Trekking to Tubutubu - Blog

By: BW Admin (5/8/2023)

Date: 4/23/2023

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After arriving in Fiji and enduring a day of category 5 jet lag I was looking for a day hike to do on the main island of Nadi. I had originally intended to make a go of it on my own, but ultimately decided to book a trek with local guide Peni Dovi which ended up being one of the better decisions I made on this trip. I was staying in the Denerau island area, they picked me up at the resort on time and we headed out on the roughly hour long drive to Koroyanitu Heritage Park. The first half of the drive is through the city, the remainder is about 30 minutes of off-roading in their 4wd vehicle to the head of the trail just outside of Abaca village.

The hike itself is roughly an hour in each direction depending on your pace, we probably did each stretch in closer to 45 minutes. The terrain is relatively easy going, with the majority of the uphill portions covered on the way out. Peni will let you set the pace and take as many breaks as needed. We stopped once on the way out at a small pavilion type of structure for a quick water break but otherwise hiked straight through. Humidity is high so you are going to break a sweat, but there weren't any noticeable mosquitos or other bugs on this day. You'll pass through a bit of jungle with a river crossing, then an open area through a sort of valley with beautiful mountain vistas, followed by more jungle and a final river crossing. The trail is pretty well kept with steps and side rails in a few portions. More or less the perfect amount of hiking for those looking for a not too strenuous half day experience.

Peni is extremely knowledgeable about Fijian history, wildlife and fauna which is always a huge bonus. He made many brief stops along the trail to point out the details I would have otherwise missed had I attempted this on my own.

The waterfall itself is a sight to behold, definitely more than worth the effort. Peni is in no hurry to rush you out of there so you can linger as long as you'd like. The water is "Fiji cold", meaning a tad chilly but easily the warmest spring fed waterfall I have been in to date. One of the best things I can say about this hike is that when we arrived at the waterfall we were the only ones there, and we only saw one other person at the very beginning of the trail. No people, no trash, no noise. Just a pristine natural waterfall in the mountains of a South Pacific paradise for our personal enjoyment.

The best is saved for last, as after the trek Peni arranged for me to be included in a traditional Fijian meal with one of the local families who were gracious enough to invite me into their home for lunch. Wild boar, spinach, noodles and tapioca, as well as another round of insights on Fijian culture from my guide while we dined. Good stuff, these are the moments that make traveling to the other side of the world worth the effort. This trip is highly recommended!

Trekking to Tubutubu - Photos

by: BW Admin (5/8/2023)

(click images to view full size)

This is the beginning of the trail in Abaca village

I was impressed when my guide started the hike wearing flip flops, and more so when he removed them and did most of the rest of it barefoot.

We had to cross the river twice before reaching the falls, this is the first. If you are trying this yourself and end up getting lost this is probably where it will happen, you have to walk on the rocks in the middle of the river for a while and then pick up the trail again on the other side.

Another shot of the river crossing on the way out.

This is about as tight as it got on the trail. I was wearing shorts and all I got was a little muddy, if there was anything I needed to avoid brushing into Peni stopped and pointed it out before I got to it.

This is the second river crossing upon arrival at the falls.

Arriving at the falls

Obligatory selfie

Crossing the river again on the way out

This is about the steepest terrain you'll have to deal with on this hike, and as you can see there are steps in the steep places.

Peni getting ready to enjoy his post hike meal.

Traditional meal of wild boar that was hunted by one of the young men in the village, spinach, noodles & tapioca.

Traditional lunch with my gracious hosts in Abaca village. Put down those umbrella drinks and leave the confines of the resort folks, you can do that at home!

Trekking to Tubutubu - Videos

by: BW Admin (5/8/2023)

Your first river crossing of the day will actually be on the drive over. The off road portion nearly got me in a few spots, more so from the Fiji Golds the night before than the drive though.

This is the beginning of the trail, where the sandals come off!

Another shot near the beginning of the trail

First river crossing on the way out

Open area after the river crossing with mountain views

Welcome to the Jungle

More jungle with the mountains peeking through. Again this is about as tight as it gets on the trail, but I was wearing shorts and at the end of the day I didn't have a scratch on me just a bit of mud.