Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE STORY OF ABACA
Abaca
got its name by accident. The original village was called Nagara but in 1931 a
land-
slide
hit the village, leaving only three survivors. Thankful to be alive, the three went in
search of a new home. On their journey they came across a large stone emblazoned with
the letters ABC. The letters had been painted by a missionary in the 1830s while teaching
the alphabet to the people of Nagara. Inspired by this prophetic sign, the survivors decided
to name their new village “Abaca”, an acronym in the local dialect for “the beginning of
eternal life after a miracle”.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: KOROYANITU NATIONAL HERITAGE
PARK
By car
Access to the park is by 4WD from Lautoka via Tavakubu Rd off Drasa Ave; it takes
30min to reach Abaca village, travelling up a steep dirt road past the dramatic volcanic es-
carpment of Castle Rock. If you've not got your own transport, contact George Prince ( 664
5431, 860 5406 or 991 6956,
george_prasad@hotmail.com
), who operates transfers
from Lautoka to Abaca (F$30/60 one way/return per person).
By bus
A carrier van from opposite Lautoka bus stand will cost F$35.
INFORMATION AND TOURS
Entry fee
F$12, plus compulsory guide: Savuione Falls F$15; Mt Batilamu day-trip F$25;
Mt Batilamu overnight F$40.
Visitor centre
664 5431/992 1517. Mon-Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 8-10am & noon-5pm.
Tours
Guided trekking tours are offered by Mount Batilamu Trek, based in Lautoka ( 664
5431/992 1517). A two-and-a-half-day trek costs F$460 and includes meals, transfers and all
fees.
ACCOMMODATION
To stay with a family in Abaca village, contact the visitor centre; it will cost around F$80.
An overnight stay in the hut at the peak of Mount Batilamu with your guide will set you back
F$150.
Nase Lodge
Arrange via the
visitor centre
;
map
.
Colonial-style lodge in a remote wilderness
setting within the park. There are two large bunk rooms, a communal lounge and a kitchen -
you're likely to be the only guest unless there's a school grou
p in r
esidenc
e. Or
der meals at
the village: breakfast F$13, lunch F$13/dinner F$25. Camping
F$35
; dorms
F$50
