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Country Guide > Australia and South Pacific > Vanuatu | |
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Social Profile Food & Drink There are many restaurants in the main tourist areas. Seafood features strongly on hotel and restaurant menus in Port-Vila and the main towns. The numerous ethnic backgrounds of the inhabitants of Vanuatu are reflected in different styles of cooking. Chinese and French influences are the strongest. Food is generally excellent everywhere. French cheese, pâtés, bread, cognac and wine are available in Port-Vila’s two major shops. Local fruit is excellent. Nightlife Port-Vila has several nightclubs with music and dancing. There is also a cinema. Evening cruises are organised with wine, snacks and island music. Traditional music and dancing take place at various island festivities to which visitors are welcome, and some hotels put on evening entertainment and dancing. Details are available from the National Tourism Office of Vanuatu (see Contact Addresses section). Shopping Special purchases include grass skirts from Futuna and Tanna, baskets and mats from Futuna and Pentecost, carved forms and masks from Ambrym and Malekula, woodwork from Tongoa and Santo, and pig tusks and necklaces made of shells or colourful seeds from villages near Port Vila. Duty free shops sell a selection of luxury items. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0700-2000. Chinese stores open Sunday mornings from 0800 and in the evenings. Most shops close from 1130-1330 (except restaurants, banks, supermarkets and the Post Office). The market in the town centre is open every day (except Sunday) for flowers, fruit, vegetables and handicrafts. Special Events For a complete list of special events, contact the National Tourism Office of Vanuatu (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of special events occurring in Vanuatu in 2005: Feb 15 John Frum Day, Tanna. Mar 20 Fete de la Francophonie. Apr 19, 22, 26, 29/May 7, 14, 21, 28 Naghol, Pentecost Island (see Resorts & Excursions section). Jun 25 Ocean Swim. Aug Vanuatu Golf Open; Vanuatu Agriculture Show. Sep Toka (large clan alliance dance), Tanna; Twin Waterfall Festival, West Vanualava, Banks Islands. Oct 13-16 Fest Napuan Music Festival. Social Conventions Informal wear is suitable for most occasions. Some establishments appreciate men wearing long trousers in the evenings. Life goes at its own pace and while modern influences can be seen in the main centres, in the hill villages and outlying islands, age-old customs continue. Those hiking or exploring must be aware that Vanuatu has strict and sensitive land ownership regulations. Tipping: Not expected or encouraged, as it goes against local tradition. |