The Friendly North-Labasa!
We all tend to look far overseas for a new destination or holiday. Have you ever thought of going to Labasa?
If you have not been to Vanua Levu, a trip is necessary at least once and even if you do not have family there, you will connect with people that become like family.
I grew up in the west with no links to that side of Fiji. After a while, I came to learn of all the jokes and sarcasm about Labasa and its people. Some of which are irrelevant but also some which are out of sheer fun. But hey, every place is generic with jokes about people and its location.
We are all familiar with Savusavu and Taveuni dubbed as a great destination for tourism. But what about Labasa? You must be already scoffing at the thought of a visit aka holiday to Labasa right? Well keep calm and read this brief:
Arriving into Labasa:
You can fly via Fiji Airways Fiji Link or Northern Airlines or else via the passenger boats that voyage to the north. Labasa is typically more hot, humid and dusty, but it can also get chilly late at night or early in the mornings.
Taxi’s operate from the Labasa airport into town. Another tip, is to get a contact number off a taxi driver and keep it handy as transportation after working hours can be tricky.
Where to stay:
Labasa has hotels within walking distance of everything in its town. During major events accommodation does get quickly filled up so be sure to always pre book in advance.
Takia Hotel, North Pole and Grand Eastern hotel are located conveniently in Labasa Town. Just a walk out of town is the Friendly North Inn and the recently opened Galaxy apartments.
Accommodation costs vary from $95-$250.
Rent a car
I recommend renting a car as Labasa is pretty widespread in terms of things to see and do. The hotels provide rental cars. But I must be honest and say, in Fiji and in every town and city, private rental cars are a BIG thing, and before I get into any trouble, I shall leave it at that! HAHA!
Rental cars (depending which one LOL) vary from $80-$100.
Food
You need to understand, that home cooked meals are naturally the best. If your fortunate to get invited to a meal at someone’s home, you will understand what I mean!
While Labasa does offer a selection of restaurants offering the usual cuisine, you really need to know what you’re ordering and where you are eating it. We all have different tastes and opinions about food so I shall leave that to you to decide. For us, Colour Dragon, Hotel North Pole and Takia Hotel would be our go to.
Other than restaurants, you must try the fish parcels at the market. (This you will read about in another blog btw).
Supermarkets and shops
Obviously all our major supermarket chains are in Labasa so do not fret about not getting things you would get in Viti Levu, because you can get everything there.
You will also find the usual retail shops for clothing and shoes as well. In case you forgot to pack sufficiently, again you can get it from the shops.
Attire
I think Labasa is still conservative when it comes to dressing, but remember no matter what you wear, you will stick out as a foreigner-yes even if you are a local!
Things to do:
Labasa Town:
Walk through Labasa Town and take in all the hustle and bustle of its busy main street. Tea times are quite popular and you will see canteens/cafes with people enjoying a cup of coffee or tea with Bhajjia, samosa or even a light meal.
Labasa Market:
Brimming with fresh fresh vegetables, fruits, seafood, spices and kava (the list is long). But some popular items that people generally pick up from the market is, dried fish or Karuwaru, ghata (sugar sweet) and seafood.
Find a watermelon and pineapple vendor and take a fruit break and strike conversations with the market vendors as they will give you a download of the market and more details about Labasa.
Labasa FSC Mill
You will drive past this on your way out of town and will get to see a line of cane trucks outside the mill during sugar cane harvesting season. The cane trucks are interesting to watch because they are in various colours with interesting decorations and bling.
Delailabasa lookout
Drive up Delai Labasa and get a good scenic perspective of Labasa town. Tread carefully though as you will spot empty beer bottles. I guess the view and beer is a popular thing to do. (I do not recommend this though!)
Naag Mandir
Known for its growing stone in the shape of the Hindu Snake God. Many come to Labasa and make a first stop here for spiritual purposes. Visitors are welcome to visit this temple as well.
Visit a cane farm
Especially, if you are there during cane harvesting season! Be sure to no intrude though but ask to visit a farm and participate in this hardworking labor to get a feel of what it is like.
The swinging bridge
Tucked away in Bulileka is a cute little swinging bridge, that’s worth a visit. I was surprised to see this but it definitely makes for a cool Instagram picture!
Head to the beach!
Yes the beach! Korovatu has a well-kept beach front property. You have to pay $5-15 depending on the vehicle you are in. The beach is beautiful and a great way to spend the afternoon watching the sun go down.
Floating Island
There is a floating Island in Taginikula which is about 3hours drive. You must take kava for a sevusevu at the village and ensure that you respect and follow all necessary instructions when visiting the floating island.
Malau wharf
If you do spot the Labasa FSC Mill and wonder where all the sugar goes. Well, take a drive out to Malau, from here you will see sugar exported from this port.
Hiking
3 Sister’s mountain
For the outdoor lovers, ask the locals about 3 sister’s mountain located in Batinikama. I have heard of people hiking it!
Hiking in Nasoka
We hiked up here to the waterfalls and fresh water ponds it was quite a walk (well struggle for me more like). But the fresh water ponds is the best thing to happen after a sweaty trek.
Be sure to ask someone that knows how to get to these places and never wander anywhere on your own.
Hot springs
Yes, hot springs in Labasa. You may have heard about this being in Savusavu however SURPRISE! Waiqele has hot springs and on a good day you can wade in the warm pools and chill.
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Well there you go, have a go at exploring our own home and you will surprised at how much Fiji has to offer not just to its visitors but to us locals as well.
You can do most of what I have shared in about 3 solid days.
If you feel that I have missed out on anything, feel free to comment further or share your thoughts on this.
