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"Port Vila Vanuatu - Happiest Place on Earth."
A survey conducted by the United Kingdom - based New Economics Foundation declared in July 2006 that “Vanuatu is the happiest place on earth”, according to their ‘Happy Planet Index’.
Within hours of arriving on Vanuatu’s sunny shores, you will understand completely why this island archipelago was judged the “Happiest place on earth” and is a favourite holiday destination for singles, couples and families.
Not only are the local Ni-Vanuatu people friendlier, but within days you will find yourself leaving your worries behind and making friends with strangers. In fact, you can visit Vanuatu and not return for a year, and be greeted like old friends upon your return.
The capital city Port Vila is located 10 minutes from one of Vanuatu's two international airports, is set around a magnificent natural harbour offering stunning views of Iririki and Ifira islands, and a lookout all the way to Malapoa Point.
Pretty, clean, uncluttered, with a newly opened Feiyawa seafront walkway and parkland, Port Vila is a signatory attraction in the region and is fast becoming known as the gourmet capital of the South Pacific.
The potpourri of expatriate cultures is reflected in food styles served in over forty restaurants and cafes. You can buy an Aussie meat pie or American chilli dog, sip cappuccino in one of the many outdoor cafés or purchase paté or salads from a French patisserie in a supermarket to fill your picnic hamper.
Nightlife in Vila has blossomed steadily. The atmosphere is fun and laid back, and is catered, for all ages, by resort hotels, nightclubs, pubs, several casinos and more. You can stroll along the waterfront, or darkened back streets late at night and feel safe. Passing locals are likely to wish you a soft 'goodnight', or perhaps strike up a friendly conversation.
Shopping is fun, easy going, and hassle-free! There's no such thing as a hard sell or pushy salesman. Prices are fixed and bargaining or tipping is not a part of the friendly lifestyle.
Set around pretty Vila Bay and a series of lagoons, beaches and offshore islands, Port Vila is a surprisingly compact but energetic town. 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. Beneath this veneer is an odd mix of holidaymakers, cruise ship day trippers, expats and yachties, along with ni-Van drawn from all over the archipelago.
In this nation of tiny islands and indigenous villages, Port Vila is the exception: a bustling port town with hotels, restaurants and markets to delight visitors and cruise ship passengers. The 150-foot-high Mele Cascades waterfall is the ideal place to refresh yourself in the South Pacific heat. For a glimpse of real Vanuatu culture and traditions, travelers say a trip to Ekasup Village is a must.
Getting to Vanuatu
Located west of Fiji and only 1 hour 30minutes flight, Vanuatu is not more than 2-3 hours by plane from anywhere in the south Pacific such as from neighbouring Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, and the Solomon Islands. Because of the proximity, getting to Vanuatu is easy with direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Noumea, Honiara, and Nadi by various international airlines (below airline listing) including our very own national carrier.
