Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Port Vila, Vanuatu or Apia, Samoa?

Twice now I've seen happy hour fares with Virgin Blue from Sydney to either one of these two islands for about $350 AU return.


What is the best value for the money? Which one is better to experience if only one of two was the option? Which one should I avoid or focus on?


I'd like to explore more of the South Pacific, but don't want to go too crazy with it.

--Russ

Port Villa is so so IMHO. I have read reports that the diving is quite spectacular off the coast but the actual town of Port Vila is a dump.

Personally I would be going to Samoa, as I like to see new places and haven't been there before.

When you say you want to experience more of the south pacific but not go crazy with it, what exactly do you mean?

cheap flight ($350 happy hour return) reasonable accomodation and fun activities like day cruises...

I should add Bali to the list as well...