In Reply to: From Bali to the Pacific Islands posted by Norwegian in Bali on Thursday, 11. September 2008 at 17:05 Bali Time:
Vanuatu is a great place but can be expensive. Most likely best deal is a package. Five days isn't alot so best to stay in main island of Efate. Great snorkelling at Hideaway Island that you can get to on a local mini bus and the island hosts an underwater post office. Further up the road there are waterfalls. An around the island trip is a must. Ask hotel staff to point you in the direction of a "nakamal" or kava bar from 5pm, local people will be happy to share a kava and a chat. Kava looks terrible, smells terrible and tastes terrible but the company is great. The other must do place is a splurge meal at Tropik Bistro for the best steak in the Pacific. During the day there are a number of cafes in the main street for coffees, pastries and baquettes. The supermarkets also are great.
The other Pacific countries with the exception of Fiji are less touristy and also expensive. All though have stunning beaches.
The Oz islands also have stunning beaches and I guess my pick would be Frazer Island which is a sand island and a national park...not you typical island paradise but plenty to do. The other alternatives at Tasmania, our island state in the south and also our Kiwi cousins have stunning spots in New Zealand.