20 Best Cultural Activities in Vanuatu

For one of the most authentic yet accessible cultural experiences in Vanuatu, step into a nakamal, or traditional kava bar. This is where locals gather at the end of the day to drink freshly prepared kava, talk quietly and ease into the evening, making it a social ritual rather than just a drink.

Vanuatu’s kava is famously potent because it is often made fresh from fresh root, unlike the dried-powder versions found in some other Pacific islands. Most nakamals open around 3 pm or 4 pm after preparing the day’s batch, and you can spot them by coloured lights outside. When the light switches off, they’re usually out of kava.

For first-timers, choose a recommended nakamal, start with a small shell and follow local etiquette. Drink over the designated area, keep the atmosphere respectful and try a salty or savoury wos-em mout snack afterwards to “wash your mouth” of the earthy flavour.

Recommended options include 5 Sel Kava Bar in Port Vila and Canal View Nakamals or Yumi Kava Bar in Luganville, as outlined in the 10 Best Kava Bars (Nakamals) in Vanuatu.

Location: Efate, Santo and more. See the link above for specific recommendations.

Price Range: $

Although set up for tourists, culture villages are the perfect opportunity to learn about how Ni-Vanuatu live on some of the country's most remote islands. One of our favourite culture villages on Santo is the Leweton Cultural Village.

This remarkable faux-village has been constructed using only traditional methods; no nails or modern tools in sight, to give you an example of authentic Ni-Vanuatu architecture.

You'll witness captivating traditional dancing, participate in a genuine kava ceremony with the opportunity to taste freshly squeezed kava, and be mesmerised by the famous water music performed by talented ladies from the Banks Islands.

The experience features an authentic fire-making demonstration where your hosts, wearing vibrant traditional costumes, showcase traditional cooking methods over open flames. You'll have the chance to taste fire-cooked foods like roasted banana, bringing you closer to the authentic flavours of island life.

Throughout your visit, you'll be comfortably seated under the shade of traditionally thatched roofs while singing and cultural performances bring the distinct culture of the outer northern islands to Santo.

Booking in advance is essential as the village needs time to prepare for guests, with a minimum of two people required for the experience. You can find them through their Facebook page to arrange your cultural immersion.

A terrifying tradition on the island of Pentecost, Naghol, also known as land diving, is where the island's young men strap vines to their ankles and jump from a high platform... And they invite visitors to come and witness!

This ancient ritual is the original inspiration for modern bungy jumping, and honestly, it makes our modern version look tame by comparison!

Local men perform this breathtaking ceremony as a rite of passage and blessing for the yam harvest. They plunge from towering wooden structures with nothing but vines tied to their ankles; talk about trusting in tradition.

The spectacle is only available during the April LINK#TT081 to June LINK#TT087 season, and according to locals, you'll need to book well in advance as spots fill up incredibly quickly. These heart-stopping shows typically begin around 10 am and last one to two hours.

It's possible to take tours that depart on Saturdays and include return flights from Port Vila or Luganville to Lonorore Airport, transfers to the ceremony site and often cultural village visits.

Alterntively, you can visit Pentecost independently by taking flights or ferries and staying in one of the island's basic but charming guesthouses or bungalows. Note that transport schedules are limited to Pentecost, so this requires some planning.

Speaking of Pentecost, another fantastic culture village experience is Santo Fire Walks, where Chief Bule brings the sacred kastom ceremonies from the land-diving island to Santo.

Your engaging host Chief Bule serves as an excellent master of ceremonies, keeping audiences captivated with fascinating facts while being open to questions throughout the experience.

The experience begins with a traditional welcome dance before moving into the nakamal for weaving and cooking demonstrations, where you'll sample food cooked in a bamboo. You'll then experience freshly squeezed kava tasting, watch the art of sand drawing and witness a powerful dance where a young boy must show his courage as he relies on nothing but plants and vines to carry his weight.

The spectacular finale features the actual firewalk on scorching hot rocks with no foot protection whatsoever, including dancing on the heated stones.

Energetic dances accompanied by local drums and ankle-rattling navaranke nuts create an unforgettable atmosphere, concluding with refreshing local treats.

