The last stop on my tour of the Yasawas in Fiji was Naqalia Lodge, on Wayalailai Island. I had booked three nights stay here. I said goodbye to the friends I had made over the past week and when the Ferry stopped off, I was the only person who got on the transfer boat.
As we approached the island, the owner of the resort Abu was waiting for me, singing and welcoming me onto his island resort. Was a bit strange as I didn't know how to react on my own, but thanked him for his warm welcome.
The first thing I noticed was how different this island was compared to the other two. This was wayyyy simpler and to be honest, a little disappointing. I was the only person staying in the large dorm for the first night, accompanied by a mouse. The dorm room was also right next to where the family was staying. The walls were paper thin, so you could hear every movement. I don't think I really slept that night. I shouldn't complain, and I didn't at the time. I just got on with it, and tried to enjoy the time I was there. If I had known what the dorm room was like, I would have booked my own bure, as they were lovely!
I explored the island on my own for the first afternoon. There wasn't a lot to see, but it was peaceful. I chilled out mostly, read my book and relaxed.
In the evening I met some of the other guests who were staying in the bures. I met a lovely French couple, who were off to Mexico to live. This was their holiday before the move. I hung out with them on the first night, drinking and playing cards.
After a pretty horrendous first night, I went to get some breakfast. It was all homemade, and was delicious. Throughout all of Fiji the food was incredible, and far too much! I stuffed myself every day!
The morning boat arrived, and with it, lots more guests! I was so happy to not be on my own with the mouse again! This group was a mixture of English and German girls who were travelling the world. I was jealous of their freedom, knowing I was going back to Sydney back to a job.
We had booked to go on a trip to see the local village and school, and the new guests joined us too. We took the half hour boat ride out and had lunch with this view below.
We also went snorkelling, but compared to Blue Lagoon, there wasn't much to see at this place.
The school was next. The girls who worked on the resort in their holidays (as they were at university on the main island) had gone to school here and their brothers were studying there.
We turned up and it was like this big show. The younger kids were extremely excited to see us, climbing all over and hugging us. The older kids were a bit more skeptical. The teachers were exacerbated as we had essentially interrupted their lesson! I felt extremely guilty for interrupting their day, as it must happen all the time!
We then took a walk through the village. It was full of colourful houses and flowers.
We got back to the island for some downtime. There were lots of lovely hibiscus flowers everywhere.
We joined in playing a game of volleyball, which left me with a massive bruise on my arm!
On the second night the family took the meal onto the beach. We had a massive bonfire going and had dinner under the stars. This was one of my favourite experiences of the trip. We had traditional Fijian lovo.
On the last full day we spent the time learning to weave and sunbathing on the beach. At night Abu and his family taught us some Fijian dance moves. It was actually quite fun.
The last morning on the island was beautiful. We went snorkelling in almost untouched waters. It was a little lacking in terms of health and safety, but the reef had the most incredible untouched sea life. Bright blue star fish and reef sharks. I'll admit it, I was terrified when I saw the sharks and went right back to the shore!
We had made friends with some locals the night before, drinking kava with them. Kenny, a cousin of the family, went and got some fresh young coconuts for us to drink. I had been promised a fresh coconut the whole trip, and got one on the last day, in the last hour.
Overall, although the amenities were extremely basic, the family tried to make us feel part of their family. If I were to ever return, I would stay in one of the bures. Although, they were building other buildings, so there may be a new dorm room built.
Overall, I loved my time in Fiji, and want to explore more of the islands on the other side. Another trip to plan in the future!
