BIAUSEVU WATERFALLS (Sigatoka)

The beautiful Biausevu Waterfalls are about a half hour walk from Biausevu Village in Sigatoka. Most tours start with a welcoming kava ceremony at the village before making the half hour trek to the falls.  While at the village, it is possible to check out and purchase locally made handicraft and contribute towards the village for the use of their land. A popular alternative to walking is going to the falls on horseback.  There is a pool at the base of the waterfall for cooling off.  The guides are knowledgeable about Fijian history, culture and folklore.

BLOWHOLES (Savusavu, Taveuni)

Lava flows around both Savusavu and Taveuni have formed blowholes activated by the changing tide, and pools where fresh water collects.

COBRA ROCK (Labasa)

Naag Mandir Temple
Built around the sacred Cobra Rock, the temple is covered in bright flower garlands. The rock resembles a Cobra poised to strike. Located 11km west of
Labasa. Local legend has it that this stone actually grows in size. It is housed under a Hindu temple and attracts hundreds of devotees every year. True believers say the temple roof had to be elevated several times over the years to accommodate the stone. You will recognize the temple by the inscription 'Shree Sanatan Dharm' on the facade.

FLOATING ISLAND (Labasa)

The Floating Island is the most famous attraction in the Labasa area. The island, replete with pandanus palms and reeds, floats in a lake surrounded by cane fields. There are many legends associated with the genesis of the island, but it's believed that it was formed when a chunk of land broke away from the shoreline. To get there take a bus to Kurukuru (in Daku), about 50 km east of Labasa.

GARDEN ISLAND OF FIJI (Taveuni)

Taveuni, the garden island of Fiji, is extremely rugged, wet and verdant. Only seven km off the coast of Vanua Levu, it has excellent air and sea transport from Viti Levu and Vanua Levu but compared to other parts of Fiji, still remains relatively 'untouristed.'

What is new on the island? Taveuni has always held an interest for divers but of late, has become popular with backpackers and budget travellers. Local entrepreneurs have responded by opening up new camp grounds, guest houses, restaurants and even a bakery. The Garden Island Resort, the largest accommodation on the island, has finally been refurbished after years of neglect under a series of different owners. A new low-end resort, Susie's Plantation, has also opened in Vuna, on the opposite side of the island from Matai Airport. In short, the island is bustling as never before.

Taveuni's primary attraction (other than diving) is its landscape - virgin rainforest, an array of rare flora and fauna, two waterfalls and a legendary lake.

GARDEN OF THE SLEEPING GIANT (Nadi)

The Garden of the Sleeping Giant sits at the foothills of the Nausori Highlands about 10 minutes drive north of Nadi. The attractive landscaped gardens specialize in Fiji's native plants as well as housing an impressive collection of orchids, some native. A jungle walk takes visitors past a large lily pond and through native forest.  Located about half an hour from Nadi, The Garden of Sleeping Giant is a beautiful orchid range started in 1977 by the late Raymond Burr, star of Perry Mason and Ironside.

Originally designed to house Burr's private collection of tropical orchids, the gardens have developed into a popular attraction after years of flourishing. Raymond Burr loved these orchids just as much as he loved Fiji.  The gardens showcase more than two thousand different kinds of orchids, covering 20 hectares. For an entry fee of just $10, you can wander through the lush and fertile plantation to your heart's content. Right next door is Raymond Burr's holiday shack, which is also open to visitors.

The shack still contains a few items that belonged to the superstar, including photographs, his favorite chair and even his walking cane. It costs about $8 to see the house, and the entry price includes a delightful afternoon tea.

Whether you are into gardens or not, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant is sure to take your breath away. The exquisite beauty of the garden is unsurpassed by most, housing one of the world’s largest orchid collections plus beautiful cultivated greenery and enchanting lily ponds, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant is not to be missed. Take a picnic and enjoy the peace and serenity of some of the most stunning gardens on earth. The gardens are open Monday to Saturdays – 9 am to 5 pm.

KULA ECO PARK (Sigatoka)

Kula is located on Queens Road, opposite the Outrigger Reef Resort east of Sigatoka town. Being Fiji's only wildlife park, Kula is the breeding center for Fiji's endangered species. The park provides free Environmental Hands-on Education to Fiji's children. Visitors can spend hours observing parrots, lories, falcons, hawks, fruit bats, snakes, iguana and marine life plus learn of Fiji's flora and fauna in near natural settings. Wander the rain forest or explore the bush walk.

