Family Adventure on Fiji's Coral Coast

Back to the Motherland: A Coral Coast Awakening

After years of living in Vancouver, the familiar scent of tropical air, mingled with the sweet fragrance of frangipani, filled my lungs as we stepped onto Fijian soil. It was more than just a vacation; it was a homecoming, a chance for my family to experience the Fiji I knew and loved. The Coral Coast, with its promise of sun-kissed beaches and vibrant culture, beckoned us to explore and reconnect with our heritage. This first day was about settling in, breathing deep, and letting the warmth of Fiji seep into our souls.



The drive from Nadi International Airport to the Coral Coast was a scenic tapestry of lush greenery and glimpses of the turquoise ocean. Sailosi, my son, was glued to the window, his eyes wide with curiosity as he took in the sights. Mere, ever the pragmatist, made sure we had plenty of water and snacks for the journey. It felt good to be back, to see my homeland through their eyes, and to share stories of my childhood in Navua.



Our first stop was Vunisese Bay.

The bay was a picturesque cove, the water a shimmering palette of blues and greens. The kids were immediately drawn to the shore, eager to dip their toes in the warm water. I watched them, a sense of contentment washing over me. This was exactly what I had hoped for – a chance for them to connect with nature, to feel the sand between their toes, and to understand a different way of life.

We spent a couple of hours at Vunisese bay , Coral Coast , Fiji Islands. I took a stroll along the beach, reminiscing about simpler times. The Coral Coast is indeed a serene beauty. It's a perfect destination for relaxation, cultural experiences, and breathtaking marine adventures. The water was so clear, I could see small fish darting among the coral. I made a mental note to bring snorkeling gear next time; I had forgotten it back home. That will have to be one of the first things I get at Korolevu Shopping Center!

The journey back to one's roots is a journey of rediscovery, a chance to appreciate the simple joys and profound connections that shape who we are.

For breakfast, we headed to the Ocean Terrace Restaurant at Bedarra Beach Inn. The Ocean Terrace Restaurant was a delightful experience. It has an exquisite cuisine with lagoon view at very affordable prices. We enjoyed a hearty meal of local fruits, freshly baked bread, and strong Fijian coffee. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, and the staff greeted us with warm smiles and a genuine interest in our well-being. The ocean view was the perfect accompaniment to our meal, and we lingered over breakfast, savoring the moment.



After breakfast, we ventured out to explore the Coral Coast. The drive was a sensory feast, with the vibrant colors of the local markets, the rhythmic sounds of Fijian music, and the tantalizing aromas of street food filling the air. We stopped at a few roadside stalls, sampling local delicacies and chatting with the vendors. Their warmth and hospitality were infectious, and I felt a sense of pride in my heritage.

The afternoon found us at the Crab Shack Fiji for lunch, a place I had heard so much about. The Crab Shack Fiji is just a few steps from The Outrigger Resort. We enjoyed a perfect spot for a sunset view, outstanding service from the small local team and delicious food at very reasonable prices. The fish taco, bu salad and mud crabs were awesome. We had the garlic and chili sauce on day 1 and Fijian curry sauce on day 2 and they tasted fantastic. The location is magical as the beach also is surrounded by low lying coral and plenty of fish to see even when you are on the shore.

We indulged in a seafood feast, savoring the fresh flavors of the ocean. Sailosi devoured a plate of fish and chips, while Mere opted for a more traditional Fijian dish. I tried the Kokoda, a local specialty of raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime juice. It was a burst of flavors that danced on my tongue, a perfect representation of Fijian cuisine.



In the late afternoon, we decided to do some shopping at Korolevu Shopping Center. The Korolevu Shopping Center is a vibrant convenience store perfect for tourists who need to stock up on essentials or find a quick snack. I needed to get some insect repellent, as I had forgotten to pack it. We also bought some souvenirs for our friends and family back in Vancouver. Sailosi picked out a small wooden carving of a turtle, while Mere found a beautiful hand-woven basket. I made sure to get some local snacks to keep us going throughout the week. The laid-back atmosphere of the shopping center was a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the city.

I was also happy to see they had snorkeling gear. I will get it tomorrow so we can all enjoy the water. The staff was friendly and helpful, and we left with a sense of satisfaction, knowing that we had supported the local economy.



As the sun began to set, we made our way to Gecko's Restaurant for dinner. Gecko's Restaurant is renowned for its great food, Entertainment and friendly staff. The A la Carte menu offers a wide range of International dishes and Sea Food. This very popular Restaurant at Gecko's Resort is located 10 minutes from Sigatoka Town on the Queen's highway.

The restaurant had a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, and the staff greeted us with genuine warmth. We ordered a variety of dishes, from traditional Fijian curries to grilled seafood. The food was delicious, and the portions were generous. As we ate, we were serenaded by a local band, their music filling the air with a sense of joy and celebration. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.



After dinner, as we drove back to where we are staying with family, I reflected on the day's events. It had been a day of reconnecting with my roots, of sharing my heritage with my family, and of immersing ourselves in the vibrant culture of Fiji. I felt a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to return to my homeland, to breathe the fresh air, to taste the delicious food, and to feel the warmth of the Fijian people. Tomorrow, we plan to visit Kula WILD Adventure Park and Tavuni Hill Fort, I am excited about it!

As I drifted off to sleep, I knew that this trip would be more than just a vacation. It would be a journey of discovery, a chance for my family to create lasting memories, and a reminder of the importance of staying connected to our roots. Fiji, I'm home, and it feels wonderful.