The Coral Coast

Traditionally known and promoted as the most densely populated tourist area in Fiji, the Coral Coast is around 80km of beaches, bays, rocky outcrops and lush vegetation along the southwest of Viti Levu.

 

The Coral Coast could be said to start from around a small resort called Crusoe’s Retreat and continues through to Shangri-la’s Fijian Resort, a few kilometers past Sigatoka.

The Coral Coast is heavily dotted with hotels, resorts and backpacker retreats like no other region in Fiji and is a haven for the adventurous or for those who simply want a bit of sun, sand and fun.

 

The name is apt as the coast is wrapped by one of the largest fringing reef systems in the world and while its beaches are not quite the standard of the outer islands, it has the benefit of being conveniently located halfway between Nadi and Suva.

 

This section probably has more villages in a stretch than anywhere else in Fiji. Entry to the villages is fine but ask permission first and make sure you follow Fijian protocol in removing your hat and sunglasses and ladies cover up knees and shoulders. Some of the villages operate home stays and it is an experience of a lifetime to stay in a village and experience communal living at its best.

 

Riding the 'bilibili" up the Sigatoka valley
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  

  Sigatoka nestles on the banks of
  its namesake, the Sigatoka River

  The Ocean Road

 

As you drive along the highway you will get a glimpse of real village life, from a fisherman selling his day’s catch on the roadside to a farmer hauling home a bunch of freshly harvested bananas and you will probably meet a herd of cows and a few horses taking their own good time along or across the road.

 

This has been part of the scenery for decades and is not expected to change in the near future so enjoy.

 

The Coral Coast is the heart of Fiji’s tourism industry and basically where it all started back in the good old days.

 

This is where the world famous the Shangri-La Fijian Resort and the Korolevu Beach Hotel made a name for themselves in the 60s and 70s, although the latter establishment has long since ceased to operate.

 

The Naviti Resort and Warwick International have continued to entice visitors to Korolevu (big village) a small community and a must for visitors from all walks of life. It still has an efficient petrol station, small general stores, a police station, a Health Centre and post office although the small airstrip, which catered mostly for Korolevu Beach Hotel guests has been closed for ages.

 

Just off the coast of Korolevu lies Vatulele. It takes around 2 hours in a boat to get there and is the home of several villages and one of the most exotic and exclusive resorts in Fiji aptly called Vatulele Resort.

 

Sigatoka Town
Predominantly an Indo-Fijian dominated municipality with a population of 2,000, Sigatoka is the commercial centre for the hard-toiling farmers from the Sigatoka Valley and hoteliers alike.


Sigatoka is the headquarters for the provinces of Nadroga and Navosa and Saturday is probably the busiest time as any to experience the vibrant little township. It is located next to the Sigatoka River, the longest waterway in Fiji, accessed only by the Melrose Bridge, named after Fiji’s win at the 1997s Sevens Rugby World Cup.


A trip to Sigatoka market is a worthwhile experience as it will allow you to witness farmers and handicraft vendors carrying out brisk business in their unique way and most importantly, at their own pace. Not only will you see vendors, bartering, trading and haggling but also overhear interesting conversation on just about anything from politics, to sports to the weather.


Be sure to taste succulent seasonal fruits such as mangoes pineapples or even guavas, which are grown in the upper regions of the Sigatoka Valley, known as “Fiji’s Salad Bowl.’’


And if you are inquisitive enough, you will get an interesting perspective of the world from a simple farmer who from first glance one would assume had never read the international section of a newspaper.

 

 
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