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Efate Island Vaunatu |
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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.
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