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Rotuma Travel Guide
Fiji Islands
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rotuma pictures map |
Rotuma
Romantically remote, blessed by nature, balmy, unrushed and unaffected, the beautiful
island
of
ROTUMA
has a unique and fascinating Polynesian culture. Lying over six hundred kilometres north of
Suva, from where it is officially governed, the closest island is Niulakita in
Tuvalu, three hundred and fifty kilometres to the north. The fabulously fertile volcanic island is enclosed by a bountiful lagoon and is almost completely surrounded by stunning white sandy beaches set off by jet- black volcanic rock. The island measures roughly fourteen kilometres long by three with neat colourful houses strung out along the coastal road.
A handful of impressive archaeological sites can be found inland which is littered with over a dozen volcanic cones. The highest of these rises to 256 metres, protruding from the gently rolling hills which are extensively planted with taro, yams, kava and numerous varieties of fruit trees particularly oranges. Naturally fermented orange wine is consumed in vast quantities over Christmas, a period noted for the singing and dancing festivities of Fara and without doubt the liveliest time to visit Rotuma. Above all else, it’s the laid back and voluptuous lifestyle of its people that makes Rotuma so enticing to discerning travellers.
Accommodation
To stay with a local family, contact Rotuma Homestay with contacts at various villages around the island as well as arranging transport so you can sample several different locations. You’ll have your own room within a family house, sharing the cold water bathroom with any other family members present. All houses have electricity but you won’t be able to cook your own food - it’s wise to take some snacks and drinks with you.
If you want to meet the local people and experience life and culture on a small South Pacific island, then Rotuma's the place to go. The Polynesian lifestyle on Rotuma is very different from the Melanesian culture throughout Fiji. Here, life is so laid back that you probably won't want to leave. Be warned that provisions are basic and sometimes run out, there is no official accommodation and infrequent shipping services can be full at Christmas or cancelled at the last minute.
Virtual Tour of Rotuma
Rotuma Resorts Listings
Fiji Tour Companies
Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:
Cook Islands Travel Guide
Samoa Travel Guide
Tonga Travel Guide
Tahiti Travel Guide
Hawaii Travel Guide
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