Traditional Fiji: Nukubalavu Village
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Port
Savusavu, Vanua Levi, Fiji
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Activity Level
Easy
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$89.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Board an island bus for a scenic drive along Vanua Levu's breathtaking coastal road. View the swaying palms of copra plantations from which high-fat palm oil is made.
You're off to experience traditional Fiji at Nukubalavu village -- one of Savusavu Island's oldest settlements and home to the High Chief of Savusavu. The elders will escort you on a tour of their fascinating village. Meet some of the 300 residents of Nukubalavu. Watch a demonstration of traditional island arts and crafts, including mat and basket weaving, which are woven using pandanus and coconut palms softened and slit into ribbons.
Enter the village hall for the time-honored Fijian kava ceremony. Observe as kava root is pounded, mixed with water and sipped from coconut shells. This important social ritual is a form of welcome and reinforces the traditional authority of chiefs to seal alliances and to commemorate milestones such as births, deaths and marriages.
Take time out from your exploration of this charming village to indulge in a refreshing drink of bu -- green coconut juice.
Notes:
Transportation is by non-air-conditioned island bus equipped with a PA system. Modest attire is required for visiting the village; knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered; shorts are not allowed for women. Hats must be removed before you enter the village. If you are invited to sample the kava, participation is at your own discretion. Bring local currency, as vendors do not accept credit cards or US dollars. Restrooms are rustic.