Vanuatu Photography Workshop

Vanuatu Photography Workshop

2nd-8th May 2012

Bluedog Photography Vanuatu Workshop - a series of workshops within a week designed for photographers by photographers!
Come and explore the South Pacific's magical islands of Vanuatu.

Vanuatu Efate Island Workshop:

On Efate Island you may stay in luxury self contained accommodation, tour the capital Port Vila, treasure hunt in the markets, visit the museum, the amazing Mele Cascades, beautiful beaches as well as snorkel with brilliant reef fish and corals. Plus we will visit 'ARTOK’ (HAT ISLAND) on a full day tour to this World Heritage-listed site! The tour wil include:
• A visit to the Vanuatu National Museum
• Chief Roi Mata burial ground
• Be guided through pristine rainforest of Mangaas village ruins, North Efate
• Watch a traditional performance depicting the time of Chief Roi Mata
• Gasp at the colossal Fels Cave on Lelepa Island
• Enjoy a Melanesian Lunch Feast!

From here we will recommend tours to outer islands for those wanting to explore Vanuatu further.

Non-photography partners and families are welcome to join us on all our outings.
This is designed for your partners and families to be part of everything we do and not to feel left out!


2012 Workshop Dates
Wednesday 2nd - Tuesday 8th May
Registration to join is essential. Bookings are now being taken. To register please Contact Us

Please See Below: Planned itinerary, prices, inclusions, travellers tips and more.

Vanuatu Workshop 2012 Sample Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Port Vila
If travelling by air we can met at airport and transfer you to Island Magic Resort (IMR) where we are staying.
5-6pm Meet in BBQ Hut at resort.
Nibbles supplied please BYO drinks
Talk by Bluedog Team Leader on the week ahead.
6.15pm
Walk to Benjor Restaurant for dinner – dinner and drinks at own cost

Day 2
Port Vila Tour
Depart IMR at 9am
Visit World War II Memorial and lookout
New Hebride Market and down town Port Vila
Craft Markets – wander through the craft markets set alongside the bay.
These wonderful markets are stocked with local hand made artifacts
Food Markets – shop at the local food markets where food is bought in from around Efate.
Food shopping at supermarket
From 4.30pm Review of photographers images in tutor’s bungalow
Dinner: Self catering
Included: Transfers from IMR to memorial, to and from food market, to supermarket and return to IMR
Own costs: Lunch, shopping, souvenirs

Day 3
Mele Magic Tour 9am – 4pm (tour and lunch included)
Depart IMR at 9am
Visit Mele Cascades, Mele Village (biggest village in Vanuatu), lookout and more.
Tour includes all transfers, local knowledgeable guide, lunch at Mele Cascades.
Please Note: We have booked this bus to be exclusive of our tour group so we can stop when we want, get out, take photos and spend as long as we want in each place!
From 4.30pm Review of photographers images in tutor’s bungalow

Day 4
Free Day
Options:
Hire a glass bottom kayak and explore the surrounding Mele Bay
Go snorkelling at IMR – the reef out from IMR is one of the best in Vanuatu - snorkelling gear available for free.
Visit Hideaway Island and the only underwater Post Office in the world.
Go scuba diving, take a sailing cruise or simply relax and enjoy the facilities at IMR – bicycles available for free (see below for details on IMR). Other activity options will be provided to those attending.
Review of photographers images in tutor’s bungalow
6pm Island Magic Feast in BBQ at Island Magic Resort
Taste local foods and hear a local string band and watch basket weaving.
Dinner included. BYO drinks

Day 5
‘ARTOK’ (HAT ISLAND) full day tour to the World Heritage-listed site!

• Visit the Vanuatu National Museum
• Chief Roi Mata burial ground
• Be guided through pristine rainforest of Mangaas village ruins, North Efate
• Watch a traditional performance depicting the time of Chief Roi Mata
• Gasp at the colossal Fels Cave on Lelepa Island
• Enjoy a Melanesian Lunch Feast!

Lunch and all entry fees included

From 6.30pm Review of photographers images in tutor’s bungalow

Day 6
Free Day
Options:
As above

Day 7
Depart IMR
Transfer to airport or you may wish to stay on or visit another of Vanuatu's magical islands (see below for more details).

Bluedog reserves the right to change the proposed itinerary if necessary.

Food markets Port Vila

Meet an Iguana at Mele Botanic Gardens

Mary's stunning sunset.