If you want to take a deep dive into Vanuatu's culture, the island of Malekula is the place to do it. The "Wala Island Tour" with Nawori Sea View Bungalows combines cannibal history and island-living in one captivating experience.

The signature "Wala Day Tour", starts with a cultural journey with the Small Nambas tribe, before you are taken across to Wala Island, visiting ancient sites and experiencing traditional life firsthand. You'll get an excellent introduction to the nasara concept, sites of ancient villages, and explore four different namaki (ceremonial areas) before enjoying traditional kava drinking. Plus, don't forget your snorkelling gear for the colourful underwater spots.

Back on the mainland, the Cannibal Site involves just a one-hour walk to reach historical sites where you'll discover the cultural context behind cannibalism as a form of sentencing, visit unique nasara stones and see preserved human remains at ancient burial sites.

Tours depart from Nawori Sea View Bungalows, but transfers from Lakatoro can be arranged for an additional fee.

The most famous culture village on the islands of Malekula, it doesn't get more real than the Small Nambas at Rano!

Chief Amedee guides you through authentic tribal rituals and living customs preserved for generations. This immersive cultural experience, organised by one of the last Small Nambas kastom schools, showcases the fascinating traditions of the Nemi Gortien Ser (Spirit of Unity) people through hypnotising tamtam beats and vibrant dances.

The entire village participates in this two-hour journey, offering hands-on activities including traditional food preparation, ancient fire-making techniques, weaving, sand drawing and crafting everyday items.

You'll witness captivating performances from the "Men's Wind Dance" to the "Women's Flower Dance", participate in ceremonial welcomes with salu-salu presentations, and even join the public dancing finale.

Tours operate at 10 am every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (bookings essential), with other days available by request only.

Back on the main island, the Vanuatu Cultural Centre offers a wonderful display of cultural artefacts from all across the islands in a pleasant all-weather setting.

Housed in a stunning traditional building right across from the parliament, the museum beautifully displays its collection of traditional artefacts, including tamtam (slit drums), outrigger canoes, ceremonial headdresses, shell jewellery and examples of Lapita and Wusi pottery.

The museum features several fascinating displays that bring Vanuatu's history to life. Look out for the striking painting depicting Vanuatu's first animals, and the powerful blackbirding display documenting the tragic period when people from Queensland kidnapped Ni-Vanuatu people. The sacred headdresses from Malekula LINK#D035 are particularly impressive – these ceremonial pieces were traditionally worn when electing or promoting leaders.

The guided tours are definitely worth considering, with knowledgeable staff available to help visitors understand the cultural significance of the displays. When cruise ships arrive, the museum also hosts extended presentations in its dedicated area, such as sand drawing demonstrations that used to be as communication between communities.

Located right in the entrance hall, the museum shop is a treasure trove with an excellent selection of exclusive gifts, carved souvenirs, locally designed t-shirts, posters and books. All proceeds support the museum's ongoing collection development.

The Vanuatu Cultural Centre is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, with Saturday hours from 9 am to 12 pm.

For an easy, everyday cultural experience in Vanuatu, spend some time at a local produce market. Markets are where island life feels wonderfully unpolished: vendors chatting behind piles of bananas, papaya, coconuts, taro, yams, cassava, island cabbage and whatever else is in season.

Port Vila Central Market is the easiest to visit, with colourful produce stalls, local snacks and a lively waterfront location. On Santo, Luganville Market gives you a more local town-market feel, while Lakatoro Market on Malekula is one of the island’s main community hubs, complete with produce, snacks and casual local meals nearby.

Go in the morning for the best atmosphere, bring small cash and don’t be afraid to ask what something is. Even if you’re not self-catering, markets are a great way to see what ends up in traditional meals, bungalow cooking and everyday Ni-Vanuatu kitchens.

Discover which markets to scout out in the 10 Best Markets in Vanuatu.

Location: All over Vanuatu. See the link above for specific recommendations.

