In Fiji, the tour to the Naihehe Caves takes thrill seekers on a journey, exploring Fiji’s dark history of cannibalism culture.  The cave once stood as a fortress for one of Fiji’s last cannibal tribes and while currently inhabited (thankfully) is definitely one tourist spot that’s worth exploring.

Delve deep into Fiji’s past and witness where first-hand cannibalism practices took place back in the days of yore. Here is what you can expect on the Sigatoka River and Off-Road Safari tour.

To kick off the tour, there would be a jet boat thrill ride which would bring you along the Sigatoka River. After the short boat ride, you will alight and hop on to the off-road ATV and embark on a bumpy 10-mile journey through the Sigatoka Town in which you would pass by 3 local villages.

During this ride, you get a brief glimpse of Fijians going about their daily lives. There would be several stops along the way where you’d be able to capture the natural beauty of the landscape so do bring your cameras along!

The guides will share with you several interesting facts about of Fiji—we heard that the children in Fiji had to swim across the river to get to school daily!

Before entering the Naihehe Cave, it is mandatory for visitors to participate in a customary kava ceremony at the priest’s house. For those who haven’t heard, Kava is Fiji’s national drink and it is essentially made by combining the root of a pepper plant and mixing it with spring water to give it a numbing sensation upon consumption.

After the traditional Kava ceremony, a short 15-minute trek through the wilderness would lead you to the Naihehe Caves where yet another fascinating adventure will begin.

Lo and behold, the Naihehe Cave—the area which is most renowned for cannibalism activities in the past when cannibalism was still very much prevalent in Fiji. Fijian chiefs ate the flesh of their enemies, believing that doing so would bestow power, control and was also a way to take revenge and give insult. Fret not, because the last cannibalism activity that took place was said to be in 1907.

The Naihehe Cave is home to several interesting areas, including the legendary ‘Pregnancy Gap’ near the entrance of the cave. In the past, those who are unable to fit through this gap at the entrance of the cave are said to be pregnant.

Pass through this gap and you would enter the Grand Cathedral Chamber—be prepared to be wowed by the breathtaking sight of sparkling stalactites, stalagmites, and underground springs.

Before you bid farewell and make your way back to your resorts, there will be a barbecue meal prepared by the tour conductors as a form of gratitude and goodwill. After tucking in, feel free to take a dip in the swimming hole right beside the BBQ area!

Off-Road Safari and Sigatoka River Cruise
Tel: +679 6501 72
Email: safari@sigatokariver.com
Website: http://offroadfiji.com/

Ecotrax Fiji is the world’s first ever electric rail-riders and it is one of the best ways for you to admire the natural beauty of Fiji’s sceneries.

In the past, Fiji used to have rail transport but they have since stopped its service. Green-inventor extraordinaire Howie de Vries invented the electric-assisted vehicles and used the now-defunct railway tracks to carry the carriages.

AN ADVENTURE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

Fear not if you aren’t very physically fit. This 3-hour journey is suitable for anyone and everyone—be it for children, the disabled, the elderly and even those who do not know how to ride a bike, Ecotrax promises an adventure that everyone will enjoy.

VIEWS STRAIGHT OUT OF A POSTCARD

On this journey, the electric bikes will bring you through river crossings, mangroves, big rock cuttings, 2 villages as well as the ‘Tunnel of Love’.

Be prepared to be blown away by the breathtaking sceneries that surround you as you ride through villages and fields, and expect to see animals such as cows and horses which will look undoubtedly majestic against the stunning landscape.

STOP BY THE MAGICAL VUNABUA BEACH

After an hour or so, stop by the remote and untouched Vunabua Beach which is otherwise inaccessible. What you can expect at this beach are crystals clear waters, fresh air and a small island which you can swim or snorkel around.

During this pit stop, indulge in some light refreshments which typically include 3 types of local seasonal fruit on a platter and fresh coconut water. And by fresh, we meant that they literally get the coconuts from the coconut trees there and then!

