Savusavu is located 100 miles north-east of Suva, on Vanua Levu the second largest island in the Fiji Group.Founded before the signing of the Deed of Cession, Savusavu township on the shores of a large picturesque, deep water harbor was originally established as a center with the sailing ships plying the coastline for cargoes of sandalwood and beche-de-mer; later it became the center of the cotton boom. Today, Savusavu remains much as it did in its “heyday”, the hustle and bustle of progress appears to have passed it by.
Savusavu’s economy now relies on copra and the township serves an area that constitutes the major coconut producing area of Fiji. (Similar to the Coral Coast resort area on the main island of Fiji). You may expect some rain between January and April but, even so, the sun is never far away. Day temperatures range from 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, year around. The water is perfectly safe to drink, telephone communication is reliable worldwide, there is a modern hospital, and the roads are amongst the best in Fiji. Savusavu Bay is amongst the world’s finest natural harbors, and cruise ships visit regularly. The Hibiscus Highway stretches 70 miles up the coast from Savusavu, offering some of the finest and most unspoiled scenery in the South Pacific, while the trans-insular road across to the main town of Labasa, offers breathtaking views and indigenous rainforest. The atmosphere of the past lingers on everywhere, amongst a natural and friendly population. Unusual attractions include the thermal springs at Nakama and the blowholes at Namale. Tours and scenic drives, bay cruises and fishing, reef-beach activities and local entertainment are all easily arranged. A tour of a working copra plantation is a unique experience. Savusavu stores stock duty free goods. A selection of woven and carved local handicrafts may be purchased whilst normal holiday needs-film, toiletries, etc. are readily available. Modern taxis and regular local buses ensure reliable easy travel. Air Fiji Ltd operate several flights daily from Suva, or one may fly from Suva or Nadi to Taveuni, third largest island, and travel by ferry 1 1/2 hours across Somosomo Strait, then by the picturesque Hibiscus Highway to Savusavu. Yet another alternative is to fly Air Fiji/Sunflower Airlines to Labasa and take the 1 1/2 hour drive by either rental car, taxi, or bus across the trans-insular road. Accommodation at Savusavu is first class, either at Daku Resort, Cousteau Fiji Islands, Kontiki Resort, or at the Namale Plantation, a beachside working copra plantation, 6 miles from the township.
|