Island Hopping In New Caledonia: Discover The Loyalty Islands And Isle Of Pines

PUBLISHED November 4th, 2023 06:00 am | UPDATED November 11th, 2023 12:20 am

Dreaming of an idyllic island escapade? Well, this is your sign to experience the captivating tropical sights and sounds of New Caledonia. The heart of the Pacific Ocean beckons with its rich culture and heritage, lively festivals, and unspoilt natural beauty – think pristine beaches, captivating landscapes, and some of the world’s most unique biodiversity. With one main island and many others off its coast, the New Caledonian archipelago is ripe for an  island-hopping adventure! Plus, planning your journey to this hidden gem is easy peasy with direct flights from Singapore via Aircalin. 

Here, we explore the Isle of Pines, Ouvéa, Lifou, and Maré – the four gorgeous islands bordering the mainland of New Caledonia. 

Getting to the Islands

Flying under nine hours directly from Singapore Changi Airport to the capital of Noumea, Aircalin (which translates to “air hug”) is your ticket to “The Jewel of the Pacific”. As New Caledonia’s flag carrier, the full-service airline delivers impeccable service with their commitment to safety and comfort, making every journey as warm as a “cuddle”. Get a peek into the flavours of the Pacific with their delectable in-flight menu, and kick back with the state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system with games, new releases, classic films and more. With daily flights on the schedule, it’s never been easier to plan your trip.

Besides delighting passengers on its international routes, Aircalin brings its warm service on its domestic flights to the exquisite Isle of Pines and the Loyalty Islands (Ouvéa, Lifou, and Maré). Experience the same top-notch service, with daily flights under an hour,  as you make your way to the islands. 

Exploring the Loyalty Islands

Ouvéa, The UNESCO-Listed Paradise 

This slender strip of land, only 40 metres wide in some places, stands out as “the island closest to paradise”, a title bestowed by Japanese writer Katsura Morimura. With the long stretch of white sandy beach and sparkling emerald waters at Mouli Beach, it is easy to see how Ouvéa is indeed one of the most beautiful atolls in the world. Catch the best sunset views at Mouli Beach and venture under the Mouli Bridge to encounter sea creatures like rays and turtles. 

For more exciting encounters, walk from St. Joseph to the shark pass at Grand Nord Beach, where you’ll meet lemon sharks returning for mating season. Don’t miss seeing one of the most endangered species of the Pacific, the Ouvéa parakeet. Native to the island, they’re typically spotted around the Beauvoisin Lodge and in the commune of Gossanah.  

The mystical Blue Hole of Hanawa is a natural cavity filled with seawater from cracks in the coral reef. The thin layer of freshwater resting upon the sea gives off an ethereal blue shimmer, making this place almost magical. Before you give in to the temptation to take a plunge like the locals do, know that it’s not as easy to get out – and researchers haven’t found the bottom of this hole either.

Book your domestic flight to Ouvéa here.

Lifou, The Island of Many Faces

Home to 37 tribes, Lifou is the largest and the most populous of the Loyalty Islands, boasting an eclectic mix of culture, heritage and cuisine. Get an insight into island life here at the capital, Wé, with bustling markets on Wednesdays and Fridays. Savour local cuisine made with the freshest indigenous ingredients.

Besides lounging on immaculate beaches like Luengöni Beach or Easo Beach, explore the steep coral cliffs of Jokin or navigate to the Luengoni Caves with mysterious sinkholes. A short walk from Easo Beach will take you to Our Lady of Lourdes, where you’ll be rewarded with a splendid view of Santal Bay. Adventurous folks can head north and hike to the Devil’s Cave, complete with underground water abysses, hanging tree roots, and limestone formations that set it up perfectly as a devil’s lair.

Complete your Lifou experience with a visit to the Vanilla Plantation, where you’ll discover everything about vanilla at the “House of Vanilla”. Learn the secrets of its production and how it came to be; this is where you can also shop for fresh vanilla pods and other vanilla products. Visiting in October? Be sure to join in the fun at the Vanilla Festival in celebration of all things vanilla.

Book your domestic flight to Lifou here.

Maré, The Highest Island in New Caledonia

Love watching the sun rise? The easternmost island, Maré is the first among the Loyalty Islands to welcome the sun’s golden rays. Start the day with local delicacies at the Tadine Market and immerse in rich Kanak art and culture at theYeiwéné Yeiwéné Cultural Center.

Between basking in the tranquillity of Wabao Beach and Kurine Beach, appreciate marine wonders at Maré’s Aquarium Naturelle, a natural aquarium nestled amidst lush vegetation. While swimming and snorkelling are prohibited due to rocky terrain, you can certainly indulge in the traditional Kanak dish of fish and vegetables cooked in banana leaves, Fish Bougna, instead. Or have a go at the Coconut Crab; its sweet and creamy texture might surprise you.

Soaring 30 metres above the ocean is a cliff steeped in local legend. Named the Warrior’s Leap, it is said to be an escape route for valiant warriors. Then, take your exploration into the Pethoen Cave thereafter and join the locals with a dip in the freshwater lake. With the magnificent stalactites hanging overhead, it’s a swimming experience like no other. If you visit in May, take the chance to stock up on avocado and partake in the festivities of the avocado festival at the Tribe of Nece.

Book your domestic flight to Maré here.

The Divine Isle of Pines

Standing as the crown jewel of New Caledonia, the Isle of Pines proudly bears the moniker “Pearl of the Pacific” with its spectacular turquoise bays and white-sandy beaches, making it one of the must-visits places in the archipelago.

Dive into the natural beauty of the twin bays of Kuto and Kanumera. Separated by a narrow peninsula with coral reefs lining the shorelines, this is a popular local spot for swimming and snorkelling. Spot a fascinating array of marine life and take in the golden sunsets by the waterfront. From Kuto Bay, it’s an easy hike to the top of N’Ga Peak (262 metres) for a panoramic view of the island. 

Dip in the “natural swimming pool” of Oro Bay, which draws visitors near and far to witness the natural formation formed by a coral reef wall. A small path from here will lead you to Upi Bay, where you can explore the shallow waters adorned with coral rocks. 

To get your daily dose of history and culture, visit the mysterious Queen Hortense Cave and take a trip to the village of Vao. Check out the beautiful Mission Church and Statue de St. Maurice to learn more about the first missionaries that arrived on the island.

With each of the four islands offering a different slice of paradise, New Caledonia offers a rich tapestry of diverse experiences. And with direct flights from Singapore via Aircalin, paradise is only under nine hours away. Book your flights to New Caledonia here.