Esther YueWe have a secret travel route to share that many people don’t know about! Did you know that you can travel directly from Singapore to New Caledonia? Specifically, direct flights from Singapore’s Changi Airport to Noumea, New Caledonia’s capital city, actually started in 2022 but they remain an underrated gem.
For those not in the know, New Caledonia is an archipelago located east of Australia and north of New Zealand. It comprises over 140 islands, including the famously beautiful Isle of Pines and Loyalty Islands. Noumea is a perfect underrated destination for a peaceful island getaway. It stands out for its mild climate, clean and gorgeous beaches, abundant wildlife, and warm local hospitality.
How to fly to New Caledonia from Singapore
There are direct flights from Singapore to New Caledonia. From Singapore’s Changi Airport, you can reach Noumea by taking a nine-hour long direct flight to Noumea’s La Tontouta Airport. This is the longest non-stop flight from any country to Noumea.
Currently, the direct route from Singapore to Noumea is serviced only by Aircalin, which is New Caledonia’s national airline. Aircalin offers five direct flights from Changi Airport to La Tontouta Airport weekly, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Things to do in New Caledonia
1. Enjoy a peaceful getaway at stunning beaches in New Caledonia
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If there’s only one attraction you can visit in New Caledonia, it has to be its gorgeous, unpolluted beaches. In Noumea, Anse Vata Beach is renowned for its crystal-clear blue waters and gorgeous white sand. It’s also a very good spot for swimming thanks to its calm sea currents.
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Another beautiful beach to visit is the one at Kuto Bay. Located on the illustrious Isle of Pine, Kuto Bay boasts stunning coastal views, sparkling white sand, and mouth-watering seafood delicacies. You can reach Kuto Beach via a three-hour ferry ride from Noumea.
2. Hike amidst scenic natural surroundings
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Hiking is among the most fun things to do in New Caledonia. The Ouen Toro Hill is one of the most beautiful nature spots for hiking in Noumea. Here, you can enjoy a 360° view of the scenic Lagoon of New Caledonia and a stunning sunset view.
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For a more challenging hike, head to Plateau de Dogny in the La Foa region, which boasts a jaw-dropping 1km vertical drop and breathtaking views of New Caledonia’s coasts.
3. Snorkel alongside coral reefs and marine life in New Caledonia’s vibrant underwater world
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Given its abundance of marine life, snorkelling is one of top things to do in New Caledonia. It’s an amazing water activity to get up close with amazing coral reefs and marine animals. Located 40 minutes away from Noumea by boat, the well-loved Amédée Isle is a famous snorkelling spot. You’ll likely see turtles and clownfish while in the lovely blue waters.
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Lifou Island is another gorgeous snorkeling spot in New Caledonia. Here, it’s worth visiting the breathtaking Luengöni Beach and the coral Cliffs of Jokin. You can reach Lifou Island by taking a 40-minute flight from Noumea-Magenta Airport.
4. Head out to watch majestic whales
Image credit: New Caledonia Tourism Official Website
It’s not common that we get to see whales in real life. And so, whale-watching is one of the most unique things to do in New Caledonia. The town of Mont-Dore, which is less than an hour’s drive away from Noumea, is a fantastic sightseeing haven. In Mont-Dore, the Ouen Isle is famous for its humpback whale sightings, which are sighted fairly frequently during their mating season (between June to December).
Another good spot to watch humpback whales is Prony Bay, which is located in southern New Caledonia between the Havannah and Woodin Canals. Humpback whales are usually spotted at Prony Bay between mid-July to late September. You’re sure to have a whale of a time.
5. Visit the exquisite Lagoon of New Caledonia
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New Caledonia is home to the majestic Lagoon of New Caledonia. As a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s largest lagoons, it can be divided into six areas — the Entrecasteaux Reefs, the Great North Lagoon, the North and East coastal area, the Ouvéa and Beautemps-Beaupré Island area, the West coastal area, and the Great South Lagoon. For the perfect exotic getaway, consider visiting the lagoon surrounding Ouvéa Island. Ouvéa Island is nicknamed “the island closest to paradise” for good reason!
To get to Ouvéa Island, you’ll need to take a 40-minute long flight from the domestic Noumea-Magenta Airport to the Ouvéa-Ouloup Aerodrome. To get around Ouvéa Island, it’s recommended that you arrange your transportation well in advance. Though the journey to Ouvéa Island will take extra effort, it’s worth going the extra mile for as you’ll be rewarded with scenic views you can’t find elsewhere.
6. Explore New Caledonia’s mysterious sinkholes
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Sinkholes are natural holes in the ground that form when water dissolves limestone. New Caledonia’s Maré Island is home to a cool sinkhole known as the Trou de Bone. This 40-metre deep sinkhole is filled with beautiful clear water, and you can even listen out for echoes here. You can reach Maré Island by taking a 40-minute long flight from Noumea to La Roche Aerodrome.
7. Other beautiful spots for unique experiences and sightseeing
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Looking for adrenaline-inducing things to do in New Caledonia? If you’re up for a heart-thumping adventure in the wild, consider also heading to the Blue River Park which is located in the south of the Grande Terre. You can gain unique experiences at this natural wonder. Here, you’ll find lush waterfalls, abundant flora and fauna. You can even kayak down the Drowned Forest and enjoy an exciting overnight camp here. Take note that it takes about one to two hours by car to travel to the Blue River Park from Noumea!
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Another great spot for a thrilling exploration is the famous Lékiny Cliffs, which are located on the renowned Ouvéa Island. To reach the cliffs, you’ll need to be accompanied by a guide from the local Lékiny tribe, which makes the journey extra exciting. Here, you’ll pass by mysterious caves, and see majestic limestone formations and stunning crystal-clear water.
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