Why you should visit New Caledonia, an oasis away from the bustle of daily life

Singapore is a beautiful city, but its metropolitan buzz can get overwhelming at times. For this very reason, idyllic getaways to rejuvenate one’s spirit are a perennial favourite among locals.  

For travellers who have made their circuits across Southeast Asia’s well-trodden island retreats, consider jetting off to New Caledonia for your next R&R vacation. Located in the South Pacific Ocean, this French territory is a year-round mecca for visitors who want to unwind by basking in the warmth of the sun or explore a diverse variety of activities, without breaking the bank.

Comprising multiple regions each with its own unique qualities, New Caledonia offers something for everyone – adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts, gourmands and everything in between. What’s more, the island paradise is now easily accessible from Singapore, with Changi Airport operating four direct flights a week via its national carrier Aircalin. It takes eight and a half hours to get there.

Here are some reasons to visit New Caledonia, should you need more convincing.

ENJOY THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

An Aircalin flight to New Caledonia takes you to Noumea, the capital of the archipelago. Dubbed the “small France of the Pacific”, it provides the perfect blend of natural and urban environments, marrying beautiful beaches and verdant nature parks with myriad attractions such as heritage-rich museums and a vibrant nightlife. 

Though it is a city, Noumea is surrounded by the world’s largest lagoon and a collection of beaches and islets just a short walk or taxi-boat ride away. At Amedee Isle, visitors can swim among turtles and tropical fish in the crystal-clear waters of a marine reserve. There is also a historic 19th-century lighthouse that offers a breathtaking view of the lagoon. 

As the territory is home to immense biodiversity, including protected endemic species such as the kagu (a type of flightless bird), New Caledonia places a heavy focus on sustainability. There are strict quotas on visitors, so tourists will never feel crowded. 

Temperatures are generally mild year-round – between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius during the coolest months of July and August, and around 27 to 28 degrees Celsius in the months of December to February. 

ONE DESTINATION, MULTIPLE REGIONS TO DISCOVER

With outback plains in the West Coast, rich seabeds on the East Coast and deserts in the Great South, New Caledonia offers several holidays in one locale. 

Dive enthusiasts can travel up from Noumea to the main island’s East Coast, which is flanked by UNESCO World Heritage-listed reefs. Poindimie grants divers the opportunity to get up close and personal with colourful underwater residents, such as dwarf seahorses and orangutan sea-spiders, which can be found in the second-largest barrier reef in the world.

Another fantastic spot for divers to check off their bucket list is Lifou, home to the inimitable Gorgone Reef. There, they may be greeted by the sight of barracudas, tuna, turtles and even dolphins weaving among gigantic, multi-coloured gorgonian sea fans.

The West Coast is characterised by large spaces devoted to agriculture and cattle farming, so visitors will be able to get a glimpse of life in “Cowboy Country”. Culture buffs can immerse themselves in the indigenous Kanak culture, where they can enjoy a tribal welcome, sleep in a hut and sample traditional cuisine. 

ADVENTURES FOR ALL APPETITES 

New Caledonia boasts natural formations that range from wetlands to mountains and limestone structures. Avid hikers, cyclists and lovers of the great outdoors will enjoy a trip to the Great South, the epicentre of the archipelago’s diverse ecology. Popular activities include mountain biking along the famed trails of Netcha and hiking up Mount Dore.

The Blue River Park is a family-friendly destination with walking trails of different levels. Explore the region’s iconic plains of red earth and the unusual flora of the park, some of which even dates back to the prehistoric era. Thrill-seekers will be glad to know that New Caledonia also offers other exciting activities that range from paragliding and zip lining to skydiving, as well as off-roading on 4x4s. 

To take things down a notch after all that adventure, sail away on a traditional dugout canoe (think Disney’s Moana), where you’ll get to spot turtles, rays and dolphins while drifting on a sublime turquoise bay. 

EXPERIENCE FRENCH-MELANESIAN CUISINE

For travellers who believe that the best way to get to know a new country and culture is through its cuisine, New Caledonia has got you covered. 

In Noumea, the archipelago’s culinary nexus, locals take great pride in their unique French-Melanesian fare, as well as the preservation of indigenous Kanak cuisine. Several notable restaurants, including L’Equilibre and Au P’tit Cafe, offer menus where fresh, local produce meets French-style cooking techniques. 

Traditional Kanak dishes often surface on menus as well, so keep an eye out for bougna – a Melanesian stew made of meat or fish, a variety of starches such as yam and sweet potatoes, and bananas cooked in coconut milk. Ingredients in the emblematic New Caledonian dish are parcelled in banana leaves, placed in a hole in the ground with hot stones and baked for several hours in the traditional Kanak oven. 

PLANNING YOUR VISIT 

This list barely scratches the surface of New Caledonia’s unique offerings. For those who are planning a trip, it’s also important to factor in the time of year as there are plenty of seasonal sights that will make the trip that much more memorable. 

Between July and September, for example, travellers can sail out on a catamaran to Prony Bay and marvel at the majestic humpback whales that call New Caledonia home during the southern hemisphere winter season.

Dive fanatics can plan their trips around June to October as this period offers better visibility, with less wind and rain affecting their underwater adventure. 

With four direct flights a week and round-trip fares starting at S$1,070, paradise is just a plane ride away. Answer a few short questions here and stand a chance to win a pair of Aircalin Economy Class tickets to New Caledonia. Terms and conditions apply.