Vanua Balavu

Vanua Balavu is one of the northern Lau Islands at 17 degrees south and 178 degrees west. It has a beautiful harbor for yachties at the north end called the Bay of Islands or Qilaqila (prounced Gillagilla).

Air Fiji flies twice a week from Suva to Vanua Balavu - on Thursday and Sunday mornings, very early. Flight schedules are subject to change - so check them with Air Fiji. Charter flights can also be arranged and there is a boat service - but it may take as long as a week to get to Suva because the boat calls at other islands on the way.

Our pictures show:

	Our flight
	Getting to Nawanawa and visiting Daliconi - the local village nearest to Nawanawa
	Nawanawa Estate - a homestay experience that is the real Fiji
	Lomaloma - the main village - it has 2 shops, a bakery and a Post Office
	The Bay of Islands (Qilaqila) - one of the most beautiful places in the world
	Leaving - see the airport - we had to get up early to catch the plane

If you want to see the real Fiji this is an excellent place to visit. Its unlikely to be luxurious unless you are on a really first class boat, but if you stay with Ratu Joe and Helene Tuwai at Nawanawa Estate (phone +679-889-5144, from the USA dial 011-679-889-5144) you will be happy, welcomed and well fed.

Find out more in Finding Fiji with travel author David Stanley.

You can also check out pictures from Dave and Di who we met on their yacht Amoenitas in Vanua Balavu.