Wala, Vanuatu 

The serene island has pristine beaches, forests and is home to 200-300 friendly smiley locals. The unspoilt paradise has no electricity, telephones and roads. The principals means of transport is on foot or by dugout outrigger canoes! Wala is approximately 1 nautical mile from the mainland Malekula which is renowned for its unique cultural heritage and fierce warrior tribes who up to one generation ago were cannibals.

The welcome on Wala is a little different to the not so distant past with a custom string band and happy harmonizing voices greeting passengers as they arrive on the island! Being so remote and undeveloped Wala is in cultural and environmental terms one of our most interesting calls. The soft coral white beach fringed with palms shelves down to bright turquoise waters and the inky blue of the deep channel dividing the island from the mainland. Dugouts ply the foreshore and the snorkelling is excellent. On the beach there is a bar serving cool Tusker Vanuatu beer and soft drinks. A fine selection of handicrafts can be purchased from the stalls at the edge of the beach close to the grass thatched hut villages.

Tenders from the ship will provide a regular service to and from the island.

You won’t need one!

The Nambas may set up stalls near the beach or in the village and sell handicrafts and souvenirs such as sarongs, baskets, wood carvings and beads. Do not buy anything that is made from turtle shell, feathers or seeds, and ensure that any items you purchase do not contravene Australia’s or New Zealand’s strict quarantine laws.

It is forbidden to bring food of any kind from the ship to the island. Nambas may sell seasonal fruit and coconuts. The condition and method of preparation of food and drinks cannot be monitored by P&O Cruises. With that in mind, passengers are advised that if they purchase or consume food they do so entirely at their own risk.

Generally hot and humid with summer temperatures around 30ºC. Make sure you stay hydrated and protected from the sun.

Tipping is not customary in Vanuatu, nor is bargaining. The locals do however appreciate a small donation (which is at your own discretion) for sharing their knowledge and explanation of local customs and traditions.

Not accepted. Small amounts of cash should be exchanged on board the ship if you wish to purchase items on the island.

Not available. Also, there is no mobile (cell) phone coverage.

To make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, wear comfortable, flat soled shoes, lightweight clothes and a hat, and bring along some sunscreen, insect repellent and bottled water. It’s also a good idea to bring an umbrella. Don’t forget your swimwear and a towel. Snorkelling gear is available for hire or purchase on board the ship. Except on the beach, cover up when walking around the island (casual clothes, not swimwear). Nude or topless bathing is NOT permitted on any beach.

Please be advised that certain activities such as trips in dug out canoes, may be offered by local people in Wala. Please note that these activities are not operated by P&O Cruises and as such we cannot guarantee the safety of passengers engaging in such activities. Accordingly, any passengers engaging in such activities do so entirely at their own risk. If you are in any doubt about any aspect of any activity offered to you, please contact your P&O Cruuises representative.

Whatever you decide to do after your visit to Wala or any island port of call, please bring your rubbish back to the ship with you – that includes dead camera batteries. Please do not remove coral or shells from their natural habitats. Thank You

In case of emergency while you are ashore please contact the nearest crew member. Alternatively, P&O Cruises Port Agent for the Wala is;

South Sea Shipping Ltd
Lini Highway Port Vila, Vanuatu
PH: (678) 22 205
FAX: (678) 23 304