Vanuatu Nightlife

There's plenty on offer in Port Vila night life entertainment

When visiting Vanuatu, you will find there are plenty of nightlife options to keep you entertained during the evenings. Once you visit any one of the bars and clubs in Vanuatu, you will find that most evenings begin with a traditional island kava drink.

Kava Drink

Kava kava is traditionally served in a shell. It is made from the root of a specific type of plant that is part of the pepper tree family. Melanesians have used this drink for centuries as a relaxant. While kava is not a drink produced from alcohol, it is certainly intoxicating. Historically, it was reserved as a drink for the chief and was primarily used in ceremonies. Be aware that kava drink is quite strong. If you have tried kava in Fiji, be aware that the kava served in Vanuatu is quite stronger. Most people find that a couple of shells of kava drink are more than enough to produce relaxing benefits.

Vanuatu Bars

There are many different Vanuatu bars or nakamals located throughout the islands. Be sure to check with your hotel’s reception desk to find out about some of the better ones located in the area where you are staying. Ronnie’s Nakamal, the Red Light Nakamal and Shefa Nakamal are considered to be among the best Vanuatu bars. A number of the hotels also typically offer theme nights in which you can enjoy a special kava tasting. If you have never tried kava drink before, this is a great way to get acclimated to this drink, which is certainly unique, to say the least.

Vanuatu Casinos

Casinos started operating in Vanuatu in the 1980s. For a long time there have been two major casinos in Port Vila. The first one to start operating was the Palms Casino in the Le Meridien Hotel. This Vanuatu casino has slot machines and gaming tables, with games based on Australian casino rules. The second Vanuatu casino is Club 21 Limited, situated in the Melanesian Hotel. Players can choose between slot machines and blackjack and baccarat gaming tables. In February 2009 new Vanuatu casino was opened - Jupiters Casino at the Sebel Hotel, featuring Baccarat, Blackjack and Roulette tables. The casino has two levels of casino gaming, with slot machines and table games never played before in Vanuatu.

Melanesian Feast

Many of the major hotels and resort also organize special theme nights and feasts that are certainly worth checking out. Many of these theme nights are based around Melanesian style feasts and feature kava drinking, local bands, traditional funds and local dance customs. If you are curious about local customs and foods, this is an excellent way to satisfy your curiosity. Mele Botanical Garden, located in Port Vila, is considered to be one of the best places to learn about Vanuatu customs, food, flora and fauna.

Vanuatu Night Clubs

For a true Vanuatu nightlife experience, you will find many discos and night clubs situated throughout Port Vila. The Maximillion, located on Rue de Paris, is one of the most popular nightspots, featuring satellite TV, darts, snooker, a casino and a bar. Another popular place for dancing is The Moorings Rumors Night Club. If you’re looking for a good place to enjoy seafood, consider taking a jaunt down to the Waterfront Bar & Grill, which is known for its beer and seafood as well as live entertainment on Sundays.

Vanuatu Restaurants

When you're holidaying in the tropical paradise that is the city of Port Vila, you will find that there are plenty of great places to eat. Vanuatu restaurants offer wonderful and different varieties of food. From Australian styled grill restaurants and bars, to hotel restaurants, bistros, cafes, Chinese restaurants, American coffee shops and even French a la carte restaurants.

These are but a few Vanuatu nightlife places that provide good night life entertainment in Port Vila. Ask your resort's receptionist for more suggestions and best Port Vila night life places.