Luganville, human settlement
Luganville is a town on Espiritu Santo island in Vanuatu with simple houses, small shops, and busy markets that reflect everyday life. The streets are quiet, motorcycles and bicycles are the main transport, and the coastline with clear water sits just nearby.
The town became a major military base during World War II when the Allies built airstrips and naval bases on the island. Today, old aircraft, equipment, and underwater wrecks like the famous Million Dollar Point remain visible, where the US military left behind machinery at the war's end.
The name Luganville reflects the local language and connection to the land. Walking through the streets, you see people living their traditions in everyday moments: at markets, during shared meals, and in how neighbors interact with one another.
It is best to walk through town or rent a motorcycle to explore the immediate area, as public buses mainly serve locals. Visitors who want to see more distant sites like beaches, waterfalls, or dive spots should rent a car or book taxi rides in advance.
Beneath the sea at Million Dollar Point lies a hidden collection of World War II military vehicles and machinery overgrown with coral, forming a fascinating snorkeling and diving destination. This unusual underwater collection was created when the United States dumped thousands of dollars worth of equipment into the ocean at the war's end rather than taking it away.
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