By June Ramli
Recently, I embarked on a spontaneous journey to explore the beautiful island of Efate in Vanuatu. Thanks to discounted flight tickets from Virgin, I found myself immersed in the wonders of the South Pacific.
Today, I invite you to join me as I recount a day-long tour of Efate, made possible by the Vanuatu Tourism Office.
The day began bright and early at 9:30 am, when my friendly chauffeur, Roger Roy, picked me up from my hotel. Our first destination was the enchanting Pepeyo Cultural Village, where I delved into the fascinating way of life and rich culture of the Vanuatuans.
From traditional medicinal leaves to witnessing the astonishing fire-walking by an elderly man, it was an immersive experience.
Pepeyo Village served as a fantastic pit stop on the way to the renowned Blue Lagoon.
Upon concluding our tour at Pepeyo Village, Roger drove me to the awe-inspiring Blue Lagoon.
This stunning waterhole left me mesmerized with its crystal-clear waters.
A small entrance fee of AUD20 for adults and AUD5 for children granted access to this natural wonder. Although the majority of visitors were Australians, I was captivated by the tranquil ambiance.
After a refreshing swim in the cool waters, I appreciated the provided amenities like changing rooms and bathrooms.
As there are no cafes in the area, it is advisable to bring your own refreshments and necessities for a day trip.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to speak with Patrick, the owner of the lagoon.
He shared that he inherited this natural gem from his grandfather and recommended visiting in March and December for the best experience.
Next, we ventured to the nearby Nasinu Hot Springs, surrounded by breathtaking nature.
Entrance to the hot springs required a fee. I had the pleasure of meeting Anna Marie, the passionate owner of this spot.
Despite recent damage caused by a cyclone, she remained undeterred and shared stories of miraculous healing experienced by visitors from around the world.
After exploring the hot springs, we embarked on a scenic drive of over 35 minutes, passing through picturesque terrains and captivating hotspots, before reaching our lunch destination at Sara Beach. There, I encountered a lone French traveler, defying my driver’s belief that island exploration should always be done with a guide.
Understandably, hiring a driver can be costly, around AU150 for a day trip.
Following our delightful lunch, Roger continued to show me remnants of World War One left behind by American soldiers.
Our final stop was at Tanna Coffee in the city, where I had the opportunity to learn about coffee production and relax at a nearby café.
As the day came to a close, we made our way back to the hotel.
In retrospect, it was an unforgettable day filled with adventure and discovery.
Efate’s natural beauty and cultural richness left a lasting impression on me and I am grateful for the opportunity to explore this remarkable island.
June Ramli is the editor of DailyStraits.com. To stay in touch with June, look her up on Twitter @junesairaramli