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Fiji's
northern region encompasses its second and third largest islands, Vanua
Levu and Taveuni as well as the smaller islands of Qamea, Matangi, and
Nukubati. The northern islands are largely undeveloped and are primarily
mountainous with extensive rain forests. The principle islands are ringed
by deep reefs and the area is generally acknowledged as one of the best
dive areas in Fiji. Steeped in early colonial history, these islands have
retained a feeling of detached tranquility.
Vanua
Levu
This island is largely undeveloped for tourism except around Savusavu.
However, with increased ferry and flight services from Viti Levu, the
number of visitors is on the rise. The town of Savusavu is located 100
miles northeast of Suva. Savusavu Bay ranks amongst the world's finest
natural harbors and cruise ships visit regularly. The Hibiscus Highway
stretches 70 miles up the coast from Savusavu, offering some of the finest
and most unspoiled scenery in the South Pacific, while the interior island
road across to the main town of Labasa, offers breathtaking views past
indigenous rain forest.
Taveuni
Known as the "Garden Isle", Taveuni is 26 miles long and about an average
of 7 miles wide. This island is the result of a gigantic volcanic eruption,
which has left the soil extremely fertile. The peak of the Volcano, Mt.
Uluiqalau, is a majestic 4040 ft. above sea level. Its ridges and spurs
march down to the sea covered in a magnificent rain forest which gives
way on the lower slopes and the coastal fringe to coconut plantations.
There is a stretch on the south eastern side where cliff faces plunge
into the ocean. Mt. Uluiqalau is also notable because it is exactly under
the 180th Meridien, 12 hours east-west of Greenwich.
The
island is host to many of Fiji's native bird species and to the unique
"Tagimoucia", the national flower of the islands. This flower is found
only on the shores of Lake Tagimoucia. Attempts to transplant it to lower
altitudes have failed. The plant has bunches of flowers, red with a white
center and is the most beautiful of all Fiji wild flowers.
Every
characteristic of Fijian scenery is found on Taveuni, while all the tropical
trees, fruits and vegetables are produced here in abundance. A good road
extends the full length of the north-west coast from Vuna in the south
to Wainibula in the north. There is an airstrip serviced by Air Fiji and
Sunflower Airlines at Matei on the northern tip of the island.
The
northern region is home to small, intimate resorts affording a chance
to interact more closely with the people and culture of Fiji offering
the type of vacation difficult to find anywhere else in the world.
Bouma
National Heritage Park:
entry fee FJ$ 5
Fiji has some special places situated away from the resorts and Bouma
National Heritage Park is one. Located on the garden island of Taveuni
the park encompasses around 15,000 hectares of pristine rainforest and
features outstanding waterfalls. While the area is called a "park", it
is in fact private land belonging to the villages of Vanua Bouma, Waitabu,
Vidawa, Korovou and Lavena.
Bouma Falls:
A must do featuring 3 outstanding waterfalls with superb swimming and
surrounded by tropical rainforest. Trails and picnic areas.
Lavena Coastal Walk:
One of the most wild and beautiful coastal walks where you will find lovely
beaches offering snorkeling, scenic views and great places to relax. From
Lavena village you can experience Taveuni's south eastern coastline by
taking the flat and well maintained trail to the lower Wainabau Waterfalls.
You should allow a minimum of three hours to really enjoy the place. A
short swim is required just prior to reaching the falls so be sure to
plan for this. The Wainabau falls are situated within a beautiful amphitheater
- a just reward for your efforts.
Vidawa Forest Walk: fee FJ$60
A full day adventure featuring a guided trip through the heart of the
park. There is abundant bird life, massive tropical trees and intriguing
old hill forts and other archaeological remains. Best of all, the walk
finishes with a swim at Bouma falls, a cool way to end the trip. Included
are roundtrip transfers from your Taveuni lodging, lunch, afternoon tea,
entry to the park along with a knowledgeable forest guide.
Dateline
Excursion:
Visit the very spot where each new day begins.
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