FAQ
Where exactly is Erakor Island Resort?
Erakor Island is located just 5 minutes across the lagoon from the mainland and just 5 minutes by bus or taxi to the main town area of Port Vila. Our ferry operates 24 hours a day so it's very easy to pop out and about exploring
Does the resort allow day visitors?
Day visitors are welcome. You can purchase your day visitor voucher on the mainland jetty between 8.30am - 4.30pm. The cost is VT2000 adult and VT1000 child (2-12yrs) and it is 50% REDEEMABLE on food, drinks watersports or some pampering in our Essence Day Spa
Do I need a visa to visit Vanuatu?
Visitors arriving on Australian and New Zealand passports, no. Most countries are visa exempt but do check that you have at least 6 months validity on your passport from your travel dates!.
Which airlines fly to Vanuatu?
There are plenty of flight options with Virgin Australia, Qantas & Jetstar flying direct from Australia to Vanuatu and New Zealanders can fly with Solomon Airlines and Fiji Airways
Do I need anti-malaria medication?
Some doctors will say yes, but cases of malaria are rare. If you plan to travel to some of the remote islands it may be wise
Should I pack any other medical supplies?
There are three pharmacies in Port Vila that stock pretty much everything you can get at home but items will be more expensive because they have to be imported. If you think you may need things like Panadol, Bandaids, Imodium or Berocca, perhaps pack a little First Aid kit
Should I take travel insurance?
Yes! The adage is true – if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. It is a small price to pay for peace of mind and to cover you for any unforeseen delays/cancellation of flights, accommodation, lost luggage or illness.
How fast is the internet?
Erakor Island has WIFI available right around the island including the accommodation, beaches, restaurant etc and the speed is good. We also have Smart TVs in all of the villas and beach houses so bring your Netflix login with you and you can relax and binge!
How is mobile phone service?
Surprisingly good! There are two providers in Port Vila: Digicel and TVL. Your phone can be activated for global roaming by your provider before you leave Australia - Vodafone in Australia have a $5 per day offer for roaming. You can purchase a local pre-paid SIM card on arrival to make calls while you are here or just use your Messenger, Whatsapp or Skype to stay in touch
Where is the best duty free shopping?
There is a Duty Free shop on arrival to Port Vila at the airport but the range on offer is limited, If you are planning on making purchases it can be best to buy before you travel. There are also several excellent Duty Free shops in Port Vila for purchases before heading back home – we can point you in the right direction!
Can we drink our own Duty Free alcohol at the resort?
In your room or on your balcony, absolutely, but Duty free alcohol cannot be consumed in any of the public areas including the main beach areas or in the restaurant due to licensing restrictions
Do I need an electricity adaptor?
Not on Erakor Island. Our power outlets are the same three-prong style (240v) as used in Australia and New Zealand
Do I need to pack a hair dryer?
No. All our villas have hair dryers as well as tea and coffee making facilities, towels and toiletries
Should I pack some beach towels?
No need. Beach towels are available free of charge in our Palm Lounge at the main resort swimming pool
Should I pack snorkelling gear?
The resort does have snorkel gear available (complimentary) but if you have your own we suggest that you bring in case we don’t have the correct size – and you may want to take a day cruise that offers snorkelling. If you have reef shoes bring those along as well as there is some coral in the lagoon
Is breakfast included?
Yes. A full hot and cold buffet and A la Carte breakfast is served in Aqua Restaurant daily from 7-10am and it is included in our accommodation for all inhouse guests
How do we go about booking tours?
It’s simple… Just say hello to the friendly team at our Tour Hut and they will be able to answer all your questions and make the bookings for you - it does not cost any more to book through the Tour Hut
What if I have special dietary requirements?
Just let us know of any special dietary requirements and our Chefs will be happy to oblige
Where can I put my personal belongings?
There are safes in all of the rooms, along with larger safes in the admin offices behind Front Reception
Does the resort provide babysitting?
We have wonderful, experienced baby sitters available – the fee is paid directly to your babysitter and the rate is 5000vt an hour ($6) with a minimum booking time of three hours
Does the resort have a Kids Club?
Yes. Our Kokonut Kids Klub provides various age appropriate daily activities that might include basket weaving, island adventure walking, learning the local language and hermit crab racing to name a few. There’s also playground equipment and event nights for the kids
How do I get around Port Vila?
Getting around Port Vila is very easy - you just hop a bus or hail taxi. The buses have a “B” on the number plate and you can just flag them down. It’s first on first off so you may take the scenic route to get where you are going but they do drop door to door (or town to wharf). A taxi is identified by a “T” on the number plate and you can flag them down. The driver will take you to your requested destination immediately but it can be best to ask for a price first. Buses cost 150 vatu ($1.80) to anywhere around Port Vila and 300 vatu to places outside the town limits like Mele Cascades, Hideaway Island or Mele Golf and Country Club.
What is the weather like?
We have a tropical climate, very similar to North Queensland in Australia. Many days are sunny with occasional tropical rain to water the gardens. The hottest months are usually February and March and the coolest would be July and August but no need for woolly jumpers - just a light jacket in the winter and lots of swimmers in the summer
When is cyclone season?
There isn’t a ‘cyclone season’ as such - early in the year is classed as Wet Season but can still have plenty of very warm sunshine. Cyclones do come and go but they certainly don’t happen every year
What if I have questions not answered here?
Just drop us an email and we’ll be happy to reply with anything else you would like to know