Efate is the
main island of Vanuatu, where the capital Port Vila is situated
and also where the majority of commerce and tourism takes place.
Archeological evidence in the form of distinctive pottery, indicates
the first humans to settle in Efate were the Lapita people, probably
from Papua New-Guinea via the Solomon islands. Oral history from
Tongoa Island recalls the first arrival from the name Efate was
effectively a comment on the island being a place where they would
settle.
Cook was the first European to
visit the island, naming it Sandwich Island after Lord Sandwich,
the patron of his voyage. Fortunately the indigenous name prevailed.
European settlement began with the whalers, sandalwood traders and
missionaries. The first European settlement by predominantly English
people was on Havana Harbour, on the north side of Efate. After
a long drought in 1882, and persistent outbreaks of malaria and
the simple fact that the French brought women to their settlement
in Port Vila, led the predominantly male population of Havannah
Harbor to permanently migrate to Vila. Today, over 40 000 people
live on Efate, more than half of them in or around Port Vila. The
rest live in small villages along the coast. No villages remain
inland.
Port Vila is located around a
magnificent natural harbour offering stunning views of Iririki and
Ifira islands. It is Vanuatu's international gateway and remains
the only town on the island. The airport is but a few miles from
town and all major resorts and hotels. Vila is a pretty town. Clean
and uncluttered, the waterfront area is so unpolluted, visitors
are stunned to look down from the seawall and see live corals and
tropical fish.
It's also 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 - French, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Mexican,
Thai, Melanesian and Mediterranean. You can buy an Aussie meat pie
or American chili dog, sip cappuccino in one of the many outdoor
cafes or purchase pates and salads from a patisserie in a supermarket
to fill your picnic hamper. Though there is little night life in
Vila except that offered by the Resort Hotels, there is a nightclub
(Flamingo), a friendly casino (at Le Meridien Resort), a movie theatre
(French only) and some restaurants often feature local or imported
musicians. Best of all, Vila is a safe and hassle free environment.
You can stroll along the waterfront, or darkened back streets late
at night and passing locals are likely to wish you a soft "Good
night", or perhaps strike up a friendly conversation. You will
never have your bag snatched and shopping is fun and easy going.
There's no such thing as a hard sell or pushy salesman. Prices are
fixed and bargaining is not a part of the friendly lifestyle.
Accommodation in Vila ranges in style from dormitory Robinson Cruisoe
to sophisticated over water bungalows. There are dozens of full
day tours and half day tours to choose from.
Efate has a rugged coastline and
rolling verdant countryside, fast flowing rivers, cascading waterfalls,
isolated sandy bays and lagoons. The interior is verdant rain forest
cut only by a few walking tracks to remote weather and radio beacons.
Havannah Harbour on the north side is a spectacular natural haven
and consequently used during World War II as a naval rear base by
the entire U.S. 7th Fleet. It is also the site of some extraordinary
archeological digs and gruesome discoveries.
There are numerous types of accommodation
scattered around Efate Island, such as Nagar or for just a day trip
in mind, you can hire a car or take a bus or an aircraft around
the island.
Cruises and ocean kayaking offer day and over night charters to
the nearby islands of Hat, Pele, Moso, Nguna, Lelepa and Kakula
Islands. You can also book a launch trip for full day walking tours
to the extinct volcano on Nguna Island and the magnificent rain
forest, giant trees and rare birds and butterflies of Emau Island.
