Irresistibly sublime – this is my take on Mystery Island. Population is ZERO. Why? This uninhabited tiny Islet in the Tafea Province of Vanuatu is considered taboo to live here. With only a few huts for overnight stays catering for tourists and pretty good amenities the only other thing this Island has is an Airstrip. The local Ni-Vanuatu will come across from the main Island of Aneityum on the days that the ships call and bring along their crafts to sell at the market stalls. Mystery Island was hit by the Cyclone and has left it in bad shape. It is also a very poor part of Vanuatu and they are always pleased to receive new books for the local school. Whilst we were there we witnessed them receiving school uniforms. It was an amazing sight. Unfortunately, a photo without asking of the locals is considered rude and very offensive. We also found that they would like money for any photos taken. For instance, to have your photo taken behind the giant pot, it will set you back AUD5.00 and the same goes for the welcome sign. Understandably, they don’t have the same luxuries as us and it’s not hard to see they don’t have a lot. What is there to do on this tiny little Inlet? Snorkel in the crystal clear calm waters. It’s easy to go out far and wide. As you will see from the photos there is not a huge amount of coral that you would expect and there are pockets of bright and colourful fish. We found there were sea cucumbers everywhere from the moment you step into the water. They are harmless creatures but not exactly exciting to see. It was a day of simply relaxing on the sand and enjoying the views around. Next stop is Noumea back in New Caledonia and our last port before we return to
Sydney.
