LOCAL GETAWAYS | The perfect escape

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Mika Tuitoga now carries the weight of keeping his fallen cousins dreams alive. What began as are vision now stands as a reality shaped by hard work and belief. Picture: MELI NAGUSUDRAU

Just a short stop off the lonely King’s Rd, in the quiet settlement of Dakuivuna, lies a place where time seems to slow down and you can feel the vibration of nature takes its lead.

For travellers heading between Suva and the northern towns, it is more than just a roadside attraction.

Uru waterfalls is a refreshing escape, a meeting place, and great place to reconnect as family a small, but powerful reminder of Fiji’s natural beauty.

Mika Tuitoga a native from Dakuivuna, Wainibuka, Tailevu, now carries the weight of keeping his fallen cousins dreams alive.

What began as are vision now stands as a reality shaped by hard work and belief.

Mr Tuitoga said the waterfall was named after his cousin after his death

“It is probably the only picnic spot along the King’s Rd.”

From the moment you step off the road, the sound of rushing water replaces the hum of passing vehicles.

Tall trees lean over the stream, offering shade as the cool mist from the fall’s drifts through the air.

Children’s laughter often echoes from the pools below, while families spread mats along the banks, turning an ordinary afternoon into a memorable retreat.

“It is very accessible, we provide picnic benches and accommodation, or you can bring your own mats, and you can even bring your family to have barbecue or lovo,”

“And it is a great place for family to experience the natural beauty of nature as well.”

Uru Waterfall is not known for its height, but for its character and purpose.

Water flows gently over rocky steps before settling into clear, shallow pools perfect for swimming and relaxing.

For many villagers and passers-by, it has become a natural resting point — a place to stretch, cool off, and reconnect with the land.

Mr Tuitoga said the waterfall has always been part of life in Dakuivuna

Long before travelers stopped for photos, villagers came to wash, swim, and share stories beside the stream.

Today, that same sense of belonging remains.

On weekends, you’ll find families travelling all the way from the bustling life in the city arriving with food parcels, youths diving into the water, and elders sitting nearby, watching the flow of both water and people.

For drivers on long journeys, Uru Waterfall offers something rare — an easy-to-reach natural sanctuary and offers one of the purest natural drinking waters in the country.

Without the need for long hikes, visitors can step straight into a peaceful environment.

“If you’re looking for a place to spend time with your family, this is the place for you,”

“We provide safe parking spots, and the admission is only dollar per head,”

Many describe the stop as a reset point: washing away the fatigue of travel and replacing it with are sense of peace.

The surrounding greenery frames the falls beautifully, making it popular for photographers and social media visitors, yet it still maintains a village charm untouched by heavy development.

The sound of water tumbling over stone blends with birdsong, creating a natural soundtrack for anyone seeking quiet reflection.

While Uru Waterfall welcomes visitors, it also carries responsibility.

The land belongs to the people of the area, and respect is key.

Visitors are encouraged to keep the site clean, avoid damaging plants, and show courtesy to locals while there.

A simple greeting goes a long way in Fiji, and so does leaving the place better than you found it.

Community members hope the waterfall continues to attract people for the right reasons — appreciation, relaxation, and respect for nature.

Uru Waterfall is not just water over rock.

It is a story of connection — between village and visitor, road and river, past and present.

In a country blessed with many natural wonders, this small cascade in Dakuivuna stands out for its simplicity and heart.

For those rushing along the King’s Rd, Uru Waterfall quietly waits, offering cool water, fresh air, and a moment to breathe.

Sometimes, the best journeys are not about the destination, but the peaceful pauses along the way.

Uru waterfalls is a refreshing escape, a meeting place, and great place to reconnect as family a small but powerful reminder of Fiji’s natural beauty. Picture: MELI NAGUSUDRAU