Discover The Best 5 Islands Of Melanesia & A Map Of Fiji
Discover The Best 5 Islands Of Melanesia & A Map Of Fiji
Melanesia is a sub-region of Oceania in the southwestern Pacific. It stretches from the island of New Guinea in the west to Tonga in the east and includes the Arafura Sea.
Let’s discover together the wonders of Melanesia and with the help of a map of Fiji and the other islands you will understand better how to plan your vacation.
Table of Contents
Melanesia Map
Informations
Quick Tips
Temperature: The South Pacific Islands have a year-round tropical climate. There is a hotter, wetter time from November to April and a cooler, drier time from May to October.
Language: The most widely spoken languages in Melanesia (excluding the part of Indonesia that is in the region) are English (duh), French (in New Caledonia, which is part of France)
You can find more information about the visa here.
Things to do
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is a country in Oceania that comprises the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and the barrier islands in Melanesia. Its capital, which is on the southeast coast, is Port Moresby. It is the third largest island country in the world with 462,840 km2.
Attractions – Kokoda Trail, Mount Balbi, Kokopo War and Culture Museum,Mount Wilhelm, The Rainforest Habitat, Moitaka Wildlife Sanctuary, Port Moresby Botanical Gardens.
Things to Do – scuba diving, Bird watching, trekking, Fishing, flightseeing.
(Papua New Guinea cheap tours / save money with Viator)
Fiji
Fiji is an island nation in Melanesia, part of Oceania in the South Pacific. It is located about 2,000 km northeast of New Zealand. Fiji consists of an archipelago of more than 330 islands – of which about 110 are permanently inhabited – and more than 500 islets with a total area of about 18,300 square kilometers. The most remote group of islands is Ono-i-Lau. About 87% of the total population of 883,483 live on the two large islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. About three quarters of Fijians live on the coasts of Viti Levu: either in the capital Suva; or in smaller urban centers like Nadi – where tourism is the main local economy; or in Lautoka, where the sugar cane industry dominates.
Things to Do – surfing, fishing, Mountain biking, traditional villages, snorkeling and scuba diving, Whitewater rafting, boat cruise, golf.
Attractions – Castaway Island, Parliament of Fiji, Bouma National Heritage Park, Sigatoka Sand Dunes, Fiji Museum, Nananu-i-Ra,Koroyanitu National Heritage Park.
(Fiji cheap tours / save money with Viator or Get Your Guide)
New Caledonia
New Caledonia’s fauna and flora are descended from ancient species that were isolated in the region when it broke away from Gondwana tens of millions of years ago. Not only endemic species have developed here, but entire genera, families and even orders are unique on the islands.
New Caledonia is home to the New Caledonian crow, a bird known for its tool-making skills that can rival those of primates. These crows are known for their extraordinary intelligence and ability to create tools for solving problems and the most complex tools from any animal studied to date except humans.
Attractions – Amedee Lighthouse, Blue River Provincial Park, Aquarium des Lagons Nouvelle Caledonie, Parc Zoologique et Forestier, Musée de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Grotte de la Reine Hortense, Tjibaou Cultural Center,
Things to do – snorkeling, windsurfing, diving, hiking, golf, sailing. (New Caledonia cheap tours / save money with Viator or Get Your Guide)
Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands are a sovereign state made up of six large islands and over 900 smaller islands in Oceania, east of Papua New Guinea and northwest of Vanuatu. It has a land area of 28,400 square kilometers and a population of 652,858. The capital Honiara is located on the island of Guadalcanal. The country takes its name from the Solomon Islands Archipelago, a collection of Melanesian islands that also includes the Northern Solomon Islands (part of Papua New Guinea) but excludes offshore islands such as the Santa Cruz Islands and Rennell and Bellona.
Attractions – National Museum of the Solomon Islands, Riba Cave, US War Memorial, Mataniko Falls, Lilisiana Village, Vila Point, Vella Lavella, Marovo Lagoon.
