Introducing Vanua Levu

Vanua Levu (Big Island) is lively and exciting - and peaceful and relaxing. The frantic gringo colonisation of Savusavu coexists alongside traditional villages, unspoiled countryside, and a handful of calm, relaxing resorts.

The predominantly indigenous-Fijian southeast of the island has gorgeous landscape brimming with rainforests, coconut plantations and fantastic views of the ocean. The area is popular with yachties and divers. Savusavu, a small town that is growing by the day, is the main tourist destination. The north and the west are virtually untouristed. Indo-Fijians are concentrated around hot, hard-working Labasa in the north, Vanua Levu's largest town. As well as native forest, there are lots of sugar-cane and commercial pine plantations in this area. Much of the western coast is remote and accessible only by boat.

The island has an unfair reputation for poor beaches, and a well-deserved name for diving and snorkelling (Jean-Michel Cousteau himself set up a resort here). Its nearby Rainbow Reef has some of the best dive sites in the South Pacific. The many deep bays are fantastic for kayaking and the lush, rugged interior rainforest provides good bird-watching.

The coastline of Vanua Levu is irregular and deeply indented; the large Tunuloa Peninsula forms the huge Natewa Bay, the longest bay in the South Pacific. It is edged by steep, green mountains and frequented by spinner dolphins.