bonjour à tous,
merci beaucoup Lili, tu es une mine d'or !
cela fait longtemps que je rêve de voir le saut de gaul, mais j'ai peur que cela soit devenu une foire à touristes...y-a-t il moyen de trouver encore quelque chose d'authentique en la matière ?
bonjour à tous,
merci beaucoup Lili, tu es une mine d'or !
cela fait longtemps que je rêve de voir le saut de gaul, mais j'ai peur que cela soit devenu une foire à touristes...y-a-t il moyen de trouver encore quelque chose d'authentique en la matière ?
Bonjour Claudine,
J'ai déjà vu le Nagol (saut du Gaul) et peut t'en parler.
C'est le spectacle le + extraordinaire du Pacifique. Depuis la nuit des temps cela ne se passait qu'une fois/an, dans un seul village, BUNLAP. Depuis une grosse dizaine d'années, c'est devenu un business. Il existe plusieurs tours, et les "représentations" ont lieu tous les samedi durant 2-3 mois. Toute personne étant dans le sud de Pentecôte un samedi peut y assister, moyennant une centaine d'€. A ma connaissance seul HUWANS propose un circuit qui passera par là.
C'est pour les touristes, certes. Mais faut-il interdire le Puy du Fou comme le nagol pour autant ??
Nous méprisons parfois les indégènes, mais finalement ce sont eux les plus malins. Quand ils constatent l'intérêt que suscite certaines de leurs traditions, ils deviennent vite opportunistes. Pourquoi continuer à amuser la galerie alors qu'on peut joindre l'utile à l'agréable ? Quel que soit la somme demandé, le touriste dira amen, donc les prix montent, et la fréquence des "représentations" s'est intensifiée.
Moi aussi je suis très mitigé, et très souvent embarrassé par le tourisme "ethnique". Et ses méfaits. Mais que faire d'autre ?
3 éléments positifs, quand me^me, et qui aident à se "déculpabiliser" :
* c'est une source de revenu indéniable, et complémentaire pour les populations locales (combien avons-nous chez nous de millions de personnes qui travaille (et VIVENT) du tourisme ?? N'ont-ils pas le droit eux aussi d'en tirer quelques avantages ?
* cela fait le lien entre les générations et aide à maintenir certaines traditions, et à les "anoblir", à les valoriser. Je m'explique. Dans la peau d'un "petit noir", ses seuls rêves c'est de devenir riche et de vivre comme les blancs de la télé. Il faut donc s'habiller, picoller, mettre des toits en tole, une chappe en ciment.... la case "écolo" ça fait ringard, pauvre... Idem pour les traditions des anciens... Or là, dans beaucoup d'endroits où je vais (dernier exemple le peuple San en Namibie) je vois qqchose de positif quand une sorte d'éco village est créé, et bien géré (répartition des revenus...) : tout le monde participe aux danses coutumières, en dialecte, et donc cela ne se perd pas. D'autre part la jeunesse peut constater que ces blancs bizares viennent exprés pour voir ça, donc puisqu'ils sont capables de dépenser bcp d'argent, et de venir de si loin pour ça, c'est que ça doit avoir une valeur. Les jeunes se sentent donc valorisés dans leur culture, leur identité, et dénigrent moins leurs traditions.
* au Vanuatu plus qu'ailleurs, les Ni-Van sont de vrais enfants qui adorent danser, chanter, s'amuser, voir des blancs (pas de télé ni radio ni electricité à Sud Pentecote, nous sommes le seul divertissement annuel !!). Les Ni-van prennenent vraiement leur pied à faire ce genre de spectacle. Ce n'est en rien pour eux une contrainte.
Donc oui je conseille quand même de voir ce spectacle prodigieux, si pour toi l'occasion se présente.
merci pour ta réponse Alex
oui, il y a plusieurs paramètres, c'est sûr. je crois que ce que je déteste le plus avec les touristes c'est leur façon de sortir leurs appareils photo et caméras et de tout mitrailler
c'est vrai, il n'y a que Huwans qui propose de voir le saut du gaul, étrangement ; j'aurais crû que les autres agences aussi, mais non
est-ce que tu vas à vanuatu cette année encore ?
Bonjour
J'ai une petite question par rapport a l'argent: peut on retirer de l'argent aux distributeurs ou faut il apporter du cash a changer sur place?
On trouve bcp d'endroit ou le faire?
Oui, tu peux retirer de l'argent dans les distributeurs mais la quantité autorisée est souvent très limité (36000 par semaine soit 280 euros environ, c'est vraiment pas beaucoup !!!