Should you be planning a trip to Fiji anytime soon, we suggest you leave a spot in your itinerary for this.

A tour at the Ecotrax costs FJD$129 for adults and FJD$69 for children between the age of 6 and 15 years old. Although it may seem pretty expensive, it is one unforgettable adventure that is worth every single penny.

Eco Trax
Website: http://www.ecotrax.com.fj/
Tel: +679 977 0824

Read: 12 reasons why Fiji should be on your bucket list.

Malamala Beach Club in Fiji is the world’s first ever island beach club and it occupies an entire island. Lined with coconut trees and surrounded by soft white sand, this place is the ultimate paradise for one to escape from the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced city life that awaits us back home and indulge in a multitude of water sports.

Make sure to save a day in your Fiji itinerary for a day trip to Malamala Beach Club because it might just be the highlight of your vacation.

GETTING TO MALAMALA BEACH CLUB

A day pass would include transport and vessel transport from Port Denarau. Enjoy the panoramic views and breathe in the briny aroma of the surrounding waters during the 25-minute ride from Port Denarau to Malamala Beach Club.

A ticket to paradise from Nadi and Denarau area will cost FJ$169 per person, and this gives you access to complimentary Wi-Fi, towel service and non-motorised sports equipment for snorkelling, kayaking and stand-up paddling.

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ENDLESS FUN AND RELAXATION

As aforementioned, the day pass to Malamala Beach Club would give you access to complimentary water sports so keep yourselves busy with these thrilling activities and admire the ravishing beauty of Fiji in the meantime.

We thoroughly enjoyed snorkelling in the crystal clear waters that surrounded the island and kayaking around Mala Mala Island. If you are not into getting wet and sweaty, relaxing by the beach in a cabana with a cocktail in hand is a great idea too.

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DIVINE FIJIAN FOOD BY FIJI’S CELEBRITY CHEF

The kitchen at Malamala Beach Club is run by Fiji’s celebrity chef, Lance Seeto and they serve guests a range of small bites, hearty meals as well as several cocktails concocted using alcohol flavours unique to Fiji, such as the coconut Vodka.

Indulge in Seeto’s rendition of traditional Fijian dishes such as the Cumquat-cured Lobster Kokoda and the esteemed Spiced Goat Pie.

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It takes less than 20 minutes the walk around the entire island where Malamala Beach Club resides, and just 35 minutes to kayak around the Mala Mala island.

This beach club promises an endless lineup of fun-filled activities and gourmet food such that you will surely leave satisfied. The best part? They only let in a limited number of guests to the island per day to prevent overcrowding so you would definitely get a slice of paradise.

Malamala Beach Club
Tel: +679 675 0500
Email: mailto:info@malamalabeachclub.com
Website: https://malamalabeachclub.com/

Read: 12 reasons why Fiji should be on your bucket list.

Fiji is concrete evidence that Paradise on Earth does exist. The skies are blue, the waters are superbly clear and the sceneries all around are breathtakingly picturesque—but the best of all, the people there are genuine, hospitable and jovial.

Fiji is definitely worthy to be on everyone’s bucket list. While everyone knows it as the ideal destination for that luxurious beach getaway, we had the privilege to travel beyond just the beaches and explore the lesser-known aspects of Fiji.

There are many beautiful destinations out there and Fiji is most certainly one of them. Here are 12 reasons to love Fiji and why you should start saving up to tick this off your bucket list.

#1 BREATHTAKING & MAGNIFICENT VIEWS UNLIKE ANY OTHER

Fiji is home to over 300 islands, each with its own unique charm. One of the main reasons people flock to this heaven-on-earth, is because of its gorgeous natural views–from spectacular cliff tops to white sand beaches. Much of Fiji is left untouched, making it a perfect getaway to paradise.

If you are looking to escape from the fast-paced city life of skyscrapers, Fiji is the complete opposite of that. Enjoy “Fiji Time” and just kick-back while you take in the beauty of the islands. There’s truly nothing like relaxing on a clean white sand beach with a cocktail and watching the world go by.

