Published on Jul, 2024

The 1/2 day island tour was very nice with Avi. He was a great tour guide. In addition to the sights, he gave us information on taxi's, restaurants to try, and which stores and markets to go to. He also told us about his life, too, and it was fun to learn how Fijians study and live. When we stopped at the Sri Siva temple, it was especially interesting as Avi is Hindu and explained the temple and region from his perspective. We also were lucky enough to see a couple that had just gotten married at the temple, and a couple that were getting their car blessed. We saw the valley of the Sleeping Giant. Unfortunately, it was cloudy, so we didn't get to see the sleeping giant, silhouette, but I'm glad we saw the cloudy version. We hiked in the orchid gardens, which was a very nice hike. The flowers and greenery was very pretty. Avi took us to a produce market and explained the various fruits and vegetables to us. I felt no pressure to buy any of the produce. The place was a nice market to buy produce, if you would want to. We stopped at a store where there was a demonstration of the Kava ceremony. You could try the kava, also. The shops had items you could buy (we had ice cream to take away the flavor of the kava!!). I felt no pressure in the store to purchase items. We did buy a bracelet, but I didn't feel obligated to buy it. Avi also took us to the first Village. The village tour wasn't much, but it was interesting to hear. Avi did warn us that there will be a trinkets set up to purchase after it. He told us we did not need to feel obligated to purchase the items, but to also understand that that is how they make their money so they may give some pressure. I did purchase a bracelet at the village. Because I did feel like I should ( not because of how they acted, but because I understand tourism is important to the island). I mentioned that I did not feel pressure to buy items, because several reviews stated they did feel pressure. Maybe it's the guide, I don't know. We had a very enjoyable experience on this 1/2 day island tour, and I recommend it (especially with Avi!).

Published on Apr, 2024

Great information about the island and a lot packed into a half day. We even got to see Drua women’s rugby team practice.

Published on Aug, 2022

This was such a comprehensive local tour of Fijian culture! Not only did we get to see how locals live, the local markets etc, our guide Sami was just so friendly and knowledgeable and shared with us so much information the entire time! The trip was enjoyable and a good break from all the water activities, especially if you want to learn more about the culture.

Published on Jun, 2022

The weather was beautiful. The city, temple and gardens experience was wonderful, but I personally enjoyed the visit to the oldest village on the island. The family atmosphere and love for God, family, friends, and country was touching. The people of Fiji are the most FRIENDLY of any I’ve met around the world. They are genuine. Sashi, our tour guide, was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, and cared about our comfort. He made the trip memorable.

Published on Dec, 2019

We did this tour as a ship excursion. It was a good way to see the highlights of the area and get a sense of the Fijian culture.