Nov 2023 – Feb 2024

South Pacific Solo Travel

A 112-day adventure by Greg Read more

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Day 21
Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 12:09 PM
☀️ 29 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Vanuatu Malwépé Island -15.377248, 167.17452615°22’38” S 167°10’28” E
Matevulu Blue Hole
November 21, 2023 in Vanuatu ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
Next up was Matevulu Blue Hole. 1,000VT entry however I wasn't alone here as there were a large group of local students present who insisted on blasting the same song on repeat for the entirety.
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Day 21
Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 1:32 PM
☀️ 29 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Vanuatu Matafou -15.391282, 167.18069815°23’29” S 167°10’51” E
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Riri Blue Hole
November 21, 2023 in Vanuatu ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
The third and final blue hole of the day was Riri. This was also meant to be 1,000VT entry however the staff weren't even present so I got in for free! There was also no other tourists or locals here so I had the whole place to myself. A peaceful paradise.Read more
Traveler All three places are brilliant, reminds me of New Brighton beach in the Summer. 🤣
12/11/23Reply
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Day 22
Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 9:12 AM
⛅ 27 °C
Altitude: 7 m
Vanuatu Taoundou Point -15.448492, 167.21374915°26’55” S 167°12’49” E
Santo Horse Adventures
November 22, 2023 in Vanuatu ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
This morning I joined Megan, a lady from NZ who has started a horse sanctuary on the island of Santo. She took a group of us on a 2 hour horse trail through the surrounding area including a water section which was certainly deeper than I expected! Going downhill was somewhat terrifying but my horse 'Tomahawk' managed it with ease.Read more
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Day 22
Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 4:21 PM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: 41 m
Vanuatu Santo-Pekoa International Airport -15.508193, 167.21956215°30’29” S 167°13’10” E
Leaving Santo
November 22, 2023 in Vanuatu ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
After lunch it was time to head to the airport to fly back to the island of Efate, home to the capital of Port Vila. Once again no security and a departure tax of 200VT to pay.
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Day 22
Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 6:30 PM
🌙 24 °C
Altitude: 28 m
Vanuatu Erakau Lagoon -17.74675, 168.32149917°44’48” S 168°19’17” E
Quiz Night in Port Vila
November 22, 2023 in Vanuatu ⋅ 🌙 24 °C
I arrived at the Retreat Seaside in Port Vila just in time for the weekly quiz! A table of volunteers from New Zealand welcomed me onto their team and my contributions such as knowing that it was George Michael who dueted with Elton John in 1991 on Don't Let the Sun Go Down helped to secure us second place and win a round of free drinks!Read more
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Day 23
Thursday, November 23, 2023 at 11:26 AM
⛅ 27 °C
Altitude: 43 m
Vanuatu Iririki -17.744367, 168.30958117°44’40” S 168°18’34” E
Iririki Island Resort
November 23, 2023 in Vanuatu ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
I spent my first day in Port Vila visiting Iririki Island resort. Just a 2 minute ferry across to the island which had a forest walkway, 2 pools, 2 restaurants and lots of land and water based activities! I settled by the pool and used my 1,000VT voucher (of the 2,500VT entry fee) as a contribution towards a delicious seafood risotto and glass of white wine.Read more
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Day 23
Thursday, November 23, 2023 at 6:41 PM
🌙 24 °C
Altitude: 47 m
Vanuatu Salmalao Point -17.743228, 168.31800717°44’36” S 168°19’5” E
Walk Home
November 23, 2023 in Vanuatu ⋅ 🌙 24 °C
The walk home from Iririki Island was just after dark. Walking the unlit streets of a 3rd world country including past a 'medium security centre' was certainly an experience!
