After breakfast, which consisted of pineapple juice (cordial), naan parcels of potato curry and pancakes followed with black tea (the only
milk available here is powdered) we headed off along the beach to the resort
next door, Nebula Lodge, where we paid $85.00 each, got in a boat and went to the Sawa I Lau
Sea Caves – quite a distance in the small boat to another island.
Alex went into the caves - quite an amazing spot. The first cave was accessed by stairs into a pool of water and was an area approximately 20 metres by 10 metres. Fortunately, there was an area where you could stand so you didn’t have to tread water all the time. The roof was not complete with a hole in it to one side so there was plenty of light – quite amazing cathedral ceilings. Apparently, the caves are made of limestone but different to any I’ve seen before – dry rock rather than wet. The pool inside the cave was quite deep and you could see the bottom with your mask on. Interesting that there were no fish.
Back at Nabua Lodge, we had a drink at the bar before the walk back to Taven Homestay for lunch – a huge plate of fried rice and tuna.
Then it was a stroll to Safe Landing Resort for a beer/wine and a sunset with Aasa.
Alex went into the caves - quite an amazing spot. The first cave was accessed by stairs into a pool of water and was an area approximately 20 metres by 10 metres. Fortunately, there was an area where you could stand so you didn’t have to tread water all the time. The roof was not complete with a hole in it to one side so there was plenty of light – quite amazing cathedral ceilings. Apparently, the caves are made of limestone but different to any I’ve seen before – dry rock rather than wet. The pool inside the cave was quite deep and you could see the bottom with your mask on. Interesting that there were no fish.
To get in the inner cave, one had to dive through a small underwater tunnel (probably only a couple of metres but still not for the faint-hearted). The guides assistant and there was a torch on in the inner cave, which was fortunate as it was so dark. Once inside you could hang on to a raft made from a rectangle of poly pipe and we paddled to the end of the cave (probably 20 metres) where there was a “chimney” opening to the top of the cave. It was all quite an experience.
While this was happening, Jill spent some time on the beach and checked out the little market stalls. We bought a tablecloth with a map of Fiji on it.
Back at Nabua Lodge, we had a drink at the bar before the walk back to Taven Homestay for lunch – a huge plate of fried rice and tuna.
A nap for both of us in the afternoon, awake in time for afternoon tea (fresh Coconut).
Then it was a stroll to Safe Landing Resort for a beer/wine and a sunset with Aasa.
Sawa i Lau Sea Caves
According to legend, a young chief once hid with his betrothed in the cave after her family threatened to marry her off to a rival chief. Every day he would swim into this secret haven with food for the girl until they eventually both escaped to an island together, where they lived happily forever. The sacred Sawa-I-Lau Caves are also known as the resting place of the 10-headed ancient Fijian god, Ulutini.
