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That's the final reward for doing the walk I described in the previous tip:) Surprise, surprise - there are actually two waterfalls! All you need to do to see the second one is get into the water and have a swim:) Just reach the "gate" (see picture).
It starts in the village of Lavena, goes along the coast and than up to Lower Wainibau Waterfalls. It takes about four hours return, but make sure you have more time to enjoy it. The trail is easy and the views are spectacular. We made it with the pouring rain on and off along the way. It didn't stop us at all and our determination was well rewarded:) Even with no sun the trail looks great - remote beaches, little Naba village, beautiful coastline and finally the waterfalls!The weather scared many tourists away so we mostly got to meet the locals along the way: the man with a huge bunch of bananas, another man collecting veggies for dinner, finally two guys coming back from hunting, carrying a wild pig (it was cut in half and each of them was carrying a part:)). Amazing experience and a must see!!!
The International Dateline was moved and goes around the Fiji Islands to make life easier. But from the geographical point of view, it should cross Taveuni and just 2 other islands. 10 minutes walk from the village of Waiyevo, there's a marker showing the exact place where the 180 meridian is situated. You can stand next to it and take a photo with your feet being in different "days":)
That was as far as we could go!!! After 18 hours on the ship we landed on gorgeous Taveuni, known also as Garden Island. For me being there was one of the most amazing experiences of the whole trip. The place really deserves its nickname. It does look like a garden! Flowers grow everywhere and the surroundings overwhelm with green colour. The little villages spread along the coast are the only settlements you'll see. The people are friendly and hospitable, they really appreciate life and all they have. Kids don't spend their time in front of TV or computer screens. Instead, they run around, older ones taking care of the little ones. Life there looks so different from what I got used to and it is so great!
Shortly after arriving in Suva, we found out we're stuck for two days. We came there on Sunday and the next day was the public holiday, which means there was no chance catching a boat to another island, booking flights or taking tours. Luckily, Colo-i-Suva forest was just within our reach and it was perfect for a nice afternoon. It has numerous natural swimming pools, waterfalls and walking trails through the rainforest.
Suva is the capital of Fiji and the largest city in the South Pacific. Big and busy, with some interesting sites such as Parliament, Botanic Gardens, Fiji Museum, street markets and University of South Pacific. It is quite interesting but I wouldn't recommend it for long stay. After all, you don't go to Fiji to stay in the city:)
A lot of the locals (mostly men from what I could see) seem to drink a lot of Kava which is a sort of a tea made out of pulverized Kava root. Apparently, if you drink enough of this over a decent length of time you will experience a mild relaxed brain numbing effect. I never had quite that experience, yet it was a fun attempt!
The Fijians are probably (to make a general statement) the friendliest people I have met in all my travels. Get out there and meet them. This was a man who sells kava (to make the drink that a lot of Fijians drink to "mellow" them out).
Thurston Gardens and the Fiji Museum in Suva is one of the best places in the islands to explore Fiji's past, particularly its cannibal days, it's really informative. There is a very small entrance fee.
Try it all but relaxing is the best thing to do in Fiji! Try the local food, mix with the people, if you can go to the islands - I went and stayed on Benga island with some villagers and it was a life changing experience...
The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa, Fiji Nadi
5 Reviews and 531 Opinions What a wonderful place to go on holidays with young children. The staff are so happy and love...
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Radisson Resort Fiji Denarau Island Viti Levu
709 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Fiji attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Fiji sightseeing.
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