Coral Coast

A further 20-minute drive along the Queens Road, brings us to the turnoff for Yanuca (Yanutha) Island, home to the largest resort complex in Fiji, Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort.

A restored, narrow gauge railroad – The Sugar Cane Train delivers riders from its station (just by the causeway entrance of the Fijian Resort) to either Natadola beach for a picnic or toward Sigatoka and the historic Tavuni Hill Fort.

Just opposite the Sugar Cane Station is the Kalevu Cultural Centre offering an hour-long glimpse into Fiji’s past. A longer afternoon program will afford the visitor a cultural dance show highlighting number of South Pacific countries; a buffet lunch is included.

Spanning roughly the next 40 miles, the Coral Coast extends from Sigatoka to Pacific Harbour. Just before the actual town of Sigatoka (Sing-a-toka) are the striking Sigatoka Sand Dunes. These dunes extend for 3 miles and range in height from 66 – 175 ft. Over time, the sands have shifted to reveal ancient burial sites and pottery shards from the first inhabitants to the islands over 3000 years ago. They are a protected National Heritage site and are a must see on your excursion down the coast.

The small town of Sigatoka has grown up around its colorful and boisterous marketplace. Hone your bargaining skills and plunge right in to the hectic scene. Just 3 miles north of town is the historic Tavuni Hill Fort. You can still see remnants of the fort built by a Tongan chief and get a perspective of historic significance of the site.

A separate, but little known Neihehe Cave tour will take you about 25 miles up the river to an ancient hidden cave. Instrumental during the “cannibal wars” the mountain cave hid the inhabitants of surrounding villages. You cruise back down the river in an almost meditative state aboard a “bilibili” (bamboo) raft.

As you drive toward Suva, your trip will take you on a veritable eco tour of Fiji. Hugging the coastline close to the ocean, passing through local villages, you then climb through pine forests and rolling hills. All the while the expanse of sugar cane fields and the distant mountain ranges unfold before you. As you journey east, you will notice the change to a wetter, greener side of the island.