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The island of TAVEUNI is the third largest island
in the Fiji archipelago. The International Dateline
[180th Meridian] crosses the island just a few
miles down the road from all three of these
wonderful rental homes. For convenience however,
the Dateline has been moved so that all of the
Fiji Islands are under one time zone.
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The island is approximately
28 miles long and 10 miles wide. Taveuni's
population of 12,000 [mostly native Fijians]
resides in villages with the largest being
that of Somosomo. Taveuni is known as "The
Garden Island of Fiji" because of its
magnificently lush green jungle vegetation.
There are more truly and
exotic and culturally interesting excursions
you can make on Taveuni than on any other
island. Here you will find the true Fiji...Un-spoiled,
Un-commercial, Un-complicated, Un-crowded,
Un-forgettable, and Un-surpassed. Taveuni
has much to offer and the following are some
of the activities available.
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ACTIVITIES
Please click
here for details of excursions and hikes on
Taveuni Island.
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HORSEBACK RIDING: There is a really nice
trip available with a local guide down in Vuna.
Riding is done through the tropical rainforest up the side of the volcano. |
KAYAKING: Included in all our homes are the free use of kayaks. Paddling or snorkeling around sunset is a favorite for all our guests. |
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DEEP SEA FISHING: Locally there are two highly experienced operators. Fish caught are yellow fin tuna, mahi mahi,
dogtooth tuna, trevelle, walu, Spanish mackerel,
and sailfish. |
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DIVING: If you did not pre-book diving reservations
prior to your departure, then very possibly
there may not be space available with the local
three operators. So not to be disappointed,
we highly recommend you have us confirm all
diving arrangements ASAP. |
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Taveuni dive operators offer a full range of diving services including PADI certifications and intro courses. Dive boats take a maximum of 6 divers for the utmost in personalized service.
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EATING
AND EVENING ENTERTAINMENT ON TAVEUNI ISLAND
MEKE [Fijian singing & dancing] and LOVO [a
traditional Fijian feast]: The nearby village of Naselesele features a weekly meke/lovo as a fund raising effort for their school.
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If staying at Marau Vale, or Sere Ni Ika, the staff will
be glad to make all the arrangements and
coordinate all the food and activities for
a lovo to be prepared and held on the property. Invite
the locals you've already met. The staff can help
send out the word. The more the merrier.
Real traditional and a great way to experience
the true warmth of the Fijian people.
NEARBY PLACES TO EAT: Coconut Grove
--- a beautiful
beachfront setting; delicious American,
Indian and Fijian cuisine; serves breakfast,
lunch and dinner; cost is moderate; an excellent
buffet with local 'island boys' music on
Wednesday and Saturday evenings; also see above for details on their
meke/lovo. Tramonto [sunset] Bar & Grill
is not to be missed for a magnificent sunset
delicious foods, and Wednesday night BBQ. Maravu Plantation Resort
--- a beautiful
setting and eating environment; certainly
one of the islands best; diverse menu all
beautifully prepared and presented. Also offers
a weekly meke/lovo [see above]. Tovutovu
--- nice
setting facing the sea; simpler than Coconut
Grove, yet not as simple as Mrs. Lal's;
a big buffet served every
Friday evening with
local 'island boys' music. Mrs. Lal's Curry
House --- superb Indian
vegetable, lamb and chicken curries; not
a fancy setting, yet comfortable and clean;
serving lunch and dinner. Audrey's Sweets
--- here
you can enjoy the island's best homemade
cakes, tortes and cookies along with delicious
coffees and teas.
OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT TAVEUNI
TAXIS: Good quality taxis and an air-conditioned 7-seater van are available. Most short runs cost only $1-2. Rates everywhere are quite inexpensive.
RENTAL CARS: Garden State Price Point
represents Budget Rental Cars. Plan well
in advance, as cars are extremely hard to
reserve. It is however much cheaper to hire
a taxi for the day than to rent a car, and
the taxi drivers know where they are going.
In other words rental cars are not necessary
and taxis will save you money.
INTERNET: Available at Tovutovu Restaurant and in Naqara Town.
PHOTOGRAPHY; Fijians love to have
their pictures taken as it is considered
an honor. Lucky for us, Fijian's are also
among the most smiling and friendly people
in the world.
STARS: The ones in the sky...the
incredible stars of the Southern Hemisphere
sky. The best way to see them is on your
back.
SUNRISE: Open your curtains at dawn
and enjoy the fantastic sunrises.
BIRDS: Kulas are our small bright
red, emerald, green and purple birds, which
closely resemble parrots. Every afternoon,
late in the day you can see them flitting
from tree to coconut tree in front of all
the homes along the beach. In addition,
during this time of day numerous mynah birds
often appear throughout the gardens
MASSAGE: The Marau Vale staff give a terrific traditional Fijian Massage. Rate for Marau Vale house guests is only USD$12/hour. If staying at Sere Ni Ika or Lomalagi, then the price is $18/hour. A truly wonderful way to end each day.
GIFTS: Yaqona (kava) for the village
chiefs. Hard candies and gum for the children.
In addition, t-shirts are always appreciated.
SHOPPING FOR HANDICRAFTS: Several villages and shops on the island have a nice selection of reasonably priced handicrafts.
ROTARY CLUB MEMBERS: Are you a member of Rotary? If so, then please attend our weekly local Rotary Club meeting. It is held Monday evenings. weekly just a short walk away at Tovutovu Restaurant.
VILLAGE VISITS: IT IS ALWAYS PROPER
TO FIRST ASK ONE OF THE VILLAGE CHIEFS PERMISSION
TO TOUR HIS VILLAGE. HE WILL NORMALLY THEN
REQUEST ONE OF THE VILLAGE MEMBERS TO ESCORT
YOU AROUND THE VILLAGE AND EXPLAIN THINGS
TO YOU. PLEASE REMEMBER THE DRESS CODE WHEN
PARTAKING IN ACTIVITIES. NO HATS OR SUNGLASSES
SHOULD BE WORN IN THE VILLAGE. WOMEN MUST
BE COVERED TO THE KNEE AND NO BARE SHOULDERS
IN THE VILLAGE. WHILE VISITING A VILLAGE
NEVER POINT AT ANOTHER PERSON AND NEVER
TOUCH THEM ON THE HEAD. CAMERAS ARE MOST
WELCOME AS FIJIANS FEEL IT AN HONOR TO HAVE
THEIR PICTURES TAKEN. MAYBE BRING SOME HARD
CANDIES FOR THE CHILDREN AND ABOUT ONE-KILO
OF YAGONA AS A GIFT TO THE CHIEF. IF VISITING
QELENI OR VATUSOGOSOGO IT WOULD BE A NICE
GESTURE TO CONTRIBUTE ABOUT $5 PERSON TO
THEIR SCHOOL OR CHURCH FUND.
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