Melanesia

Understand

Melanesia means "Black Islands" in Greek, a reference to the inhabitants' dark skin color, particularly in contrast to the lighter-skinned Polynesians to the east. While genetic research has confirmed that the Melanesian peoples are related, the nations and islands are host to a bewildering array of languages, cultures and customs. Vanuatu alone has 113 recognized indigenous languages, with an average of only 2,000 speakers each. What's more, since European contact, the various Melanesian nations have developed in very different directions. The English brought in Indian plantation workers to Fiji, where their descendants now form a third of the population. New Caledonia, an outpost of France in the Pacific to this day, has significant tensions between its native Kanaks and its white settlers and colonial administrators that have flared into violence on several occasions.

Getting there

There are flights from Australia and New Zealand to Melanesian destinations. Fiji and New Caledonia have some direct flights from Asia and North America too.

Getting around

Unless you're cruising, the only practical means of travel between countries in Melanesia is by plane, since there are very few if any cross-country ferries. Planes are also the main method of getting around in each country. There are limited passenger and cargo ferries, but schedules are erratic and creature comforts few. For example, domestic ferries between the main islands in Vanuatu often take up to 24 hours across rough waters, and passengers are advised to take food, water and sleeping mats with them.

See

Each country and territory of Melanesia has exactly one world heritage site. They include:

The Levuka Historical Port Town in Fiji. The Lagoons of New Caledonia. East Rennell in the Solomon Islands, the largest raised coral atoll in the world. Chief Roi Mata’s Domain in the Shefa province of Vanuatu. Australian Convict Sites on the Norfolk Island. As much of Melanesia is unspoiled and untouched, natural sights are the biggest tourist attractions. From the reefs, lagoons and mountains of New Caledonia to the beaches in Fiji and Norfolk, much of the natural scenery is a unique sight in their own right. Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands are also nowhere near short in natural attractions; however, as both those countries get fewer tourists, the highlights of those areas are often underrated. Although some indigenous villages are willing to take tourists in, others may not. Often those that take you in are the villages that are tourist spots.

Eat

Food in Melanesia reflects both the traditional crops available and the influences brought in by settlers. Traditional fare revolves heavily around root vegetables (yams, manioc (cassava/tapioca), taro and sweet potato), steamed over hot stones and served with seafood and lashings of coconut milk. New Caledonia is the place to be for French cuisine, much of it imported all the way from France, while Fiji abounds in Indian flavors. Settlers from China and Vietnam have also made a dent in the culinary scene, with shops selling fusion-y takeaway fare like giant deep-fried spring rolls and baguettes stuffed with pork in soy sauce a common sight.

Go next

Melanesia is well connected to the rest of Oceania.

Australia Micronesia New Zealand Papua New Guinea Polynesia