THE GUIDE - Rough Guide to Fiji - page 223

in the tidal cave of Korolamalama. The prawns are known as ura buta or “cooked prawns”
owing to their extraordinary deep red colour. Eating the prawns is strictly forbidden - the is-
landers believe anyone who harms them will be shipwrecked.
For a fabulous view of the lush green carpet of forest that covers Vatulele, and of the eagles
and swiftlets that thrive amongst the craggy cliffs, climb the ninety steps of the solar-powered
lighthouse , perched on the cliff edge. The fifteen-minute trail to the lighthouse starts just
beyond the gates of Vatulele Island Resort .
Inland to Big Cave
Ten minutes' walk along the bumpy road connecting the Vatulele Island Resort and the vil-
lages along the east coast brings you to a trail branching south to Big Cave , in the heart of
the island. There's a cool freshwater swimming pool at the cave's entrance and, with a torch
and guide, you can explore the network of tunnels which eventually connect through to the
sea.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: VATULELE
By air The grass airstrip on the east side of Vatulele is used exclusively to bring in guests
staying at Vatulele Island Resort . The daily 25min flight from Nadi Airport departs at
11.30am, returning at 12.50pm, and costs F$150 each way.
By boat Anyone else visiting the island will need to rely on the small outboard village boats
which leave from Korolevu on the Coral Coast every Tues, Thurs and Sat, generally around
noon. The 45min boat journey costs F$30 one-way.
ACCOMMODATION
Vatulele Island Resort 672 0300, vatulele.com . This exquisite resort offers fine dining,
nineteen private villas and a ratio of four staff to every guest. Straddling a beautiful white-
sand beach and wit h its own tiny offshore island used as a picnic spot, the resort ranks as one
of the finest in Fiji. US$1800
< Back to Beqa, Vatulele and Kadavu
Kadavu and around
KADAVU (pronounced “Kan-davu”) is the fourth-largest island in Fiji, snaking 57km from
east to west with a rugged coastline littered with deep bays. The island is divided into three
sections, each connected by a narrow isthmus. West Kadavu is dominated by the volcanic
cone of Nabukelevu at its western end while to the east is Kadavu's only expanse of flat land,
taken up by the small airstrip and the government centre of Vunisea . Central Kadavu , east
of Vunisea, has the island's best beaches , as well as the fantastic Namalata Reef off the north
coast. East Kadavu overlooks part of the immense Astrolabe Reef and is home to a handful
of dive resorts backed by steep tropical rainforest and a sprinkling of waterfalls. The resorts