Price Range: $

For a cultural activity you can take home with you, make time for Vanuatu’s handicraft markets. These are the places to browse traditional wood carvings, shell necklaces, woven bags, hats, dresses, coconut oil, local pepper, carved canoes and other island-made souvenirs, while supporting local craftspeople directly.

In Port Vila, Haos Blong Handicraft Market at Feiawa Park is one of the easiest places to find locally made gifts, with a wide range of wood carvings, shell jewellery and handmade souvenirs. Further along the waterfront, Mahitahi Handicraft Market House is a smaller carved fare house where local mamas sell Vanuatu-made crafts near Nambawan Café and the dive operators.

On Malekula, Malampa Handicraft Centre behind Lakatoro Market is well worth seeking out for more island-specific crafts, including handwoven bags, wood carvings, locally made hats, colourful dresses, coconut salusalu and hand-carved canoes. The local ladies who run it can also explain the cultural meaning behind many of the items, which makes browsing feel less like shopping and more like a cultural exchange.

Location: All over Vanuatu. Check out The Guide to Shopping in Vanuatu + The Best Places to Shop to learn more.

Price Range: $

History and culture are rolled into one fascinating package on the Chief Roi Mata's Domain Tour!

This immersive experience takes you across three sacred 17th-century locations that tell the remarkable story of the chief who brought lasting peace to Efate and its surrounding islands. Your adventure begins at Roi Mata's mainland village, where you'll explore ancient stone remains once used for mystical rituals and witness a magnificent banyan tree that has stood sentinel for centuries.

From there, board a local boat to explore the mysterious cave on Lelepa Island before reaching the final destination: the mass burial site on Artok Island where Chief Roi Mata and his followers were laid to rest.

The full-day tour includes a delicious lunch featuring authentic Vanuatu dishes like laplap and simboro, while preserving oral traditions that have kept this sacred story alive for over 400 years.

Hidden in the lush bushland of Teouma, Jiarofa Agritourism Village is a lesser-known cultural village that offers an authentic glimpse into Futuna island life through four to five different stations set within a stunning forest environment.

Experience hands-on learning through guided plantation tours showcasing traditional taro-farming methods, including the cultivation of unique varieties like mara (which we can best describe as "blue cheese bananas"). Participate in weaving and crafts workshops, traditional cooking classes, and witness mesmerising cultural dance performances where Futuna islanders use homemade instruments to create an uplifting ensemble!

The village also offers fascinating insights into traditional health practices, including frank talks on how women deal with their menstrual cycle in remote islands, as well as herbal medicine talks and ancient food preservation techniques.

One of the most spectacular experiences is witnessing Futuna's fearless fire walking ceremony on hot rocks!

Local tourism operators Malakai and Rachel from Pui Lodge offer an extraordinary cultural immersion through their flagship "Fanafotua Man Bush Trail" experience.

This full-day adventure begins with a one-hour drive followed by a one-hour walk to reach a remote kastom village.

The experience centres around authentic village living, starting with a ceremonial presentation to the village chief where guests present calico fabric (usually made to make island dresses) as a traditional gift. You'll witness traditional fire-making demonstrations, enjoy traditional dancing performances and observe traditional food preparation methods firsthand.

The highlight is participating in a kava ceremony whilst observing genuine traditional living practices within the village community. For those seeking deeper immersion, overnight stays in the village are available, allowing you to truly connect with local customs and daily life.

Note that weather conditions can affect availability, as rain makes bush trails dangerous.

A favourite among Port Vila's tour companies, Pepeyo Cultural & Educational Village offers one of the most accessible cultural village experiences.

Located in Teouma (just 15-20 minutes from Port Vila), this Melanesian cultural journey takes you through eight fascinating areas that showcase the ancient traditions of Futuna Island. With no set times, tours run throughout the day in this laidback experience that's not bound to any particular timeframe, though the team ensures everyone has a good time.

Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by Futuna's island warriors (try not to be startled!) as your entertaining host shares knowledge throughout the experience. You'll discover traditional fishing techniques that have fed families for generations, learn about farming practices for crops like yam, taro and kava, and witness sacred ceremonies that are still part of daily life. The demonstrations of traditional housing construction and food preservation methods are simply captivating.

