Author: kailevuka

Nukuleu Island Fiji

Nukulevu Island Resort

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Nukulevu Island Eco Resort is located on the island of Nukulevu, in beautiful Natovi Bay which is on the eastern side of Fiji´s main island Viti Levu. Nuku is the Fijian word for beach and Levu means big.

Nukulevu Island with its lush tropical vegetation, long beach, and warm tropical sea makes this nature retreat an ideal destination for a relaxing stay close to nature. Nukulevu Island is still an insider tip for those looking for an affordable island stay in Fiji.

Nukulevu is one of the cheapest islands to visit as a backpacker in Fiji. There is no luxury here and no superfluous facilities for comfort, but pristine nature and everything that is really needed for life. Accommodation is in reasonably priced, rustic bures or safari tents.

What to do on Nukulevu Island

Those in need of a wide range of organized activities may be better off at one of Fiji’s larger resort properties. Nukulau is for those who want to find nature, seek peace, and appreciate the simplicity of life.

The forest on the island invites you to explore flora and fauna. Several paths zigzag through the island.

Relax on the beach, swim and snorkel in the tropical Pacific, paddle the kayaks around the island, or practice stand-up paddling and watch the reefs from above.

In the evening, a campfire might invite you to chat with new friends or chill on the beach and marvel at the awesome starry sky of the South Seas.

Activities on Nukulevu

  • Enjoy the sea, swim in the warm water
  • Snorkel over the coral and discover colorful tropical fish and interesting sea creatures
  • Grab a stand-up paddleboard and paddle along the beach and over the colorful reefs
  • Paddle around with a sea kayak to explore the island’s coast
  • Fish from the beach
  • Explore the island’s nature, discover tropical plants and native birds
  • Just enjoy nature and find your way back to the really important things in life
  • If you happen to stay on Sunday you can attend a local Fijian service where you will be amazed by the enthusiastic Fijian singing voices.

If all this is not enough for you, further activities can be organized. For example:

  • Dolphin-watching tour at Moon Reef, 20 km away, by boat
  • Hiking up through the jungle to Tova Peak in Nakorotubu, Ra district
  • If you haven’t already been there, take a trip to the historic port city of Levuka and do a town tour

For the additional activities that are not free but have to be booked, it is best to ask your host for details.

Accommodation on Nukulevu Island

At the moment there are two types of accommodation on the island. There is dormitory accommodation and safari tents to stay in. The accommodation is simple but spacious and comfortable, and offers everything you need! Mosquito nets are available.

You are also welcome to bring your own tent and camp.

Showers and toilets are shared.

What’s There To Eat On Nukulevu Island

There is a large dining area with a basic kitchen and refrigerator. Electricity to charge your phones and other devices.

Meal packages can be booked. Filtered drinking water is available free of charge. You may bring food and use the kitchen facilities to do your own cooking.

Other non-alcoholic beverages can be bought. If you would like to drink a beer or wine, you should bring it with you to the island. We do not have an alcohol license and therefore do not sell alcoholic beverages.

How Much Is It To Stay On This Island In Fiji

The stay on the small private island on the edge of the Lomaiviti group is very affordable, it is probably one of the cheapest islands in Fiji to stay at.

Day trips to Nukulevu include return boat transfers from Natovi Jetty., lunch, and kayaks.
F$65 per person
F$45 children under 12,

Camping and dorm accommodation on the Island
Tent: F$30pp
Own tent F$20 pp
Dorms: F$40pp
3-meal package F$75 Adult, under 12F $55
F$60 return boat transfers from Natovi, F$40 under 12.

How To Get To Nukulevu Island

Nukulevu Island is just a short trip from Suva in Natovi Bay where Natovi Landing is located from which interisland ferries depart to Vanua Levu and Ovalau.

Please note that you have to organize your own transport to Natovi Jetty. The best way to do this is either from Levuka or from Suva by buying a ticket from one of the companies that run the ferry from Suva to Levuka. Just say you only need transport to Natovi.

Once at Natovi Jetty, the island boat will pick you up and take you to the island. Transport from Natovi Landing on Viti Levu to and from Nukulevu is F$ 40 return.

