Mele Cascades - Port Vila Vanuatu

I remember being a child and seeing a movie on daytime TV, where this group of people were lost in a jungle somewhere tropical. Although the name of the film escapes me, there was this scene that never quite left my memory; the protagonist discovered a stunning waterfall that cascaded down a cliff edge and flowed rapidly through this rainforest. This scene made me want to do one of two things with my life: either become an actor and travel the world while getting paid to be many different people, or just be myself and travel anyway. The first dream was satiated when I scored a paying role in a health insurance TV commercial, where I got paid 1500 big ones to sit on a surf board and 'take part' in a surf lesson. But sadly, in my short-lived career as a TV commercial actor, I never did get to a place as beautiful as the one I saw on TV.

Until recently.

While travelling through the South Pacific with Royal Caribbean International, Kevin and I enjoyed a day ashore in Port Vila Vanuatu. Considering we only had a day to take it all in, we decided along with a few great folks we met aboard, that we wanted to make the most of it. After a morning of horse riding through a tropical plantation, we took a little time to discover the local marketplace before making our way to the Mele Cascades.

I don’t think anything could have prepared me for the beauty of this place, not even that daytime movie I saw when I was 10. We spent a decent hour trekking to the top of the mountain where the stunning waterfall fell into a fresh water stream. The conditions were at times slippery, and a little strenuous, so this is one for the adventurer. We crossed flowing streams, braved mossy rocks, and helped each other up rocky passageways, and in the end it was completely worth it. Being in that fresh water and feeling the downpour of the cascade on my shoulders is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.

When it was time to leave, the heavens opened and it started to pour heavy tropical rain.

Just like a movie.

Entry to the Mele Cascades costs $25AUD per adult, and costs about $25AUD to get there by cab, although some cabbies have been known to charge $250 - Don't be a sucker! Be sure to wear reef shoes, and pack something waterproof to protect your camera and electronics. 

Viola & Kevin of Project Sweet Stuff experienced the destination of Port Vila Vanuatu as guests of Royal Caribbean International