In 1970, 100-year-old Romanu Nagate called a meeting of his fellow villagers in Navala, nestled deep within the Ba Highlands, and told them to save the village from encroaching modernization (though perhaps not in those words). True to his wishes, the members of this fascinating community continue to live only in traditional thatched-roof bures; not only does this make Navala unique, but it also makes this perhaps the most beautiful and picturesque village in all of Fiji.
Navala is Fiji’s most picturesque village set in a superb landscape on a sloping site on the banks of the Ba river. While most Fiji villages now prefer concrete-block and corrugated-iron constructions, all of the houses in Navala are traditional bure; only the school and radio shed ( housing the village’s emergency radio telephone) are concrete blocks and these are out of sight. Obviously the chief enforces strict town planning rules! Navala is a relatively large village and the houses are laid out in avenues with a central promenade down to the river. The buildings are rectangular in plan and of timber-pole structure, with sloping stone plinths, woven panel walls and hipped thatched roofs. Kitchens are in separate bure.
It is a photographer’s paradise but you need to get permission to take shots, even from across the bridge. The turaga-ni-koro, Karoalo Vaisewa, allows tourist to visit and take photos but they must present a sevusevu (a gift such as yaqona) an donation of FJ$40.
Transportation and Practical Information
Navala is most easily accessed from the coastal town of Ba. Buses to the village depart from the bus station on some days, usually around noon and 4pm. There is no specific carrier service for tourists to the village, therefore all bookings has to be through George Prince, or Bulou’s Lodge & Backpacker Hostel (679-6645431 or 679-9921517) [email protected] or [email protected] to see if accommodation is available and can be made. A 4WD vehicle leaves from Lautoka daily. Have a strong heart; the road keeps going and going and going. Transport from Lautoka is FJ$50.00 per person each way. Minimum of 2 pax.
There is a one-time entrance fee of $35 to the village, which also pays for the privilege of taking photographs. For visitors bringing their own vehicle, there’s a $45 fee to open the gate. Pick up’s can also be arranged from Nadi and/or any other place on Viti Levu at and Additional cost,.. please get a quote from George Prince.
Accommodations and Food
The best place is to stay is at Bulou’s Lodge which is about 400 meters away from the Village itself and eat all Fijian Traditional meals at the Lodge. At Bulou’s Lodge & Backpacker’s Hostel , which is about 400 meters past the village on the right when coming from Ba. (679-6645431 or 679-9921517) [email protected] or [email protected] Bulou sleeps eight guests in a dorm with real beds (meaning not just a floor), a connected bathroom (with new toilets and showers), and a kitchen (FJ$80 per person all meals included), or four guests in a nearby one-room bure ($90 per person; all meals included). Bringing food as a gift for the owners is a good idea. Or a Private Bure for 2 at FJ$185.00 including all meals.
Activities
Bulou’s lodge also offers horseback riding ($35 p/p), bilibili raft building and riding ($35), and a 2½hr. mountain trek ($25 p/p). Activities beyond making the village a temporary home (helping to cook and farm) include treks to lookout points and a nearby waterfall (3km away). Finding a villager or a group of children willing to accompany you for a fee is easy. Of note in the village itself are the school (where visitors may be able to guest teach), the students’ tiny fish pond, and the first school teacher’s grave.
Additional Information
Kids under 2 years are FOC (Free of Charge)
Kids between the ages of 2 – 10 are at 50%
Kids over 14 will be full adult rate.
All charges are in Fiji Dollars,… unless specified.
