Tribewanted: Vorovoro

Vanua Levu

Fiji’s northern region includes its second and third largest islands, Vanua Levu and Taveuni, as well as the smaller islands of Laucala, Qamea, Matagi, Namenalala, Nukubati and Kaimbu. In the north, agriculture is the dominant activity while in the south there’s few finer places to visit than Savusavu, a small but pretty town with a number of hot springs nearby. With divers drawn to Taveuni for its amazing underwater habitant including the 31km long rainbow reef. The region is home to more than a dozen resorts which are easily accessible by air or local ferry. Most are small and intimate and offer the type of vacation difficult to find anywhere else in the world.

Labasa

Step Back in Time where the new dawn of the World begins…........Bula Sia.

Step back to a time long past…..... in a place where the first rays of sunshine touch the Earth and a new day begins…....Labasa situated on the the main river on the Island of Vanua Levu this small town with a population of 25,000 is basically undiscovered with swepting views of mountains, valley and the ocean.

Abundant fresh seafood is available from the fishing boats that run daily with a small journey out the reef where fish are plentiful and dophins play in the sparkling blue sea, a host of untouched Islands with white sandy beaches and uncrowded surf spots.

Labasa is the Main and Largest town situated in the North on the Island of Vanua Levu and short plane ride from the main Island – Suva or Nadi

The town itself is a working town surrounded by sugar cane fields, the sugar mill being not far from the town centre also sawmills and other small business’s in the town centre.

The climate is tropically warm with temp’s around 30 degrees everyday, the town wraps itself around the main river inland 5km running out to the reefs & ocean with nearby deserted Islands.

Fishing, diving, surfing & boat trips are available with all activies excellent in the unspoilt clear tropical waters.

Labasa is located in the Province of Macuata, in the north-eastern part of the island of Vanua Levu, and is the largest town on the island. The town itself is located on a delta formed by three rivers – the Wailevu, the Labasa (after which the town is named), and the Qawa. The latter two are connected by an 8-kilometer canal. The main street of Labasa prides itself for having the only set of traffic lights in the entire island. This set of lights however, are functional only intermittently.

Economic activities

The surrounding areas of Labasa are mostly farming areas, which contribute to much of the industry in the town. The largest crop grown is sugar cane. The large Fiji Sugar Corporation sugar mill in Labasa town is the only such mill on the island.

Recently, due to political changes and loss of overseas markets, sugar cane farming and production has been steadily decreasing. This has been reflected in the increasing migration of people to the main island of Viti Levu, in search of employment opportunities.

Labasa Hospital is the referral center for all health centers and hospital on the island of Vanua Levu, and has recently been expanded. There is also a private doctor in Labasa.

Labasa is generally an agricultural town, off the tourist track. Labasa now has a couple of good hotels to stay in (Takia/Travel Lodge and Grand Easteren Hotel). There is at least one good movie theatre and several good resturants in the main street providing a range of local and chinese flavours.

There is a fairly large market towards the end of the town where one can buy and sample a range of foods, spices, fish, poultry, goats and other local products. A large taxi stand and a bus stop is also by the market.

Government

Incorporated as a Town in 1939, Labasa is governed by a 12-member Town Council, whose members elect a Mayor from among themselves. Councillors serve three-year terms; the Mayor’s term is for one year, but may be extended any number of times.

FAQ’s:

What is the weather like?

Fiji enjoys an ideal South Sea tropical climate and can get hot in the summer but seldom reaches above 35 Deg C (96 Deg F). Trade winds from the east southeast bring year long cooling breezes late afternoon and early evening.

When is the rainy season?

The season for our tropical rains is from December through February coinciding with our warmest summer months.

What clothing should I bring?

Dress is casual and informal throughout the islands. Visitors should bring a light tropical wardrobe including golf shirts, shortsleeve shirts, T-shirts, shorts and slacks for evenings. For women, summer dresses and lightweight skirts, slacks and blouses. The wraparound "sulu" (sarong) is Fiji’s most distinctive form of dress for women and men.

Is the water safe to drink?

Yes, fresh water reticulated in Nadi, Suva, Lautoka and other major towns has been treated and is safe to drink from the tap. It tastes good too!

What shots do we need?

Yellow fever and cholera vaccinations are only required if coming from an infected area as designated by the World Health Organisation. Fiji is free from malaria and other major tropical diseases that are endemic to most tropical countries.

Is Fiji safe?

Yes, Fiji has one of the world’s lowest crime rates, but prudence dictates that if carrying valuables, you check them in hotel/resort room safes or safe deposit boxes.