CODES OF CONDUCT IN THE ISLANDS & VILLAGES

WELCOME TO VANUATU

Another world. Unique island cultures.

TO SHOW RESPECT - Know what is tabu (Forbidden)

When you visit Vanuatu with Vanuatu Custom Travel you will have access to very special people, places and events not frequented by many foreigners. You will be entering small village and local community environments. The local people will treat you with respect. They have asked us to politely inform you that as part of the agreement of having rare access to their island home and culture, you simply return their hospitality with respect for a few simple local customs. Our aim is for everyone to enjoy the tourism experience – guests and locals alike.

• Alcohol: You may bring a small amount of alcohol to the bungalows but we ask that you do not take it into the village. The locals do not want alcohol in the village. Alcohol and Melanesian blood do not mix well. These tours are not recommended for people who want alcohol drinking as a feature of their tour.

• Smoking: You can smoke if you must but the locals prefer smoking around the bungalows and not in the village.

• Clothing: Women are asked to wear clothing that covers your knees and your shoulders when you walk through the village. Shorts that are close to the knee are acceptable. Short shorts are not acceptable. You could also wrap a sarong around your waist or you can borrow a local Mother Hubbard dress from the bungalow hostess if you like for fun.

• Swimming: When you swim outside of Port Vila women must wear a t-shirt and board shorts over their swim gear. This is both as respect to local custom and also for your own safety. Some young men take the Western standards of swimwear as an invitation, a sign of a promiscuous woman or as a sexual advance toward them. It also puts other non Melanesian women working in the area at greater risk of harassment or danger. Please follow this code for you own safety and the safety of other women.

• Flirting: Please do not flirt with the local people. This is a big tabu.Be aware body language conveys a lot.

• Affection in public: Please do not show public displays of affection between yourself and anyone else (local or non local).

• Custom Dancing and Ceremonies: You will get a chance to see authentic custom (kastom) dancing and ceremonies. Please treat these with great respect. These are genuine cultural, social and spiritual rituals you will see. Please check with your host or guide what rules there are with each dance or ceremony. There are many complexities you will not even be aware of. For example: it is tabu to point at the custom dancer, to touch the costumes, to get too close to the costumes, to see the dancers getting prepared in their secret place, or to hold certain leaves of flowers during a custom dance. Let your guide or host know it is OK for them to not tell you something if it is tabu for them to speak about it.

Thank you for following these codes of conduct to ensure that your stay is happy and harmonious for everyone. Your hosts and tour guides are very good and can let you know what is appropriate in each circumstance -but you must ask. Local people are shy, polite, respectful and friendly by nature. They often say “Yes” when they really want to say “No” or if they do not know how to answer. It is best to be aware and considerate before you go.

Have a fantastic time.

Happy Travels!