Tour Vanuatu with a Village Chief
If you are looking for a friendly, well-informed tour around Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila and the main island of Efate, there is no better way to learn about these beautiful people and their home than from the chief of a nearby village.
The chief of any village in Vanuatu has the final say on all big decisions, including punishment for anyone who breaks the village rules and customs.
They also have the responsibility for caring for their people. That is what led the chief of a Big Nambas village in north west Malekula - one of Vanuatu’s central islands - to establish a new tour agency in Port Vila.
It’s so new in fact that we were fortunate to be their first customers.
Chief Jean Noel and his wife Audrey (above) operate Nakendiameck Tours and Transfers. In the Big Nambas' dialect, "nakendiameck" means “We Are One”.
That’s exactly how they made us feel. We were on a fixed itinerary to see a number of destinations in just a day so we could write about them (see our stories elsewhere), so when we set out, Audrey led the conversation.
Jean Noel speaks several native languages, French and English but, claiming his English was not perfect, he often spoke to Audrey in Bislama and she translated.
His English was certainly good enough for us to easily understand - plus he was driving and had to concentrate on avoiding the many potholes!
What stood out on this tour was they were both very caring, not pushy (no upselling of products or activities), and tried their best to understand what we were looking to see and learn. They also seemed to know everything anyone could possibly want to understand about the history, culture and activities in Vanuatu.
The chief of any village in Vanuatu has the final say on all big decisions, including punishment for anyone who breaks the village rules and customs.
They also have the responsibility for caring for their people. That is what led the chief of a Big Nambas village in north west Malekula - one of Vanuatu’s central islands - to establish a new tour agency in Port Vila.
It’s so new in fact that we were fortunate to be their first customers.
Chief Jean Noel and his wife Audrey (above) operate Nakendiameck Tours and Transfers. In the Big Nambas' dialect, "nakendiameck" means “We Are One”.
That’s exactly how they made us feel. We were on a fixed itinerary to see a number of destinations in just a day so we could write about them (see our stories elsewhere), so when we set out, Audrey led the conversation.
Jean Noel speaks several native languages, French and English but, claiming his English was not perfect, he often spoke to Audrey in Bislama and she translated.
His English was certainly good enough for us to easily understand - plus he was driving and had to concentrate on avoiding the many potholes!
What stood out on this tour was they were both very caring, not pushy (no upselling of products or activities), and tried their best to understand what we were looking to see and learn. They also seemed to know everything anyone could possibly want to understand about the history, culture and activities in Vanuatu.
Another thing we thoroughly enjoyed was that no question was off the table. Whatever we wanted to know, they were forthcoming (including the fact that Jean Noel’s great grandmother was the last cannibal in their village!!).
While providing a delightful fresh fruit lunch during the tour (local foods were offered but we were a little hesitant because we were on a cruise and had limited time), they explained why they used “We Are One” to name their business.
“We believe that despite the different cultures, shape, colour, background, denomination or whatever people represent, we are all one,” Audrey explained.
“Our tours and transfers are based on unity, stability and respect,” she added.
As mentioned, we were fortunate to be Jean Noel and Audrey’s first customers and it was one of the most relaxing, interesting and informative tour we've had.
Like many transfer vehicles in Vanuatu, the van is not a Rolls Royce but it was comfortable despite the bumpy roads and off-road tracks; could accomodate perhaps eight people; and bottles of icy water were available when needed.
Thank you Nakendiameck Tours and Transfers - we certainly felt “As One”.
Whether you have a set destination or itinerary, or want their advice on where to see the types of things you want to explore, they bend over backwards to assist.
If you want to see Vanuatu through the eyes of a local chief, contact Nakendiameck through their Facebook page.
See more about Vanuatu and the South Pacific Islands.
Back to the Holiday Destinations Home Page.
While providing a delightful fresh fruit lunch during the tour (local foods were offered but we were a little hesitant because we were on a cruise and had limited time), they explained why they used “We Are One” to name their business.
“We believe that despite the different cultures, shape, colour, background, denomination or whatever people represent, we are all one,” Audrey explained.
“Our tours and transfers are based on unity, stability and respect,” she added.
As mentioned, we were fortunate to be Jean Noel and Audrey’s first customers and it was one of the most relaxing, interesting and informative tour we've had.
Like many transfer vehicles in Vanuatu, the van is not a Rolls Royce but it was comfortable despite the bumpy roads and off-road tracks; could accomodate perhaps eight people; and bottles of icy water were available when needed.
Thank you Nakendiameck Tours and Transfers - we certainly felt “As One”.
Whether you have a set destination or itinerary, or want their advice on where to see the types of things you want to explore, they bend over backwards to assist.
If you want to see Vanuatu through the eyes of a local chief, contact Nakendiameck through their Facebook page.
See more about Vanuatu and the South Pacific Islands.
Back to the Holiday Destinations Home Page.