April 2009

The Travel Bug - Issue 50

South Malekula Kastom Festival

The Maskelyne Island community, in conjunction with the Vanuatu Kaljarol Senta, are proud to be hosting the South Malekula Kastom Festival “Reef Island Life” September 18th - 20th, 2009. This three-day cultural event will provide an insight in to the ancient traditions of the Small Nambas, and the living culture of South Malekula. The festival will be hosted in a new village daily, and visitors will be invited to participate in workshops and displays of weaving, carving, coconut scratching, canoe building and sailing, amongst other cultural activities. There will be plenty of opportunities for visitors to explore the island. Visitors can take a guided tour on a traditional canoe to the outer reef, relax on sand beaches and absorb the relaxed, island ambiance, and enjoy a Melanesian feast by fire-light, with kastom performances and storytelling. Bungalow accommodation is available on the island.

Vanuatu 2009 Tok Tok in August

The 8th Annual “Tok Tok” has been confirmed to be held at the Sebel Vanuatu on August 27 and 28, 2009. Jointly organized by the Vanuatu Tourism Office, in partnership with the local tourism industry, Tok Tok remains Vanuatu’s premier event on the tourism calendar. Tok Tok is an important catalyst for the growth of international tourism to Vanuatu, particularly in the current volatile economic climate, providing a forum for tourism wholesalers and agents from around the world to meet with Vanuatu’s tourism providers. For additional information on Tok Tok 2009 please contact Joe Iauto, Trade and Events Officer at the Vanuatu Tourism Office on trade@tourism.vu or phone + 678 22515.

Vanuatu's First Mountain Bike Race

There are great sporting events in Vanuatu every year. From Round Island Relay and Kiwanis Horse Race, to the swim races such as Vanuatu Ocean Swim, and Espiritu Santo and Aore swims. This year there's a new addition - Cyclo Vate mountain biking competition. Mountain Bike racing is scheduled for early May and is jointly organized by the New Caledonian Biking Regional Committee, Southern Province of New Caledonia, and Vanuatu Ecotour. More than 200 bikers from New Caledonia have indicated to participate.

The two days event will take place on Friday 1st of May, and Saturday 2nd. On Friday, a 35km race will commence on mainland Mele Beach (10 minutes drive from Port Vila), opposite Hideaway Island, and the route leads contestants through cattle & farm plantations towards Devil’s Point, and a turning curve is made back to Mele Beach to the finish line. On the second day, Saturday 2nd of May 2009, the circuit (no timing) will lead racers from Bellevue heights to the beautiful Eratap beach then off to Erakor village. An after race party and entertainment is hosted for the racers and their supporters on both evenings. (Source: VTO Island Nius)

Land Dive Packages for 2009

Mayumi Green from Espiritu Santo’s Wrecks to Rainforest, has commenced promoting her company’s Pentecost Land Dive packages for April, May and June for guests staying in Santo over the nagol or land diving season. This year’s land dives will take place on the following Saturdays: April: 04, 11, 18, 25. May: 02, 09, 16, 23, 30. June: 06,13, 20, and end on 27 (last jump for 2009). Package includes return airfare, entrance fee, light refreshment, light lunch, and guide fee. Guests depart Santo at 7am & return at 5.50 pm.

New Village de Santo Resort

Scheduled to open it’s doors in mid April of this year, Village de Santo is located south east of Espiritu Santo and takes only 10 minutes drive from the airport. Village de Santo features 18 modern unit apartments that can comfortably sleep 4-5 guests. The apartments have kitchen facilities, a private patio, and onsite is a restaurant, an in-ground pool, a communal gazebo area with pool side bar, internet access, and is conveniently easy walking distance to the beach and back. (Source: VTO Island Nius)

New Vanuatu Air Charters

Vanuatu Seaplanes have expanded and have added a 5 seated Cessna 206 (fixed wheeled) to their fleet! Vanuatu Air Charters (operated by Vanuatu Seaplanes) is now ready and waiting to take Vanuatu’s tourists and locals to their destinations at very competitive prices. Vanuatu Air Charters are offering Tanna Day and overnight tours, Pentecost Day tours as well as the usual charter, medi-vac, coffin relocation, freight and aerial photography. All enquiries and bookings can be made on phone +678 5544206, and +678 5542619. E-mail: flights@vanuatu-aircharters.com.

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