For Rates, Bookings or More Information contact your host Suzie on: 

Phone: (+679)  959 2864 or 741 7032 or

Email: sailevukaga@yahoo.co.nz

Nukulevu Island
c/o Old Capital Inn,
Beach Street
Levuka, Fiji Islands

Additional Info

The small resort on Nukulevu is a small locally owned venture run by Suzie who also runs the Old Capital Inn in Levuka.

It supports local small businesses, farmers, and fishermen,  our guests are encouraged to do the same. We buy organic and farm direct whenever possible. Most of the food served comes from within a five-kilometer radius of the island.

We use Solar Power where we can and this is supplemented by a diesel-run generator when necessary.

We avoid waste as much as possible. Anything that can be reused is recycled or put on the compost to become organic fertilizer. Please avoid plastic waste.

Our organic vegetable garden between the accommodation area and the tropical forest grows pineapple, papaya, passion fruit, coconut, banana, tomato, beans, cucumber, eggplant, pumpkin, spinach, and more.

Our future plan is an organic permaculture farm with laying hens (no rooster – makes too much noise) that provide fresh organic eggs daily.

All of our friendly staff hail from the villages of the neighboring island. Their local knowledge will ensure you have a unique experience of Fijian hospitality away from the crowds.

If this is something for you then pay us a visit for an authentic Fiji island experience!

Kayaks and Stand-Up paddle boards are free to use

 

beach at nukulevu island

View across to Viti Levu

Old Capital Inn Levuka Fiji

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The Old Capital Inn has been around for quite a while, it used to be called Claras Holiday Lodge. Before that, it was The Old Capital Inn 2, because at the time there was also an Old Capital Inn 1, both operated by Emosi Yee Show one of the first in Fiji to operate backpacker accommodations. Emosi also started Leleuvia Island Resort in 1987. His daughter Suzie has followed in his footsteps and runs the inn now and has also started a small island resort on Nukulevu Island not too far from Ovalau.

The Old Capital Inn is located in Levuka Town right on Beach Street’s seafront with a beautiful view of the ocean and the islands of Makogai, Wakaya, Batiki, and Gau on the horizon. Looking east, those who wake up early can admire tropical dawn and will see the sun rising from the Koro Sea.

The Inn offers simple but clean, comfortable budget accommodation in a casual family atmosphere. The Old Capital Inn has always been very popular among backpackers who like to have contact with and get to know local people and life in Levuka. Facilities are on a shared basis.

garden cottage old capital inn

Garden Cottage

Rooms at the Old Capital Inn Levuka

The range of sleeping options includes a dormitory, single rooms, and double rooms as well as a garden cottage which is ideal for families.

The rooms are clean and simple, there is no air conditioning but ceiling fans. Showers and toilets are shared. The garden cottage has private facilities.

How Much Are Rooms At The Old Capital Inn

Bed in Dorm: F$38 per person/per night

Single room: F$65 per night

Double Room

Double Room F$90: for two guests/per night

Please inquire about rates for larger family rooms or for the Garden Cabin. Prices depend on the number of guests.

Prices are generally inclusive of Breakfast which includes tea, toast, eggs, jam, sausage, oats, and seasonal fruit.

Dinner can be arranged please inquire about costs in advance.

As for activities or excursions such as hiking, fishing trips, or snorkeling trips, your host will help you with advice or with bookings You can also arrange island overnight stays on Nukulevu Island at the Inn.

For further information or bookings contact Suzie on

(+679) 592864 or 7417032 or

via email sailevukaga@yahoo.co.nz

 

Old Capital Inn,
Beach Street
Levuka, Fiji Islands

small boat hire fiji

Malumu Fiji – Water Taxi, Fishing Charter Vessel and Day Trips

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Malumu Fiji Water Taxi is a boat charter operator in Levuka, Ovalau Island. Available to locals for swift island transfers within Lomaiviti and to visitors for enjoyable island day trips, beach picnic trips, snorkeling tours to the beautiful coral reefs, fishing charters or seasonal whale watching.