Location of activity: 11 kilometers East of Sigatoka town, Kototogo, Sigatoka.

Pick-up and Drop-off places: Hotels and main Road

Type of Transportation: tour operators and/taxis/bus and hotel transportation.

Recommended physical limitation/age limits: none and there is handicapped access.

Suitable attire: comfortable clothing

What to bring: Picnic lunch if desired.

Included in activity/ies: Your own photo session with Fiji's most colorful Kadavu parrots & Fiji's Endangered Crested Iguanas, Experience Kula rope bridge, bush walk, learn about traditional Fijian herbal medicine and explore the park.

Packages available: Adults $11.(VIP) Children under 12 Years. $5.50 (VIP) -(During the current promotion, children under 12 years are free if accompanied by paying adult).

Incentive/group rates: Available for groups over 15. Please call for details.

General: Perfect setting for weddings, parties or special occasions.

Booking methods: Tour operators, Phone/Fax or e-mail for large groups. Not required for individuals or small groups.

Payments accepted: Cash, vouchers and credit cards.

A member of the Fiji Eco - Tourism association

Address
Kula Eco Park
Address: Po Box 823, Sigatoka, Fiji Islands
Ph: 679 - 6500 505
Fax: 679 6520 202
Email: mitman@connect.com.fj
Web: www.fijiwild.com

MOMI HERITAGE GUN SITE

In 1980 Mr Trammel Crow of Dallas Texas, donated to the National Trust for Fiji a 13 hectare site 26km South East of Nadi with commanding views of the surrounding coastline and reef, containing the historic WWII Momi Bay Battery.

The site was established by the New Zealand 30th battalion in 1941, because of it’s strategic importance overlooking the Navula passage - one of the few breaks in the reef allowing ships access to the western centres and Nadi airfield. The main feature of the site are the two 6 inch guns.

By August 1942 the New Zealand Battalion was relieved at Momi Bay by the 148th battalion. The site was manned by the battalion until early 1944 when all Fiji's coastal batteries were closed.

NAHEHE CAVES (Sigatoka)

The visit to Nahehe Cave is a full day adventure which starts at the hotel either at a Coral Coast or at a Nadi hotel. After a 35min drive into Sigatoka Valley the visitors attend a customary kava ceremony and picnic lunch. Then they are ferried to the other side of the river on a bamboo raft and a short walk brings the group to the Nahehe Cave. After the cave trip another 15 minute walk takes the visitors through native bush and farms down to the river. The last highlight of the tour is a 35 minute bilibili ride, bamboo rafts which are still the traditional mode of transport for river based villages.

The entrance area of Nahehe Cave was once the cave fortress of Fiji's last cannibal tribes, ruled by a pagan priest. Hundreds of people lived inside the cave entrance for months. Highlights are a ritual platform, priest chambers and a cannibal oven. The guides tell the stories of the fascinating history of this area, about notorious Tongan warriors who reigned in this area and ancient hill fortresses called Tavuni and Matanavatu.

The tour now follows the main passage of the cave, which is the bed of a temperate cave river. After wading through several chambers, the visitors reaches pregnancy gap, a stricture of the passage, which opens up into the huge Grand Cathedral Chamber. The cave is rather comfortable despite the water, because of its moderate temperature. Nevertheless, the promise of "no bats or creepy-crawlies" seems a bit disillusioning.

PEARL FARM (Savusavu)

A great tour is offered of the Savusavu pearl farm. You do not get this kind of chance often, do not miss out on this opportunity to view a working pearl farm. Ask anyone in Savusavu town for directions to the office and book a tour for some fun and knowledge.

Guided tours are conducted on a daily basis for adults and children, and show the various stages of oyster development. Visitors who bring flippers, a mask, snorkel and a swimsuit can enjoy the underwater oyster lines up close. Beautiful Fiji Pearls are available for purchase after the tour. Make sure to visit the showroom and take advantage of some great prices on these treasures.

SIGATOKA SAND DUNES (Sigatoka)

In July 1989, the Sigatoka Sand Dunes were designated as Fiji's first National Park and their management handed over to the National Trust of Fiji.