Alors oui, il faut venir avec du cash, il n'y a pas de banque dans les petites îles comme Mota Lava ou Ambrym... alors il faut anticiper !
Si tu veux faire un tour sur mon blog n'hésite pas :
Bonjour, je confirme : c'est bien de prendre aussi des €. Surtout pas des US$, éventuellement des AU$ si tu transites par l'Australie et qu'il t'en reste. L'€ est plutôt bien changé. Il y a des cash dispenser à port Vila et Luganville dans au moins 3, voir 4 banques.
N'hésites pas si t'as besoin de renseignements, ou de coup de main.
Ciao
Bonjour à tous,
Je serai au Vanuatu en octobre, arrivant de Nouvelle Zélande, et avant d'aller en Australie : le dollar néo zélandais est il bien accepté ? mieux ou moins bien que l Euro ?
Et pourquoi pas de $ US ?
Et qu en est il des travellers cheques ? peut-être en prendre en $ australiens ?
Merci
Bonjour, le NZ$ est changé à Vila, ne prenez pas de travelers, pas sûr qu'ils les acceptent, et de toute façon il n'y a pas de voleurs au vanuatu...
Le $ US est très mal changé. C'est un pays qui fonctionne avec les AUD et les €.
Bonne chance !
Je serai au Vanuatu en octobre, arrivant de Nouvelle Zélande, et avant d'aller en Australie : le dollar néo zélandais est il bien accepté ? mieux ou moins bien que l Euro ?
Le $ australien est très communément accepté, et vous pourrez surement payer certaines choses en AUD directement (avec souvent 100 vatus = 1 AUD). Il sera plus difficile de payer en $ NZ ou euros, mais toutes les banques et bureaux de change vous les changeront en vatus.
Et pourquoi pas de $ US ?
Le change est un peu moins bon. Ceci dit si dans ces environs du pacifique la monnaie étrangère qui sert c'est surtout le $ australien, donc...
Et qu en est il des travellers cheques ? peut-être en prendre en $ australiens ?
Je n'ai jamais compris l'intérêt des travellers cheques mais je sais que certaines banques les acceptent ici. Une carte bancaire sera plus utile...
en esperant que vous soyiez toujours sur place...
j ai l intention de m installer au Vanuatu plus particulierement a luganville, avec mon epouse et mes deux filles,
pourriez vous me renseigner sur quelques points ?
quel est l investissement mínimum demandé?
sur luganville existe t il une ecole ou un lycée francais...quelle autre option, ecole anglaise ?
quel est le prix moyen d une location pour un hábitat de deux chambres, simple ?
en vous remerciant infiniement, bien cordialement,
jean christophe
Bonjour Jean,
Il faut demander le VYPA qui est une sorte de permis de résidence accordé aux investisseurs. Pour ce faire ouvrir un compte au vanuatu (Bred, Westpac ou ANZ), et y déposer 40 000 €.
Il faut de l'argent au Vanuatu, venir avec au minimum 100 000 € car les fonds de commerce sont chers, la vie parfois comparable à l'Europe, voire + chère...
Mais tout dépend le type d'activité qui vous intéresse. Vous venez faire quoi ? Quelles sont vos compétencês ? Votre mise ?
@+
Plus exactement c'est une demande auprès du VIPA (Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority).
La vie ici est effectivement chère, et le marché plus que limité en dehors de Port Vila. Luganville a beau être la deuxième grosse ville du pays, c'est très très petit. Il y a l'école / lycée français à Port Vila. Prévoir les frais de scolarité dans le budget...
Our daughter has gone to Sydney, and we’d love to spend the end-of-year holidays with her.
The plan is to leave from Paris or Brussels and break up the trip with a 3- or 4-day layover to "split" the journey in two.
Then head back to Sydney, explore the East Coast in a van, celebrate Christmas and New Year’s in Sydney, and finally return to France with another layover.
My questions:
Which city should we choose for the layover (we’ve already visited Kuala Lumpur and Singapore and would like to see a different city)? Both on the way there and back?
Which agency should we rent a van from?
What sites should we visit on the East Coast?
If you’ve done this kind of trip before and have any tips or advice, I’d love to hear them.
Hi everyone! I’m planning a long trip of two and a half months and could use some input to fine-tune my itinerary. I already have a good idea of the dates and how the climate will vary depending on where we are in Australia. Feel free to share your thoughts!
