Explore our vacation planning and travel guides for the tropics, cruises, and island resorts.
Consisting of the islands Papua, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia, Melanesia is part of the three main group of islands that divide the Pacific, the other two being Micronesia and Polynesia.
The people
It is said that the first settlers to the islands originally hailed from East Africa and have very dark skin and Afro hair. The word Melanesia is an amalgamation of the Greek word “melas” meaning black, and “nesos” which means islands. The varied cultures, customs and rituals of the islands continue to fascinate travellers from all over, drawn not least of all to the friendly and laid back locals.
Nature Tripping
The Pacific Islands is the perfect sanctuary for the tired and stressed out urban-dweller who craves serenity and solitude. Its vast and awe inspiring vistas, crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, picturesque sunsets and exotic marine life create an earthly paradise that is sure to be a balm to any troubled spirit. Surfing, sailing, kayaking, you name it- the islands offer fun activities and recreation every member is sure to enjoy to the fullest on these pristine islands! There is nothing under the Melanesian sun that you cannot do, provided you respect nature as much as a native Melanesian does, and do your best to be a responsible tourist and traveler.
So dive into the Melanesian experience, and get the kind of exotic and fulfilling vacation that is uniquely yours!
We take a peek at one of the worlds unspoiled area in the eastern part of Indonesia called West Papua Irian Jaya. Travelers have come to this part of the world to experience the rich rain forests, rivers, beautiful beaches, and breath-taking mountains. The tallest peak on the island would be Mount Jayawijaya, which towers […]
East Timor, or Timor-Leste as it is also known, is an emerging nation. Technically considered part of Southeast Asia, East Timor is located approximately 400 miles from Australia. The flavor of the Island is an eclectic mix of Asian and Portuguese. The geography is diverse, ranging from beautiful beaches, rice paddies and majestic mountains. Because […]
Vanuatu is an island nation in the South Pacific, and is home to some of the most famous and spectacular diving locations in the world. Many dive shops and guides operate in this diver’s paradise, and you will be able to choose from a wide variety of wharf or reef dives. Whether you are a […]
Solomon Islands is a nation composed of over nine hundred ninety islands located to the east of New Guinea. This vast island chain has been settled by the Melanesian people for more than thirty thousand years. European missionaries only began visiting the island chain in the 1800s. This means that visitors to Solomon Islands can […]
Few places on Earth can equal the beauty and variety found in Papua New Guinea. Located on the largest and highest tropical island on the globe. Papua New Guinea is home to one of the world’s largest tracts of intact rain forest. The island’s coast is home to some of the most pristine mangrove swamps […]
New Caledonia, an island nation and former French colony, is a spectacular wonderland of sparkling blue waters and gorgeous, lush foliage. Rightly called “The Jewel of the South Seas,” the island is a genuine treasure you will fall in love with. A vacation to New Caledonia, also known as the Isle of Pines, delivers the […]
Papua New Guinea (PNG) is home to some of the world’s most spectacular diving. Located in the Indo-Pacific area, it is said to have as many marine species as the waters of the Red Sea, and up to five times as many as the Caribbean. Papua New Guinea is surrounded by the Bismarck, Coral, and […]
Sprawled across a vast expanse of ocean between Sulawesi and Irian Jaya lies one of the world’s most volatile volcanic belts: the more than one thousand islands that make up the province of Maluku. These beautiful islands are blessed with incredible sea gardens, tropical beaches and rugged, forest-coated volcanic mountains. Some of the more visited […]
Uncrowded waves, roaring surf, crystal clear water and beautiful natural beaches…that is the essence of the Fiji Islands. Fiji is a great place to surf due to the warm, clean water, abundance of surf, limited crowd factor and a sense of the exotic. Because Fiji has the third largest barrier reef in the world, accessibility […]
