Pacific Island Living Issue 13

ISSN 2200-9566

9 772200 956005

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welcome To the pacific Experience the genuine warmth and friendliness of being welcomed into our home when you fly Fiji Airways.

Fly to Fiji and beyond to the Pacific, through Hong Kong or Australia.

London Paris

Vancouver

Amsterdam Frankfurt

Sea le

Beijing

Rome

San Francisco Shanghai

Dubai

New Delhi

Kolkata

Mumbai Hyderabad

Tokyo

LOS ANGELES

Taipei HONG KONG

Bangkok Chennai TARAWA HONIARA

KIRITIMATI

FUNAFUTI

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PORT VILA NADI

M

SYDNEY MELBOURNE

CM

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FIJI DESTINATIONS

Fiji Airways Routes Interline Routes Codeshare Routes Fiji Link Routes

ROTUMA

AUCKLAND

CHRISTCHURCH

MY

APIA SUVA NUKU’ALOFA

BRISBANE

Y

CMY

Toronto New York Washington DC

Miami

HONOLULU

Singapore

CY

Denver Chicago Las Vegas Dallas

LABASA SAVUSAVU

WELLINGTON

TAVEUNI KORO VANUABALAVU NADI

SUVA

CICIA LAKEBA

KADAVU

With a route network that spans 16 destinations in 10 countries, our airline provides unequalled access to the Pacific through our hub in Nadi, Fiji from Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Hong Kong. Travellers will find convenient flights departing to Fiji and beyond using Airbus A330 and Boeing 737 aircraft, offering world-class service in both Business and Economy class. Our airline is also a partner in the Qantas Frequent Flyer, American Airlines Advantage and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan programmes and members can earn and redeem points as well as credit flights towards their tier status. Within Fiji, Fiji Link offers services that are reliable, comfortable and competitively priced, with a comprehensive range of schedules to connect to andfrom international arrivals.

FIJIAIRWAYS.COM

PORT VILA | VANUATU

Bookings essential

Phone 25844 | Email reservations@breakas.com | www.breakas.com

Discover the real

South Pacific in Vanuatu!

4 coupon domestic pass *USD425.00 + taxes Not available online only via Air Vanuatu sales ofďŹ ces or travel agents outside of Vanuatu, inconjuction with an International Ticket. *Other conditions apply.

airvanuatu.com/pass

learn more via our social network

picturesque...

surrounded by natural beauty

The ideal place to stay for one night, one week or more – for any reason.

e info.lelagon@warwickhotels.com

Relaxing, rejuvenating, yet fun for all. Spacious accommodations Family Rooms, Bungalows, Suites and Villas. Activities & Facilities abound Oasis Spa, Funtastik Kids Club, Gym. Something for everyone daily activities, water sports, three pools, golf and tennis. Delicious Dining Buffets and a la carte dining, pool grille, lounges and swim-up bar. Conferences up to 880 people.

Ideal for weddings with 75 acres and eight speciďŹ c venue locations.

www.lelagonvanuatu.vu or visit your favourite Travel Professional LL046 PIL Island Spirit Ad Full Page.indd 1

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Exclusively for adults and located just 30 minutes drive from Port Vila, the Havannah is an oasis of tranquility and your perfect romantic retreat. With only 17 luxurious villas set amidst elegantly landscaped gardens, you can be assured privacy and personalized service, Havannah style.

Samoa Point, North Efate, Vanuatu Tel: +678 35600 I Email: reservations@thehavannah.com I Website: www.thehavannah.com

• Oyster island, just 4 minutes by ‘The Oyster Ferry’ from the mainland of Espritu Santo, Oyster Island is THE quintessential Vanuatu Island Resort.

• With secluded beaches, pristine coral reefs, WW2 plane wrecks and spectacular rainforest, Oyster Island makes a great location to add to your Vanuatu Experience.

• Kayak direct from Oyster Island to Matevulu Blue Hole, snorkel sensational reefs and wrecks.

• Join us for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner in our waterside restaurant; featuring only the best in sustainable seafood, Santo Beef and fresh organic produce.

• Oyster Island also operates Mt Hope Adventure Tours, with exclusive access to Mt Hope Waterfall.