Things to Do – Diving ,relax on beautiful beaches, hiking, surfing, kayaking, sport fishing
The island state consists of 32 atolls in three archipelagos and the island of Banaba.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu was first inhabited by Melanesians. The first Europeans to visit the islands were a Spanish expedition led by the Portuguese navigator Fernandes de Queirós, which arrived on the largest island of Espíritu Santo in 1606. Queirós claimed the archipelago for Spain as part of colonial Spanish East India and named it La Austrialia del Espíritu Santo.
Attractions – Chief Roi Mata’s Domain, Mount Hope Waterfall, Ambae Volcano, Millennium Cave, Hideaway Island, Ransuck Cultural Village.
Things to Do : sea kayaking, scenic flight, zip-lining, game fishing. (Vanuatu cheap tours / save money with Viator or Get Your Guide)
Where to stay
A good night’s sleep is particularly important when you are travelling. Melanesia offers its guests a host of luxurious, charming and also out-of-the-ordinary accommodation.
Whether in the heart of the city, near the lake or surrounded by nature – Melanesia’s hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses guarantee a relaxing and invigorating stay.
We managed to find the best three companies that offer hotels, holiday homes and transportation. These are: Booking.com,Trip.com and Vrbo. We have already tested these companies and we warmly recommend them. As a result this will just bring you good deals for your next vacation.
We recommend top hotels in Papua New Guinea: The Shady Rest Hotel, Kalibobo Village, Madang Resort, Crown Hotel ,Lae City Hotel, Bird Of Paradise Hotel.
Food and restaurants
Papua New Guinea boasts an interesting array of cuisines, especially in the larger cities. Foreign influences over the last few decades have resulted in many different types of food popping up in restaurants around the country. Port Moresby boasts a fantastic variety of cuisines, from European and Asian, to local fare. The Italian food is simply divine at Jepello’s, while another great Asian choice is the Chinese restaurant Asia Aromas . Lae is the second busiest town in PNG, so there are also many great restaurants to be enjoyed here.
Fiji’s largest cities and towns boast a variety of restaurants which has helped boost the appeal of the country. There are plenty of ‘Western’ influences upon the islands, including an abundance of everyday meals like burgers, fish and chips, pizza, and pasta. Nevertheless, Fiji is famous for its fresh seafood and coconut-based dishes.Within Suva, there are many great restaurants offering a wide choice of cuisines.
However, the city is strongly influenced by its Indian community, so Indo-Fijian and Indian cuisine steal the show. Singh’s Curry House (Cnr Gordon Street and Victoria Parade, Suva) is an inexpensive yet delightful restaurant serving fusion curry dishes. Ashiyana is another Indian restaurant with a spectacular menu. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available at Palm Court Bistro (QBE Center, Victoria Parade, Suva) with a famous all-day breakfast.
New Caledonia – Parisian food is very much a specialty of the islands, as are the French style bistros and cafés for which Nouméa is famous. Another national specialty is the Kanak bougna, a dish of chicken, meat, seafood or a combination of the three, basted in coconut, wrapped in palm leaves and cooked in an underground oven.
Local French favorites include La Relais de la Vallee , for its generous portions of seafood and La table des Gourmets for beautifully presented Alsace style dishes in an authentic French Bistro. Le Roof has a reputation for fine modern fusion food in one of the best locations in New Caledonia. The restaurant is located on a jetty jutting out over the ocean with a hole in the middle of the floor so diners can see fish and if you’re lucky sharks or dolphins swimming below.
The Solomon Islands have been greatly influenced by European powers since the 16th century. Tourists will be able to find plenty of international restaurants around the larger cities such as Honiara and Gizo. The local food mainly consists of taro, coconuts, fish, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Of course, international cuisine has become much more popular throughout the country.
Dinner in Honiara can be had at many fine establishments. Club Havana is a delightful restaurant with a unique French flair. It is definitely worth a try. Capitana Restaurant is a Japanese dining venue. It happens to be one of the best restaurants in the Solomon Islands. The Point Cruz Yacht Club is home to the best steak dinners in the city, the reason why it is always crowded. In Gizo, the Nuzu Nuzu Restaurant is among the most popular dining venues on the island of Gizo.
Vanuatu – Because of the long history with the French, however, it is French cuisine that has had a strong influence on local fare—local ingredients cooked the French way. Those wishing to try traditional Vanuatu food can sample the lap lap, which is yam, manioc fruit, or banana grated and then smothered with coconut cream. It is then cooked slowly in an earth oven where it solidifies into a cake-like consistency.