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Day 24
Friday, November 24, 2023 at 11:39 AM
⛅ 26 °C
Altitude: 7 m
Vanuatu Pontoon Bay -17.772833, 168.26959417°46’22” S 168°16’11” E
Honeymoon Beach
November 24, 2023 in Vanuatu ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
In Port Vila the number of buses are quite staggering with buses rolling past you on the main road it seemed about every 20 seconds. However, they do not operate on any sort of timetable or route, so you have to a) hope that the bus driver is willing to take you to where you want to go and b) agree a reasonable price before you board. After about 40 minutes, multiple rejections from bus drivers and others demanding 1,000VT, a bus driver pulled up who was willing to take me to Honeymoon Beach for 500VT (about £3.50). The beach could be found down a long dirt track and for the whole day there were no other tourists in sight, only some locals. The first bus driver I stumbled across on the way home took me into Port Vila for 150VT which meant I was back to my accomodation bar well in time for happy hour.Read more
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Day 25
Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 10:24 AM
⛅ 27 °C
Altitude: 22 m
Vanuatu Salmalao Point -17.740417, 168.31373417°44’26” S 168°18’49” E
Port Vila Promenade
November 25, 2023 in Vanuatu ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
On my final morning in Port Vila I ventured down to the promenade. There was a cruise ship in today so the place was absolutely heaving. The promenade still made for a pleasant walk and the huge weekend market was in full flow. I even managed to find a cooked breakfast at Jill's Cafe for a taste of home.Read more
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Day 25
Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 4:19 PM
☀️ 26 °C
Altitude: 30 m
Vanuatu Port Vila - Bauerfield International Airport -17.701149, 168.31937317°42’4” S 168°19’10” E
Leaving Vanuatu
November 25, 2023 in Vanuatu ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
Today my time in Vanuatu had sadly come to an end. Probably the most naturally beautiful place I've been to date, however the living conditions for the local people were very basic and the cost of living certainly wasn't cheap either. A simple but happy life could certainly be found here!Read more
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Day 26
Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 8:59 AM
⛅ 27 °C
Altitude: 18 m
Fiji Vunitogotogo Creek -17.783014, 177.43273517°46’59” S 177°25’58” E
Waking up in Fiji 🇫🇯
November 26, 2023 in Fiji ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
Today saw my first full day in Fiji! I woke up to a breakfast out on the terrace of my homestay and immediately began to think that I might like it here.
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Day 26
Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 6:32 PM
☁️ 28 °C
Altitude: 12 m
Fiji Wailoaloa Beach -17.7644, 177.42809617°45’52” S 177°25’41” E
Sunset Drinks
November 26, 2023 in Fiji ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C
After a busy start to the trip I set aside today to relax and do some admin tasks including shopping, laundry (which my host did) and even went to watch the new Hunger Games (the only one of the series I've ever seen) at the local cinema. I finished the day watching the sunset at Wailoaloa Beach Club with a few drinks.Read more
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Day 27
Monday, November 27, 2023 at 10:03 AM
⛅ 30 °C
Altitude: 16 m
Fiji Malakua Creek -17.807376, 177.4146917°48’27” S 177°24’53” E
Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple
November 27, 2023 in Fiji ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C
Today my host agreed to drive me around all of the nearby attractions of Nadi for the day for 80FJD (about £28). First stop was Sri Siva Temple, an active Hindu temple famous for its intricate and colourful design.Read more
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Day 27
Monday, November 27, 2023 at 11:19 AM