Y’S Oyster Island Famous Sunday BBQ Lunch Buffet with Live Music. 1pm every Sunday (Reservations Essential).

SUNDA

Oyster Island – Stay, Play, Relax.

Espiritu Santo – Vanuatu (678) 778 2773 | www.oysterisland.com | paradise@oysterisland.com Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/OysterIsland

Mariner Apartments Cornwall Street, Port Vila T: +678 23696 E: info@coconutpalms.vu

www.coconutpalms.vu l l l l

46 rooms with a variety of styles to suit any budget Nightly events with great deals on food and drink Fire show, trivia night, Melanesian feast and more Great place for a bite to eat, or a drink with friends

11 stylish apartments ranging from Studio to the Penthouse.

All with sweeping views of Port Vila Harbour. marinerapartmentsportvila.com

Top: Vanuatu Helicopters and Pacific Island Air offer very stylish aerial deliveries of bride and groom. Above left: A private villa setting, next to

Closer to Nadi is the new and very stylish Rhum-Ba which sits on the water at Denarau Marina overlooking the super-yachts and the mountains. They have an event space which can be customised to suit your particular taste and requirements, and an amazing selection of local rums to top off the party. Contact: phone: +679 770 7486 or email: reservations@Rhum-Ba.com or see www.Rhum-Ba.com If arriving in style is part of the plan then you’ll need to talk to Pacific Island Air based at Nadi airport. They claim “seamless hassle free transfers to all resorts and islands in Fiji. We offer seaplane, helicopter and airplane transfers and scenic flights. Our twin engine squirrel helicopters offer safety and comfort, we get you there in the quickest possible time … Our seaplanes are amphibious taking off from the airport runway and the water. What better way to arrive at your resort wedding, right on the beach!” Apart from regular flights Pacific Island Air specialises in charter flights, exclusive private island day packages and the aforementioned ‘aweinspiring’ elopement package. Phone: +679 672 5644, email:

reservations@pacificislandair.com or see: www.pacificislandair. com

Vanuatu Votives

Cocomo Resort is a newly refurbished lagoon-side property which offers terrific value to betrothed couples.

Just five minutes from Port Vila Cocomo can accommodate 2-100 guests for weddings and receptions. Their wedding coordinator will arrange the perfect beach wedding with the option of a Melanesian string band or custom warrior dance display with drinks and nibbles by the pool followed by a buffet or a la carte dinner in the thatched ‘nakamal’.

They’ll also throw in discount rates for friends and family and for the bride and groom there are honeymoon villas with overwater decks. They like to quote the Beach Boys … ‘get there fast, then take it slow … way down at Cocomo’ Sounds like a good way to start married life. Phone: +617 3158 9898, email: weddings@tropicalholidaydeals.com, web: www. cocomoresort.com

Memorable Magical Moments

On the picturesque shores of Mele Bay, Island Magic Resort offers fantastic four-star value for fully self-contained bungalows set within lushly landscaped grounds with direct access to the sea, inground pool and on-site restaurant. Perfect for couples or families.

Contact Gerry or Jan Smelik T: +678 29 015 M: +678 774 6386 E: info@islandmagicresort.com W: www.islandmagicresort.com

Smart Casual Italian “Fusion” Dining & Bar Eat • Drink • Swim • Massage Degustation Lunches & Cooking Classes Weddings & Functions Open Wednesday to Sunday 11am – 8pm Live Music on Sundays 2pm – 5pm Located at Havannah Harbour 30 min from Port Vila

mobile. +678 7719898 email. gm@francescas.com.vu website. www.francescas.com.vu

Fr a n c e s c a ’ s Italian Restaurant & Bar

International Freight Forwarding Specialists How Can We Help?

Air Freight Sea Freight Air & Sea Charter Customs Clearance International Logistics Warehousing and Distribution

â– Cargo Transport System offers a complete range of freight forwarding and international logistics services, including importing and exporting, air freight and sea freight, Quarantine and Customs clearance as well as warehousing and distribution. With a truly global freight forwarding network, Cargo Transport System can take care of all your international shipping needs. â– As we have our own warehouse and a team of qualified international logistics experts in-house, we can provide a personalised service and customise a freight forwarding solution specific to your needs. We have shipped cargo as small as 200 grams through to equipment as big as 200 tons.

