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Province · Vanua Levu e Taveuni
Bua
Bua is the west of Vanua Levu: the former sandalwood coast, the port of Nabouwalu, which links the island to Viti Levu, and the islet of Yadua Taba, refuge of the crested iguana.
In the photo: Islet of Yadua Taba, sanctuary of the crested iguana (Bua)
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The province
Get to know Bua
Bua occupies the west of Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second-largest island, and is one of the three northern provinces. It is one of the least densely populated areas of the country, with Fijian villages scattered along the coast, mangroves, plantations and forested hills.
Bua Bay was, in the early 19th century, the center of the sandalwood trade, which brought the first European and American ships to this part of Fiji. Today life revolves around fishing, farming and village life.
Nabouwalu, the provincial seat, has the ferry quay that crosses to Natovi on Viti Levu, and a road that continues to Labasa and Savusavu. It is the route used by travelers driving between the two islands.
Off the west coast, the islet of Yadua Taba is the sanctuary of Fiji’s crested iguana, a species found only in the country, and is on UNESCO’s tentative list. Landing is prohibited; the iguana can be seen at Kula Wild Adventure Park on the Coral Coast. The Great Sea Reef (Cakaulevu) reaches the province’s northwest tip.
When to go
From May to October, the dry season, is the calmest period for Vanua Levu’s road and for ferry crossings. In summer, from November to April, there is more rain and cyclone season, when ferry schedules can change.
Getting there
There are no regular flights to Bua: the most common route is the ferry between Natovi, north of Suva, and Nabouwalu, by car or bus. Another option is to fly from Nadi or Suva to Labasa or Savusavu and continue by road. Confirm before booking.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about Bua
How to go from Viti Levu to Vanua Levu by car?
The ferries carrying cars and passengers depart from Natovi, north of Suva, and arrive at Nabouwalu in Bua. From the ferry, the road continues to Labasa and Savusavu. Confirm schedules, which change with weather and season.
Can you visit Yadua Taba and see the crested iguana?
No. Yadua Taba is a sanctuary and landing is prohibited. Fiji’s crested iguana can be seen at Kula Wild Adventure Park on Viti Levu’s Coral Coast.
Does Bua have infrastructure for tourists?
Little. The province has villages, small shops and the port of Nabouwalu, but almost no tourist-oriented accommodation. To explore Vanua Levu, the most common bases are Savusavu and Labasa.
Why is Bua called the sandalwood coast?
In the early 19th century, Bua Bay was the main place for cutting and shipping Fiji sandalwood, a timber valued in trade with China. The trade lasted only a few years and depleted the region’s trees.