**Zone 1: DARWIN – August 17 to 22 (6 days)**
Activities & visits: Crocosaurus Cove, Kakadu Park scenic flight, 3-day excursion to Kakadu, Litchfield, and Katherine National Parks
Flight to Alice Springs on the 23rd
**Zone 2: ALICE SPRINGS – ULURU – August 23 to 30 (8 days)**
Car rental
Activities & visits: Alice Springs (1 day), West MacDonnell Ranges (1 day), Watarrka National Park, Uluru (3 days)
Flight to Cairns on the 31st
**Zone 3: CAIRNS – August 31 to September 9 (10 days)**
Car rental from the 31st to the 6th
Activities & visits: Port Douglas, Daintree Rainforest, Mount Quincan, Herberton Historic Village, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef
Bus to Townsville on the 10th
**Zone 4: TOWNSVILLE – NOOSA – September 10 to 26 (17 days)**
Activities & visits: Magnetic Island
Bus to Airlie Beach on the 13th
Activities & visits: Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef
Car rental from the 17th to the 20th
Activities & visits: Eungella National Park
Overnight bus from Mackay to Hervey Bay (20th to 21st)
Activities & visits: K’gari (Fraser Island)
Bus to Noosa on the 25th
Activities & visits: Noosa National Park
Bus to Brisbane on the 27th
**Zone 5: BRISBANE – September 27 to October 1 (5 days)**
Car rental from the 29th to the 1st
Activities & visits: Brisbane, Glass House Mountains, Springbrook National Park, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Bus to Coffs Harbour on the 2nd
**Zone 6: COFFS HARBOUR – October 2 to 4**
Car rental from the 3rd to the 4th
Activities & visits: Dorrigo National Park
Overnight bus to Sydney (4th to 5th)
**Zone 7: SYDNEY – October 5 to 9 (5 days)**
Car rental from the 7th to the 9th
Activities & visits: Sydney, Blue Mountains, Jenolan Caves
Overnight bus to Melbourne (9th to 10th)
**Zone 8: MELBOURNE – October 10 to 16 (7 days)**
Car rental from the 13th to the 16th
Activities & visits: Melbourne, Phillip Island, Great Ocean Road
Flight to Hobart on the 17th
**Zone 9: TASMANIA – October 17 to 23 (6 days)**
Car rental from the 17th to the 23rd
Activities & visits: Hobart, Tasman Peninsula, Freycinet National Park, Natureworld
Flight to Perth on the 23rd
**Zone 10: PERTH – October 24 to 27 (4 days)**
Activities & visits: Rottnest Island, Wave Rock, Perth
Flight to Paris on the 28th
I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the scattered info out there and I'm struggling to organize my solo trip to French Polynesia. I'm all about snorkeling—no hiking for me—so it's all about the water, water, water... I'd love to meet whales (what's the best season?), stay with locals or in budget guesthouses (I'm pretty low-key, no worries about comfort), and most importantly, be as close to the coral reefs as possible (all day long...).
I'm retired, so I've got plenty of time...
If you can help, it would mean the world to me.
Thanks everyone! !
Hi,
I'm planning a trip to this region in November. My initial plan was Adelaide-Darwin by van, but I'm worried about those critters. I'm now considering staying in hotels instead, but for the Red Centre, camping is more practical... if we overlook those pests.
What do you think? Thanks.
Hi there,
I’m reaching out because I’m finally living my dream later this year, and I could really use your advice!
On December 26th, I’m flying to Tahiti, then Moorea, and finally Bora-Bora.
Since I’ll be staying in Bora-Bora for several days, I’d love to take a day trip to another island: either Maupiti or Tahaa-Raiatea (my top picks...).
My issue is that the schedules for getting to Tahaa and then to Raiatea don’t quite work for me. Here are the two options I’ve looked into:
**Option 1: Day trip to Tahaa-Raiatea**
- Morning departure at 7:00 AM to Tahaa from Vaitape (I’ll be staying on a motu, so I need to check if there’s a shuttle connecting the motu to Vaitape early enough).
- Arrival at 8:15 AM in Poutoru, Tahaa. Tour of the island, visit to a vanilla plantation.
- Hire a "private" boat to Raiatea around 12:00–1:00 PM.
- Tour of Raiatea.
- Departure at 4:00 PM from Uturoa (Raiatea) back to Bora-Bora.
**Option 2: Day trip to Maupiti**
- Morning departure from Bora-Bora at 8:30 AM.
- Arrival in Maupiti at 10:05 AM. Visit the island and the motus.
- Return in the evening at 4:00 PM.
My questions:
- Will I have enough time to explore Tahaa-Raiatea from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM?
- Car rental? Bike rental? For all three islands...
- Time lost during rentals?
- Distance between rental shops and the ports where I arrive?