Malumu Fiji – Water Taxi, Fishing Charter Vessel and Day Trips

Abel and JohnCaptain Abel is committed to take good care of you and provide a memorable experience. Being a “Kai Levuka” (someone born and grown up in Levuka), Abel has a lifetime knowledge of the sea, and of the waters surrounding Ovalau Island to share with you and make your trip unforgettable.

Safety

The vessel “Regina Mary Jane” is a 23-foot fiberglass boat certified by the Maritime Safety Authority Of Fiji (MSAF) to operate within Fiji waters. Captain Abel and crew are professionally trained and certified. Navigational and safety equipment as required by MSAF is on board the vessel. Regular inspections and surveys make sure that you have a safe and exciting trip.

Inquiries

To customize and personalize your trip call Captain Abel on +679 751 9868 or Tevita on 8066895

Malumu Fiji – Water Taxi, Fishing Charter Vessel and Day Trips

boat

Water Taxi Services:

  • Levuka to Natovi – $300
  • Levuka to Wakaya – $300
  • Levuka to Bau Landing – $400
  • Levuka to Waidelice – $300
  • Levuka to Gau – $500
  • Levuka to Koro – $700
  • Levuka to Nairai – $500
  • Levuka to Batiki – $400
  • Levuka to Motoriki/Leleuvia/Caqelai – $200
  • Levuka to Naigani – $300

Fishing Charter Trips:

  • $50 per hour with light snacks provided.
  • Trawling – $100 per hour with light snacks provided.
  • Whole day hire/overnight including 3 meals – $300

Day Trip Cruise

  • 5-hour Snorkeling Trip, including light snacks (Bring your own snorkeling gear) – Minimum of 3 people – $250
  • Around the island boat cruise, including light snacks – Minimum of 3 people – $250
  • Family Picnic Cruise, Maximum of 7 people – $300
  • Sandbank Cruise, including light snacks – Minimum of 2 people – $200

Please contact Abel Williams on 7519868 or Tevita on 8066895

It would be a pleasure to have you on board to experience first hand the real taste of the Lomaiviti waters.

Ovalau Impressions

Levuka Ovalau

 

coral reef

 

lovo lunch

 

 

small boat hire fiji

 

 

flights to fiji from lax

Flights To Fiji From LAX and Major US Airports

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Booking Flights to Fiji from LAX  or other airports in the US is not difficult. There are a couple of airlines departing weekly from Los Angles to Fiji. But finding the cheapest flights to Fiji from LAX can be more difficult as a lot depends on how far in advance you book and at what time of the year you plan to travel.

The Cheapest Flights To Fiji From LAX For The Year Ahead

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Search And Compare Flights To Fiji

Tips for Best Price Deals For Flights To Fiji From LAX

Booking flights on the internet has never been so popular. But what is important and what to look out for when searching for the best ticket prices. Which day and month is best to book cheap air travel?

Why Ticket Prices Can Fluctuate So Much

The price of online airline tickets is often based on complex algorithms. Those analyze search frequencies and calculate prices on the concept of supply and demand. When supply decreases, demand increases. Understandably, prices rise when demand is high. However, those short term fluctuations in flight prices mainly affect domestic and highly frequented flight routes, where many airlines compete about passengers. Long haul international flights fares do not change in price so quickly.

Best Time To Buy Flight Tickets

The day of the week plays a role when booking a flight. Prices often rise on the weekend when many people off from work and have time planning their holiday. Better days to book flights are Tuesday and Wednesday when there are fewer people trying to find cheap flights. Early morning hours like 4, 5 or 6 AM are good times as well.

Good deals can also be found at the end of the year. Try last minute if you have the opportunity to spontaneously get away. Once you have found a bargain, do not wait too long until you pay, because – especially on long-haul flights – really cheap flights sell out fast.

Book Flights To Fiji From LAX Early

But generally, it is better to book a long haul flight early. Booking closer to the intended departure date, it tends to be more expensive. This is mainly due to the fact that there are certain quotas for different price ranges at which seats on an aircraft are sold. If the contingent for the cheapest tickets is sold out, there are only expensive seats left.

