Cliff(y) Goes Travelling

Sanasana, Fiji My BFF and I were already feeling pretty tired after the trek at Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park that forced us to shed a lot of sweat. Natadola Beach was the last place that our driver wanted to show us before we went back to the hotel. Shared by Natadola Beach Resort and InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa, the beach promises miles of pure white sand.

Queens Road, Yadua, Sigatoka, Fiji Daily: 8.00am - 5.00pm I didn't know the existence of Fiji's first national park, which was established in 1987, until the driver told us about it and brought my BFF and me there. It wasn't too long a ride from Lawai Pottery Village to the park. It's known that the park also runs a programme at certain times of the year, where visitors help local rangers and local community volunteers replant native trees.

Sigatoka Valley Road, Sigatoka, Fiji From the Garden of the Sleeping Giant , my BFF and I were driven to one of the Chicken Express branches at Nadi Downtown for an early lunch. Subsequently, we went all the way to Sigatoka at the southern part of Viti Levu to visit the traditional Lawai Pottery Village. The journey took approximately an hour and a half, allowing time for us to take a power nap. 

Wailoko Road, Nadi, Fiji Mon-Sat: 9.00am - 5.00pm Sun: 9.00am - 12 noon After a refreshing dip at Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool , my BFF and I were driven to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. Founded by the late actor Raymond Burr in 1977, the tranquil garden boasts more than 2000 varieties of orchids. At the point of writing, the entrance fee is  FJD 18.00 (~S$11.90)  per person.

Sabeto Valley, Nadi, Fiji Mon-Sat: 9.00am - 5.00pm On one of the days at the island of Viti Levu, my BFF and I signed up for a private tour that cost us  FJD 150.00 (~S$97.60)  per person. Yes, it certainly burned a hole in each of our pockets, but we really dislike group tours. Besides, we could go here and there without having to worry too much about time with our gregarious and knowledgeable driver. Our first stop was the Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool.

Nadi Downtown, Nadi, Fiji Daily: 6.00am - 7.00pm Situated at the southern end of the downtown area of Nadi is the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere. The current building of the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple is the newer structure, where the reconstruction programme began in 1984.

Nadi, Fiji The downtown area of Nadi is small enough to be explored by foot. To begin with, here's a picture of the town council building with the national flag standing still on top of it. BTW, at the point of writing, the country is deliberating on the new flag design.

Queens Road at Nadi Downtown, Nadi, Fiji Nadi Downtown Hotel (2*) is the only hotel at the bustling downtown, located within a short walking distance to the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere. It offers a 24-hour free shuttle service from the airport to the hotel as long as one can show the proof of booking. For the return journey to the airport, the hotel offers two free shuttle services at 5.00am and 1.00pm daily.

TVU-NAN (1h 25m) De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter ETD: 8.50am (GMT + 12)  ETA: 10.15 am (GMT + 12) One of the staff of Aroha Taveuni drove us from the resort to Matei Airport. Along the way, we talked about many different things, from tourism to education. He also politely asked my BFF and me whether we'd like the air-conditioning of the car to be switched off in order for us to enjoy the fresh air from outside.

Somosomo Strait, Taveuni,  Fiji Before I begin, I'd like to apologise that this particular entry is going to have very few pictures, unlike what we all have seen so far. The Rainbow Reef, situated at the Somosomo Strait between the islands of Vanua Levu and Taveuni, is said to be one of the top ten diving and snorkeling spots in the world. 

Eastern Area,  Taveuni, Fiji Adventure tours can be easily booked at Aroha Taveuni , which does not take any commissions at all. That was what I exactly did when I reached the resort. Within less than an hour after arrival, my BFF and I found ourselves seated comfortably in a car to go to Lavena Coastal Walk on the eastern end of the island.