January 27 - 28, 2014 - Ferry to Taveuni Island, Fiji:
On Monday a group from the hostel took a mini bus to Suva to catch the ferry to Taveuni Island. Suva was a 4 hour drive from Nadi. We spent a couple hours having lunch in town and going to the grocery store. We also picked up a few movies to watch on the ferry.
The ferry fee was $75FJD and left port at 6pm. The ferry was huge and had been purchased from Canada so it was really old. They made you take off your shoes while inside. I thought that was really strange.
We FINALLLLLY arrived at Taveuni at 1pm the next day. Sheeesh that was a really long ride. We were picked up from the port and taken to the Maravu Hostel. It turns out that the hostel was previously a 5 star hotel resort. Everything was well manicured and beautiful, our dorm room even had an outdoor shower. I had signed up for the 6day/5night package which included 3 meals a day and daily activities all for 575FJD. Not cheap, but still a pretty great deal.
After lunch a few of us headed out for a refreshing swim in the ocean. That was followed by lounging around the hostel and having a fabulous dinner.
January 29, 2014 - International Date Line and Water slides:
Around mid morning we headed out to visit the international date line. This is the invisible line that divides yesterday from today. Are one side of the line you are in today's time and on the other side you are in yesterday.
Then we headed towards the natural water slides. We parked at what the hostel folks called the "white house". It was definitely white and we would return here for lunch. We did a short 15 minute hike into the jungle where we came upon the river. The water had washed away the rock into a small canyon and some parts where shallow and smooth enough to actually slide down on your bum. What good fun! The slides weren't very long but the guide showed us that if we created a body damn and waited for the water and pressure to build up we could then get going pretty fast. We did this a few times and swam a bit in the river before we returned for lunch.
I took a short nap back at the hostel then the group went for a tour at one of the local villages. The custom is that guests bring kava and sit and share the kava with the chief or leader of the village. So, of course, we all sat and had a couple of rounds of kava with the chief and listened to them sing a couple of songs. Our guide showed us how the women use fronds to make baskets and how they grow and use local foods. Coconut trees have many uses from the fronds to all stages of the coconut. They also grow casava, papapya, breadfruit, oranges, and I even saw an avocado tree. He let us taste the coconuts and the oranges.
January 30, 2014 - Waterfalls Hike:
This day we went on a hike to 3 different waterfalls. I only made it to two of them because I wasnt feeling well and decided it would be best that I turn back at the 2nd waterfall. Though the two I saw were really beautiful.
January 31, 2014 - Snorkeling and Massage
We took the boat out to do a few hours of snorkeling. And, despite lathering on the sunscreen, my backside still got fried! Ouch. But the snorkeling was really good. Most of the islands in Fiji are surrounded by amazing reef and the snorkeling is outstanding.
Then the best part of the package deal! My free (or included) massage. Fabulous.
I dont have any pictures of this....I really should invest in a GoPro!
February 1, 2014 - SCUBA diving Rainbow Reef:
I should have done this on one of the first days I was there becuase it was stunning and I would have totally done it a lot more.
Fiji and particularly the Rainbow reef near Taveuni Island has some of the best soft coral in the world. And it was amazing the diving was top notch!! I loved it!
Some folks put together a bonfire for that night and we all sat around and enjoyed a few beers, the fire, and a nice fire show performance.
February 2-3, 2014 - Ferry to Suva
And then it was time to return to the main island. On the slow ferry again. Ugggggh!
On Monday a group from the hostel took a mini bus to Suva to catch the ferry to Taveuni Island. Suva was a 4 hour drive from Nadi. We spent a couple hours having lunch in town and going to the grocery store. We also picked up a few movies to watch on the ferry.
The ferry fee was $75FJD and left port at 6pm. The ferry was huge and had been purchased from Canada so it was really old. They made you take off your shoes while inside. I thought that was really strange.
We FINALLLLLY arrived at Taveuni at 1pm the next day. Sheeesh that was a really long ride. We were picked up from the port and taken to the Maravu Hostel. It turns out that the hostel was previously a 5 star hotel resort. Everything was well manicured and beautiful, our dorm room even had an outdoor shower. I had signed up for the 6day/5night package which included 3 meals a day and daily activities all for 575FJD. Not cheap, but still a pretty great deal.
After lunch a few of us headed out for a refreshing swim in the ocean. That was followed by lounging around the hostel and having a fabulous dinner.
January 29, 2014 - International Date Line and Water slides:
Around mid morning we headed out to visit the international date line. This is the invisible line that divides yesterday from today. Are one side of the line you are in today's time and on the other side you are in yesterday.
Then we headed towards the natural water slides. We parked at what the hostel folks called the "white house". It was definitely white and we would return here for lunch. We did a short 15 minute hike into the jungle where we came upon the river. The water had washed away the rock into a small canyon and some parts where shallow and smooth enough to actually slide down on your bum. What good fun! The slides weren't very long but the guide showed us that if we created a body damn and waited for the water and pressure to build up we could then get going pretty fast. We did this a few times and swam a bit in the river before we returned for lunch.
I took a short nap back at the hostel then the group went for a tour at one of the local villages. The custom is that guests bring kava and sit and share the kava with the chief or leader of the village. So, of course, we all sat and had a couple of rounds of kava with the chief and listened to them sing a couple of songs. Our guide showed us how the women use fronds to make baskets and how they grow and use local foods. Coconut trees have many uses from the fronds to all stages of the coconut. They also grow casava, papapya, breadfruit, oranges, and I even saw an avocado tree. He let us taste the coconuts and the oranges.
January 30, 2014 - Waterfalls Hike:
This day we went on a hike to 3 different waterfalls. I only made it to two of them because I wasnt feeling well and decided it would be best that I turn back at the 2nd waterfall. Though the two I saw were really beautiful.
January 31, 2014 - Snorkeling and Massage
We took the boat out to do a few hours of snorkeling. And, despite lathering on the sunscreen, my backside still got fried! Ouch. But the snorkeling was really good. Most of the islands in Fiji are surrounded by amazing reef and the snorkeling is outstanding.
Then the best part of the package deal! My free (or included) massage. Fabulous.
I dont have any pictures of this....I really should invest in a GoPro!
February 1, 2014 - SCUBA diving Rainbow Reef:
I should have done this on one of the first days I was there becuase it was stunning and I would have totally done it a lot more.
Fiji and particularly the Rainbow reef near Taveuni Island has some of the best soft coral in the world. And it was amazing the diving was top notch!! I loved it!
Some folks put together a bonfire for that night and we all sat around and enjoyed a few beers, the fire, and a nice fire show performance.
February 2-3, 2014 - Ferry to Suva
And then it was time to return to the main island. On the slow ferry again. Ugggggh!
What an incredible place to explore, Jordan! And judging by your sweet smiles, it's clear that you guys got the most out of it. It's a lovely place with friendly people, beautiful sceneries, delicious delicacies, and excellent massages on the side. Now I’m jealous! :)
ReplyDeleteDiana