We travelled to Lifou Island with our 2-year-old Kidsetter in tow. Lifou Island is part of the Loyalty Islands Province of New Caledonia. New Caledonia is an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Ocean.
Like its Loyalty Island sisters, Lifou Island is found around a hundred kilometres east of New Caledonia’s main island. And like all of the dispersed isles and islets of the archipelago, Lifou is formed from raised coral covered in dense scrubland.
The island is flat with no hills or rivers, but has abundant vegetation, dense interior jungles, fertile soils, terraced cliffs and breath-taking reefs and corals.
We arrived into the town of Easo, greeted by the friendly and hospitable indigenous Melanesian peoples called Kanaks. Surrounded by an open-air market selling arts and crafts, clothing and food. It is the place to buy the ever-popular coconut with its top sliced off and a straw to drink its fresh milk.
We enjoyed watching a traditional welcoming dance opened by the current traditional high chief of the island named Evanes Boula. Our Kidsetter decided to throw a classic 2-year-old tantrum in the midst of the performance. Perhaps he didn’t think they were dancing in time !
We had heard that it was a must to visit Luengoni beach. One of the most incredible white sand beaches. What Kidsetter doesn’t love the water? Ours too. We stayed close to the shore and as the ocean was shallow, we used it like a paddle pool. The snorkelling is fabulous in Lifou Island however we didn’t embark on this, due to the age of our Kidsetter. Enjoying the beautiful view and warm white sand was extraordinary.
Kidsetters will love the laid-back vibe of Lifou, with not a care in the world. Swimming in pristine waters, eating delicious fresh foods, having fun with friends and family – what else is there in life ?
