Wala Island (Vanuatu)
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Region
Australia - New Zealand - Pacific Ocean Islands
Local Time
2024-12-11 21:35
27°C
2.4 m/s
77 °F / 26 °C
Wala Island is a cruise destination in Vanuatu, located off north-eastern coast of Malakula Island (Pacific Ocean). Malakula (aka Malekula) is country's 2nd-largest island (after Espiritu Santo). On Malakula's northeastern side are the Small Islands, amongst which Atchin, Norsup, Rano, Uripiv, Uri, Vao, Wala.
<p>Cruise ships usually anchor between the islands Wala and Rano, and their passengers are transported to Wala Island (pier) via ship's tender boats.</p>
Primary modes of transport on Wala Island are walking and outrigger canoes. Only around 300 people live permanently on Wala, meaning dining options are very limited. Tourists are encouraged to bring their own food. They can also taste of the local fruits and coconuts offered at beach stalls.
Being so undeveloped and remote, Wala Island offers a true cultural experience that can’t be found anywhere else. Combined with white sand beaches that are surrounded by turquoise bays and fringed with tropical palms, Wala Island is an unspoiled paradise with no electricity, cars or phones.
Wala is a site where age-old traditions pass on from one generation to another. A walk through the island takes travellers past the ancient historical sites. There are pig-counting rocks, set in lines on the ground in order to keep tally as they were killed. Massive monoliths have been brought to the island via man-power.
While visiting the island, tourists take advantage of its great shopping options and browse the wonderful handicrafts, that can be found on the fringe of the beaches. The unique souvenirs range from delicate wood carvings to sarongs and are lovely keepsakes of the time on Wala Island.
The local tropical fish is explored during a journey in the coral forests making this natural reef. Tourists can also take part in some cultural demonstrations and watch as the locals present traditional dance displays.
Wala Island cruise terminal
Vanuatu Islands (officially Republic of Vanuatu) is an island nation located in the South Pacific. The islands cover a total area of approx 12190 km2 (4706 mi2) and population around 290,000. Large cruise ships to Vanuatu Islands dock (anchor) either at Luganville or Champagne Bay (near Hog Harbour, in the northeast part of Espiritu Santo Island).
The archipelago is of volcanic origin and is situated some 1750 km (1090 mi) east of northern Australia, east of New Guinea, 540 km (340 mi) northeast of New Caledonia, west of Fiji and southeast of Solomon Islands.
The tourism industry in Vanuatu is a major revenue source as the archipelago is widely recognised as a premier vacation travel destination - especially for coral reef scuba diving. A unique attraction to scuba divers is the wreck of the US luxury cruise ship President Coolidge (converted troop carrier) on Espiritu Santo Island. Sunk during WW2 (1939-1945), the vessel is among the world's largest shipwrecks accessible for recreational diving.