Tam Tam Bungalows

Vao Island is located in Northeast of Malekula. The local culture is a unique blend of indigenous Spirituality, Catholicism and French influence. The sacred grounds of Vao are one of the oldest examples of Monolithic custom. Several archeological expeditions led by Vanuatu Cultural Center have uncovered Lapita Pottery Sheds. Some dating back 3000 years. Among of the oldest in Vanuatu. Until the 1950’s, Vao was active in pig trading with Ambae. Malo and Ambrym to perform the custom Ceremony called “Namagki”

During WORLD WAR II, Vao hosted American Naval Forces; it was at this point when French Catholic Missionary Force succeeded in gathering a majority of the locals the church and set the religious overtones the remain guiding Principle of life.

That today all the people of Vao are Christian.

The Vao Island people with their original language, customs, cultures and traditions. Their custom have always existed. In Vao Island, we have 8 Nasara (tribes). In all the nasara you can find master craftsmen cavers of tam-tam, ritual figures, big stones in the middle of the sacred ground and you can also find sacred ground; the biggest in Vanuatu called “Banyan trees”.

We have different custom ceremonies performed every year with the custom dances.

All the people of Vao speak French but some of them know English very well.  Don’t forget about their own spoken language too.

You can find smiling and beautiful people here. Their communication with other people is very easy. They are interested about you and like to share their custom and tradition with you. You can also find a charming village.

The people of Vao are very kind and invite you to visit their island and discover their historical stories.

Vao is very beautiful, nice and quiet place to spend your holiday and discover lovely people.

Tam-tam Bungalow is on the heart of the North East and unique and beautiful place to stay and discover the custom and culture of Smol Nambas and Big Nambas. You can discover the extraordinary culture of Big Nambas and Big Nambas preserved especially for you for 2000 years.

The people of Vao are one Religion, Catholic. Some of the people are Christians and some of them are not Christian but they believe that God exists. They believe that their customs are powerful too. For them custom and culture is more important and big priority for them in the Island. Custom is valuable. So their believing in God and custom.

In Vao Island (Smol Nambas), the chiefs have a big important role in the communities or in the village. They have the power to give the direction and control their people. All the people are under the responsibility of chiefs.  In Vao Island there are 8 Tribes or Nasara. In the 8 Nasara, there are their own chiefs, they have the Paramount Chief. Their important role is for solving the problems, make or give the right decision, direct, and most of important things is to protect custom value and identity for people of Vao.

Tamtam Bungalow is located in Northern part of Malekula at Vao Mainland. Tamtam Bungalow offers peaceful accommodation and the unique place to discover custom and culture dating back many centuries. 3 Bungalows build of a local material and each with private toilets and shower facilities. He will help you feel at home and discover the peaceful life of gardening nuts and medicine plants. Visit the preserved dancing ground, admire authentic custom dances, visit the villages and share our ancient culture.

In Tam-tam Bungalow, we have nice view to admire the sunrise and sunset. Not anything to disturb you, just the ocean and pidgins. You can relax enjoying and having fun. There are plenty of opportunities for swimming along the reefs, snorkeling, admire the colorful fish. Turquoise waters in which to leisure swim or exploring the under waters colors of the northern reef. It’s all here. Take someone special or you family and escape to a true retreat and rediscover the nature, ocean life and the extraordinary culture of the “Big Nambas” and “Smol Nambas” preserved especially for you. You have So Much to Do So Much to See.

French, English and Bishlamar are spoken.

Tam-tam Bungalow is beautiful, peaceful, quiet to relax. Local custom dances are not to be missed as its one of the most spectacular and varied. Don’t miss these opportunities, to discover the real untouched smiling paradise. Tam-tam Bungalow extends a very warm welcome to our Vao Smile.

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