Mystery Island, Vanuatu
Aneityum is the southernmost inhabited island in Vanuatu, but it's tiny Mystery Island just offshore - - with its grass airstrip (built during WWII to serve as a refueling station), white sand beaches, marine reserve and secluded bungalows provide offer a variety of beach activities. Garden paths criss-cross the island, and snorkelling is fantastic off the end of the airstrip (the island is a marine sanctuary).
Legend has it that in the 1850s, "blackbirders" kidnapped men from nearby islands and brought them here before sending them to work by force in Queensland's sugar cane fields.
Also Aneityum people believe Mystery Island is the home of ghosts, so no one will live there. It's a favorite stopover with cruise ships, when locals will come over for the day on canoes from the village of Tanna and set up market stalls offering clothing, necklaces, and handicrafts. Local women offer massage and hair braiding and men play music and grill lobsters. Snorkeling gear is available for rental. Diving, snorkeling and fishing tours are available on small boats.
At other times you'll probably have this island with crystal-clear waters and unspoiled beaches all to yourself - - no people, no electricity, no running water, no Internet, or phone service.
Walking around the island took us about 45 minutes. The island depicts a basic way of life that exists in only a few places in the world today.
Legend has it that in the 1850s, "blackbirders" kidnapped men from nearby islands and brought them here before sending them to work by force in Queensland's sugar cane fields.
Also Aneityum people believe Mystery Island is the home of ghosts, so no one will live there. It's a favorite stopover with cruise ships, when locals will come over for the day on canoes from the village of Tanna and set up market stalls offering clothing, necklaces, and handicrafts. Local women offer massage and hair braiding and men play music and grill lobsters. Snorkeling gear is available for rental. Diving, snorkeling and fishing tours are available on small boats.
At other times you'll probably have this island with crystal-clear waters and unspoiled beaches all to yourself - - no people, no electricity, no running water, no Internet, or phone service.
Walking around the island took us about 45 minutes. The island depicts a basic way of life that exists in only a few places in the world today.