CHRISTMAS is classed as the longest holiday period for most families and a time when some families prefer to travel.
Wouldn’t it be preferable to seize the moment on a quiet, untouched location, free with white sandy beaches to pamper your family and take in the cool sea breeze? Its pristine location makes it paradise. Vanuabalavu and Lakeba islands are suitable places for your holiday getaway.
Vanuabalavu and Lakeba are two islands in the Lau Group. Both islands have a jetty and government stations that cater for the small islands clustered close by. Transportation to the islands is either by ferries or plane which is only available during fine weather days.
To get a better feel of the islands, try the food particularly the fresh fish cooked in coconut milk (lolo) and cassava. The fish cooked over an open fire and dipped in lemon and chilly will surely lull your tastebuds. This is an authentic Fijian meal at its best. The places have their own unique qualities of nature. Clear blue skies and sea, the islands’ are rich with green vegetation and coconut trees almost everywhere.
Travelling by boat to visit the smaller islands gives you the opportunity to see and feel the richness of the islands.
I would say when travelling in these small boats and looking out at the sea it feels like looking through clear glass because you get to see what’s at the bottom of the ocean.
To get to experience the culture, I would encourage you to walk along the beach to see the village culture and daily routines at every village.
So for yachties, if you’re thinking of travelling to one of the islands in the Lau Group, it would be better to go to Nabavatu Estate. Nabavatu is a marina that provides a safe haven for small vessels.
It would be good to take tents with you so you can camp next to the beach or even live with families to experience the real Fijian lifestyle.
There are more than 20 villages on these two islands which you can visit.
Vanuabalavu has a guest house, Moana’s Guesthouse, which is near to the beach of Lomaloma Bay.
From Vanuabalavu, which is also known as the Long Island, you will see the beautiful Qilaqila Island which is also known as the Bay of Islands.
The Bay of Islands is made up of limestones and caves which you can visit.
You can go on a kayak through the narrow gaps to visit the small untouched islands. It’s a good place for snorkelling because of the corals and underwater fauna.
Famous Hollywood actor, film producer and screenwriter Matt Damon visited Nabavatu Island on Vanuabalavu two years ago. An employee of Nabavatu said he visited and signed on the log book saying he and his wife loved Fiji. They camped next to the beach in a tent.
Lakeba Island has its own jetty with a lot of historical places to visit and learn about.
Some of the historical stories about Lakeba is the arrival of Christianity and the rise of Ma’afu in Lau.
In Tubou Village, Lakeba, they have Jeke Qica’s Guesthouse which has one bure and three rooms with private bathrooms.
Some of the activities that you get in these islands are fishing, snorkelling, traditional Fijian food, making of Fijian handicraft and many more.
So if you want to experience a traditional Fijian lifestyle and treat your family to a perfect getaway this Christmas, why not visit some of these beautiful untouched islands in the Lau Group.