#2 LOTS & LOTS OF ACTIVITIES WITHIN EVERY RESORT

When it comes to finding an ideal resort with great amenities, substantial water activities and beautiful views, the resorts in Fiji will not fall short of your expectations. Being an archipelago of 333 islands, the number of land and sea activities will keep you very busy.

Most resorts, if not all, have plenty of in-house activities for guests. Think parasailing, snorkelling, beach volleyball, waterfall hiking and horse riding; the list goes on and on! The resorts in Fiji range from budget to luxury so there is something for everyone.

In fact, some of the resorts in Fiji are so huge that they own the entire island, making it a one-stop place for accommodation, land and water activities, and cultural experiences. For day-trippers looking for such a place, Malamala Beach Club is a fantastic option.

Malamala Beach Club is located on its very own island, just 25 minutes from Port Denarau. With a day pass, guests not only get to enjoy complimentary water sports but also have a chance to indulge in the local delicacies made by Fiji’s celebrity chef, Lance Seeto at the restaurant

Malamala Beach Club

Website: https://malamalabeachclub.com/

#3 BULA! EXPERIENCE THE FIJIAN HOSPITALITY.

In Fiji, people greet each other by saying ‘Bula’, which is short for ‘Ni sa bula vinaka’. This national greeting means way more than just a simple ‘hello‘—it directly translates to ”wishing you happiness and good health”. 

We were pleasantly surprised to find out that locals greet fellow Fijians and tourists with a ‘Bula’. Native Fijians are renowned for being happy, benevolent and hospitable and you will find yourself at ease and comfort in their company.

We found ourselves sorely missing the warmth of the local’s hospitality upon returning home. That positive vibe is surely infectious.

#4 INDULGE IN LOCAL FLAVOURS

Seafood lovers will love the fact that Fiji is literally located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean. Traditional dishes in Fiji are thus very heavily influenced by the surrounding sea, so expect only the freshest and finest seafood in Fiji.

It is not uncommon to see ‘Catch of the Day’ as part of the menu in any restaurant or eatery as their fresh catch changes in accordance with the season. Besides, locals in Fiji love to feast on food such as taro and sea grapes, alongside the vast options of fresh seafood all year round.

Fun fact: Coconuts are a centrepiece of Fijian cuisine so do not be surprised to taste the flavours of coconut in many dishes!

#5 WEALTH OF FRESH PRODUCE

Just like many other tropical countries, Fiji is blessed with an abundance of fresh produce. Their tropical fruits are to die for and the locals are not kidding when they say that their seasonal fruits are always the freshest.

The Suva Municipal Market is a great place to visit if you happen to be in Suva, the capital of Fiji. They sell anything from fruits and vegetables to coconut oil to fresh flowers. We heard that the best days to visit are from Thursdays to Saturdays, when there are the most vendors.

Suva Municipal Market
Address: Harris Rd, Suva, Fiji
Mon to Thu: 7am – 6pm
Fri and Sat: 6am – 6pm
(Closed on Sundays)

#6 ALCOHOL THAT IS WORTH THE HANGOVER

For all those alcoholics  alcohol connoisseurs out there, you’d be glad to know that Fiji offers a wide range of exotic alcohol—such as Coffee Rum, Coconut Vodka and Banana Liquor, just to name a few.

Rum Co. of Fiji has been distilling award-winning rums since 1980, with flavours including coffee, chocolate, banana, and spiced rum. These flavours may be peculiar, but all we can say is that Fiji distils liquor like no other!

You’d have to try it to believe it. The exotic flavours are very predictable of a tropical paradise, yet unbelievably surprising and refreshing upon your first sips.

#7 THE WORLD’S FIRST AND ONLY ECO TRAX

Fiji is home to the world’s first electric rail-riders, and it is safe to say that it is currently the only one in the world today. In the past, Fiji used to have rail transport but they have since stopped its service. A German couple then used the now-defunct railway tracks for their electric bicycle carriages, and that was the birth of the world’s first Eco Trax.

