Santo: The Jewel of Vanuatu

• HelloHalo
  [ha-loh]
• GoodbyeTata
  [ta-ta]
• YesIoe
  [ee-oh-eh]
• NoAe
  [ay]
• Please/You're welcomePlis
  [plees]
• Thank youTankiu
  [tan-kyoo]
• Excuse me/SorrySori
  [soh-ree]
• How are you?Yu stap gut?
  [yoo stahp goot]
• Fine. And you?Bae. Yu?
  [byeh. yoo]
• Do you speak English?Yu save toktok long Inglish?
  [yoo sah-veh tohk-tohk long een-gleesh]
• I don't understandMi no save
  [mee noh sah-veh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi wantem lukim menyu, plis
  [mee wan-tehm loo-keem men-yoo, plees]
• I don't eat meatMi no kakae mit
  [mee noh ka-kai meet]
• Cheers!Man yu!
  [mahn yoo]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi wantem pei, plis
  [mee wan-tehm pay, plees]

• Help!Tuwelkam!
  [too-wel-kahm]
• Go away!Go we!
  [goh weh]
• Call the Police!Kolem Polis!
  [koh-lehm poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Kolem dokta!
  [koh-lehm dohk-tah]
• I'm lostMi las
  [mee lahs]
• I'm illMi sik
  [mee seek]

• I'd like to buy...Mi wantem bae...
  [mee wan-tehm by...]
• I'm just lookingMi jes lukim
  [mee jess look-eem]
• How much is it?Bae long hem?
  [byeh long hem]
• That's too expensiveHemia moa espensiv
  [hem-yah moh-ah es-pen-seev]
• Can you lower the price?Yu save lomaotem pres?
  [yoo sah-veh loh-mah-oh-tem prees]

• What time is it?Hemia taem nao?
  [hem-yah tah-em now]
• It's one o'clockHemia wan o'klok
  [hem-yah wahn oh-klok]
• Half past (10)Tufala haef (10)
  [too-fah-lah hah-f (10)]
• MorningMoning
  [moh-neeng]
• AfternoonApinun
  [ah-pee-noon]
• EveningIfening
  [ee-feh-neeng]
• YesterdayDei las
  [day lahs]
• TodayDei nao
  [day now]
• TomorrowDei bihaen
  [day bee-haen]
• 1Wan
  [wahn]
• 2Tu
  [too]
• 3Tri
  [tree]
• 4Fo
  [foh]
• 5Faev
  [fah-ev]
• 6Sikis
  [see-kees]
• 7Seven
  [seh-ven]
• 8Eit
  [ayt]
• 9Nain
  [nayn]
• 10Ten
  [tehn]

• Where's a/the...?Wea hemi...?
  [weh-ah hem-ee]
• What's the address?Hemia adres ia?
  [hem-yah ah-drehs ee-ah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Yu save soem slip (long map)?
  [yoo sah-veh sohm sleep (long map)]
• When's the next (bus)?Hemia taem next (bas)?
  [hem-yah tah-em nekst (buhss)]
• A ticket (to ....)Wan tiket (long ....)
  [wahn tee-keht (long)]

The island of Santo, also known as Espiritu Santo, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The original inhabitants were the Melanesian people, who settled here around 3,000 years ago. These early settlers were skilled navigators and fishermen, living in small, self-sufficient communities. Their culture and traditions have been passed down through generations and remain an integral part of Santo's cultural fabric today.

The first recorded European to set eyes on Santo was the Portuguese explorer Pedro Fernandes de Queirós in 1606. Believing he had found the fabled southern continent, Queirós named the island 'La Austrialia del Espiritu Santo', which translates to 'The Southern Land of the Holy Spirit'. This name was later shortened to Espiritu Santo, which remains the island's official name.

In the 19th century, European missionaries arrived on Santo, bringing Christianity to the island. The missionaries had a significant impact on the local culture and way of life. They established schools, churches, and medical facilities, and many of the island's inhabitants converted to Christianity. The legacy of these missionaries is still evident in Santo's numerous churches and Christian communities.

During World War II, Santo played a crucial role as a military base for Allied forces. The island served as a strategic hub for operations in the Pacific theater. The American military presence brought significant changes to the island, including the construction of infrastructure such as roads, airfields, and hospitals. Million Dollar Point, where the Americans dumped surplus military equipment into the sea at the end of the war, remains a popular dive site and a poignant reminder of this period.

Vanuatu, including Santo, gained independence from joint British and French colonial rule in 1980. Since then, Santo has developed into a vibrant hub of culture and tourism. The island is known for its natural beauty, including lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and world-renowned dive sites like the SS President Coolidge wreck. The local economy has benefited from a growing tourism industry, while efforts to preserve and celebrate the island's rich history and cultural heritage continue.

Santo, also known as Espiritu Santo, is the largest island in Vanuatu. The main point of entry is Santo-Pekoa International Airport (SON) located near Luganville. There are direct flights from Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, operated by Air Vanuatu. International travelers can connect through Port Vila from major hubs like Brisbane, Sydney, and Auckland. Alternatively, you can arrive by sea as there are occasional cruise ships and cargo ships that dock in Luganville.

Transportation options in Santo include taxis, mini-buses, and rental cars. Taxis are available in Luganville and can be hired for short trips or full-day excursions. Mini-buses operate on fixed routes and are a cost-effective way to travel around the island. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace, and several rental agencies are available in Luganville. For more remote areas, locals often use trucks or boats for transportation.

The official currency in Vanuatu is the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and some shops in Luganville, but smaller establishments and rural areas may only accept cash. ATMs are available in Luganville, but it's advisable to carry sufficient cash when traveling to more remote areas. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and some hotels.

Santo is generally a safe destination for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it's always best to stay vigilant. Be cautious when swimming or snorkeling as currents can be strong, and always follow local advice.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The main hospital in Luganville is Northern Provincial Hospital, which can handle most medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in Luganville for over-the-counter medications. It is strongly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. For minor health issues, local clinics can provide basic care.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting villages and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people or sacred sites. Public Transport: Do be patient and polite. Mini-buses may wait until they are full before departing. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. A friendly 'Halo' (hello) goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like laplap and seafood. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals as it is considered impolite.

To experience Santo like a local, visit the Luganville Market where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with locals; they are friendly and often willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the island's natural beauty, including the Blue Holes, Champagne Beach, and the Millennium Cave. For a unique experience, take a boat trip to the nearby islands of Aore or Malo.