Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
At the base of the bay, buffered by mangrove forests,
St Francis Xavier's Catholic Church
lies perched on a hilltop overlooking the school in Naiserelagi village. Inside are three beau-
tiful
murals
painted by Jean Charlot in 1962. Challenging European colonization and superi-
ority of the time, the centrepiece, a 10m-high fresco, depicts a crucified Black Christ wearing
masi
cloth, whilst two side altar panels, one with indigenous Fijians and the other with Fijian-
Indians, show unique cultural scenes of
tabua
and
yaqona
offerings to Christ. There is also a
mural of St Peter Chanel, Fiji's first martyred saint, holding a symbolic war club.
Barotu to Korovou via the Kings Road
The quickest and most commonly travelled route between Rakiraki and Suva follows the
72km-long
Kings Road
, which heads inland at Barotu, only reaching the coast again at Koro-
vou. From Savusavu Village the road clings to a deep valley carved out by the Wainibuka
River. Along the way you may see locals heading downstream on precarious-looking
bilibilis
,
rafts made from bamboo poles, sometimes laden with market goods.
Snake God Cave
Wailotua, Kings Rd, 25km northwest of Korovou • F$15 donation to villagers
At
Wailotua
, almost 50km south of Barotu, a large
cave
is cut into the steep mountain abut-
ting the village. Inside you'll be shown its star attraction, a bulky stalagmite said to resemble
a six-headed
snake god
. In pre-European times chiefs would meet and consult here. Sadly,
the ancient stone is now coarsely scribbled with the names of local tourists.
Waimaro Waterfall
Kings Rd, 15km west of Korovou • F$23
The scenic
Waimaro Waterfall
is 11km along the Kings Road from Wailotua, past Dak-
uivuna village. Steps lead down to a stream and picnic bench surrounded by forest. If you
arrive on a weekend or during school holidays the local kids will show you the best spots for
jumping into the pool below the falls.
The Tailevu Coast
The most scenic route between Barotu and Korovou heads along an 80km dirt track hugging
the remote
Tailevu Coast
. With its lovely coastal scenery, secluded villages, hiking tracks
and offshore dolphin-spotting, this seldom visited region is an exceptional place to explore.
In the southern portion, 10km from Korovou Town,
Natovi Landing
is the departure point
for ferries to Ovalau and Vanua Levu.
Namarai to Bureiwai
Approaching from the north via the Nakorotubu Road, you hit the coast at
Namarai
, a neatly
laid-out village in a small bay. You'll be warmly received by the locals, although note that
this is a traditional, strongly Methodist area so dress appropriately. From Namarai, the most
scenic
section of the coastal road meanders south to Bureiwai around a series of beautiful
bays covered in coconut palms. Two kilometres beyond Saioko village, keep an eye out for a
