As a teenager, I always used to hear some of my elders saying, ‘it is better to see something once than to hear about it a thousand times’ and it was not until years later that I fully understood the essence of this Asian proverb.

When you grow up in a tropical country like Fiji, there is no excuse for boredom – our islands are strewn with some of the most beautiful beaches, babbling and burbling rivers, streams, sand dunes, peaks, forests, waterfalls, uninhabited islands, dive sites and colorful reefs.

You can enjoy a hike into the forests to sight exotic bird life, rubber tube down flowing rivers or slip into a wet suit, mask up with a gas tank and scuba dive to the depths of our oceans – Fiji is a postcard of adventures.

In my profession as a content producer, I have been rewarded with trips to almost every part of our country and after each trip, I fall madly and deeply in-love with Fiji.

Each of the locations I visit offer uniqueness in the forms of its landscape and natural beauty but when it comes to adventure, these 3 locations set themselves apart as Fiji’s Adventure locality!

Taveuni

The ambrosial, divine and beauteous northern island of Taveuni has long been stamped as the ‘Garden Island’ of Fiji – yes, it’s lush and tropical flora is breathtaking and is one of the first things you notice as you descend into Matei airport but it is not until you finally settle into the island that your perception of that ‘catchphrase stamp’ gets quickly changed.

I enjoyed a scenic one-hour plane ride with Fiji Link from Nausori international airport on the island of Viti Levu to one of the most unforgettable postcard destinations in Fiji.

Taveuni is Fiji’s third largest island with a total land area of 434 square kilometers. The ‘cigar shaped’ island is a divers mecca as the island is garnished by the world famous Rainbow Reef. The reef roosts between the Somosomo strait and Fiji’s second largest island, Vanua Levu and the dive season is between the months of April to October.

There is a great choice of establishments when it comes to selecting your accommodation and Garden Island Resort with its panoramic views and tasty pizzas was my choice of stay.

The resort is the largest on the island and boasts 30 rooms.

To access the island’s main adventure attractions, it is best to invest in a local guide as they come fitted with both an off-road vehicle and fantastic knowledge about the island.

Taveuni ‘Must Do’s: My Recommendations

Savuleveavonu Waterfall

If Heaven was a display on earth, then this waterfall was surely it! To access one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Fiji, a 45-minute scenic ride from Waiyevo will lead you to the coastal village of Lavena on the eastern side of the island. The villagers organize boat tours to the waterfalls and the boat ride takes up to about 30 minutes (during fine weather).

Tips and Costs:

• Visit the waterfall during fine weather as the seas can get choppy with waves of upto 7 meter swells.
• Boat transfers costs $300 FJD.

Waitavala Natural Water Slide

This is Taveuni’s version of a natural “theme park” – it’s uniqueness is the gushing water that flows out of Lake Tagimoucia (which is located in the central and mountainous region of the island) that fills the naturally made stone slides. The waterslide is surrounded by lush rainforest and is easily accessible on foot.

Tips and Costs:

• Best time to visit is after a huge downpour (Rain) – the force of the water is at is best!
• Entry is free.

South Cape Blowholes

This delightful display is located on the southern tip of Taveuni and is a 1-hour scenic ride from Waiyevo.

You will be entertained with the sprouting veils of water that rushes between the black volcanic rocks from the Vuna reef.

The water sprouts can reach upto heights of 50 meters and occurs when the blowholes are at its full glory.

Tips and Costs:

• The best time to visit the blowholes is during the change of tides.
• Entry is free.

Tavoro Waterfalls

Another of Taveuni’s stunning waterfalls is located in the Bouma National Park and comprises of 3 – each of the falls is accessible on foot along clear pathways. The first waterfall is a 10-minute walk from the main entrance and an hour to the remaining two.

Tips and Costs:

• It is a 20-minute scenic ride from Waiyevo to the entrance of Tavoro Waterfalls.
• Entry fee is $30 FJD.

Savusavu

This charming coastal location, branded as Fiji’s ‘Hidden Paradise’ is absolutely irresistible – from its quaint display of shopping centers, palm fringed beaches, virgin coastlines to the serene Savusavu bay, this tropical northern getaway is another of

my favorite local destinations.
From Nausori International Airport, the Fiji Link flight across to paradise is a scenic 45 minutes that is filled with lots of beauty and colors from the sky.
You glide across some of the most idyllic islands in the Lomaiviti Province and on approach to the Savusavu airport, your views are transformed by the postcard cut outs of limestone islets bolted to the sea floor – these add garnish to the surrounding tranquil seashore portraying a hydrating coastline.

When it comes to accommodation selections, you can choose from a range of comfortable establishments. I opted to stay at the 5-star Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort which is a 15-minute drive away from the airport.

One of the perks of being based at this resort is the opportunity to explore their private Naviavia Island – from the resort pier, a 10-minute boat ride will sail you across to the island. On the way, you sail over colorful reefs, a popular snorkeling and diving site for both resort guests and the locals.

Savusavu did not earn its ‘Hidden Paradise’ tagline by accident – in fact, to experience its hidden attractions, you have to physically visit and discover its magic!

Savusavu ‘Must Do’s: My Recommendations

Vuadomo Waterfall

This singularly picturesque cascading waterfall is located on the outskirts of the town center. Nestled neatly amongst lush rainforests, the path way to the falls is lined with an oasis of flowers and tropical plants. There is a changing room available and benches to place your bags.