But the real highlight? The incredible cultural performances featuring traditional dances, bottle and bamboo piano music, and the jaw-dropping spectacle of firewalking on hot volcanic rocks. It's this main show that draws guests from the many tour companies running around the island, who come in and out throughout the day (there's a reason why this is one of the most popular culture villages on Efate).

The short walks through lush tropical bush between each area are accessible for everyone, with wheelchair-friendly paths and plenty of seating throughout the site.

Step into the past at Yakel Cultural Village on Tanna Island, one of Vanuatu's authentic kastom villages where traditions remain untouched by modern life.

Visitors are welcomed to learn about daily life, from traditional storytelling and dance to craft making and food preparation. It's a rare opportunity to connect with a way of life that's been passed down for generations.

You'll have the chance to participate in dance performances with villagers and see locals in traditional attire like grass skirts and nambas - traditional penis sheaths. The village gained international recognition as the filming location for the acclaimed movie "Tanna", shot here in 2015.

This immersive cultural experience offers an authentic glimpse into one of the world's last stone-age communities, where ancient customs and traditional ways of living continue unchanged.

Tours to Yakel Village are readily available through local operators like Tanna Volcano Transfers and Tours, making this authentic cultural experience accessible without breaking the bank.

That's right, even Malekula has a small museum where you can check out displays from the island's ancient tribes.

This cultural gem has a significant focus on the legacy of Darvall Wilkins, the British District Agent who transformed an overgrown coconut plantation into what became the administrative heart of Malekula in 1963.

The centre offers visitors an immersive journey through Vanuatu's colonial period and path to independence, featuring exhibits about Wilkins' extraordinary 20-year service and his deep connection to the local community. The exhibits highlight the transformation of Lakatoro from wilderness to a bustling district station that housed over 250 families by 1971, complete with schools, markets and the popular Metmet Club.

Beyond the Darvall Wilkins tribute, museum-goers can check out historical outrigger canoes, headresses from the Small Nambas and other historical tools and weapons once used (and some still are) by Malekula's kastom communities.

Outside, don't miss the tomb of Darvall Wilkins, who was buried next to some significant ceremonial (nasara) stones.

The Malekula Cultural Centre is open from 8 am to 12 pm, then 1 pm to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Note that there is a very small entry fee.

For a cultural activity with a slower rhythm, explore Malekula by outrigger canoe. These traditional-style paddling experiences connect you with the waterways, villages, reefs and coastal life of the island in a way that feels far more intimate than a standard boat tour.

A gentle introduction is the Tisiriq Lagoon Outrigger Tour, where you paddle through calm estuary waters lined with mangroves and backed by distant mountains. Arrange it with guides at the lagoon entrance or through your accommodation host.

For something more adventurous, Malog Bungalows offers a four-day, three-night outrigger canoe journey around Maskelyne Island, including local guides, meals, accommodation, village visits, beach campsites, snorkelling, kava sessions and possible dugong sightings. Eco Adventure Maskelyne offers a similar multi-day island-hopping experience, with camping, reef snorkelling, hikes, campfire stories and traditional meals such as laplap, fresh lobster, crabs and reef fish with coconut milk.

Whether you choose a peaceful lagoon paddle or a multi-day expedition, outrigger canoeing in Malekula is as much about culture and connection as it is about the scenery. Learn more in the 10 Best Kayak & Outrigger Tours in Vanuatu.

Location: Malekula. See the link above for specific recommendations.

Price Range: $$$

Nothing throws you into the heart of Vanuatu culture quite like going on an expedition with locals, staying in remote villages, and dining on authentic cuisine. That's what the Dog's Head Trail is all about!

This two-day coast-to-coast adventure takes you through some of the most rugged and culturally rich terrain in the Pacific, crossing from the inland villages to the remote west coast through traditional territories.

Your experienced local guides will immerse you in authentic bush life, constantly sharing knowledge about the surrounding flora and letting you sample wild fruits and nuts freshly cut with machetes.

