Province · Suva e Pacific Harbour

Tailevu

Tailevu is the eastern part of Viti Levu, near Suva: the island of Bau, the former seat of Fijian chiefs' power, the town of Nausori and the port of Natovi, from which ferries depart for the islands.

In the photo: Bau Island (Tailevu)

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 Tailevu

Tailevu occupies the eastern part of Viti Levu, north and northeast of Suva, with the town of Nausori, the Rewa River on the border, and a coastline of mangroves, bays and small islands. The provincial headquarters is in Nausori.

The small island of Bau, off the coast, was in the 19th century the center of power of the Vunivalu of Bau, the chief Ratu Seru Cakobau, who declared himself king of Fiji and signed the cession to the United Kingdom in 1874. Bau is home to the stone church and chiefs' tombs; visits are only possible with permission.

The neighboring island of Viwa was one of the first bases of Methodist missionaries in Fiji. Further north, islands such as Toberua and Leleuvia welcome visitors to small resorts, with boat transfers from the mainland.

Natovi, on the province's northern coast, is the ferry port for Ovalau and Vanua Levu. Korovou is the inland town on the Kings Road, between Suva and the northern coast.

When to go

Boat crossings from the Tailevu coast are calmer from May to October, during the dry season. The east of Viti Levu is humid year-round, and from November to April, in the warm season, there is more rain and a risk of cyclones.

Getting there

Nausori Airport (SUV), near the town of Nausori, has domestic flights from Nadi and other islands. Confirm before booking. Nausori is about 19 km from Suva, served by buses and taxis. For Natovi and the ferries there are buses from Suva, and transfers by boat to Leleuvia and Toberua are arranged with accommodation.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Tailevu

Can you visit Bau Island?

Only with permission from the island chiefs, requested in advance, and generally accompanied by a guide or a community member. Visits follow the rules of a Fijian village: clothing that covers shoulders and knees and participation in the kava ceremony.

Why is Bau important in Fiji's history?

In the 19th century, Bau was the seat of Fiji's most powerful chief, Ratu Seru Cakobau, who unified much of the islands and signed the cession of the country to the United Kingdom in 1874.

Where do the ferries to Ovalau and Vanua Levu depart from?

From the port of Natovi, on the Tailevu coast. There are connecting buses from Suva; check schedules, as they vary by day.

What is the distance between Nausori and Suva?

About 19 km, connected by the bridge over the Rewa River. Travelers arriving at Nausori Airport continue by taxi or bus to the capital.

Tap a province to see its destinations. Limites: Pacific Data Hub / geoBoundaries (CC BY 4.0). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.