Be prepared to be blown away by the beauty of the sceneries that awaits you as you ride through villages and fields, and expect to see animals such as cows and horses which will look undeniably majestic against the stunning landscape.

Remember to greet ‘Bula’ to the locals when you pass by the 2 local villages on the way as well!

On this tour, you will stop by a beach so you may wish to prepare a set of swimwear too. This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that is worth every single dollar paid, so if you happen to be in Fiji or are planning for a trip there, we recommend that you save a spot in your itinerary for this!

And no, you do not need to be very fit nor know how to ride a bike to use their electric bicycles, so children can easily participate as can Grandpa and Grandma.

Ecotrax Fiji
Website: http://www.ecotrax.com.fj/

#8 LEARN ABOUT THEIR RICH HISTORY

Most people will remember that the Fiji islands used to be called The Cannibal Islands. According to the Fiji Museum of Suva, evidence suggests that the practice of cannibalism began over 2,500 years ago, with the last man known to be eaten being Methodist missionary Reverend Thomas Baker in 1867.

Worry not, for cannibalism no longer exists in Fiji so your trips there will be safe. In fact, if you find their dark past intriguing like we did, a trip to the Cannibal Cave and the Fiji Museum of Suva would be worth it! Dive deep into the rich tribal history of Fiji and learn more about their progression to the thriving country they are today.

Fiji Museum
Website: http://fijimuseum.org.fj/

Off-Road Cave Safari
Website: http://offroadfiji.com/safaris/the-story-of-the-naihehe-cave

#9 FIJI’S NATIONAL DRINK – KAVA

While we all know that the range of liquor in Fiji is worth going crazy over, the locals there would choose Kava over alcohol any time. Also known by its Fijian name yaqona, Kava is Fiji’s national drink enjoyed by the indigenous people.

So, what exactly is Kava?

Kava is primarily made by grinding the root of a pepper plant and mixing it with spring water to give it a slightly bitter taste, followed by a numbing sensation (if it is highly concentrated or if consumed in large volume).

We admit that this drink doesn’t sound like the most appealing one out there, but no experience in Fiji is truly complete without having Kava.

#10 THE CLOCKS TICK IN FIJI TIME

“Don’t worry, you are on Fiji Time!” This phrase is regularly heard in Fiji as Fijians believe that nothing good ever happens in a hurry. As compared to other countries, Fiji has comparatively fewer rules and lower stress levels—it is no surprise that Fiji is constantly dubbed as the happiest place on Earth.

As if Fiji isn’t already a beautiful destination to travel to, living in Fiji time just makes it an even better place to relax, distress and unwind!

#11 THE ART OF SIMPLE LIVING

You will never get bored in Fiji given the multitudinous variety of beach activities available, but remember to immerse yourself in an experience unique to Fiji while you are there. Go beyond the surface and delve deeper into their culture and see how their locals live in the villages, and we promise you that you will not regret!

Hop on the Jewel of Fiji Village Tour and enjoy a calming boat ride along the Nuvua River, before arriving at a local village where you get to witness how Fijians who live away from the city live their lives. In fact, in several areas of Fiji, some children still swim across rivers in order to get to school every day. Kudos to them for that!

Jewel of Fiji
Website: http://www.discoverfijitours.com/jewel-of-fiji/

#12 FUSS-FREE DIRECT FLIGHTS TO FIJI FROM SINGAPORE

If you’re worried about connecting flights with long layovers to Fiji, you will be pleased to know that Fiji Airways offers direct flights to and fro Singapore twice a week! This removes the hassle of having to rush to a connecting flight so you can truly have a smooth experience all throughout your journey there. Get comfy in a A330 Fiji Airways airplane and prep yourselves on the 9.5-hour flight to paradise.

This post is brought to you by Tourism Fiji.