Levuka: Fiji's Historical Gem

• HelloBula
  [boo-lah]
• GoodbyeMoce
  [mo-they]
• YesIo
  [ee-oh]
• NoSega
  [seng-ah]
• Please/You're welcomeVinaka
  [vee-nah-kah]
• Thank youVinaka vakalevu
  [vee-nah-kah vah-kah-lay-vu]
• Excuse me/SorryTulou
  [too-loh]
• How are you?Kere kere
  [kay-ray kay-ray]
• Fine. And you?Vinaka. Iko?
  [vee-nah-kah. ee-koh?]
• Do you speak English?Ko sa vosoti inglese?
  [koh sah voh-soh-tee een-gleh-seh?]
• I don't understandAu sega kila
  [ow seng-ah kee-lah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAu vinakata me vakaraitaka na menu, yalo vinaka
  [ow vee-nah-kah-tah may vah-kah-rye-tah-kah nah meh-noo, yah-loh vee-nah-kah]
• I don't eat meatAu sega kana yavusa
  [ow seng-ah kah-nah yah-voo-sah]
• Cheers!Bula!
  [boo-lah!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAu vinakata me volitaki, yalo vinaka
  [ow vee-nah-kah-tah may voh-lee-tah-kee, yah-loh vee-nah-kah]

• Help!Naita!
  [nye-tah!]
• Go away!Lako yani!
  [lah-koh yah-nee!]
• Call the Police!Vocia na nodra mataivalu!
  [vo-thee-ah nah noh-drah mah-tah-ee-vah-loo!]
• Call a doctor!Vocia na daktara!
  [vo-thee-ah nah dahk-tah-rah!]
• I'm lostAu luvata
  [ow loo-vah-tah]
• I'm illAu mate
  [ow mah-tay]

• I'd like to buy...Au vinakata me voli...
  [ow vee-nah-kah-tah may voh-lee...]
• I'm just lookingAu dua mada ni raica
  [ow doo-ah mah-dah nee rye-thah]
• How much is it?E vica na ka
  [ay vee-thah nah kah]
• That's too expensiveSa yawa sara
  [sah yah-wah sah-rah]
• Can you lower the price?Vosoti mada na caka
  [voh-soh-tee mah-dah nah thah-kah]

• What time is it?E vica na gauna
  [ay vee-thah nah gow-nah]
• It's one o'clockE dua na gauna
  [ay doo-ah nah gow-nah]
• Half past (10)E vasagavulu na gauna
  [ay vah-sah-ngah-voo-loo nah gow-nah]
• MorningYabaki
  [yah-bah-kee]
• AfternoonYasahasara
  [yah-sah-hah-sah-rah]
• EveningYaloyalo
  [yah-loh-yah-loh]
• YesterdayNakua
  [nah-koo-ah]
• TodayNisa
  [nee-sah]
• TomorrowMataka
  [mah-tah-kah]
• 1Dua
  [doo-ah]
• 2Rua
  [roo-ah]
• 3Tolu
  [toh-loo]
• 4Va
  [vah]
• 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
• 6Ono
  [oh-no]
• 7Vitu
  [vee-too]
• 8Walu
  [wah-loo]
• 9Siwa
  [see-wah]
• 10Savusavu
  [sah-voo-sah-voo]

• Where's a/the...?E vei na...
  [ay vay nah...]
• What's the address?E vei na ituvatu?
  [ay vay nah ee-too-vah-too?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Vosoti mada ni vakamacalataki au (e na lomamata)?
  [voh-soh-tee mah-dah nee vah-kah-mah-thah-lah-tah-kee ow (ay nah loh-mah-mah-tah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?E na gauna ni yabaki (basi) e muri?
  [ay nah gow-nah nee yah-bah-kee (bah-see) ay moo-ree?]
• A ticket (to ....)E dua na tiketi (ki ...)
  [ay doo-ah nah tee-kay-tee (kee ...)]

Levuka, often referred to as the 'Birthplace of Modern Fiji,' was Fiji’s first colonial capital. Established by European settlers in the early 19th century, it became the center of political and economic activity. In 1874, the Deed of Cession was signed in Levuka, marking the beginning of Fiji's status as a British colony.

During the mid-19th century, Levuka rose to prominence as a bustling port for whalers. Ships from America, Australia, and Europe docked in its harbor to restock supplies and trade goods. This period saw an influx of diverse cultures and the construction of many of Levuka’s now-historic buildings.

In 1882, the capital of Fiji was moved from Levuka to Suva due to Levuka’s geographical limitations and its inability to expand further. Despite losing its capital status, Levuka retained its historical significance and continued to thrive as a cultural and economic hub.

In 2013, Levuka was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition was due to its well-preserved colonial architecture and its role in the history of Fiji and the Pacific region. The town’s unique blend of European and indigenous influences offers a window into the past.

Levuka is home to some of Fiji's oldest educational institutions. The first school for indigenous Fijians, Marist Convent School, was established here in 1869. The town also hosted the first public school, Levuka Public School, which opened its doors in 1879.

Levuka has always been a melting pot of cultures. The town’s population consists of indigenous Fijians, Europeans, Chinese, and Indians, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Levuka’s cultural heritage. Festivals, religious ceremonies, and communal gatherings are integral to the town’s social fabric.

In March 2008, a devastating fire swept through Levuka’s historic waterfront, destroying several buildings. The fire highlighted the vulnerability of the town’s wooden structures and sparked efforts to preserve and restore Levuka’s architectural heritage.

Levuka’s economy has evolved from whaling and copra trading to fishing and tourism. The town’s tuna cannery, established in the 1970s, is a significant employer and exporter, contributing to Levuka's ongoing economic resilience.

Levuka’s maritime history is celebrated through various cultural practices and festivals. Traditional boat-building techniques and navigation skills have been passed down through generations, maintaining a strong connection to the sea.

Levuka boasts numerous architectural landmarks, including the Sacred Heart Church, built in 1858, and the Royal Hotel, the oldest continuously operating hotel in the South Pacific. These buildings offer a glimpse into the town’s colonial past and architectural evolution.

Levuka is located on the island of Ovalau in Fiji. The nearest international airport is Nausori International Airport, located near Suva on the main island of Viti Levu. From Nausori, you can take a domestic flight to Bureta Airport on Ovalau. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Natovi Landing on Viti Levu to Levuka. The ferry ride takes about 1.5 hours. There are also bus and taxi services available from Suva to Natovi Landing.

Levuka is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips around the island, local buses and taxis are available. Renting a bicycle can also be a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the area. Car rentals are available but less common due to the town's compact size.

The official currency in Fiji is the Fijian Dollar (FJD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops in Levuka, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in Levuka, but it’s wise to withdraw sufficient cash before arriving on the island.

Levuka is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is important to take standard safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always best.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Levuka has a local police station and medical facilities available. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health concerns, there are pharmacies in Levuka where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites or local villages. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress conservatively and remove your hat. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient. Give up your seat to elderly passengers. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a friendly 'Bula!' (hello). A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Levuka like a local, visit the Levuka Market where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Fijian goods. Engage with the locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town’s history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the historic sites such as the Levuka Town Hall and the Sacred Heart Church. For a unique experience, take a walk along the old colonial buildings and enjoy the scenic views of the coastline.