Malevu: Village Life and the Sea on Naviti

Malevu on Naviti Island combines village accommodation with a selection of locally organised experiences. The village accommodation consists of complete private houses, not bures. Qeleni is one of the sister accommodations in Malevu on Naviti Island. If you are comparing accommodation types, this distinction offers a concrete starting point: in Malevu, the accommodation is in complete private houses rather than bures.

Village Life and Activities

Guests staying in the village accommodation may be offered a free village tour on arrival, depending on the host, availability and weather. Hikes may also be offered under the same conditions. The options appeal to different interests: a village tour focuses on the village, while a hike offers a chance to get active during your stay.

Depending on the host, availability and weather, guests may experience authentic Fijian Meke dances, both watching and taking part, as well as joining evening and late-night kava sessions. Under the same conditions, guests may be able to take part in rugby games with local boys and men, and go spear fishing with traditional spear guns. This means cultural encounters through Meke and kava sit alongside sporting activities. For people travelling together, this distinction can help with planning when the group has differing interests.

Water Activities and Other Offerings

Kayaks and surfboards may be available to guests, depending on the host, availability and weather. Under the same conditions, a boat may be hired for deep-sea fishing or trips to more remote snorkelling spots. When planning, it is therefore useful to note a practical distinction: kayaks and surfboards may be available, while a boat can be hired for these excursions.

A full-body massage by women from the village may be available to guests, depending on availability. So, alongside potential group activities, there is also an offering that may be suited to individual guests. Which options are available for your stay depends on the arrangements and the conditions mentioned.

Mantas in the Surrounding Area

The underwater world is also part of the area: Naviti Island has a manta ray channel visited by tourists during the cooler months. A 2013 marine survey reports an average of two mantas per trip there; at least 14 individual mantas were identified as returning. These figures describe historical observations and may not reflect current conditions. Both the animals’ seasonal presence and visitor patterns may vary.

Getting There and Village Customs

The red Tavewa Seabus ferry provides access to the village accommodation in Malevu. The journey from Lautoka Wharf on Viti Levu to the Yasawas takes less than three hours. For the villages of Qeleni, Vatia, Vaturua and Waitauvou in Malevu, Barefoot Manta Island Resort is the Yasawa Flyer’s drop-off point. As ferry connections, journey times and drop-off points may change, check the current service before departure.

On arrival in Malevu, all visitors must present a sevusevu to the village chief; confirm the local custom before travelling. There is no vehicle traffic in the village accommodation area. This is something to bear in mind, along with the ferry journey and local custom.

Discover more destinations: Matacawalevu, Bukama, Solevu, Nanuya Balavu Island, Namaqumaqua, Nabila, Wayasewa Island, Nalauwaki.

Back to the main travel overview: Western Division.