Cargo Transport - 3 Viola Place Brisbane Airport | PO Box 336 Banyo QLD 4014 Phone: (07) 3363 0400 | Fax: (07) 3860 4322 | www.cargotransport.com.au Contact David Brough: david@cargotransport.com.au

% 100 ATU

U VAN DUCE PRO

Vanuatu Handicraft Market, Wharf Road, Port Vila P +678 5554539 organicparadisevu www.organicparadisevu.com

Diana Tam Vanuatu’s best known artist

Oil paintings, watercolours and gift cards. Hand painted table cloths, table runners, guests towels, cushion covers and men’s shirts.

Ladies sleepwear and South Sea Pearl jewellery.

Visit her gallery off the Pango Rd, just 10 minutes from Port Vila’s CBD. Monday - Friday 1.30 - 5.00pm & Saturday 2.00 - 4.00pm Closed Sunday and Public Hoildays.

Telephone (678) 23038 | www.dianatam.info email for orders at dianatam@paradise.com

Talk to your broker about us today. º Personal Accident º Contract Works

º Motor Vehicle º Commercial Property º Public & Products Liability º Workers Compensation º Home & Content Trust CAPITAL to protect you!

Now In Vanuatu.

Call Us on: (678) 27395 or visit us at Level 1, Orchid Building. Vanuatu.

It only takes us fifteen minutes to fly you a million miles away.

Imagine your own private island for the day. It’s the perfect romantic getaway Let us fly you to Yadua Island in the Mamanuca’s.

With a stunning white sandy beach, a picnic lunch, a bottle of bubbly and snorkelling gear provided, it’s the perfect way to spoil someone you love - and yourself.

And if a wedding is on the horizon - well, need we say more.

IGmedia

SEAPLANES, HELICOPTERS, AIRPLANES

R E S E R VAT I O N S E S S E N T I A L

Phone +679 672 5644 www.pacificislandair.com

1_4 PAGE_Island Spirit_825X1175_E_FAB1.indd 1

16/08/13 10:09

“Global Expertise, Domestic Knowledge” CORPORATE BANKING

Our knowledge of local and regional markets ensures we bring to our clients unrivalled resources, expertise and execution capabilities.

Consult the local bank for your banking need.

(678) 22201 | RelationshipBanking@nbv.vu | www.nbv.vu

Left: This is typical of the views from the pathway through Oia, the deep blue of the Aegean and the white buildings and many steps of the village. Above and below: Octopuses drying in the sun at Ormos Ammoudiou and as a decoration on Petros Restaurant.

Black Beach. Below: a perfectly posed cart full of lavender at Oia. And a quaint little bookstore tucked into a cave in Oia.

Book a Hot Stone Massage & receive a Free Facial*

Marine Consultancy Services Vanuatu’s Number One Inter-Island Freight and Passenger Service

Two landing craft vessels with weekly departure from Santo & Port Vila. Servicing Ambae, Pentecost, Ambrym, Epi and sometimes as far afield as Tanna.

Bi-monthly service to the Banks and Torres islands.

LC Brisk, 25m x 8m bow loading landing craft.

LC Tina 1, 40m x 11m stern loading landing craft.

Available for private charter

Residential Commercial Business Property Management Immigration Bldg, Lini Highway, Port Vila PO Box 3267, Port Vila, Vanuatu Phone: (678) 28080 / 5588309 info@professionals.vu professionalsvanuatu.com

Opp Vansec Bldg

For enquiries phone 678 36517 or email enquiries@mcs.vu

2nd Floor next to Lotus Day Spa & Cafe P.O.Box 3267

www.vanuatufreightcompanies.com

Tel: 23153

Email: vilafitforlife@gmail.com

Web: www.vilafitforlife.com

Come and have a taste of the opulence, glamour and excitement of Monte Carlo right here at Vanuatu’s premier casino. The Grand Hotel & Casino is in the heart of town, with crystal chandeliers, gold leaf ceilings and meticulous attention to detail throughout, you’ll feel like you’re there, and best of all it’s at a price you can afford!

