Kastom Village Tours

Vanuatu has several "custom villages" (known locally as Kastom) that tourists can visit to learn about indigenous life. Two of the most prominent are Ekasup Village on Efate and Yakel Village on Tanna. Several tour operators, including Adventures in Paradise, offer a Ekasup village visit as part of an "around island" tour, as well as village-specific tours. On arrival visitors encounter several village dwellers "lurking in the trees" on their way to meet the chief. They are treated to fishing demontrations, fire-walking, local foods' tastings, and dance performances. Evening visits add a Melanesian feast to the mix. Tanna's village visits may be a little more authentic; think women without tops and men without bottoms (or at least minimal covering). Apart from Yakel there's also a custom village at Yasur, near the famous volcano. Additionally, visits to authentic indigenous villages can be arranged on the islands of Ra and Moto Lava, to the north of Port Vila.