Bali V’s Thailand V’s Pacific

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing a tropical getaway. There’s the family destination that is proudly promoted by Fiji and there’s the budget packages for Thailand, then there’s the closest place to Australia Bali a favorite with Aussies.

So here’s a personal view after visiting each destination more that once.

For Family and Weddings and a higher cost its Fiji, the downside for any traveler on a tight budget. This is also a concern for any pacific island wanting to promote tourism as they have to compete with these high costs compared to Bail and Thailand.

Because of high import costs countries such as Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia are always going to be priced out of the market by their Asian neighbors.

So how can developing tourism industries create a larger slice of the pie in the pacific? The answer is not in promoting artificial realities with huge resorts, it’s about creating a more boutique experience.

In Asia you can get a five star hotel for a fraction of the cost of an almost fifty-year-old resort on the coral coast of Fiji (trust me if you want names of hotels comment please)

Boutique Home Stays, bed and Breakfast and Eco-Resorts are commanding good returns and offer something that the larger Asian resorts can’t… Personally and an intimate relationship between the proprietor and guest, that individual flavor that makes you feel like they a really glad you stopped by their establishment and as a reward they’re going to show you their special slice of paradise.

It’s by giving those small touches that the pacific can hold onto it’s position against the powerful Bali/Thailand budget driven traveler.

In Espiritu Santo Vanuatu there are sever operators now who specialize in Eco Tourism as they recognize that they have a gem in the Pacific

Here’s my personal take from best to worst. Taken from my own experiences

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Beaches

1 Port Olry Espiritu Santo Vanuatu – the best beach in the world, it’s remote… we literally had the beach to ourselves for half a day! If you would like to visit this place and stay, let us know. We have our own home being built on this Island in 2017 (that how much we fell in love with Espiritu Santo)

2 Nai Thon Phuket – The cleanest ocean in Thailand, that’s the only way I can describe the crystal clear ocean at Nai Thon. Removed from the madding crowd of Patong, this place has a village atmosphere and shaded beach under the pine trees.

3 Anse Vata New Caledonia – Distinctively French and very friendly. Anse Vata is a beach where you can get your top of (as Elena did) and soak up the sun without all the “lookers”

4 Sanur Bali – If your’e looking for a sheltered beach in Bali for the family then Sanur is place is great. Although there are a lot of small fishing boats that anchor here (so watch out for anchor ropes)

5 Coral Coast Fiji – Disappointing, Trapped and stuck in a resort. Fiji knows how to create a family holiday. but it’s expensive. To really enjoy the beach we has to get away from the resort.

1 Phuket – This place will be etched into our memories forever as the most romantic holiday ever. We spent out 15th wedding in Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island is a must. It’s on place we plan to live for 6 months in the future.

2 Chiang Mai – Christmas in Chiang Mai was breathtaking as thousands of lanterns light the night sky. My beautiful wife bought me a 6 day motorbike hire and we toured the Mae Hong Son Loop. Chiang Mai has a special place in our hearts and we long to be back.

3 Port Vila – There’s something about Port Vila that hooked us and got us to return 4 times in 9 months. No other destination have we done this. The people are the friendliest on the planet.  

4 Espiritu Santo – Vanuatu is captivating and this is why we bought our new (still to be built) home here set in 2.5 acres of native bush with our own private beach. If you’re looking for peace and tranquility this is the place for you. Espiritu Santo will take your breath away

5 Ubud Bali – If you want to get away from the beaches and get a true feel of Bali then Ubud is the place. With Monkeys and craft stores bursting at the seams Ubud is an Idyllic location for the eclectic and vagabond traveler looking for a quiet getaway. Our advice – try a Homestay

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1 Thailand – Nowhere in the world is food so good and so cheap. From street food to beach side restaurants. Thailand has cuisine covered and we just can’t get enough of it. Next time we’re in Thailand we will be taking cooking classes.

2 Bali – There are two ways to discover Bali. Expensive resort meals or dig your toes into the sand and experience local cuisine in a shanty restaurant right on the beach. Meals and drinks for two – $15.00 AUD  If you make your way to Ubud our tip for dining Wayan Cafe

3 Vanuatu – Island food at its best. Port Vila Markets are must if you’re looking for produce, but if its dining in Vila you can’t beat our friends place La Tentation Mariya and Nathan have won many awards and are on P&O curises list of fine dining. If you come to Espiritu Santo visit our Friends Colin and Matilda at Lope Lope Lodge (4km from our place) Tip – Long island Tea’s on the deck looking over the bay

4 New Caledonia – French meets the pacific. Sure these’s Mc Donalds in town, but when you’re faced with restaurants serving crapes stuffed with ham and cheese for breakfast and the lunches with fresh seafood…. ohhh the French, I could kiss you!

5 Fiji – Food is a hard item to rate and to be fair Fiji was a resort and as we all know once in a resort the prices are higher than the local restaurants. However $6.50 a bottle at the resort on the Coral Coast was excessive.

Where you choose to spend your traveling dollar is a decision only you can make, but once you’re over the glitz and glam of the glitter strip, come and experience the world less traveled, get in touch with nature. Lament with locals, Stay in a home stay and explore the world through eco tourism