⛅ 31 °C
Altitude: 24 m
Fiji Vunitogotogo Creek -17.779647, 177.4317517°46’47” S 177°25’54” E
Holiday Haircut
November 27, 2023 in Fiji ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C
Midway through the tour we stopped off for my first haircut of the trip! The barber in his matchbox barber shop took less than 5 minutes and even used the razor for the top but all in all I'd say he did a good job!Read more
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Day 27
Monday, November 27, 2023 at 11:41 AM
⛅ 29 °C
Altitude: 8 m
Fiji Vuda Point -17.680122, 177.38952917°40’48” S 177°23’22” E
Viseisei Village
November 27, 2023 in Fiji ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
To the untrained eye, Viseisei is just a typical Fijan village. However, this village is said to be the oldest in Fiji and its straw-topped bure in the centre of the village has hosted numerous members of the Royal Family including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Phillip, King Charles (when he was a Prince) and most recently Harry and Meghan!Read more
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Day 27
Monday, November 27, 2023 at 12:43 PM
☁️ 31 °C
Altitude: 54 m
Fiji Natalau -17.711619, 177.46921517°42’42” S 177°28’9” E
Garden of the Sleeping Giant
November 27, 2023 in Fiji ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C
North of Nadi is home to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. Somewhat underwhelming as a garden but stunning views over Nadi and out to sea from the lookout point at the top.
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Day 27
Monday, November 27, 2023 at 1:46 PM
☁️ 31 °C
Altitude: 13 m
Fiji Wailoko Creek -17.718501, 177.48364817°43’7” S 177°29’1” E
Sabeto Mud Baths
November 27, 2023 in Fiji ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C
We saved the best till last on today's tour at Sabeto Mud Baths. This was a multi staged process, starting with covering ourselves in fresh mud that had bubbled up from beneath the surface. Once this had dried, we progressed through 6 pools with anyone levels of mud content and temperature, a thoroughly enjoyable experience!Read more
TravelerNow that looks brilliant, think I'll go for a roll in my garden which has plenty of mud with all the rain we've had.
12/11/23Reply
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Day 27
Monday, November 27, 2023 at 7:16 PM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: 13 m
Fiji Wailoaloa Beach -17.764205, 177.42786617°45’51” S 177°25’40” E
Wailoloa Beach Club Round 2
November 27, 2023 in Fiji ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
For the second evening running I unwound watching the sunset at Wailoloa Beach Club. At one point another solo traveller beckoned me over and asked me to join his table, glad for some company, I did. He proceeded to tell me he was from Southampton but supported Liverpool because 'why would he want to support a shit team like Southampton?'. When he'd never heard of Tranmere, I thought I'd add some relateable context by telling him that Tranmere's current manager is Nigel Adkins (the main who took his hometown club Southampton from League 1 to the Premier League across the period of 2010-2013). When he told me he'd never heard of this guy the final straw had been drawn and I knew we would never get along. I was very relieved when he said he had to leave and I was once again left by myself, startled at my latest encounter. Bloody English people.Read more
Traveler👍🤣🤣
12/11/23Reply
TravelerI'M SURPRISED HE DIDN'T SAY HE "SUPPORTED" MAN UNITED
12/11/23Reply
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Day 28
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 2:01 PM
☀️ 28 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Fiji Vatutavui Point -17.352227, 177.1422517°21’8” S 177°8’32” E
Wayalailai (Wayasewa Island)
November 28, 2023 in Fiji ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
Today I set off from mainland Fiji on the 'Yasawa Flyer'. I'd purchased a 10 day 'Bula Pass' which allowed unlimited travel to 21 different stops across the Yasawa Islands. My first destination was a homestay in the village of Wayalailai on the island of Wayasewa.

