Page 42 - Pacific Paradises 2019

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CORAL COAST & PACIFIC HARBOUR

The Coral Coast is 80 kilometres indigenous species. and tourists blend together when
of barrier reef beaches, on the Head for the hills into the beautiful eating, shopping and socialising.
sheltered southern side of Viti Sigatoka Valley, aptly named The Salad Farmers barter their wares in the
Levu about halfway between Nadi Bowl of Fiji, a colourful patchwork central marketplace and there are duty
and Suva. of agricultural fields, Fijian villages, free shops, supermarkets, tailors, bars
Indian settlements, temples and volcanic and cafes. There are quaint roadside
The temperate climate and great variety hills. It offers spectacular scenery and a markets right along the Coral Coast
of accommodation—from self- contained fascinating history of the Tongan tribes stretch, so even those just driving
‘bure’ cottages to international five-star who were the last to resist Christianity. through will be able to enjoy this
resorts—make it a popular tourist retreat. Sigatoka River Safari tours into the lovely area.
The resorts offer great recreational valley villages are very popular. On the eastern most fringe of the
facilities, restaurants, cultural Coral Coast, Some 30 kilometres west
performances and nightlife, while At Tavuni Hill you can walk amongst the of Suva, Pacific Harbour is known as
the pristine waters and reefs create an ruins of an ancient fort. The cave tour Fiji’s ‘adventure capital’, famous for
underwater paradise for snorkelling and follows the Tongan trail to Naihehe Caves activities like the world-class shark
diving. You can throw in a line with the to see the spectacular rock formations dive at Shark Reef, great scuba diving
locals or take out a charter vessel for and awesome reminders of the past. The in the Beqa lagoon, zip-lining, off-road
game fishing. same tour takes you for a river ride on buggy rides, white-water rafting in the
traditional bamboo rafts. There is also a
There are some spectacular surf beaches waterfall tour where you can learn about Upper Navua gorge, and world-class
too. Natadola beach is arguabley the best plant medicines on a rainforest trek, surf at the Frigates offshore surf break.
beach on the island and the a great place participate in authentic ceremonies with Pacific Harbour was originally
to learn to surf. Also at Natadola is the a village chief and swim in a beautiful established in the 1970s as a
Natadola Bay Chamipionship Golf Course tropical waterfall. recreation oriented, residential
which annually hosts the PGA (Austral- community as well as a resort area.
Asia) & European Tour accredited ‘Fiji Robinson Crusoe Island is fringed with Here groups can arrange a visit to
International’ Golf Chamipionships. white sandy beaches, and offers great the Arts Village Cultural Centre and
snorkelling and Pacific isle entertainment.
For those wanting to take in some Marketplace for special performances,
nature, history and culture, visit the To get there, take a boat ride or a sea as well as demonstrations of handicraft
Sigatoka Sand Dunes where shifting plane which is based on the river at making techniques. Not too far from
sands and archaeological digs continue Sigatoka Town. It is also possible to enjoy Pacific Harbour is the legendary Beqa
to reveal skeletons and pottery arefacts. scenic flights over the coast and valley or Island, home of the Fijian firewalkers
Fiji’s only wildlife park, the Kula Eco- charter a small plane for airport transfers. who perform their ceremonies at
Park in Korotogo displays rarely seen In the bustling town of Sigatoka, locals several major Fijian hotels and resorts.

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