With Roulette tables starting with a minimum bet of only 100vt, as well as Blackjack, Baccarat and our newest game Texas Hold’em Bonus. Or just try your luck on any of our state of the art poker machines and have a chance of winning one of our many jackpots for as little as 1vt.

p +678 27344 hotel Lini Highway, Port Vila, Vanuatu e info@grandcasinovanuatu.com www.grandvanuatu.com

proudly

Know Another fun way to explore the islands is to take a local bus. If the bus is full when you board locals will sit on another person’s lap.

There are no bus stops around the islands, so just wave down a bus if you want to get on, and when you want to get off simply pull the cord to ring the buzzer.

Solomon Islands

Capital: Honiara Country code: +677 Population: 549,598 (2012) Currency: Solomon Islands dollar Official language: English Language Solomon Islands Time Zone (UTC+11:00) Basic Language •G ood morning – mone/moning • Hello – Halo • Goodbye – Baebae •S ee you again – lukim yu moa • Thank you – Tagio tumas •D o you speak English – yu save tok englis y name is – nem blong •M mi hem • I do not understand – mi no save/mi no undastadem Business Hours Banking hours in Honiara are from 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday (ANZ and Westpac open at 9am).

Government offices open

from 8am to noon and 1pm to 4pm Monday to Friday.

Private businesses close half an hour later and operate on Saturday until midday.

Most shops in town open from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday and until noon on Saturday – some open longer, including on Sunday.

Transportation Not all taxis are metered, so agree on a price at the start of your journey. Solomon Airlines offer flights to the outer islands.

Tonga

Capital: Nuku’alofa Currency: pa’anga (TOP) Population: 106,137 (July 2002 est.)

Language: Tongan, English Time Zone: UTC +13 Basic language • Hello – Malo a lelei •D o you speak English – ‘Oku ke lava ‘o lea fakapalangi?

• I don’t understand –‘Oku ‘ikai ke mahino kiate au • How much is it? – ‘Oku fiha • Please – Faka molemole •T hank you (very much) – Malo (‘aupiti) Business Hours Tonga’s businesses operate Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm, on Saturday from 8.30am to 12noon. It is important to note that all businesses are

closed on Sundays, this includes most cafés and bars. Food is available in hotels and resorts.

Transportation Most of the Island groups are serviced by inter island ferries, most of which depart from Queen Salote Wharf in Nuku’alofa. Water Taxis offer one way or round trip transfers between islands on fast, reliable and comfortable speed boats.

Road taxis are unmetered and often unmarked but identified by the letter T at the beginning of the number plate.

An acceptable fare from the International Airport to downtown Nuku’alofa would be $30 and short trips around the capital $5-$6.

Vanuatu

Capital: Port Vila Currency: Vatu, although AUD accepted in main towns Official languages: English, French and Bislama Population: 220,000 Time zone: GMT/UMT plus 11 hours.

Basic Language •H ow much is that? – Hamas long hem?

• I don’t know. – Mi no save •T his is broken – Samting ia hemi bugarup or Samting ia i brok •H ow are you? – Olsem

wanem • Thank you –Tankyu • Thank you very much – Tankyu tumas • My name is… – Nem blong mi • What time does the plane land? – Wanem taem plen ia lan?

• Food/eat – Kai Kai Business Hours Offices and shops usually open from 7.30 -11.30am and 1.30 - 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

Many shops open on Saturday morning. Siesta (lunchtime) is 11.30am - 1.30pm when many businesses and shops close. Restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, banks and the Port Vila market remain open.

Vanuatu Post has locations throughout the country, some shared with the National Bank of Vanuatu. The Port Vila Post Office is open Monday to Friday 7.30am - 5.00pm and Saturday 7.30am - 11.30am Transportation Driving in Vanuatu is on the right hand side of the road.

Apart from taxis buses are a great way to get around town.

Any minibus with a red B on the number plate will take you on its route in central Port Vila for VT150 and trips further afield start at VT200.

Air Vanuatu flies to the outer islands of Vanuatu.•

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