As you trek narrow, sometimes challenging paths through pristine rainforest, you'll cross rivers multiple times and witness daily village life in its most authentic form, from school children emerging from the forest paths to families preparing traditional meals like laplap.

Stay overnight in village homestays where you'll sleep under mosquito nets and experience genuine hospitality. Your guides typically share fascinating stories about everything from environmental conservation to local politics and family life, creating connections that go far deeper than typical tourism encounters. The muddy, sometimes slippery terrain requires careful footing, but the rewards are immense as you discover one of Malekula's most remote regions.

The journey culminates at an isolated coastal village where the road literally ends. Here you can cool off with a refreshing swim in Pacific waters, though locals will guide you to safe spots away from strong currents and advise on the best tides for swimming.

The Dog's Head Trail can be arranged via the Vanuatu Travel Information Centre in Malekula or with Edna from Malekula Holiday Villas.

One of the easiest cultural villages to get to from Port Vila, Ekasup Cultural Village is a popular choice with cruise ship passengers.

A native tribesman greets you before taking you on a short walk through the tropical rainforest to this award-winning cultural village.

Set across 25 acres of land, this living museum is thoughtfully designed to showcase distinct aspects of traditional Melanesian life, inviting you to discover their ancestral culture and lifestyle.

Meet the Chief and his Warriors from the island of Futuna, who demonstrate traditional weapons including clubs, spears, bows and arrows, whilst your guide shares fascinating tales of cannibalism from the not-so-distant past. You'll learn about traditional food preservation techniques, witness the preparation of laplap (a local dish), and discover the secrets of Melanesian custom medicine using remedies derived from herbs, roots, bark and leaves.

Experience the ingenious fishing techniques developed by generations of islanders, observe game trapping methods, and be amazed by the ancient art of sand drawings. Watch captivating performances by the Futuna Youth featuring traditional Pacific music, rhythms and dances, then browse handcrafted souvenirs including woven baskets, mats and hats made by the villagers themselves.

This comprehensive cultural experience offers a captivating glimpse into how villagers preserve and prepare food daily, providing genuine insight into indigenous life in Vanuatu.

Get an authentic look into village life in none other than the largest village in Vanuatu, Mele, on a guided excursion with Port Vila Tours.

Take a guided walk around Mele, Vanuatu's largest village, where you'll discover what authentic island life really looks like. This intimate one-hour walking tour keeps groups small (just two to 10 people), which means you'll get a genuinely personal experience.

We love how this tour takes you beyond the tourist trail. You'll wander through the heart of the community, popping into the local church where village life centres around worship and gatherings. The bustling schools are absolutely delightful; watching the next generation of ni-Vanuatu kids go about their day is something special.

Don't miss the chance to learn about traditional kava bars and their deep cultural significance. Your guide will point out the chief's nakamal (the sacred village meeting place where all the important decisions happen), giving you insights into how village life really works.

The real highlight? You'll visit a local family's home to watch them prepare their evening meal.

Return transfers are available from Port Vila accommodation, making this wonderfully convenient.

Another one from Port Vila Tours, the "Kastom and Culture Tour" focuses heavily on Ni-Vanuatu traditions, produce and flavours, all easily accessible from the capital.

This seven-hour adventure takes you far beyond the typical tourist trail, kicking off at the Vanuatu Cultural Centre (also known as the National Museum), where you'll discover fascinating exhibits showcasing the archipelago's diverse traditions, languages and archaeological artefacts. From what we've experienced, it's the perfect introduction to understanding this incredible island nation.

You'll savour authentic island flavours during lunch at Leo's Kai Vanua, which locals rave about for its welcoming hospitality and traditional cuisine.

Next, you'll head to the ACTIV Centre, where you'll discover local social enterprises through guided chocolate tastings and browse handcrafted coffee, artwork and oils created with purpose and pride. According to our very own travel manager, Robin, this is where you really start to understand the community spirit of Vanuatu.

Your cultural immersion culminates at Ekasup Cultural Village, where powerful welcome ceremonies and traditional performances bring kastom to life. You'll learn about daily village customs and time-honoured traditions passed down through generations in this two-hour experience that connects you with the true spirit of Vanuatu.