Step into a living Ni-Vanuatu village on Efate's northern shore, guided by a community elder through centuries-old kastom ceremonies, kava preparation, and a fire-cooked laplap feast served on woven banana leaves. Deeply authentic, utterly unrepeatable.
What to expect
A short boat transfer from Lelepa brings you to the village, where you are welcomed by the chief with a traditional kava ceremony — the earthy, mildly numbing ritual drink that anchors all Ni-Vanuatu social life. Women from the village demonstrate lap-lap making, pressing island root vegetables and coconut cream into banana leaf parcels for the ground oven. While the feast cooks, a guided tour explains sand drawing, an art form listed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage register. The meal is communal, unhurried, and followed by a string-band performance.
Good to know
Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) out of respect for village custom; a sarong can be purchased at the pier. The full experience runs approximately 4 hours including boat transfer. Book directly with Vanuatu Ecotours at least 72 hours ahead for elder guide allocation.