Be flexible Regarding Departure And Arrival Day.

A lot of money can be saved in ticket prices if you are flexible in your flight dates. Do not just search for a particular day of the week, instead check the prices for different days of the week. The saving between a flight on Thursday and a flight on Friday can be several hundred euros.

Weekends, Monday and Friday are often the most expensive days. People want to complete a workweek or wait until the school holidays begin and then want to travel than right away. Often it is more difficult for an airline to fill a plane on a Wednesday, so fares can be considerably lower.

Take your time and check fares for different departure days in the week.

Avoid the Main Holiday Season

The holiday season is the main travel time. This applies especially to public holidays, long weekends and school holidays. If you don’t have to travel then, avoid school holidays or holidays or travel from another federal state, which is not yet a holiday. In many destinations, there are sports events, festivals, and celebrations that extend over several days. This can easily attract thousands of people who all want to fly in and out just before and after the event.  Flights and accommodations can be fully booked then and are very expensive.

Best is to travel outside the holiday season, flight fares are cheaper and Hotels in Fiji can be cheaper too.

island paradise, flights to fiji from lax

Use flight search engines

The best way to find cheap flights is via flight search engines such as Jetradar. These search all airline platforms and websites to find the cheapest deal. Jetradar is one of the largest online search engines and specializes in low-cost flights so you can book the cheapest tickets available.

Dealing with Long Stopovers

Flights with one or more stopovers are usually cheaper, but of course less convenient due to the extended travel time. Fortunately, flights to Fiji from LAX usually only have one stopover or are even direct.

Round Trips Instead Of One Way

One-way tickets with conventional airlines (Delta, American, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, etc…) are often significantly more expensive than a return fare flight even cheaper. They do not cost about half, but often about as much as a return flight. Only budget airlines over low-cost one-way tickets.

Check Prices Directly On Airline Websites

Compare prices from flight search engines, with the ticket price on the airline page. Sometimes there may be a difference. But this is rare as flight search engines often have contracts with airlines so prices may actually be cheaper on flight search engines.

Use Frequent Flyer Programs And Earn Miles

Most airlines offer frequent flyer programs where you can earn miles. You can use these for upgrades, free flights, lounge visits or other benefits.  Airlines form Alliances to offer more destinations through the network, joint frequent flyer programs, easier booking and cost reduction through codeshare flight. Join a frequent flier program.

If you think about booking flights to Fiji from LAX try to use some of the above tips and save a lot of money. When planning a family vacation to Fiji you can easily save a couple of hundred dollars on the flights. It pays to be a bit researched and flexible.

Levula, Ovalau, coastal road

Levuka Information, tips to get around

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About  Ovalau Island
Ovalau is a lush volcanic island of approximately 110 square kilometers in size. The island’s rugged topography is covered by tropical jungle, the highest mountain “Nadelaiovalau”, has an altitude of 625 meters. Ovalau is the sixth largest island in Fiji and the main island of the Lomaiviti Province.  On the islands are 23 villages and one town, Levuka, Fiji’s former capital. The island’s population is around 9000 of which nearly 25% reside in Levuka. Levuka is located 22 kilometers from the island’s airport, Bureta. The vast majority are indigenous Fiji Islanders, with part-Europeans, Chinese, Indian, Rotuman, Solomon Islanders, Gilbertese, and many others representing the balance.

Transportation
There are 4 taxi bases along Levuka’s Beach street, with enough taxis always around. There are also so-called  “carriers“, small pickup trucks with benches and a tarpaulin covering it.  Quite a few of them run on schedules between villages and Levuka town. The fare is very reasonable, locals use them to transport goods and to commute between their villages and town.
If you get dropped off somewhere far outside town always ask the driver about return options.

Mobile Phone & Internet
There are three mobile phone providers in Fiji, Inkk Mobile, Vodafone, and Digicel. There is good 3G or 4G coverage in Levuka town and most of the island. Get a SIM and one of their prepaid data plans to stay connected. Most hotels have WIFI or have an Internet Terminal for guest use.
The country code for Fiji is +679

Banking & Currency and ATM in Levuka

westpac bank levuka

There is one Westpac Bank in Levuka offering full traveler-related services. Their hours are 9.00am to 3.00pm daily and 9.00am to 4.00pm on Friday.

