"Fiji Excellence in
Tourism Award for Cultural and Heritage"
This unique and visionary project is built by the Bolakula Youth Group of the Matagali Levuka-i-ra on the beach of northern Ovalau Island. It is a model for the establishment of a sustainable future for rural communities through the authentic presentation of the indigenous culture. In providing visitors with a true "Fiji Islander Experience", the village also educates the youth in the traditional ways of their elders, ensuring the survival of their culture. It also acts as the catalyst to the revival of the traditional economic activities of fishing and agriculture. Indeed, other small youth club businesses are evolving to supply goods and services to the village, such as root crops and produce, fresh fish, a poultry and piggery project, handicraft production, cultural meke presentations, and eco-tourist activities.
Devokula Village is represented by Ovalau Watersports in Levuka, the Olde Capital. We offer two tour options for experiencing this unique opportunity: Please note, bookings must be made 24 hours in advance.
Devokula Day Trip
The Day Trip is a relaxed way to visit the village. Upon arrival, you'll be escorted by the mata ni vanua (your spokesman) to an open-air bure where you'll present a small sevusevu, showing respect and asking permission to enter the village. Then you'll be taken on an informative tour of the village and learn about building methods, crops and cultivation, medicinal uses of plants, food storage and preparation, and the making of handicrafts.
Lunch is a sumptuous meal and usually includes fresh fish, chicken, local vegetables, ka kana dina and fresh fruits. After your lunch, served sitting on mats in the dining bure (eat with your fingers), you're free to wander, take a nap or walk the beach and snorkel (gear not provided). Transportation is provided by local carriers.
For proper preparation, bookings must be confirmed the day before.
Leaves Levuka at 11:00am, returns by 4:00pm (or as pre-arranged)
Includes traditional Fijian lunch
Minimum of 2 guests
F$60.00pp
Devokula Cultural Presentation
The Cultural Presentation is a more lively and action filled event than the day trip. You'll be met by warriors in traditional dress and facial paint, escorted into the village where
you'll participate in a formal sevusevu with the chief and elders.This will be followed by a village tour. Lunch will be prepared in the Fijian Lovo or earth oven and will feature dalo (taro), breadfruit and yams with local fish and chicken as well as other Fijian dishes, fruits and juices. This kana magiti, or Fijian feast, is served in an open-sided thatched bure and is eaten off banana leaves ... with your fingers, if you please! You can then settle back and enjoy a meke or series of Fijian dances and songs, while hearing the meaning of them from your Matanivanua (spokesman). The meke is a traditional sharing of music, history, and folk lore inspired by the gods in the spirits of the performers. Unlike professional meke performances in resort settings, this is ever changing and truly comes from the heart of the village. You'll be captivated and drawn into its soul. In fact, don't be surprised if you're asked to share in the dance, for it is truly a sharing of culture. After the meke you may visit with the villagers, or have a swim, snorkel, or just walk the beach if you wish, so don't forget your swimming gear and snorkeling equipment if you have some. Sadly, the day must come to an end, but you'll leave with a feeling of family and will know you're always welcome back.
Leaves Levuka at 11:00am, returns by 4:00pm (or as pre-arranged)
Includes traditional lovo lunch
Minimum of 6 guests
$ 50.00pp
Bure accommodations are authentic thatched houses built of traditional, indigenous materials readily available in the renewable forest. The fresh fish, fruits and vegetables provide the basis for a healthy and delicious cuisine. There are no tourist frills here (the only concession to 'modern living' are flush toilets!!) This is our rural Fiji, as it was discovered by the first Europeans, and we invite you to come and share it with us, as we work towards a positive future through our unique past.
Location
Devokula is located on the beach on the northern side of Ovalau Island.
Ovalau is a lush, tropical island of
volcanic origin. It is situated just to the east of Fijis main Island Viti Levu.
Getting there
Transport to Devokula will be arranged individually depending on your travel schedule.
To get to Ovalau may fly with Air Fiji or use the Patterson Ferry to
get to Levuka. From there you will travel either by boat or car to
Devukula
The flight Air Fiji
Suva - Levuka is
about F$ 75.
A bus-ferry service operated by Patterson Brothers Shipping operates daily
from Suva to Levuka, the fare is F$ 30.
Information
and Bookings
info@levukafiji.com
Tel: (+679) 344 0166, Fax: (+679) 344 0633
Ovalau Watersports,
Box 149, Levuka, Fiji Islands
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