If you listen closely to the breeze in Vanuatu, you too will be seduced by the mythical call of the sirens that beckoned author James Michener in 1948 to write his Pulitzer Prize winning novel 'Tales of The South Pacific'. This novel was transformed into the Broadway smash hit 'South Pacific' and described the story of two romances set against the backdrop of a Pacific island during World War II. Taken from Michener's personal experiences of his US Navy tour of duty during WWII, he set Vanuatu in a time capsule for the romantic sirens to forever call us. If the cast members of Survivor Vanuatu listen closely, they might hear it as well...

Vanuatu is a South Pacific nation comprising 83 islands in a 'Y' shaped configuration, strung 780 miles along the Western front of the Pacific geotectonic plate midway between Australia and Hawaii. Its precipitous location on the Pacific 'ring of fire' explains Vanuatu's volcanic history which continues on today unabated. Vanuatu also enjoys the dubious distinction of being the Pacific nation with the highest incidence of visits by Cyclones, the most recent being that of Cyclone Ivy which passed through Vanuatu while the Survivor scouts were checking out filming locations. With such serious weather challenges it at least insures that those inhabiting these isles are strong willed survivors.

And yet it's that very strategic position that brings so much beauty to this paradise. The contrast of active volcanoes juxtaposed against tropical palm trees lining unspoiled beaches can't help but breathe life to the vision of the paradise  lost that is Bali Hai.  But Vanuatu is not a vision that is imagined, it is a reality lived by people derived of cultures so diverse, that even today a visit to each island is unique onto itself. As with most places on Earth, it is the people that enhance the physical beauty of the location. And a visit to the various islands of Vanuatu will only reinforce your faith in humanity and its ability to survive all obstacles.

The archipelago is physically divided into 3 groupings of islands. In the North there are the Torres and Banks islands, in the central region lie Espiritu Santo, Maewo to Efate, and the Southern group contains the Tafea grouping of Erromango, Tanna, Futuna and Aneityum. These are of course only about a dozen of the 83 islands that make up Vanuatu, but they compromise about 93% of Vanuatu's land mass. The 180,000 people of Vanuatu, of whom 98% are Melanesians, live on 68 of these islands.

The Capitol of Vanuatu is located in Port Villa on the island of Efate. Port Vila's Bauerfield International airport is the main entry point for most arriving visitors to Vanuatu. And Efate is an end destination in itself for many, with it's numerous resorts, hotels and planned activities. Others employ it as a starting point to explore the other main islands of Vanuatu as well as the remote outer islands. As the center for trade and government activity, it serves as the business outlet to the world for Vanuatu. For a closer look at Efate, click here.

The island of Tanna in the Southern sector is a very interesting location, both in scenery and population. The Yasur volcano on Tanna is active and relatively easily visited. It's spectacular eruptions, especially at night, provide unforgettable experiences. Tanna is also the home to the 'Jon Frum' cargo cult. This is a group formed during WWII's early days, that is based on interactions with American troops and their equipment and supplies during the war. For a closer look at Tanna click here.

Espiritu Santo located in the middle set of islands, was heavily utilized by the American troops during WWII as a military supply base in actions with the Solomon Islands. Luganville, the center of much of the American military presence is Vanuatu's second largest city. And most famous is 'Million Dollar Point', the equipment depot created off-shore when the departing American scuttled their leftover supplies by bulldozing much of it into the ocean. What was initially an eyesore has become an exploration area for both visiting divers and marine life as well. And it is from the shores of Espiritu Santo where young James Michener gazed across the channel at the island of Aoba (now called Ambae) and was inspired to dream of Bali Hai while writing his classic novel.

Pentecost Island is home to a unique tribe that provided inspiration for the modern sport of bungee jumping. Of course their activity is based on tribal beliefs and serves an important part in their culture. The 'Land Divers' who make their leap of faith with only vines attached to their ankles, are performing more than just a reenactment for the sake of tourists, it's interwoven to their cultural roots as well.

Ambrym Island in the central sector is also the site of the spectacular Ambrym volcano. Though much more difficult to access, it is a sight to behold. The journey across the vast ash plains makes you think you're anywhere but in the South Pacific.  The smoking Ambrym volcano amid a sea of jungle greenery and fronted by both white and black sand beaches, is a unique destination in all of the South Pacific.

So with such a diverse array of scenic islands, each enriched by unique tribal cultures, a visit by the Survivor cast to any one of them will change the way they think of Vanuatu. With each island, bringing them a new perspective on what life means in another culture. The Survivors will surely find a new experience that they could never have imagined and will never forget in Vanuatu...the Land Eternal.