Magical experience in Vanuatu ticks another off bucket list

I’ve experienced helicopter rides over the islands of Samoa, floated above Australia’s rugged Yarra Valley in a hot air balloon, ridden camels through the deserts of Egypt, and trekked through the forests of Rwanda in search of mountain gorillas. Yet despite all these adventures, I had never ridden a horse. So, it remained one of the last unchecked items on my bucket list until recently, during a holiday in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu — the South Pacific nation located northeast of New Zealand. [Missing Credit]A first for Sandip Hor, a horse ride along a beach. Photo: Supplied Situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” Vanuatu enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. Combined with its proximity to Australia and New Zealand, this makes the island nation a favoured getaway for Aussies and Kiwis seeking a relaxed holiday filled with sunshine, pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and the welcoming smiles of locals. [Missing Credit]Vanuatuan locals are known for their happiness and colourful dress. Photo: Sandip Hor Vanuatu is an archipelago comprising 83 islands. Efate Island, home to Port Vila and the country’s international airport, is the nation’s most important island. It serves as Vanuatu’s political, commercial and economic centre and is also a popular stop for cruise ships travelling across the Pacific. Among the other notable islands is Espiritu Santo, famous for its mountains, rivers and World War II history; Malakula, recognised for its remarkable cultural diversity and numerous indigenous languages and traditions; and Tanna, home to Mount Yasur, one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes. Shaped by ocean breezes, lush greenery, and tightly knit communities, Vanuatu moves at a refreshingly simple pace. There are no towering skyscrapers dominating the skyline, no global fast-food giants such as McDonald’s, and traffic flows without the need for traffic lights. Roads are modest, and development remains low-density, blending harmoniously with the surrounding natural environment rather than overpowering it. At the same time, visitors can still enjoy modern comforts. Across the four main islands, accommodation options range from luxury beachfront resorts and charming bungalows to upscale hotels, many equipped with contemporary amenities and technological conveniences. [Missing Credit]The Grand Hotel and Casino in Vanuatu. Photo: Sandip Hor I stationed myself in Port Vila at the Grand Hotel and Casino, which featured trendy facilities beautifully enveloped in the traditional warmth of the island. This eight-story building stands as a sleek oceanfront landmark, inviting vacationers to relax with sweeping views of the harbour. It’s situated less than thirty minutes from the airport and within walking distance of major city attractions, including the Vanuatu Parliament House, National Museum, Sacre-Coeur Cathedral, and the lively Mamas Market, and numerous restaurants and cafes offering a variety of culinary delights. [Missing Credit]The colourful Mamas Market. Photo: Sandip Hor An exhilarating experience waits for visitors at the bustling Mama’s Market, where women dressed in vibrant island attire arrange pyramids of pawpaw, bananas, island cabbage, and shiny eggplant, while fishermen bring in yellowfin tuna, still shimmering with silver. While mingling with the locals at the market, I found them to be straightforward, amiable and easy to engage in conversation, often punctuated with laughter, which helped me comprehend why Vanuatu is considered one of the happiest places on earth. [Missing Credit]The National Museum of Vanuatu is a great place to learn about the history of the nation. Photo: Sandip Hor The National Museum served as an excellent venue to learn more about the nation’s history and culture tracking over 3000 years of human habitation, Melanesian heritage and the European influences that ultimately resulted in a unique colonial governance. In 1774, English explorer Captain James Cook, while mapping the Pacific region, encountered a cluster of islands that reminded him of the Hebrides archipelago in Scotland. He named them the New Hebrides, a designation that later evolved into Vanuatu after the islands gained independence in 1980 from the British and French colonial control, which had jointly administered the archipelago under a Condominium established in 1906. For the locals it was more of a pandemonium when subjected to the governance of two administrative systems, requiring navigation through two separate legal, administrative and educational frameworks, along with various cultural influences. [Missing Credit]Another beautiful Vanuatu waterfall. Photo: Sandip Hor Beyond scuba diving and snorkelling, Efate Island offers a wide range of activities for visitors seeking adventure and relaxation. Among the most popular attractions are freshwater swimming at the Mele [Missing Credit]Kids enjoy the Blue Lagoon. Photo: Sandip Hor Cascades and the Blue Lagoon, hiking through lush rainforests featuring multiple zip lines and a spectacular 120m sky bridge suspension walk, island hopping to nearby islets, sunset cruises around Port Vila Harbour, visits to traditional local villages, and horse riding at the Club Hippique Adventure Park where thrills await for everyone, from beginners like me to seasoned equestrians. Around 50 well-trained horses were available for guests. I was paired with a horse named Leo. With the assistance of the local attendants, I climbed onto the saddle and quickly learnt a few basic techniques to guide him. Before long, Leo and I had settled into a comfortable rhythm, and the ride became both exciting and relaxing as we trotted leisurely through coconut plantations and along the scenic beachfront. [Missing Credit]Vanuatu sandy beach. Photo: Sandip Hor The highlight of the adventure came near the end of the journey when Leo carried me into the shallow waters of the Pacific Ocean, calmly wading through the gentle waves. It was a truly magical experience and one that made my trip to Vanuatu even more memorable and rewarding. TRAVEL NOTEBOOK Getting There: Fly with Fiji Airways (www.fijiairways.com) via Nadi or Jetstar (www.jetstar.com) via Sydney Stay: Grand Hotel and Casino (www.grandvanuatu.com) Horse Ride : Check www.clubhippiquevanuatu.net