What's Included:

# Transfers to and from Port Vila airport on arrival and departure
# 7 nights Accommodation at Island Magic Resort: Your accommodation is in a single room with queen beds and ensuite. All bungalows are a max. of 2 bedrooms with kitchen, dining, lounge, deck and laundry. All linen including beach towels provided. Bungalows are cleaned daily.
# Welcome nibbles Day 1
# A continental breakfast hamper in your bungalow for Day 2
# Port Vila Tour - transfers
# Mele Magic Tour: all transfers, entry fees, local knowledgeable guide, cold drinks and refreshments, lunch.
# Island Magic Feast with local island band and cuisine.

For Photographers

# Personal review of images by professional photographic tutor on tour
# Personal assistance with photography during tour
# Visits to unique locations
# Photojournalism sessions available

Flying to Vanuatu

Visit:
Pacific Blue: http://www.flypacificblue.com
Air Vanuatu: http://www.airvanuatu.com

About Island Magic Resort:

We will be staying at Island Magic Resort in fully self contained bungalows.
Island Magic Resort is 15 minutes from the capital of Vanuatu, Port Vila.
Situated right on the water front overlooking the pristine waters and coral reef of Mele Bay, the bungalows are 2 bedroom /2-bath room
and a 1-bedroom Studio Bungalow.
The two bedroom bungalows are x1 queen and x1 king size zip which can be made into two singles. An extra bed can be provided for children.
Each bungalow is cleaned daily, has all linen supplied (including beach towels), a laundry or you can have your laundry done on site at your own expense.

One of the greatest qualities here is the beautiful coral reef right on our door step. It allows for some of the best snorkelling in Vanuatu and there’s a jetty with a ladder so you can access the reef more safely.
On site there’s a pool, BBQ hut, bocce court, full security, DVD movies, board games, book library and ample chairs set under thatched shades to just sit back and sip and watch the life across the bay. Snorkel gear and bikes are also available free of charge.

Next door there are glass bottom kayaks available for hire and there is a top quality restaurant - open for lunch or dinner, only a 5 minute walk away.

On-site managers will be on hand each day to assist you with any information you may need including bookings of tours and hire vehicles.

Island Magic Resort

Travellers Tips

The currency in Vanuatu is the Vatu. Approx: $1.00 AUD = 97 Vatu
 
There are 113 distinct language groups in Vanuatu.
Bislama, derived from the Bech-der-mer (sea cucumber) traders is a phonetic form of English,
and can be understood by most who speak English. English is spoken and understood everywhere.

From April-October temperatures range from 18 to 28 degrees Celsius.

Vanuatu is one hour ahead of AST (Australian Standard Time). There is no daylight saving in summer.

Tipping and bargaining are not considered acceptable. The people though do enjoy seeing pictures from Australia and we usually take over postcards to give away as thank you’s.

There is only one hospital in Port Vila so we advise to take a fairly comprehensive first aid kit - we will include advise on this with registration.

Malaria is endemic and most travel agents will recommend you take preventative medication. We usually do not as the medication can make you feel ill and increases your risk of sunburn profoundly! Take plenty of insect repellent. Mosquito coils are provided at IMR.

Souvenirs - wooden artifacts, shells and weavings is usually no problems.
Be warned though that turtle, giant clam and trumpet shells can be purchased in the markets.
They have been harvested as a food source by individual ni-Vanuatu, but most countries who are signatories to the CITES agreement have banned their import so it’s best to leave them well alone.

Thomas at a kava Bar in Mele Village

Artifacts in craft markets

111 year old Chief Koe of Yakel Village

Further Options

Why not consider extending your stay and visiting some of Vanuatu's other magical islands.
Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 islands with a unique blend of intact tribal communities, resorts, beaches and geography ranging from accessible volcanoes to pristine underwater environments, offering unique and memorable experiences.

Here are a couple of suggestions:

Tanna Island:
On Tanna visit the brooding Mt Yassur - the most accessible volcano in the world and 'kastom' villages living unchanged for 100's of years.

Santo Island:
Coconut fringed beaches, unbelievable diving, rainforest harbouring rare and beautiful jungle birds and home to vanuatu's first National Park.

Pentecost Island:
Made famous for its land diving that celebrates the Yam Harvest and what the modern day bunjie jumping was modelled on.

Ambrym Island:
Considered Vanuatu's sorcery centre for black magic.