Savusavu

Savusavu.

Savusavu is a town in the Fijian Province of Cakaudrove. The town is located on the south coast of Vanua Levu Island and had a population of 3,372 in the 2007 census.

Savusavu is known as "the hidden paradise of Fiji."

Geography

Savusavu is located on Fiji’s northern island of Vanua Levu. It can be reached by plane from Nadi (one hour) or by ferry from Suva or Lautoka (approx 12 hour trip).

It’s famous for its hot springs, located mostly opposite the Hot Springs Hotel – although at low tide you can see the steam from numerous smaller outlets all along the foreshore. In late 19th century these hot springs for a period of two months turned into 12 - 18 m tall geysers.^[1]

The old Copra Shed Marina, build in the 19th century, is a major landmark in Savusavu. Renovated in recent years by geologist and Savusavu resident Geoff Taylor, it now houses the Savusavu Yacht Club. Fiji Air offices, Pacific Sun reservations (Formerly Sun Air) offices, a chandlery shop, a geologist's office, a gift shop, travel agency and two rental apartments. There are also moorings for yachts, along with shower and toilet facilities.

Another significant landmark is the Savarekareka Mission, 10 kilometers north of Savusavu. The chapel, the first Roman Catholic mission on Vanua Levu, was built around 1870 and is still functioning.

Climate

Economic activities

Savusavu was originally established as a trading center for sandalwood, beche-de-mer and copra, and is the site of a major copra mill. Tourism is growing in importance, owing to its SCUBA diving and yachting facilities.

Savusavu hosts a number of resorts, some of which have interesting specialities. Namale Resort hosts regular seminars in the Tony Robbins Life Mastery programme; the Jean Michel Cousteau Resort is one of the few 5 star resorts to offer a children’s camp; Daku Resort runs a programme of learning holidays in art, yoga, singing snorkeling and birdwatching throughout the year. The birdwatching tour visits the rare silktail which is only found in the island of Vanua Levu, in a habitat about an hour and a half from Savusavu. The silktail is one of the species listed by Birdlife International as being under threat.

Geothermal energy is resource waiting to be tapped. A geological survey has found that Savusavu's hot springs could generate enough electricity to power the entire island of Vanua Levu.

Most land in Fiji is owned by native land owners – the mataqali (extended family unit). Savusavu and surrounding areas has a large amount of freehold land, much of it once used as coconut plantations. Increasingly this land has been subdivided and sold, often to expats seeking a retirement or holiday home. As a result, Savusavu is now home to a small but significant community of Americans, Australians, New Zealanders and Europeans which has helped fuel its economic development.

Politics

Incorporated as a Town in 1969, Savusavu is governed by a 9-member Town Council, elected for a three-year term. The Councillors elect a Mayor from among themselves for a one-year term, which may be renewed any number of times. Following the victory of the Savusavu Ratepayers and Citizens Party in the municipal elections held on 22 October 2005, Ram Pillay was chosen as Mayor, succeeding Peni Naulu of the Lighthouse Party.

Famous Savusavu people

• Satish Chandra Gulabdas
• Finau Tabakaucoro
• Ratu Kinijoji Maivalili
• Geoff Taylor
• Curly Carswell,
• Ratu Sailosi Qomate (Uncle Trevor),
• Angie Rakai-Bower
• Pettine Simpson,
• Mr Solanki,
• Mr Chaaganlal,
• Ossie Haynes,
• Ateca Lepper
• Molly Haynes
• Keenon Chang
• Raymond Fong
• Peter Fong
• Harry & Mereia Bici
• Mr Harold Powell
• Leo Smith
• Mr Teiko Kong
• Gock Kong
• Alfred Fong
• Ann Billings
• William Simpson
• Joe & Fanny Hazelman
• Peter Hazelman
• Robin Mercer

References

External links

• Savusavu Hotel Guide
• Savusavu Tourism Association
• FIJI FACTS AND FIGURES AS AT 1ST JULY 2008

v t e Political divisions of Fiji Divisions Central Eastern Northern Western Provinces Ba Bua Cakaudrove Kadavu Lau Lomaiviti Macuata Nadroga Navosa Naitasiri Namosi Ra Rewa Serua Tailevu Dependency Rotuma Cities Lautoka Suva Towns Ba Labasa Lami Levuka Nadi Nasinu Nausori Savusavu Sigatoka Tavua

Coordinates: 16°44′48″S 179°21′30″E / 16.74667°S 179.35833°E / -16.74667; 179.35833