- For Tahaa and Raiatea, should I hire a guide? Would that be better organized, meaning no car rental needed, to save time or explore the island on my own?
- Finally, what do you think of these three islands and their points of interest? Which would you choose between Maupiti and Tahaa-Raiatea?
If you can shed some light on this, I’d be so grateful!!!!!!!
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and advice!
Hello! We’re heading to the Marquesas in July-August and I’d love to know if it’s possible, for a fee, to do a leg of the journey on the Aranui—like from Hiva Oa to Fatu Hiva, or Nuku Hiva to Ua Pou, or even Ua Pou to Ua Huka? Sure, there are shuttles twice a week with Codim connecting these islands, but the schedules won’t be known until two months in advance, and I need to book flights and hotels much earlier than that. So, what’s the best way to handle this?
Looking forward to your replies—thanks in advance!
Elisabeth Marcel
babeth.marcel@yahoo.fr
Hi there,
I’d like to go to French Polynesia.
I found round-trip flights for 650 € with Air Caraïbes.
That seems really cheap—anyone here who can tell me about this airline if you’ve flown with them before?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi everyone. I’ve got a round-trip ticket to Perth for 4 weeks. Is it better to stay on the west coast the whole time?
Or should I grab a round-trip to the east coast?
Or even head over to NZ as well?
Thanks for your tips.
We’re crossing New Zealand next April and we’re wondering which to choose between exploring Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.
The first is more well-known, famous, and popular, a UNESCO natural heritage site, while the second can be just as spectacular—bigger, harder to access, and less touristy.
Thanks for your thoughts!
I’ve blocked out 3 weeks at the end of March/beginning of April, arriving in Sydney and departing from Adelaide while following the coast.
Kangaroo Island is a bit of a question mark for me. If I go, I can dedicate 2.5 days to it. Is it worth the time and the cost? I’ve read plenty of travel journals highlighting the landscapes and wildlife, but I’m sure I’ll see plenty of that along my route anyway. I’m not factoring in the financial side (which isn’t negligible for KI), but I’d rather not be disappointed. What are the real added values of KI, especially since the island has been affected by fires? I’ve also come across people online calling it a tourist trap. For example, I ruled out Phillip Island because it felt too organized and structured. Sorry if I’m opening Pandora’s box here!
Hi! I just spent a month in New Caledonia (backpacking/tent) and I know some of you were looking for info on accommodations and itineraries, so feel free to reach out if you want me to share my little experience. Just to say—New Caledonia is AMAZING!!!
Hi there,
I just got back from two weeks in Fiji, and I noticed the forum discussions here are a bit outdated (the most recent ones are from 2017).
So feel free to ask if you'd like an update!
Hi,
I’m heading to Viti Levu, the main island, for a few days’ vacation.
I usually rent a two-wheeler to keep some independence.
On several forums, people advised against it—first because it’s not really the local culture, and also because of the road conditions and local driving habits.
But I’m a bit wary of English-language forums where the typical vacation is just airport-resort-airport with a taxi in between.
Can you confirm if it’s really that risky compared to, say, Southeast Asia? What are the alternatives? Buses, taxis?
Thanks!
I’m planning and budgeting a trip to Australia for August 2026, lasting 40 days.
Here’s the current itinerary:
Arrival at Port Macquarie Airport in New South Wales and return from Cairns Airport in Queensland.
- South West Rock
- Cap Ridge Park
- Springbrook Park
- Stradbroke Island
- Maleny
- Noosa
- Rainbow Beach
- K’Gari
- Gladstone
- Heron Island
- Airlie Beach
- Townsville
- Magnetic Island
- Cairns
- Cape Tribulation
My main issue is transport to cover all of this.
The first leg is already tricky—I haven’t found a way to rent a car in Port Macquarie and drop it off in South West Rock.
And if we keep the vehicle until Cleveland (8 days) before taking the ferry to Stradbroke Island, it’s already around 1000 €.
- Are there any systems where we could buy a vehicle in Port Macquarie and be sure it’s bought back at the end of the trip in Cairns?
- Do you know of any Australian online car rental sites?
As for trains, they’re not really an option for our stay in New South Wales.
In Queensland, I found the Queensland Rail Travel website with a Brisbane–Cairns line, but trains don’t run every day.
- Do you know of any other train companies in Queensland that connect coastal cities from Brisbane to Cairns?
For flights, I checked Queensland with Qantas, and most routes require a stopover in Brisbane, which wastes a lot of time, and the prices are still high.
Do you know of any low-cost airlines for domestic flights in Australia?
2025 is shaping up to be amazing, as I’m lucky enough to be planning a 6-week trip to Polynesia.
