes, and traditional villages. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Read reviews from world’s largest community for readers. Look out over an exquisite turquoise lagoon that stretches as far as you can see. Pour son anniversaire le 17 mai, Montréal a un grand souhait : de vous revoir bientôt. One of Vanuatu’s wildest islands, Malekula abounds with stories of tribal warfare and cannibalism. Premium. Lamen Bay in the north is the main destination, from where you can head across by boat to Lamen Island (about 1km west) to spot turtles and lots of marine life in the fringing reef. As the name suggests, tree ferns are in abundance, and most examples of New Caledonia's native birdlife can be spotted. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Go on a moonlit kayak through a forest of drowned kauri trees at the 80-sq-km Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue then head to the former convict settlement of Prony. If you're driving, park the vehicle well back from the beach to avoid the extra charge. Smoking Ambrym is famous for its twin active volcanoes: reasonably fit hikers can traverse the island in several directions via the calderas of Mt Marum and Mt Benbow, camping at the base. Maré is an island of pretty beaches, hidden grottos, lovely walks and startling cliffs (complete with legends). Ambrym is also known for its tamtams (which in these parts are tall, elaborately carved slit drums valued by collectors worldwide), mysterious black-magic legends and black-sand-thumping Rom dances – a cultural trifecta. Apart from the fuming, furious Mt Yasur, the landscape features undisturbed rainforests, coffee plantations, mountains, hot springs, blue holes and waterfalls, with some areas formed into marine and wildlife sanctuaries by local chiefs. If you visit only one island outside of Efate, this should be it. Experienced dive operators will take you out, then swap stories at a local bar or restaurant. Just around the corner, Anse Vata is a hotspot for visitors to Noumea, who come for hotels, restaurants, shopping and other attractions. Why Tanna Island in Vanuatu should be your next big adventure, Why it's never been a better time to visit Vanuatu​. Known as Kunié to the Melanesians, Île des Pins (Isle of Pines) is a tranquil paradise of turquoise bays, white-sand beaches and tropical vegetation 110km southeast of Noumea. Start your web explorations at the website of Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet countries. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Think 25km of perfect white beach backed with grass, tropical flowers and thick forest inhabited by the protected Ouvéa green parrot. It’s rich in carvings, music and poetry, which come together in a crash of colour and sound at regular cultural events. Add spark to your trip by staying in a treehouse bungalow nearby and falling asleep to the rumbles of grumbling Yasur. It’s intense and, yes, occasionally dangerous. They had such an awesome warlike reputation that no foreigner dared venture into their territory. They’re keen to share their unique culture, whether that’s by inviting you down to the local kava bar or organising a local guide so you don’t miss a thing. Lonely Planet Vanuatu & New Caledonia is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. An impromptu souvenir market sets up when cruise ships are in. Lonely Planet will get you to the heart of Vanuatu & New Caledonia, with amazing travel experiences and the best planning advice. Getting to the lakes requires a long walk (some four to five hours) through forest from the north; a local guide will cut a path for you and show you the way. Lonely Planet Vanuatu & New Caledonia is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you.Stare into the volcanic cauldron of Vanuatu's Mt Yasur; eat snails by turquoise coves on New Caledonia's Ile des Pins; or discover traditional tribal culture, In the Far South, the Maskelyne islands are just such a place. The island is known for its seafood and delectable Île des Pins snails. Vila is a place for comfort over culture, beach bars over basic bungalows – and that's reason enough to stay a while. Scuba diving and snorkelling are major attractions. Despite their close proximity to each other, the three Loyalty Islands are distinctively different; long Ouvéa is the perfect island for adventurers who love a casual day trip (think snorkelling before a barbecue lunch on an uninhabited island). Cosmopolitan Noumea has gorgeous beaches 10-minutes' drive from the city centre. You'll discover the captivating three-car ferry across the Ouaïème River, roadside stalls selling fruit and carvings, lots of one-lane bridges, and dogs and chickens wandering out onto the road. The active volcano is so accessible that 4WD vehicles can get to within 150m of the crater rim. Lifou offers scuba diving, snorkelling, picturesque bays, cliff-top accommodation and plays host to the occasional visiting cruise ship. Small Nambas men wear one leaf of dried fibre wound around the penis and tucked into a bark belt. New Caledonia’s mix of cultures is also intriguing; central Grande Terre is friendly cowboy country, while the other islands have stronger indigenous connections. Our guides to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific islands range from in-depth Country and Regional guides to Pockets for short city … This comprehensive guide to Vanuatu is packed with advice for travellers on all budgets. Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher. It's a little rough around the edges, with a few traffic-clogged main streets offering up a supply of souvenirs, markets, and waterfront restaurants and cafes with some lingering French influences. The men cover themselves in charcoal and coconut oil, tie nut rattles around their ankles and wear feathers in their hair. The Tjibaou Cultural Centre is an unexpected sight on the watery outskirts of Noumea; each of its dark timber fingers climbs higher than the next, reaching up to Noumea’s sky. Vanuatu … Vanuatu is a Pacific island adventure far beyond any notions of cruise-ship ports and flashy resorts. There’s also drift diving off Ouvéa and gardens and caves perfect for experienced divers off Île des Pins. Ouvéa may leave you shaking your head in wonder. Microlight flights also take in the magnificent lagoon, let you look right into a 'blue hole', and fly low enough for you to spot stingrays, turtles and sharks. Lonely Planet Vanuatu & New Caledonia is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. This is the liveliest town in Vanuatu, with a mind-boggling array of tours and adventure activities, some excellent restaurants, bars, supermarkets, banks and markets. Hire a car or quad-bike and tour Efate on the sealed Ring Road. With its luxury-liner wreck and expansive underwater American dumping ground from WWII, scuba divers (and snorkellers) love Vanuatu’s Santo. Tanna is an extraordinary place with the world's most accessible active volcano, sublime secluded beaches and some of Vanuatu's most intriguing traditional village life. Vanuatu’s ni-Van can out-smile even the happiest traveller. The wreck of the ocean liner USS President Coolidge is the world’s most accessible, while Million Dollar Point is a real eye-opener. Vanuatu is a Pacific island adventure far beyond any notions of cruise-ship ports and flashy resorts. You can even ‘ashboard’ down the side of the crater, if you choose. It's best seen from the air. Select from the entire Lonely Planet catalogue No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. As home to the world's most accessible live volcano, the tiny island of Tanna in Vanuatu's south is the ideal place to plan an adventure. The bigger resorts make a diver’s life easy by running their own dive schools. Buy Lonely Planet Vanuatu travel guidebooks direct from Lonely Planet. The fact that it is only a five-minute walk to get here makes it all the more amazing: welcome to the world’s most accessible active volcano. Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher. Pottery fragments have been found dating back to 1300 BC. A number of well signposted hiking tracks range from 45 minutes to six hours, plus there are trails for mountain-bike enthusiasts. Set around a pretty harbour and two lagoons, Vila has beach bars, movie nights and every conceivable activity above and below water. Kastom is important in traditional villages, where all natural phenomena have a fourth dimension of spirituality and mystique, while strange cargo cults (John Frum and Prince Philip, in particular) still hold sway in some villages. This is where Captain Cook landed and gave New Caledonia its name, and where the French took possession in 1853. The area around Balade is a fascinating historical hotspot. Most of the population lives along the west coast, which has a high rainfall, attributed to local rainmakers. Then, during the naghol (land diving) season (April until June), the jumping begins. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Pentecost is a long, thin island with a rugged interior, where truck travel can be painfully slow. A rocky beach extends 12km from just before Lonorore airfield south to Ranputor. Check out Lonely Planet South Pacific for a comprehensive look at all the region has to offer. Tropical weather, sandy beaches and turquoise waters await you. At the western edge of the ‘Pacific Rim of Fire’ Vanuatu is a land of rumbling active volcanoes, 80-plus lush islands, fringed with deserted beaches, and…. This mangove swamp north of Koné on Grande Terre has developed some unusual natural designs. There’s magic going on throughout Vanuatu’s volcanic islands and Tanna is a hotspot, literally. I want emails from Lonely Planet with travel and product information, promotions, advertisements, third-party offers, and surveys. Lake Vui has experienced interesting activity in recent decades, including wild colour changes (from blue to red to blue again) and the emergence of a cone from its centre. Along with this 10 days in Vanuatu sample itinerary, I highly recommend carrying a Lonely Planet Guide to Vanuatu. Lonely Planet Vanuatu book. The Lady and the President by Peter Stone has great photos of USS Pres-ident Coolidge (luxury liner, troopship carrier, diveable wreck), which . The uplands are extremely rugged and inhospitable, rising to over 800m and criss-crossed by narrow valleys. The South Pacific confounds even the savviest map buffs with its splatter of dots spread across the world's biggest ocean. However, instead of a smoking caldera, it’s topped with three crater lakes which change dramatically depending on Manaro’s level of activity. The most intriguing is a perfect heart shape, La Cœur de Voh, which features on the cover of Earth from Above, a book of aerial photography by renowned photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand. Join in on the mammoth food-preparation efforts to understand more about local life. Their semi-kastom communities are built around tamtam, ready to beat a rhythm, and a dance area. I want emails from Lonely Planet with travel and product information, promotions, advertisements, third-party offers, and surveys. © 2021 Lonely Planet. An array of traditional houses sits on the peninsula, providing a sample of what you’ll see and perhaps stay in while travelling around New Caledonia’s islands.