Unlike the great Australian tradition of the road-trip, getting around the archipelago nations is a challenge that involves a wide variety of modes of transport. Though sometimes a bewildering experience, the journey is often as thrilling as the destination. The possibilities are endless, but this guide to Peter’s adventure will help you get started.

Travellers who intend to drive vehicles or motorcycles overseas should be aware that road rules, customs and road conditions vary greatly from country to country, and should plan ahead to ensure they're aware of the risks. Most countries require drivers to have an International Drivers Permit, which can be purchased from the NRMA before leaving Australia. For travellers not comfortable with driving overseas, local drivers are easily arranged in most locations at an affordable price (your travel agent or hotel can arrange this for you).

Philippines

Pagudpud
After an eight-hour direct flight from Sydney to Manila, a one-hour flight will take you to Laoag Airport (both Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have regular flights). From there, peaceful Pagudpud is only a two-hour jeepney ride to the north. A jeepney is a minibus-like vehicle, often flamboyantly decorated, and is the most popular means of public transport in the Philippines. Jeepney drivers are abundant and happy to arrange a charter for an affordable fee.

Vigan
Vigan is a three-hour drive south from Pagudpud. Getting around the Spanish-style city is easy, either by motorbike, taxi, or horse and carriage – a charming remnant of the colonial days.

Banaue
It takes about six hours along some very tight, winding roads to get from Vigan to Banaue – a mountainous inland town surrounded by steep rice terraces. Jeepneys are ideal for scaling the steep hills. With their low centre-of-gravity, these vehicles are as sure-footed as a mountain goat and ideal for challenging terrain.

Pampanga
An eight-hour jeepney trip south will take you to Pampanga – consistently reputed as the culinary centre of the Philippines. Some of the streets in these parts can be quite congested, so the easiest way to get around is to hire a tricycle. Essentially a motorcycle and covered sidecar, these vehicles are abundant throughout Southeast Asia; the modern take on the rickshaw. From Pampanga, it’s a short, 90-minute drive back into Manila.

Dumaguete
Dumaguete lies further south in the province of Negros, and flights arrive here regularly from Manila, as do ferries from Cebu. Tricycles will take you around the city, but walking will really reveal its charm. Dumaguete is a transport hub for travel to many of the region’s smaller islands.

Apo Island
Drive from Dumaguete to nearby Malatapay, and then take a 40-minute boat ride to tiny Apo Island. Charters should be organised the day before and it’s best to get to the departure point early. Stroll around and absorb the island atmosphere, or take a guided snorkel tour in the local marine sanctuary.

Siquijor
Another island, only an hour by ferry from Dumaguete, is Siquijor – known by locals as the island where magic is practised. Hiring a bicycle or motorcycle is a great way to explore the island.

Bohol
Head back to Dumaguete and hop on a boat to the island of Bohol. All forms of transport are available in Bohol – minibuses, tricycles and jeepneys are abundant, as is motor scooter hire. There are no regular vehicular ferries onto the island, so transport must be sourced on arrival.

Indonesia

Makassar
Makassar has an international airport, with flights from various airlines travelling regularly from Sydney via Jakarta or Denpasar. Pedicabs will take you around the city and to its famous fish markets.

Bira
Drive five hours by bus to the southeast port village of Bira. If you prefer a little more comfort, most hotels will arrange a private driver. Bira is quite small and the easiest way to get around is to hire a motorbike, or walk.

Labuha via Baubau
Bira is home to the famous Bugis boat builders and, if you’re adventurous enough to charter a schooner, it’s an ideal point of departure to sail through the more remote Molucca Sea and through the ancient Spice Islands. It’s a three-day sailing trip to the northeast town of Labuha, stopping off in Baubau.

Gura Ici
Next, sail overnight to Gura Ici. It takes only 15 minutes to walk around the area, so exploring by foot is the best way to soak up the island lifestyle.

Ternate
Sailing on, finish up in Ternate, an eight-hour ride south in a timber vessel. Jump on a bemo (minibus) or ojek (motorcycle taxi) to get around the city centre. Ternate has a small airport with limited domestic flights into and out of Indonesia’s major cities.

Vanuatu

Port Vila
Port Vila is the hub of Vanuatu and only a three-and-a-half-hour direct flight from Sydney, and has long been a popular holiday destination for this reason. Visit the local markets by hiring a car or scooter from one of the many rental companies around.
 
Mangaliliu
A 20-minute drive northwest of Port Vila takes you to Manga’asi. From here, boats and tours go regularly to Lelepa Island or the coastal town of Mangililiu.

Espirito Santo
Head back to Port Vila and onto Vanuatu’s largest island, only a half-hour flight away. Here, you can trek, dive and sail your way around, or enjoy the convenience of a minibus or taxi.

Malo Island
Head south by boat to the smaller Malo Island. Malo Island is very undeveloped and you will need to organise a ride on the back of a private jeep. This can be arranged in Luganville.

Ratua Private Island
Return to the north with a 30-minute boat ride to Ratua Private Island. Daring travellers can borrow a horse from the resort to explore the island, or a kayak to paddle around it.

Tanna
Right down south is the island of Tanna, which is a 35-minute flight from Port Vila. Enjoy a one-hour drive and ten-minute walk get to the famous Mt Yasur volcano, or simply hop in one of the local taxis to explore the island.

Cook Islands

Rarotonga
Though the Cook Islands is one of the more remote island nations, a direct flight from Sydney will have you there in just six hours (Air New Zealand is the only carrier offering direct services; other airlines fly via Auckland).

Once you’ve arrived, the most common form of transport is a motorbike or scooter, but cars are also available. The Cook Islands require you to get a local licence from the police station – this costs around NZ$20 (please note that International Driver's Licences are not recognised here). Experienced drivers/motorcyclists will have little trouble with the test – you’ll have to drive to the end of the road and back.

Aitutaki
A 30-minute flight will take you to the smaller island of Aitutaki. It’s small enough that you can see much of it on foot, or you can hire a scooter or bike for around NZ$18 a day.

Atiu
Also only 50 minutes away from Rarotonga by plane is the northeast island of Atiu. Like Aitutaki, a scooter or bike are great for travelling its congestion-free roads. Most hotels will also arrange chartered transport if you prefer.