Find adventure, spectacular views, and historical sites in Viti Levu's largest native rainforest in their unspoilt settings only 30 minutes from Lautoka
Nestled in a small valley near the base of Mount Koroyanitu sixteen kilometres from Lautoka is Abaca (Ambatha), a picturesque Fijian village, and the gateway to some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the islands. As a way of generating income in an environmentally benign way, the villagers have opened their native lands to visitors by combining traditional Fijian hospitality with the modern notion of eco-tourism.
Abaca is set in a tropical wilderness of primeval rainforests and plunging waterfalls against a backdrop of dusky lava mountains.
Footpaths which have been use for generations follow the ridges and canyons providing something for everyone, from the leisurely stroller on a nature walk, to the experienced hiker seeking a challenge.
For the ambitious hiker, it is a challenging hour's trek from the village to the summit of Batilamu, where photographs can capture a panaroma of the coastline of Viti Levu with the Yasawa Islands on the offshore horizon. Mere mortals marvel at the "Sleeping Giant" from Nadi. At Batilamu, you will be on top of it!
A full day trek takes you through Fiji's only unlogged mountain forest to Mount Koroyanitu, Fiji's third highest peak. On a clear day, the spectacular view from Mount Koroyanitu includes much of Viti Levu and outer islands as far south as Beqa to Vanua Levu in the north.
Along with its scenic splendour, Abaca offers a unique cultural experience. Fijians have been walking these mountains for more than a hundred generations and are tied spiritually and physically to the land of their ancestors. Your village guide, as much a part of this land as the scenery, will amaze you with his knowledge of nature and terrain. Every bend in a river, every rock outcropping seems to have its own name and an associated story.
Camping is not permitted, however the villagers have constructed a 12-bed lodge with cooking facilities, showers and toilets for their guests. Overnight bunk accommodation costs $FJD15.00 per person. You may bring your own food and cook your own meals at the lodge, or use barbecue facilities. For groups of four or more, arrangements can be made for traditional feasts and entertainment at $FJD8.00 per person. A home-cooked meal in the village costs $FJD4.00 per person.
Their home-stay programme, where a visitor lives with and becomes a part of a family in the village, costs $FJD27.00 per person per night. Guests have a unique opportunity to really experience Fijian village life; plow the fields, plant and harvest crops, collect firewood and do community work.
Abaca is unique and offers the chance for an inexpensive, adventurous vacation experience.
Getting There:
Organised transport (4-wheel drive vehicle) leaves the Cathay Hotel in Lautoka at 9am returning at 4pm daily except Sundays and round transfers cost $FJD7.00 per person.
For the more intrepid and budget conscious, take the local Tavakubu bus to the Abaca junction and walk in.
Small carrier vans can also be hired along Yasawa Street in Lautoka (adjacent to the bus depot) and fares are usually around $FJD14.00 one way. However a round trip may be more efficient as it is possible that the driver will wait while you hike.
For those who prefer to drive, Abaca is accessible by a good gravel road. A vehicle with high ground clearance is preferable after heavy rains, but on most days a standard rental car will easily make it.
Take the Queens Highway to Lautoka, 20 minutes north of Nadi Airport, and upon reaching the first roundabout, take a right turn. After driving 1.4 kilometres down this road, turn into Tavakubu Road and continue for 5 kilometres. At the sign, turn right into Abaca Road. Cross two small streams and follow the road about 10 kilometres until its ends at the village. Enquire at Abaca Village for assistance. There is a small entry fee of $FJD5.00 for each visitor and a charge of $FJD1.00-$FJD3.00 for guided treks.
Abaca Village & Recreation Park is the first phase of a development programme to protect this unique national heritage, being undertaken by the local communities with the assistance of the Fiji Pine Limited, the Native Land Trust Board, and the Ministry of Regional Development. It is funded by the New Zealand Government through its Overseas Development Assistance Programme to develop the Koroyanitu National Park.
The spirit of this programme is to establish low-intensity tourism facilities and assist landowners to own and manage them as a sustainable source of income.
Contact:
Mr Semi Lotawa,
PO Box 6729,
Lautoka.
Tel/Fax: (679) 6651168
For bookings and enquiries;
Tel: (679) 6661-511 or (679) 6664-047.
