This lush rainforest park, pronounced tholo-ee-soo-va, is a 2.5-sq-km oasis teeming with vivid and melodic birdlife and tropical flora. The 6.5km of walking trails navigate clear natural pools and gorgeous vistas, with just a touch of Indiana Jones in the rope swings over water and stone steps across streams. Sitting at an altitude of 120m to 180m, it's a cool and peaceful respite from Suva's urban hubbub.

Flowing through the forest is the Waisila Creek, which makes its way down to the Waimanu River and is the water catchment for the Nausori/Nasinu areas. The creek gives rise to natural swimming holes, and there are picnic tables, shelters and change rooms as well as a superb lookout. Dense patches of mahogany distinguish themselves from the native vegetation. Planted after a period of aggressive logging in the 1940s and '50s, they have stabilised the topsoil without impinging on the indigenous vegetation.

Among the wildlife are 14 different bird species, including scarlet robins, spotted fantails, Fiji goshawks, sulphur-breasted musk parrots, Fiji warblers, golden doves and barking pigeons.

Colo-i-Suva Forest Park is located 11km north of Suva on Princes Rd. The visitor information centre is on the left side of the road as you approach from Suva; buy your ticket here and then head to the entrance booth on the other side of the road. Before entering ask the guards about the security situation within the park. In recent years there have been some distressing attacks and as the park is open to the public, it's difficult to monitor who goes in and out. You can pay an additional fee (on asking) to have a guard accompany you and if travelling alone this is definitely recommended.

The park receives an annual rainfall of 420cm, with showers about four days each week. The trails can be extremely slippery so be sure to wear good footwear. If you drive out to the park, leave any valuables at the visitor information centre.

The Sawani bus leaves Suva bus station every half-hour and takes 20 minutes to get there. If driving, take Princes Rd out of Suva, past Tamavua and Tacirua villages.