Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ACCOMMODATION: SABETO RIVER VALLEY
Stoney Creek Lodge
Just beyond Masimasi Hindu Temple 672 2206,
stoneycreek-
only 15min from Nadi Airport and boasts a lovely swimming pool, excellent restauran
t and
quiet b
ar. A
ctivities
on of
fer inc
lude m
ountain treks and a trip to hot springs. Camping
F$55
;
dorms
F$55
; rooms
F$150
; bures
F$190
Lomolomo
Eight kilometres north of the airport, the rocky tongue of the Sabeto Hills descends dramatic-
ally to the base of
LOMOLOMO
village. From here, you can explore a delightful
walking
track
over the hills and back to the Wailoko dirt road. The trail starts from the unsignposted
Esivo Road, 1km beyond the village just beyond the timber mill. Three hundred metres down
this dirt road, a small track leads uphill following the ridge inland towards the seldom-visited
Lomolomo Guns
. It takes thirty minutes to walk to these World War II artillery guns from the
main road, and there's a fine view overlooking Nadi Bay and the surrounding mountains. For
a longer two-hour trek, continue walking along the ridge, bearing right towards the telecom-
munication antennae. From here, the trail meanders around boulders and overhanging caves
to the rocky summit of Khan's Farm where you'll notice plenty of goats. From the summit,
you can follow the access road south to Wailoko Road, 3km inland from the Queens Road
and close to the Garden of the
Sleeping Giant
.
Viseisei
Village visit $5
Heading north towards Lautoka and just after the Vuda River, the old Queens Road branches
off left through the chiefly village of
Viseisei
. According to Fijian legend this was where
Lu-
tunasobasoba
, the first inhabitant of Fiji, landed his canoe, the
Kaunitoni
, having sailed all
the way from Tanganyika (modern-day Tanzania). Today, Fijians around much of the country
still claim descent from Lutunasobasoba.
Park up on the roadside at the near end of the village - local women at the seafront
craft
stalls
will arrange a village visit. This takes in the
Methodist church
, the exterior of the
chief's thatched house and the totemic breadfruit tree. Arrive at 10am on Sunday to hear won-
derful a cappella singing in the church (service 10.30am-noon).
Vuda
Turn right off the Queens Rd just before the Vuda River, along the Vuda-Vaivai Rd; the site is signposted on
the right • F$8 fee (if someone on duty), includes guided tour; otherwise free
Vuda
, the ancient village that Lutunasobasoba is said to have founded, is a couple of kilo-
metres inland along the Vuda River at the foot of a massive boulder. As you explore the over-
grown paths around the old village site, keep an eye out for the ancient
rock platforms
where
homes were built and for clearings with accumulated pottery shards and
kai
shells where the