Tips and Costs:

• It is about an hour ride from Savusavu town.
• Take your bottles of water and sunscreens as the hike to the falls can get a little hot – the path way is not shaded.
• Entry fee is $10 FJD.

Salt Lake

Almost mythical, almost extraordinary is how I would begin to describe this wonder. Set in and amongst lush rainforests and mangroves that provides habitat to its colorful bird population, the lake is connected to a tidal river whose pristine water mirrors that of the sea. It is about 30 minutes from the town center and accessible via a dirt road turn off from the famous Hibiscus Highway.

Tips and Costs:

• Pack your insect repellants, sunscreens and water bottles.
• Best way to explore the river and lake is on River Tubes.
• River Tube Hire Costs: $100 FJD (includes a guide, juice, water and a light lunch)

Vaga Island

No trip to Savusavu is complete without a visit to the secluded Vaga Island that is barely visited by locals and tourists. This unforgettable experience is perched neatly off the Vaga Estate and a stone throw away from the Hibiscus highway. The limestone island is surrounded by spectacular pools of water and a patch of white sand to sun bake on after dipping into the turquoise sea.

Tips and Costs:

• It is about a 30 minutes ride from Savusavu town and down the Hibiscus Highway.
• Pack your sunscreens, hats and sunglasses.
• Vaga Island is Private and you will need access via a guide.
• Guide Costs: $100 FJD (Includes a light lunch, juice and water)

Natewa Bay

You have to take a scenic drive out to the settlement of Nasinu to sight Natewa Bay. The bay is the largest bay in the South Pacific and home to a hidden and untouched underwater reef system. In Nasinu, you will discover some great look out spots to snap memories of your visit to the bay area.

Tips and Costs:

• It is about an hour ride out of Savusavu town in the direction of the Hibiscus Highway.
• Hire a Rental for the Day and explore at your leisure. The friendly locals will steer you in the right direction if you get lost.
• Entry Fee is free.

North Tailevu – Takalana Bay, Dawsamu

Famous for its panoramic views such as the topography of islands in Fiji’s Lomaiviti Group, Takalana Bay is the Tailevu Province’s best kept secret.

The Bay boasts golden sunshine that is applauded with fresh sea breeze flowing fresh in off the Bligh waters and is a favorite destination of mine to relax and get away from it all.

From Nadi international airport, it is a very scenic 4 hour drive down the King’s highway and from Nausori (airport), it is about an hour and 30 minutes.

On approach into the district, you will catch sight of Mount Tova Peak, a popular hiking spot for adrenalin enthusiasts which is also used as a beacon for mariners and locals that fish in this region.

The bay is home to 2 properties – Takalana Bay Resort and Natalei Eco Lodge that offers neat and cozy accommodation in its rustic sojourns.
Each of the properties is embellished by palm fringed coastlines, colorful flower oasis and their famous black sands – a unique feature of these parts.

You can enjoy a hike up the peak for more wondrous views of the district or take a dip in one of their cold fresh water pools but the real attraction of the district lays submerged out at sea!
About a 30-minute boat ride from the bay’s virgin coastline is Moon reef – like its name suggests, this spectacular shaped reef is home to spinner dolphins.

These small wild dolphin breeds are found mainly in off-shore tropical waters such as Takalana and they usually hunt for food outside of the reef during low tide.

You will be in awe of the acrobatic displays as it rotates around its longitudinal axis while it leaps through the air!

Takalana Bay ‘Must Do’s: My Recommendations

Dolphin Watching

Enjoy the splashes of sea sprays as you boat out to catch sight of spinner dolphins. This is also another manner to enjoy the sweeping and picturesque virgin coastlines of the Dawasamu district.

Tips and Costs:

• It is about a 30-minute boat ride from Takalana Bay’s black sandy seashore.
• Take your bottles of water, sunscreens, hat, sunglasses and cameras!
• Dolphin Tours Cost: $ 275 FJD

Fishing Trip Charters

Takalana Bay is also an Anglers paradise – there are some popular fishing spots waiting to be explored.

Tips and Costs:

• Fishing Charters Cost: $400 FJD

Hike and Waterfall Visit

Hike the Dawasamu and experience the districts rich vegetation. With a picturesque view of the Bligh Waters as your backdrop, you can relax in one of the fresh water pools.

Tips and Costs:

• Hike with Guide Cost: $65 FJD

Black Sand Picnic and Lunch

Laze on the famous black sands of Takalana Bay and enjoy delicious lunch prepared using fresh locally grown produce and bounty from the ocean.

Tips and Costs:

• Pack your towels, sarong, sunscreens, sunglasses and bottled water.
• Beach Access and Lunch Cost: $25 FJD

Endnote*

Adventures for me began at 40, I enjoy them more at this age as I have learnt to be more appreciative and grateful for the rich and diverse beauty of Fiji. I was glad to have finally seen everything listed above once, now I don’t have to hear about it another thousand times!

Taveuni:

• Contact: Sharon McCarthy
• E: ilovetaveuni@outlook.com
• www.ilovetaveuni.com

Savusavu:

• Contact: Pettine Simpson
• Phone: (679) 785 0494

Takalana Bay:

• Contact: Jay and Viniana Vuibau
• Phone: (679) 9208282/9916338