Vanuatu is just an awesome place to visit. Only having 3 days thanks to Elena getting a travel agent’s deal we just were getting a small taste of what this tropical Island just 2.5 Hours from Brisbane has to offer.
After grabbing a Quad Bike we had set off in an anticlockwise direction from the Islands Capital of Port Vila. After a little excursion down a dirt road Elena really wanted to give riding a Quad a go. These things are so easy to ride and feeling the wind in your face you can throw caution to the wind. But I must warn you, don’t take too much speed into corners. Quads are known to tip over not just these ones, any quad will do this. Ride with care and respect. Elena was having a blast and didn’t want to give it back!
The Blue Lagoon is one of the Island of Efate’s most popular attractions is just 45 minutes from Port Vila and is well worth the drive. Arriving at midday we found a that others had planned like us and were picnicking along side the small lagoon. The more adventurous were swinging via the rope hung in the trees that give the place good shade. The entry fee was only 500VT ($6.00AUD) which seemed reasonable for such a tranquil spot.
We knew we couldn’t stay too long as we wanted to round the Island in one day and we still had a long way to go. If we had planned a little better we might have planned this journey as a two day trek and stayed a night somewhere on the northern side of the Island but with nothing planned we set off.
As we passed Quoin Hill we skipped the hot springs as we were already hot on the bike. The little Quad puts out a lot of heat off the engine and as a rider your legs are going to get warm. There is a disused Airfield around this area too, left here by the American’s during the second world war.
As you head around this side of the island there are two lagoons within a couple of kilometres that the locals have turned into natural aquariums. There is a small charge to enter, but if you have the time we have been told that there are well worth the stop. Time, if we only knew and planned a little better.
Across the top of the island the sea started to change, no more wind blowing from the west and the waters became calm. The view to Pele & Nuyna Islands is breathtaking.
Passing through the villages one by one on the Quad was exhilarating, all the local children would wave and almost make you feel that you belong to the community. As we stopped by a small waterfall we talked of the wish to have more time and to be able to spend time with the villagers to really get a taste of what true island village life was like. Here in Vanuatu culture and heritage is around every corner.
Finding a small waterfall on a creek we stopped to take a few snaps. From down stream a local guy waved, being friendly we waved back. Elena noted a small canoe. A sign further back along the road that Elena spied said boat ride 300VT ($3.60AU) but we declined and started up the hill toward the western side of the island.
This is the side of the island that most tourists who have a few spare moments come to see. Knowing that we were running out of day we decided that we would return here tomorrow and explore the harbour and south west of Efate.
Hi Elena..yeah, we’re arriving during the day so we’ll use the buses ; )
Not heading out to Santo at this stage – thankyou anyway….just sooo looking forward to our time their – love how you described going into the more remote villages and the little ones all coming out to say ‘hi’
A friend of mine suggested I go to a ‘cheap’ shop and stock up on glittery stickers/mini bottles of blow bubbles/colorful note pads & pencils/crayons to give to.the kids…will let you know how that goes!
Hi Ryan, wow that’s great that you’re thinking of the kids in this way. We want more people like you guys in the world. The buses are interesting and a cheap way to get around town. Hey make sure you check out Cascades Waterfalls – wear good reef shoes for climbing up it though. Where are you off to after Vanuatu? If you’re in Brisbane Australia look us up. 🙂
Have enjoyed reading your stories on your adventures on the quad bikes – we’re heading over for our first trip next week and have already booked through Stephane at on wheels! Yay! Do they supply a map of sorts?
Another quick q, (seeing as though youve been there so recently) buses from the airport – am reading heaps of conflicting info. Can we catch a bus from the airport into town? Or is there only taxis (trying to save a buck or two where we can!) And…how far down can the bus take us….we’re staying down pango road way)
Just so much info “no …. only taxi from airport” “yeah…bus, easy!” Haha
would love a reply! And thanks again for the heads up on On Wheels x
Hey Guys, thanks for the comment, the so called bus is literally a van. Any van around town with a “B” in front of the registration plate is a Bus. The cost is about 1200VT from memory to town and maybe a little more to Pango Rd. The best advice is to take a taxi if you arrive at night as it’s faster and a little safer as there has been a few incidents around the village on Pango Rd. Generally the locals will leave the tourists alone. But talking to the manager of the place we stayed in Eluk the young men had a go at a tourist recently. Don’t let this put you off the place, as these types of things happen everywhere in the world. It’s just that on a small Island, this information is big news and doesn’t happen often. You’ll discover that the locals are genuine and friendly 🙂
On Wheels is excellent and the Quads are a real highlight around town. Be sure you go around the island (you’ll need a full day to enjoy it). They can supply a map and Stephine will show you where to go and see.. Hope you really enjoy your time on Efate.
We are totally in love with the place and if you have the time go to Santo (we can hook you up with a few people we know there 🙂