I wanted to buy the *Guide du Routard* (my favorite), but I discovered there isn’t one for this destination. And the *Lonely Planet* is from 2022, which I feel is already a bit outdated.
So I’m looking for other resources: in your opinion, what’s the best paper guide, and most importantly, what online resources have you used to prepare a trip to Polynesia?
My wife, our 3-year-old son, and I are planning a trip along Australia’s East Coast, leaving in early October and returning in mid-November. The plan is to do a 4-week road trip in a campervan, then settle down for about ten days.
The question I’m asking myself is: which way should we go? From Sydney to Cairns or the other way around? Despite all the documentation I’ve read, I’m still struggling to decide the best direction based on the climate at that time and swimming conditions.
Up north, the weather will be warmer, and the water too, unlike the south. However, in the north, there are swimming restrictions, especially because of jellyfish, whereas in the south, there seems to be less danger (apart from sharks, maybe). Are there many protected beaches in the north where we can swim safely?
Also, I should consider that in the south, the Great Barrier Reef no longer protects the beaches, so I imagine there are fewer calm spots for swimming?
I’d love any tips or advice you can share, and thanks in advance!
Hi there,
for a 6-month trip to Australia and NZ starting in NOVEMBER, I’d like to visit PNG and the Solomon Islands. Has anyone already explored these two countries?
How can you travel solo there—transport, accommodation, banking, safety—and what’s the best way to get there from AUS?
Thanks for any tips! Are there any French-language sites about these destinations?
Cheers,
jps
Hi there,
I’m leaving on March 4th for Australia from Réunion Island, landing in Perth, then a road trip down to Melbourne before flying out to Vietnam on April 15th.
I’d like to visit Perth and the surrounding area, then head southwest to Margaret River, Albany, Esperance, and back to Perth to catch a flight to Adelaide. From there, I’ll make my way to Melbourne.
1/ What do you think of this itinerary?
2/ For flights, are there any domestic airlines worth prioritizing for good prices?
3/ I’m planning to rent a car after exploring Perth and the area—I’m traveling solo. Any rental companies you’d recommend, as well as nice hotels, B&Bs, or hostels?
4/ Any tips, good deals, or info are welcome—don’t hesitate to share!
Thanks in advance.
I’m planning a solo trip from April 16th to June 2nd!
I have to work for 3 weeks in Papeete when I arrive in French Polynesia, so I can only explore on the weekends (3-day weekends). For my first weekend, I’ll visit Tahiti; my second weekend will be dedicated to Moorea, and the last weekend to Huahine.
After my work period, I’ll continue with my vacation and keep exploring:
Maupiti - 4 nights
Raiatea - 3 nights (including a day trip to Tahaa)
Bora Bora - 3 nights
Rangiroa - 4 nights (could do 3)
Tikehau - 2 nights (could do 3)
Fakarava - 3 nights
For activities, I’m mostly interested in discovering the islands, hiking, and observing wildlife.
I’m not a diver, but I plan to do a beginner’s dive once I’m there. I love snorkeling, though, and I’m wondering if I’m spending too much time in the Tuamotus, which are famous for diving from what I’ve seen.
For travel between the islands, I’ve already looked into the Bora Tuamotu Max pass, which seems like the best option, but I’d love advice on replacing it with one or more ferries.
What do you think? I’m struggling to finalize my itinerary.
We’ll be in Adelaide from February 24th to March 4th and we’d like to spend 3 days and 2 nights on Kangaroo Island.
Any recommendations?
We always travel with simple accommodations
Hi everyone, we're heading to Australia next month. We have 7 days to go from Adelaide to Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road. Should we visit Kangaroo Island or not? We can't decide! Thanks for your advice.
We really want to see kangaroos and koalas in their natural habitat.
Hi everyone,
I’m heading to NZ at the end of January.
It’s peak season—do you think it’s necessary to book activities in advance (like a cruise to Milford Sound), or is it not essential?
Thanks
We’ll be in New Zealand starting March 15th. We’re considering renting a car from Christchurch to Auckland. We’ve read that a lot of ferries have been canceled—is that true? Would it be better to rent one car in the South Island and another in the North Island? Thanks, and happy New Year!
Hi,
When I hear our French friends talk about them, they’re the most beautiful islands in the world.
For those of you who’ve traveled extensively, is that really the case?
Are the prices for accommodation, even basic ones, justified? Isn’t a room in a family-run guesthouse at 150/200 € a bit much?
Are there other islands in Polynesia (non-French) that are just as "paradise-like" but more affordable?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