The local currency is the F$ – Fijian Dollar.  Most shops in Levuka only take prefer cash or local bank cards.

ATM
There are two ATM’s in town. You can get cash there with all major credit cards like Master, Visa, Amex, Diners, as well as several international bank cards ie; Maestro, Barcley.
Further out islands do NOT have ATM’s, there is local cash only.

Medical Facilities

The Levuka Hospital ( Phone +679 3440088 ) provides medical services for outpatient and inpatient cases. There is no optician service, but dentistry is available. Serious emergency cases are transferred to Suva by helicopter, if necessary. Some pharmaceutical products are available at the hospital and from stores in town.
Bring prescription if you need to take regular medication. Don’t forget Travel Health Insurance.

Levuka Hospital

Levuka Post Office

Levuka Post Office

This was Fiji’s first Post Office, it is still in the original building together with Port Authority and Customs department. Build in the late 1870s, the timber building’s two major gabled roofs reflect the dual function of the building. It is also from this location that “pigeon post” services to Suva were operated.

Open 8.00am – 4.00pm daily. Closed Saturdays and Sundays.

Customs Clearance

Levuka is a port of entry into Fiji and clearance for yachts and boats is easily arranged during normal working hours -call ahead if entering harbor after normal hours. Bunkering, watering facilities, and ships’ supplies are available.

Entry & Visa Requirements

As Levuka is an official Port of Entry, there is a Fiji Immigration office in town. They clear arriving ship or yacht crew as well as handle any other visa and immigration issues.  Most Passport holders get on arrival 4 months tourist visa.

general store levukaShopping

In the early days, the area between the commercial business houses and the Pacific Ocean was all promenade. Later with the copra trade, a rail line was established for transferring copra from the jetties to the south end of town where the large copra sheds were located.

Today, Beach Street is the main shopping lane of Levuka. Most buildings along it are in excess of 100 years of age. Commerce is located here, with most merchants living above their shops. Enjoy browsing in the local shops such as Vallabhs, Gulabdas, and Ambalals – they offer an interesting local selection of footwear and fabrics and some handicrafts.

marist school levukaSchools in Levuka and on Ovalau

Most villages on Ovalau do have at least a primary school so the primary pupils do not have to travel far to get to school. There are also 3 Secondary Schools on Ovalau Island where pupils may achieve University Entrance certificate.
The Secondary Schools in Levuka are:
Delana Methodist School,  +679 3440154
Levuka Public School, +679 3440123
Secondary School in Cawaci, 10km north of Levuka
St John’s College Cawaci, +679 3440187

Electricity:
240 volts AC/50 cycles, Australian Plug

Churches Services
Almost every village in Fiji has at least one church. Sunday is respected as a quiet day. You are welcome to join in any of the churches listed below and to enjoy the harmony of the Fijian voices singing familiar hymns.

Churches in Levuka town

CATHOLIC CHURCH: THE CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART
Located in the center of Levuka town on Beach Street, the church represents the oldest known Catholic Mission in Fiji. Built in the 1800s, the building consists of conventional and simple Gothic Revival styled architecture.

METHODIST CHURCH, LEVUKA VAKA-VITI FIJIAN METHODIST CHURCH
It is located towards the northern end of the town just before Levuka Vaka Viti village and is now considered the church of the Tui Levuka. Built in 1869, it is here that Ratu Seru Cakobau was baptized. Services conducted in Fijian with beautiful singing.

NAVOKA METHODIST CHURCH
This quaint little church is located at the bottom of the 199 steps. Built also in the 1860s and featuring beautiful singing from the choir and congregation, the services are usually conducted in English.

ANGLICAN CHURCH: THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY REDEEMER
Also located on the north side of town, just past the hospital, Holy Redeemer was built in 1904. It is a fascinating example of Gothic architecture and features exquisite stained glass windows.

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST
The church is located just above Church Street, behind the park.