Biausevu Village and Waterfall, Fiji

With a plethora of five-star luxury resorts in Fiji, it’s no wonder why this island paradise is a popular holiday destination. Ideally designed with day spas and kid’s club for those relaxation vacations or family getaways, Fiji resorts have it covered. However, unwinding at an opulent hotel may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and is certainly not the only option in Fiji. So, a day trip to Biausevu Village and Waterfall, on the Coral Coast, is an educational and cultural alternative for all ages.

Fiji consists of more than 300 islands, and on the mainland of Viti Levu along the Coral Coast, you can discover the humble village of Biauseva, Sigatoka. Tours to Biausevu Village and Waterfall can be organised from the site/phone number listed below or from your hotel. (When we were there many years ago, locals from the village had set up stalls along the beach selling hand crafted souvenirs as well as promoting their village tour, and this is where we booked our day trip). Transportation is by mini bus and pick up and drop off from major resorts along the coast is organised.

Once at the village, the tour commences. Our guide for the tour was a friendly local from the village, but before we could go any further, customary rituals must occur. Meeting with the village Chief and elders of the community to welcome outsiders, and give them permission to enter the village, is required. In doing so we participated in the Kava ceremony. Kava is the national drink of Fiji. Made from the crushed root of yaqona (an indigenous plant of Fiji) and strained with water, it is a mildly narcotic and sedative drink, leaving one calm and relaxed.

After the Kava ceremony, our guide accompanies us on a leisurely walk around the village, explaining daily life routine as well as stories about the history of the village. Chickens freely roam and it was suprising to see how the locals live simply within their small community of windowless tin roofed houses. Visiting the village school was a highlight. We were taken into one of the preschool classrooms where we were privileged to be entertained by the small group of children who sang nursery rhymes and local songs for us. We had bought stationary of books, pens, glue etc for the children from Australia as we had heard that those items are in need at schools in Fiji. The children were absolutely ecstatic and the teacher gratefully accepted our gifts, dividing the stationary equally for the children in the school. The look on the children’s faces was priceless and spending those ten minutes with them was the most memorable part of the day.

After the village tour we continue on our way to the waterfall. There is a choice of hiking the trail or going by horseback. With the sun shining, we continue on by foot through a rustic rainforest trial, crossing shallow streams and learning about traditional plants and their medicinal properties along the way. It is an easy walk but comfortable walking shoes are required due to the terrain.

The hike to Biausevu Waterfall was not in vain. The majestic horsetail shaped fall cascades into the peaceful lagoon below. Visitors are allowed to swim in the therapeutic waters and enjoy the falls and lagoon. By the waterfall, our guide shows us how to husk a coconut as we sit back and take in the tranquil surroundings. After all, as we are instructed, “Relax, you’re on Fiji time”.

On the way back to the village we are shown where the locals grow their own produce for the village. An abundance of fruit plantations and vegetable crops nestled within the rainforest.  A definite sustainable way of living, and connecting the people to the land!

We return to the village where the women have gathered in the community hall selling their specialised handmade arts and crafts. A local market consisting of woodcarvings, local fabric, handmade jewellery and woven mats and baskets. Supporting local villages like Biausevu and other Fijian communities, gives back to the locals and makes a real difference to someone else’s life. Though village life is simple, the extreme friendliness and awesome sense of humour of the Fijian people is captivating and contagious. Don’t be alarmed if you find yourself not wanting to leave these locals and their village.

Fiji has so much to offer, and it’s not all about luxury five-star resorts. Connecting with the locals and participating in a cultural emersion within a traditional Fijian village is a rewarding and educational experience in itself. A day trip to Biausevu Village and Waterfall or another similar local Fijian village, is a wonderful opportunity for both adults and children, to try something different and exciting, while learning at the same time.

Tour information about Biausevu Village and Waterfall, can be seen here

Alternatively, you can call +679 650 1161.

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