The Dunes are a unique feature of Fiji's National Heritage. They form an area of outstanding natural beauty covering 650 hectares, and offer a rich combination of interesting features.

The national park is of importance as an educational and recreational facility. It is the first milestone in Fiji's drive for environmental conservation and management.

The Dunes comprise a sensitive ecosystem unique to Fiji, and to the rest of the Pacific. It is an area of which Fiji can be truly proud.

Enjoying the Dunes

The dunes are unique in their natural beauty, and have long been an attraction for people both locally and from overseas.

To manage and ensure the continuing preservation of the area, and to give visitors the maximum benefits of the Park, the National Trust has provided an information centre and there are two rangers who provide guided tours via a footpath constructed by the Trust for that purpose.

Human History of the Dunes

Archaeological excavations on the eastern end of the dunes have revealed a unique sample of ancient Fijian civilization. Initially several skeletons were collected dating from around 5BC to 240AD. These skeletons form only a small part of a more substantial burial complex. Over 50 individual remains have been excavated as part of the ongoing archaeological program.

Sigatoka Sand Dunes are also rich in ancient pottery artifacts that continue to surface as the processes of erosion and accretion continues. These artifacts are said to be the remains of pottery from the Lapita Era, giving important clues to the origin of the early inhabitants of Fiji.

Ecological features of the Dunes

The Park area comprises of native forest (Casuarina and Pandanus) near the coast, a reforested area inland, introduced herbaceous plant communities and the largest dune complex in the Pacific Islands leading down to a windswept high energy beach. The surrounding sea has no fringing reefs.

The western end of the Park is important in that it provides a typical and now rare example of natural Fijian beach forest. There are 165 recorded plant species growing in the park. The park supports a small population of reptiles and migratory birds.

Visitors to the Park

There are organized tours to the Park, tourists usually arrive by coach, however anyone who is interested can visit the Park and should contact the ranger on duty at the visitor centre. There is a fee of $5.00 per person for visiting the Park

Concessionary rates are available for students and families, and all National Trust members are exempt from payment. Further information is available at the reception desk or from the National Trust Office in Suva.

SRI SIVA SUBRAMANIYA TEMPLE (Nadi)

Nadi is the home to the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere and is a 'must stop' for visitors wishing to experience the cultural and architectural diversity for which Fiji is well known.

The three-part Sri Siva-Subramaniya temple is dedicated to the deity Murugan whose statue, specially carved in India, is housed in the main temple. The second part of the complex is Ganesh temple, while the third section is the Meenakshi and Shiva Temple.

The intricate craftsmanship of the individual statues within the temple is the work of eight craftsmen brought to Fiji from India. The height, weight, and width of each design has a specific religious meaning and the main sanctum of the building has been built to conform to the size of the statue it will house so that the correct vibrations are present for devotees during prayer.

The traditional Dravidian architecture of the temple is rarely seen outside India, and is, according to traditions, laid down thousands of years ago. If you decide to visit this unique structure, please remember this is a Holy Hindu Shrine and show the appropriate respect.

TAVUNI HILL FORT (Sigatoka)

Come and view a restored ancient Tongan hill fortification right in the middle of Fiji. Expert guides who are descendants of its Tongan ancestors will lead you around the fortress remains pointing out and explaining the sites of significance. You will also be given a commentary on the rich history of the people who lived there, a real insight into pre-colonial Fijian life.

This is a chance to experience first hand the culture of the real Fiji. The two ancient lookout points offer spectacular views of the Viti Levu coastline in one direction and the Sigatoka River in the other. A reception bure houses a display on the site by the Fiji Museum as well as providing refreshment, a gift shop & toilet facilities.

THURSTON BOTANICAL GARDEN (Suva)

Originally known as the Botanical Gardens, this cool, English-like park is named for its founder, the amateur botanist Sir John Bates Thurston, who started the gardens in 1881. Henry Marks, scion of a family who owned a local trading company, presented the drinking fountain in 1914. After G. J. Marks, a relative and lord mayor of Suva, was drowned that same year in the sinking of the SS Empress in the St. Lawrence River in Canada, the Marks family erected the bandstand in his memory. Children can climb aboard the stationary Thurston Express, a narrow-gauge locomotive once used to pull harvested cane to the crushing mill.