The Banks and Torres
are Vanuatu's northernmost islands. Geographically, they reach north
and west to the Solomon Islands. Being nearer the equator, they
consequently experience the highest precipitation and humidity of
all the islands, with an average rainfall of 3,900 mm per year.
As with all of Vanuatu, the main islands are volcanic in origin
with active volcanoes on Gaua and Vanua Lava islands.
Vanua Lava with its 1400
inhabitants, was once the trading base for exchanges with Solomon
Islanders from Tikopia. The rugged interior looms up from the ocean
to the 730m, apex of the active Sere'ama volcano. With such terrain
and high rainfall, waterfalls are common - and spectacular, particularly
Waterfall Bay on the west coast. South of the volcano are two small
lakes varying in water level and colour. Vanua Lava is also home
to salt water crocodiles brought in the last century by Bishop Patteson.
Only few of them survive in the murky waters of the Selva and the
Tahiti rivers.
There are two guesthouses
at Sola; Leumerous Bungalows and the Torba Province Guesthouse.
To the south is Mota
Lava, a stunning island of jungle clad craggy peaks plunging to
long coconut trees lining white sandy beaches. Nearby one such magnificent
beach (so nearby it can almost be walked at low tide) is the classically
beautiful Ra Island. From a distance, Ra looks like a thatch of
greenery with coconut fronds pushing each other out of the way as
they overhang the surrounding white sandy beach. The interior is
studded with unusual rocks of enormous size.
Ra is an excellent place
to enjoy fresh lobster (weather permitting) and an ideal retreat
for honeymooners and travellers looking to leave civilisation completely
behind. The local culture is still very much alive and unblemished
by the modern world. On Ra, Harry Memorial Guesthouse offers basic
accommodation in the main house and small bungalows.
Gaua's 1300 people live
on the north eastern coast. Like elsewhere in Vanuatu, the population
is significantly less than the estimated 16th century figure of
200,000 people. Only a short distance from the airport is basic
guest accommodation in the form of Wongras Bungalow. Gaua has a
stunning landscape with an active volcano that towers over a crater
lake in the interior. The lake is accessible in a 3 to 4 hours walk
and ascent to Mt Garet (797 m. high) is fairly easy after an exciting
canoe trip across Lake Letras and its beautiful sulphurm coloured
waters.
For anyone wishing to
see the lake and volcanoes, it is advisable to check in advance.
From time to time the volcano emits poisonous gasses making access
impossible. Like all the volcanoes in Vanuatu, it is constantly
monitored for activity.
About four hours walk
through magnificent jungle, and tree ferns that dwarf coconut trees,
leads to the spectacular cascade waterfall draining Lake Letres.
On the western coast, numerous waterfalls plunge directly from the
jungle into the ocean, making for an unexpected and magnificent
site for passing yachts.
Perhaps the most unusual
feature of Gaua is the remains of an ancient culture. At first glance
it seems as if giant blocks of granite thrown out of the volcano,
have landed in strangely uniform patterns along the north eastern
coast, but the blocks are the remains of foundations. In years past,
a sign of chiefly standing was the height of his house. As grades
were taken and a chief's status rose, another layer of basalt blocks
was added to the base of his thatched house
The Torres group to the
far north include six main islands. By far the most remote of Vanuatu's
archipelago, only one has an airstrip. Passing yachts and the odd
inter island trader are the only source of contact for many. Most
of the islands are relatively low, either sand cays built on volcanic
basalt, or on reef that has now elevated above the surround seas,
where you can find dazzling white sand beaches. The Torres group
is home to the coconut crab which is sent regularly to Port Vila
restaurants at the risk of the specie's extinction.
There is one very basic
guesthouse at Loh in Linua Island. Hiu island, north of the group,
is exceptionally beautiful. For yachties, Picot Bay on the north
west side is a good anchorage. Yeyenwu Cave is a great attraction
with its stalactites, stalagmites and cave paintings.