Some of the best-tasting French dishes in Vanuatu can be had in Restaurant le Jardin des Saveurs (Luganville), open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant features delicately prepared seafood such as lobsters, snails, and river prawns. One unique dining experience to be had in Vanuatu is a meal at The Barge Floating Restaurant (Port Vila). The setting is incomparable and the food excellent.
Travel tips
- If driving in Fiji, be wary of poorly maintained roads and avoid driving at night
- If cycling the islands of Fiji, always carry spare tires, food, and water
- Renting a car is a cheaper option than renting bikes for two people
- Get a Travel Adaptor for Fiji
- Avoid downtown Port Vila on cruise ship days. It’s hectic, the locals leave and prices go up.
- Travel in the Shoulder and Off-Season to Avoid the Crowds
- Don’t Exchange Money at the Airport
- Check What is Included in Tours
- Take Every Opportunity to Try the Local Food
- Staying or Visiting a Village? Bring a Gift!
When we think of beautiful landscapes and wonderful islands, the first travel option that comes to mind is a cruise. So, if instead of flying and staying on one island, you prefer to explore several beautiful islands, this is the best option. On a cruise you can also relax on the days when the ship is only on the sea/ocean, but you also have the advantage of exploring more places if you are an adventurer. We collaborate with the best companies in the world and you can choose the perfect cruise:
If you do not go by car and need to know more informations about the tours, things to see and do in these islands, we recommend this two companies that are offering tours for any kind of activity you want to do and where you can buy trips much cheaper than if you buy them when you arrive at your destination. It is always good to be able to save some money!
Viator and Get Your Guide : the best activities in town!
The best tours in Papua New Guinea:
The best tours in Fiji :
The best tours in New Caledonia :
The best tours in Vanuatu :
When you think about your dream vacation, you also need to plan your budget! This is why we found the perfect partner – Check24 ! We traveled with a lot of companies and they are the best if you need comfort, luxury but also fair prices! And this is very important! You can now travel and really enjoy your vacation, when you know that you can live your travel dream by paying a fair price.
When you think travel, think Orbitz ! They are one of the leading U.S. online travel websites, offering a full range of travel products and services. They got everything from flights, hotels, and car rentals to cruises, travel insurance, and destination services from suppliers worldwide.
Whe have even more good news! We have the best partners from around the world and you can find your dream vacation right here! We are sure that you will find everything you need – Just check our partners websites and find your dream vacation!
There’s no feeling in the world like connecting with new places, people and experiences through travel. From the iconic to the unexpected, get those “pinch me” moments through a series of Trafalgar highlights others may never know about, or have access to.
Shopping in Melanesia
- Tourists won’t find amazing mega malls in Papua New Guinea, as even the capital Port Moresby lacks modern shopping centers. In the markets, tourists can purchase a range of goods, including fruit, vegetables, meat, books, clothing, and local handicrafts: Hagen Market, Wewak Main Market, Melanesian Arts Gallery, Port Moresby Handicrafts Market, Ela Beach Craft Market.
- You won’t find glittering, modern malls and high-end department stores in the towns of Fiji. Instead, shopping is primarily done within resorts, hotels, markets, and boutiques along city streets. Suva and Nadi boast the highest number of boutique shops in Fiji, but tourists don’t have to burn their entire shopping budget in these cities.
- New Caledonia has a number of local fresh produce and craft markets. The Jeudi du Centre Ville Street Market (Quartier Latin Place des Cocotiers, Nouméa) is held every Thursday and is a good place to pick up locally made arts and crafts or try to local fresh veggies, fruits and cakes. Nouméa market (Quartier Latin, Port Moselle) is best visited on Saturday or Sunday morning when local ukulele musicians entertain shoppers browsing for bread, sweets, flowers, fruit, olives, and vegetables.
- Marlene is one of the largest tax-exempt stores on the island, stocking alcohol, bags, cosmetics, jewelry, lingerie, perfume, skin care products, textiles, tobacco, and locally made souvenirs. Chocolate is another item that New Caledonia does well, especially from Tonton Jules Chocolate Shop.