As well as paying for the Bula Pass for the main ferry, you also had to pay 10FJD (about £3.50) to your hosts for a transfer from the ferry to where you were staying. It made me laugh that this wasn't included in the price of your stay, as if anyone is going to choose to swim 500m+ with all of their luggage across the Pacific Ocean rather than opt for the transfer.

I snuck into the hammocks of the nearby resort and enjoyed a relaxing day with my feet up. I met my fellow homestayers for the evening from Denmark, Argentina and Australia. We ate together, watched the sunset and were also invited to join a Cava Ceremony with the village chief as part of the celebrations of a local woman's birthday.Read more
TravelerIT'S GREAT TO JOIN IN THE LOCAL THINGS 😎
12/11/23Reply
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Day 29
Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 5:53 AM
🌙 27 °C
Altitude: 298 m
Fiji Wayasewa Island -17.347664, 177.13914917°20’52” S 177°8’21” E
Sunrise Hike
November 29, 2023 in Fiji ⋅ 🌙 27 °C
A very early start for us all this morning as a village man led us up to the top of the nearby hill/mountain to watch the sunrise. The humidity and heat was overwhelming even at this early hour but was well worth it for a stunning sunrise and panoramic views.

For the remainder of the day I put my feet up on the hammocks once more, and we were invited for tea and cakes in the community hall in the evening as part of a fundraiser to help send the village rugby team to a tournament on the mainland.Read more
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Day 30
Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 1:13 PM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: 120 m
Fiji Natara Bay -17.125922, 177.21812917°7’33” S 177°13’5” E
White Sandy Beach
November 30, 2023 in Fiji ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
After 2 nights in Wayalailai it was time to move on the my second of the Yasawa Islands. This time White Sandy Beach on Naviti Island where I was greeted on arrival with a huge fresh cocount filled with milk. Here I had my own private bungalow around 30ft away from a huge open bay where the sun set directly ahead.

The only other people here were an Italian couple so it was incredibly peaceful and tranquil.

It was also here that my Spotify Wrapped was unveiled where I had to pretend to be surprised to see Taylor Swift dominating the scene.Read more
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Day 31
Friday, December 1, 2023 at 7:15 AM
⛅ 27 °C
Altitude: 22 m
Fiji Natuvalo Bay -17.105086, 177.22580517°6’18” S 177°13’33” E
White Sandy Beach Day 2
December 1, 2023 in Fiji ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
Another tough day of island life spent relaxing in the hammock. The sky was impeccably clear all day which made for a beautiful sunset in which I couldn't resist a swim.

It wasn't all sunshine however as my neighbouring Italian couple had a big argument for most of the day which made for an awkward breakfast and lunch, but they made up by dinner which was much more fun!Read more
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Day 32
Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 12:28 PM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: 24 m
Fiji Natuvalo Bay -17.10501, 177.22566717°6’18” S 177°13’32” E
Leaving White Sandy Beach
December 2, 2023 in Fiji ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
It was time to depart from this absolute paradise, and I was presented with a flower necklace which was a nice touch, but got in the way a bit when you're trying to carry a 65L backpack, a day rucksack, a man bag and 9L of water.Read more
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Day 32
Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 1:49 PM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Fiji Vunitautau Reef -16.928848, 177.39822116°55’44” S 177°23’54” E
Nabua Lodge (Nacula Island)
December 2, 2023 in Fiji ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
My third stop on the Yasawas was at Nabua Lodge on Nacula Island. Similar to my previous destination I had a private bungalow, however this one had 24/7 electricity and a mini fridge! You don't realise how much you miss chilled water until it's 30 degrees and 95% humidity.

I arrived just in time for an afternoon on the hammock. I was lucky to be sharing the place with a Belgian couple, a Slovak couple and a German girl which made for a sociable time!Read more
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Day 33
Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 11:19 AM
☀️ 28 °C
Altitude: 14 m
Fiji Yalayala Creek -16.927968, 177.40489716°55’41” S 177°24’18” E
Fijian Church Service
December 3, 2023 in Fiji ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
On Sunday morning we were invited to join a church service in the nearby village of Naisisili. I don't know what I expected but it certainly wasn't this.

The priest welcomed us into their 'family', this was in between his spluttering coughs and wiping the sweat from his brows (not helped by him wearing a suit and tie). His spluttering and coughing lasted for the entire duration of the service. This man was not well and I'm surprised any of us are either as he spluttered all over the bread (crackers) and wine (fruit juice) which we later consumed.

Other highlights included dancing with the local children and multiple sustained periods of the service where the church-goers muttered/spoke/proclaimed what I can only assume were prayers, but all at the same time and with different proclamations. Some of the people appeared to be possessed by the Lord and I thought the woman in front of me was having a mental breakdown at one point.

90 minutes of my life I will never forget and regret absolutely none of.Read more
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