6 Best Cultural & Kastom Villages in Vanuatu

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.

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.

Try local delicacies like roasted papaya with coconut flesh that is surprisingly delicious, and you'll learn fascinating ancestral techniques that have sustained island communities for centuries.

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.

For a complete tour package with transfers and a trip to the Blue Lagoon included, hit up Yumi Tours.

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

A real chief grants you permission to enter this living museum after a five-minute walk through lush rainforest.

The village compound is thoughtfully divided into different areas, each showcasing distinct aspects of traditional life from farming and home economics to architecture and traditional medicine.

Your guide will share fascinating tales of the not-so-distant past, including stories of cannibalism, whilst demonstrating primitive yet effective hunting techniques using spears and traps for capturing pigs, chickens and fish.

You'll witness an ingenious method for testing potentially poisonous fish; if ants avoid the sample placed on the ground, it's toxic, but if they eat it, so do the people.

Experience traditional island dancing, sample local foods and browse handcrafted souvenirs made by the villagers themselves, all whilst learning about customs and rituals passed down through generations.

We absolutely love the Pui Cultural Tour – it's one of those experiences that genuinely brings Vanuatu's rich traditions to life in the most captivating way.

This half-day cultural immersion showcases the customs and practices of Wala Rano from nearby Malekula, and trust us, you'll be hooked from the moment warriors welcome you onto the property with traditional songs.

Picture this: you're seated on beautifully handcrafted hardwood and bamboo benches, watching four mesmerising traditional dances led by the chief himself. The rhythmic beats of tamtam drums fill the air while ornate feather headdresses catch the light.

What we particularly love is how the knowledgeable guides explain every song, action and custom dress. You're not just watching a performance; you're gaining genuine insights.

The experience goes far beyond dance. You'll witness traditional and contemporary skills displays, including a delightful local "magic" show, copra harvesting demonstrations and fascinating bird trapping techniques. The WW2 artefacts and custom pottery displays add another layer of depth that we found absolutely fascinating.

Finally, you'll about the significance of animals in Vanuatu society while feeding local fish, parrots, pigs, chickens and even snakes (don't worry, they're perfectly safe!).

You'll find Pui Lodge and Tours in Luganville on Espiritu Santo, conveniently located near the Showgrounds area and cruise ship terminal.

Another little-known gem on Santo, Beterihi Cultural Activity Park provides another effortless way to engage in the local culture.

You'll be warmly welcomed by the village chief and immersed in vibrant traditions that have been preserved for generations.

This interactive cultural park allows you to wander at your own pace, taking in captivating sights, sounds and aromas that define island life. Watch mesmerising traditional dance performances and cultural demonstrations, but come prepared to participate – you might find yourself invited to join the festivities!

Witness the traditional preparation of local food and kava, marvel at intricate weaving techniques passed down through generations, and observe skilled artisans creating detailed wood carvings and sand drawings. The experience also includes fascinating displays of WW2 memorabilia, black magic demonstrations and insights into local medicine and healing plants.

One of the most popular cultural village shows in Santo, Leweton Cultural Village is a safe bet for comprehensive cultural immersion.

This remarkable village has been meticulously constructed using only traditional methods; no nails or modern tools in sight.

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

The experience also features an authentic fire-making demonstration, vibrant traditional costumes, and rhythmic tamtam drumming that will have you moving to the beat.

Typically with two shows daily, one in the morning and another after lunch, you can easily fit this cultural immersion into your itinerary.

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.