One of the special things about staying on Aore Island is experiencing the rhythms of everyday island life. Aore is home to local families and communities, and during your stay you'll hear sounds and see traditions that may be different from what you're accustomed to.
Church bells, voices travelling between villages, singing, boats, roosters and the sounds of the surrounding jungle are all part of life here.
📣 Island Calls & Voices
Don't be surprised if you hear people calling loudly to one another across the island, sometimes from quite a distance away.
Traditional calls and loud “yahoo” style calls are commonly used to get someone's attention or communicate between homes and across the bush. Sound travels remarkably well on Aore, particularly during the quiet evenings, so a conversation some distance away can sometimes sound surprisingly close.
You may hear these calls during the morning, throughout the day and occasionally at night. They're simply part of the everyday soundtrack of island life.
🔔 Church Bells & Singing
Church plays an important role in community life on Aore Island.
You may hear church bells on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, often followed by singing from the local congregation. The music can carry beautifully across the island, particularly when the air is still.
Visitors are welcome at local church services. If you'd like to attend, ask your host or one of the local team and we'll help point you in the right direction.
📯 The Morning Horn
At around 7:00am, you may hear a horn carrying across the water from Santo.
It's part of the normal morning routine and isn't an emergency or warning siren, so there's no need to be concerned if you hear it. It's a signal that Vanuatu is to start work.
🎶 Community & Ceremonies
From time to time you may hear prolonged singing, crying or wailing from elsewhere on the island. This can be associated with a funeral, mourning or an important community gathering.
Expressions of grief and respect can be much more audible and communal than some visitors may be accustomed to. If you happen to hear this during your stay, please simply be respectful and allow the community their privacy.
👋 Meeting Local People
Aore is a friendly place and a simple hello and a smile go a long way.
You're staying among a local community rather than within an isolated resort, so please treat neighbouring homes, gardens, churches and community spaces with the same respect you would hope visitors would show in your own neighbourhood.
Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly children, ceremonies or activities within a village.
👕 Dressing Respectfully
Casual tropical clothing is perfectly suited to everyday life around the house and beach.
When visiting a village, church, community gathering or cultural activity, however, it's considerate to dress a little more modestly. Clothing that covers the torso and extends towards the knee is a simple and respectful choice.
If you're attending a particular ceremony or community event and aren't sure what's appropriate, just ask your host or local guide.
🌴 Enjoy Island Time
Life on Aore tends to move at its own pace. Boats arrive, neighbours stop to talk, church bells ring, children play, roosters announce themselves and voices travel through the trees.
Rather than expecting everything to operate exactly as it does at home, embrace the difference — it's part of what makes staying on Aore Island such a unique experience.