Top 3 Reasons to Visit Ovalau Island Fiji
If you’re fond of exploring history, scenic natural beauty, and culturally diverse sites then Ovalau Island Fiji should be your first choice. This gorgeous island can offer much more than sand and clear sea. This Island has all that every traveler who is into history or nature or anyone who just wants to take a break and feel the vibes of the local culture might be looking for.
This little island is in the Lomaiviti Archipelago and is adorable, and the rich history and unspoiled landscapes are truly stunning.
The first motivation for visiting Ovalau is its history. The main town on the island is called Levuka, which was the first capital of Fiji and now this site is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This small town boasts of colonial architecture houses, old churches, and other places of archaeological significance in Fiji. Levuka town is a visual delight for those who love history.
Ovalau, Fiji – A Beautiful and Historic Destination
It is a picturesque island in the Lomaiviti Archipelago that offers everyone a fantasy holiday with various activities. This island is well-known for its quiet environment, historical value, natural beauty, leisure and tranquillity, lush foliage, and diverse marine life. What makes it stand out is its historical background. It is different from other Fijian islands that have undergone commercialization; it offers a more tranquil and less commercialized experience compared to other tourist-heavy destinations in Fiji.
A Blend of History and Nature
As soon as you get to Ovalau Island one thing that strikes you is how well a history of a place and the geographical environment complement each other. Levuka is the first capital of Fiji and a historic town rich with historical sites and buildings that are architectural jewels of the colonial period.
How to Get There?
Ovalau, Fiji is reachable by boat or ferry from Viti Levu, the main island, especially from Suva, the capital. Ovalau is only a short boat trip for visitors arriving from Suva. You may explore the island’s historical landmarks, including the village of Levuka, or take in the serene, sandy beaches and beautiful scenery it has to offer. Once you’re on the island, traveling about is simple.
Top 3 Reasons to Visit Ovalau Island Fiji
1. Historical Significance – Levuka: Fiji’s First Capital
On arrival at Ovalau, Fiji, there is a lot to explore especially the history of Fiji which began from Levuka, the first capital of Fiji. Levuka is not only a pretty town, it is the place that witnessed Fijian colonial history and the process of creation of a state.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Levuka holds a UNESCO World Heritage site status as a recognition of the historical, and cultural heritage site of the entire world. The town boasts a stone colonial structure, small lateral roads, and wooden structure houses that were built at the end of the 19th century. Levuka still holds an ancient aura because each building has its history etched on it.
Historical Public Structures in Levuka
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The Old Colonial Buildings:
Some of the buildings around Levuka today date back to colonial times and they have very beautiful designs. Some of the sites are the Levuka Post Office and the Fiji National Archives. These places provide snapshots of how it was during the early formative years of Levuka when it was the political and commercial capital of Fiji.
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Queen’s Wharf:
Queen’s Wharf is undoubtedly one of the most popular places in the town of Levuka. This pier during that time was a business centre and sometimes a transit point for business entities and individuals coming in and out of Fiji. It has been a very significant landmark in the early formation of Fiji and it’s still a historical structure today.
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The Levuka Heritage Trail:
Those wishing to gain further insight into history can follow the Levuka Heritage Trail and view the most important historical sites in the town. This trail will lead you through Fijian landmarks and each point will have a brief history of the importance of Levuka in Fiji.
Essentially the town is a history that you can see, feel and almost touch because it belonged to the people of the past. As soon as one sets foot in Levuka the reasons for its importance to Fiji become clear. So whether you are a historical freak, or just a travel freak, Levuka gives you a very different experience.
2. Natural Beauty – Vibrant Marine Life and Coral Reefs
When it concerns natural sightseeing, Ovalau is without any doubt one of the most beautiful places to visit. Here, the marine ecosystem and the corals are among the most colorful and healthy with the island located close to crystal-clear water.
Multitudes of species waiting for people to discover
The sea around this stunning Island is rich in marine life. While snorkeling or diving, you will be able to see a great number of fish, starting from the smaller tropical fish and up to the manta rays. It has gorgeous tropical fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins that make their homes on the different colored reefs. There is highly diverse wildlife in those waters, so a trip to those waters will attract anybody interested in nature.
Breathtaking Coral Reefs
Great, healthy, and vibrant coral reefs are another natural feature found in Ovalau Island Fiji. Besides enhancing the aesthetic value of underwater scenery, these underwater gardens are of utmost importance to the stable existence of any marine ecosystem. There are usually many colors on the reefs and the corals are something like red, purple, and blue. You are likely to meet schools of fish moving in water around and amidst the corals all forming the ultimate perfect picture.
Excellent for Snorkelling and Diving
There are many attractions to explore in the regions surrounding the Island that can be enjoyed by water. The island has so many beautiful areas which provide a clear view of the area as well as easy access to the reefs.
- Vibrant Coral Gardens: There are beautiful coral gardens near Ovalau Island and they also have quite healthy coloured coral formations. The isolation shall be esteemed as snorkelers and divers will do their tours in a relatively calm area.
- Turtle Watching: Sea turtles are also easily visible. They swim in the water and anyone with the luck of seeing them will have one of the best experiences.
3. Cultural Immersion – Fijian Traditions and Local Life
Some of the most amazing things about Ovalau, Fiji are its tours and everybody can learn more about the Fijian culture. The people of Ovalau have remained culturally rooted and exploration of the island presents the tourist with a raw and authentic view of the Fijian culture.
Traditional Life of Fiji
During your stay, you will be interacting with the friendly people and learning their way of life as well as hearing from them various stories as practiced in the region. Tourists will be offered to see real Fiji ceremonies; join Fijians and dance, and might get a chance to witness ancient Fiji rituals.
Enjoy Fijian Cuisine
You will feed your soul by exploring the various dishes particular to the region you’re visiting. Fiji features delicious food, hot-spicy dishes, and generous meals. Visitors to Ovalau may enjoy traditional foods such as kokoda, a Fijian ceviche made with raw fish, lemon juice, and coconut milk, as well as cuisine served in a lovo, an underground oven used to slow-roast meat, fish, and vegetables. They may also eat freshly caught fish, which is picked daily from the island’s beautiful seas.
Interact with the Locals
The people of Fiji are extremely friendly; and as much as you might have fun doing lots of activities, you are most likely to simply talk to the locals. These kinds of interactions involve learning about carving and songs, and even listening to some of the history of the island to get an insight into the Fijian culture.
Ovalau Island Fiji is a wonderful place to visit. It has a mix of history, beautiful nature, and friendly people. From the historic town of Levuka to the colorful coral reefs and local culture, there’s something for everyone. Ovalau, Fiji is a great place to unwind, enjoy nature, or study history. You will have memories there that you will treasure for years to come.
