Port Vila question

[trig42]

Hi all,

 

We are on our first Pacific Island cruise in June (P320 - Pearl). First stop is Port Vila.

 

I have looked at the shore excursions, and am not sure we want to do any full day ones. We would like to get into the town and probably bash the credit card (certainly get some Duty Free - I have read here that Fung Kuei is the best for this?

 

So, questions for those that have been:

 

Is town a walkable distance from the terminal? (how far?). If it is a bit far, are there taxis/buses into Port Vila from the Cruise terminal?

 

Are there any shore excursions that are a must?

 

Any shops or restaurants in town that you would recommend?

 

Any other general tips and hints?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Rob

[Aus Traveller]

Town is not a walkable distance from the ship, although some hardy souls try it. The walk takes over half an hour and there aren't proper footpaths and it will be hot and humid. To get to town you can either take a seat in the locally-operated shuttle van (AUD$3 pp one way - you need proper change for this) or get a taxi. The taxi will cost AUD$15 to town and $10 to return. A lot of the taxis are small vans so you can easily assemble a group of 4 or 6 people to share the cost. We always get a taxi and ask him to drop us at Fung Kuei so we can do our shopping first. Fung Kuei will deliver alcohol to the ship for you. Then you can wander back along the main street.

 

Excursions - I suggest going to the Cascades. This is a magical place - an incredible waterfall in the middle of the jungle where you swim (I should say sit) in rock pool and under the waterfall. It costs around $60 for the taxi (not per person) for the whole trip, but ask the taxi to wait for you, then deliver you back to Fung Kuei in town or the ship, which ever you want. Entry to the cascades is $20 pp. It is a 25 minute walk (very nice) to the cascades and you should wear waterproof footwear - reef shoes or sandals that won't get damaged when you walk through 6" deep water. The first time I went I wore leather sandals and had to take them off, then dry my feet at the other side before putting them back on. Too much bother! Don't pay the taxi driver when you arrive at the cascades. Make it clear at the start when you negotiate that you will pay him at the end of the trip. They do not charge waiting time and will happily wait for you for two hours. The ship does an excursion to the cascades but they don't allow enough time there and it is much more expensive.

 

If you wish, you can ask the taxi driver to make a bit of a tour. Ask him to take you to the Chiefs' Meeting House (you can go in), Parliament House (stop at the gate), then a lookout over the harbour, then through or past a village.

[trig42]

Thanks for that. Sounds like a great idea to get a 'private' tour.

 

Thanks for the tip on getting the driver to wait.

 

I have heard you can go over to Iririki Island for a small fee too - has anyone dones this?

[Aus Traveller]

Thanks for that. Sounds like a great idea to get a 'private' tour.

 

Thanks for the tip on getting the driver to wait.

 

I have heard you can go over to Iririki Island for a small fee too - has anyone dones this?

We have done it. The shuttle boat leaves from behind the fruit & Vege market so you will need to take a taxi or shuttle van to town. Last I heard, Irririki charged $20 per person but that is redeemable for food/drinks. Snorkelling is quite good off the island. You can ask the staff where to go for this.

 

I still reckon the Cascades beats anything else! Everyone leaves there with a smile on their face.:D

[steve1970]

I disagree regarding walking into town.

The walk is less than 2500 meters. If you go in the heat of the day it is very hot. If you go in the morning there is shade along most of the left, and gets a bit hot on the slight (very slight) uphill climb before the left hand turn, then there are footpaths all the way into town. The only part with out pavement is right off the ship for about 1200 meters (max),

We have walked into town 3 times.

[larnie]

We were there in Dec last year. When you get off the ship you'll exit to what seems like hundreds of blokes all telling you to come with them, they all want to get you as their fare for the day. Work out what you're happy paying for the day... our guy started asking $150 we bartered with him and ended up paying $80.. we probably could have got it for less.

 

He drove us out to Cascade waterfalls and we asked him to come back in 2 hours, he was waiting for us and suggested we might go to Hideaway Island.. once again we asked him to return in 2 hours. To get to Hideaway you jump on the little boat and pay $10pp entry on the island. They hire out snorkle/goggles for $5 and there's a bar/restaurant, loungers and some great snorkeling!!

 

After that our driver dropped us in town where we found a great duty free place with lots of cheap clothes. The driver picked us up on time at the designated spot and took us back to the ship.

 

He was really great, chatted about the Port Villa and stopped at a lookout spot so I could take a photo of the ship.

 

Have a great time.. we loved Port Vila.

[bronzer1]

Hi Rob i would highly recommend Atmosphere tours at Vila, just goggle them or go into Tripadviser to read reviews.

Cheers, Steve.

[gaechann]

Hi Rob i would highly recommend Atmosphere tours at Vila, just goggle them or go into Tripadviser to read reviews.

Cheers, Steve.

 

I must agree! We had Fraser as our guide for the day! What a character! He was educated in QLD so is very used to we Australians.

 

We didn't spend much time in town but that was our choice, just an hour before we went back to the ship at the duty-free shop though none of we 6 bought anything.

 

Don't forget if you want to have your passport stamped to take it along with you as there is a table manned near the exit as you disembark the ship.

[lorry like a truck]

Must agree. We have been to villa oh, 8 times and always walk to town. 1 hour or so. Do our duty free and then decide what we are doing. Irikki is great and the casino has great facilities if you just want to'veg out. First time cruisers should see the cascades and be careful of the drivers. If you come to an agreement on prices make sure it is close a return trip. We only had trouble once but now make sure we both understand each other.