- There are no major shopping malls of note, so tourists won’t find world-renowned fashion brands when exploring the shopping sites of the archipelago. Nevertheless, those tourists who are into collecting will have such a wonderful time experiencing the shopping culture of the Solomon Islands. The main products for sale on the islands include mother-of-pearl carvings, shells, basket-ware, wooden carvings, and intricate jewelry.The main shopping area in Honiara is the Central Market.
- The premier shopping destination in Vanuatu is the capital Port Vila. Visitors staying or transiting here to visit other islands may well want to visit the various shops and boutiques on the main part of town to get personal gift items or souvenirs in the form of handicrafts. The main street is where the action is. The lower main street, the area closest to the harbor, has specialty boutiques, duty-free shops, banks, drug stores, and so on, while the upper main street is where visitors will find the Chinese-owned shops.
Getting around Melanesia
The best ways to get around Fiji are by bus if you want to explore one of the archipelago’s islands, or by ferry if you want to island hop. You can also get to other islands by plane, but this mode of transport is more expensive.
Flying is the quickest way to get around Papua New Guinea. Our domestic airlines – including Air Niugini, PNG Air, MAF and TropicAir – serve all our provincial capitals and many regional towns and villages, making it an easy way to get to your final destination.
One of the most convenient ways to get around the Solomon Islands is by air. Solomon Airlines flies to 20 domestic destinations across the country. Honiara is the capital of the Solomon Islands and is located on Guadalcanal Island. It is the main hub for flights to other destinations in the Solomons.
The simplest and easiest way to travel around New Caledonia is by car. However, you’ll need to turn to other means of transport if your plans include a trip to the Loyalty Islands, and you can also travel around the Main Island on scheduled bus and coach services to destinations on both the West and East Coasts.
Vanuatu transport is rather basic due to the undeveloped road systems on the island. Although it offers an authentic island experience, there are less than 160km of paved roads, with road systems consisting mostly of dirt tracks. As such, 4WD vehicles, vans and mini-buses are the most common mode of Vanuatu transport. Each island features one to two small airstrips where the light planes that service the islands can land as well as small wharfs or ports where boats and smaller ships can dock, with the main harbours located in Port Vila, Espiritu Santo and Forari. There are no railways on the islands however bicycles are becoming quite a popular mode of Vanuatu transport with taxis and transit vans also very common.
Auto Europe Car Rental,provides the clients with the best rates & service in the industry!They offer travelers the best rates at 20,000 pickup locations in over 180 countries worldwide.The Auto Europe Advantage:Free Cancellation Up to 48 Hours Before Pickup,Best Rate Guarantee,24/7 Service Hotline from Pickup to Dropoff.Enjoy now a 30% discount!
Getting to Melanesia
Flying and travelling to Melanesia is obviously not always straightforward. For expats moving to Fiji and Papa New Guinea it’s not as complicated, as these islands are served more conveniently than many of the smaller and less developed islands.Flying and travelling to Melanesia is obviously not always straightforward. For expats moving to Fiji and Papa New Guinea it’s not as complicated, as these islands are served more conveniently than many of the smaller and less developed islands.
Airlines that service NAN, the main airport in Fiji, include Air New Zealand, Air Pacific, Air Vanuatu, Jetstar, Korean Air, Virgin Australia and Air Pacific. The other airport that services Fiji is Nausori International Airport, which is just half an hour away from Suva. Depending on the country of origin, the journey can be more or less complex for an expat and family heading out to Melanesia to live and work.
Qatar Airways is one of the biggest company in the world with unprecedented expansion, flying to over 160 destinations. Enjoy now a 30% discount by booking your flight with us!
If you have not found your desired flight, or you simply want more flight options to find the best and cheapest, we will help you with the best flight plans, where you will definitely find what you are looking for. With just one click you will find the flight to a wonderful destination!
LEVEL8 is an NYC-born brand for luggage and bag. We exist to bring a leisure and exquisite way of traveling, with suitcases that honored the art of personal presentation and style. For more information on LEVEL8 Luggage collection, visit :
Greatest ❤️❤️