Excursion Ekasup cultural village tour at Port Vila

Visit Ekasup Cultural Village, an award-winning attraction that brings to life the world of ancient Melanesian culture.

Port Vila, Ekasup Cultural Village

Their nation’s name, Vanuatu, means “land eternal” in a primary dialect of the 113-plus languages spoken in this Melanesian archipelago. And “eternal” is a fitting descriptor for the ancient traditions practiced in the tiny rainforest community you’ll visit today. Known as Ekasup Cultural Village, this award-winning attraction is a living museum unlike any other.

For starters, after being greeted on arrival by villagers in traditional Indigenous dress, you’ll soon be introduced to the Village Chief and his cadre of sidemen armed with fierce weapons such as clubs, spears, bows, and arrows. Luckily, that’s more for show than for real; although once upon a time their great ancestors might have been inclined to eat you, these warriors are here to welcome you, too.

During a nearly two-hour visit, you’ll learn much about centuries-old Melanesian customs and skills still in use in the village today. Like medicinal remedies derived from herbs, roots, bark, and leaves. Rustic, effective game-trapping tricks. And decidedly unmodern methods the villagers employ to preserve and prepare food each day. Of course, you’ll also hear spine-tingling tales about ferocious skirmishes and worse from the not-so-distant past. You’ll also be treated to an inspiring performance by the Futuna Youth as they demonstrate their take on keeping the precious ethnographic heritage of their people vital, even in a modern world.

Conclude with an approximate 25- minute return from Ekasup to Port Vila pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Ekasup Cultural Village, Melanesian ethnographic immersion

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, at times over uneven, gravel, coral, sandy, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the transportation, and uneven and timber steps at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, bottled water, and local currency for purchases from the ship. Coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. The transportation is natural air-cooled. The tour sequence may vary.