Around Labasa Island

The region around Labasa is wonderful for exploring with quite a few places of interest that are definitely worth visiting. Cobra Rock lies some 10 km from Labasa from the turning for Wainikoro Road. You will pass two small temples before you reach Cobra Rock, which is a sacred site and home of the Naag Mandir Temple.

Painted a bright red, blue and yellow, Naag Mandir, which means Snake Temple, is visited by several hundred devotees everyday. This temple is built around Cobra Rock, which when you look closely resembles a cobra poised to strike. Covered and flower and tinsel garlands, offerings of fruits, coconut milk and fire are presented before this rock. You will need to remove your shoes before entering the temple and then circle the Cobra Rock at least three times.

Past Cobra Rock and a dense growth of coconut trees you will come to Korovatu Beach. An excellent place to come swimming in the area, from this beach you can see Malau Wharf. Popular with the locals, it is often quite crowded on holidays and weekends. A wonderful place to come for a picnic and spend the day out with family, the only down side to Korovatu Beach is you need to bring your own water and snacks. Also, since this part of Fiji is more conservative, it is a good idea if you wear a t-shirt to go swimming.

Floating Island lies some 50 km northeast of Labasa and is fascinating to see. It is literally a small floating island that sits in a pond and gets blown around with the breeze. Even a few trees grow on the island. If the island is close to land, you can even hop aboard it and take a ride in this small pond. Not very easy to reach, make sure you bring your own water and snacks for the journey as well as a full tank of gas.