Orchid Island
Orchid Island
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
23 reviews
Excellent
8
Very good
10
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Shivy
Viti Levu, Fiji163 contributions
Mar 2020
We were on a road trip when we came across the Orchid Island board on the main highway. Since we had even time, we just decided to have a look through the place as Orchid Island was once very famous. The place looked quite run down. We were greeted by a lady who was seated at the spa area. She took us to a local guide named Makeli who gave a brief highlights of the trip. Upon listening to him, we were straight away convinced to go on the 30 mins bush walk tour ($19.80 per head). The tour starts with the visit to a 100 years old Fijian temple which has its own significance and story. Then comes the bush walk. You have to walk over a bridge crossing a small creek hence giving the name orchid "island". The place has some of the animals and wild lives of Fiji - turtles, ducks, snakes, parrots and you will be given a tour across the island . The guide explained quite well about the native plants and flowers present on the island. The place itself is run by locals who earn a living by this service. It was quiet badly damaged during the recent cyclones and has not been fully repaired since then. There is a conner showing the cannibalism history of Fiji as well. Hence if you wanna explore something different and historical then I would suggest this place. It does not have anything fancy but is like an open museum, just simple and historic in its own way.
Written 17 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dlongy
Lismore, Australia48 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
We hired a cab from the Warwick to Suva to have a look at the capital. On the way our cabbie suggested that we have a look at Orchid Island.
It is about 1km off the main road, 5km from Suva and well worth a look. There is one of only 3 remaining traditional Fijian temples and great grounds.
We were met by the main man. An English educated gent whos knowledge and humor was a highlight of the whole holiday. The temple is joined a few meters away by a small museum with traditional war clubs and cannibal artifacts (used). The grounds are beautiful, orchids, ginger, heliconia and banana plants abound.
Whats more - IT IS FREE. Just make a donation to the villiage.
It is about 1km off the main road, 5km from Suva and well worth a look. There is one of only 3 remaining traditional Fijian temples and great grounds.
We were met by the main man. An English educated gent whos knowledge and humor was a highlight of the whole holiday. The temple is joined a few meters away by a small museum with traditional war clubs and cannibal artifacts (used). The grounds are beautiful, orchids, ginger, heliconia and banana plants abound.
Whats more - IT IS FREE. Just make a donation to the villiage.
Written 4 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Honeymoonforever
Charlotte61 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
We were amazed by Orchid Island. What a wonderful step back in history and view of the pre-missionary culture of Fiji. The temple, the pictures of hundreds of years of history and the authentic guide are all very memorable, along with the flowers and vegetation.
Suva is undergoing some interesting changes. Only guides who pay a fee are allowed inside the cruise terminal. That naturally irkes those born there, and who own most of the land. Orchid Island is owned by the tribes that operate it today -- but they only allow access via private guides who are authentic and boutique. simionedaveta@gmail.com is one of those guides, and memorable in his own right.
Suva is undergoing some interesting changes. Only guides who pay a fee are allowed inside the cruise terminal. That naturally irkes those born there, and who own most of the land. Orchid Island is owned by the tribes that operate it today -- but they only allow access via private guides who are authentic and boutique. simionedaveta@gmail.com is one of those guides, and memorable in his own right.
Written 29 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
UraiaNaicori
Suva, Fiji1 contribution
Mar 2016 • Business
This is the owner of the orchid island cultural center, just to inform you that we are now open for business.
The owner is a native.
ishould you ned to have more information pliz contact us on +6793363023 or +679357133
The owner is a native.
ishould you ned to have more information pliz contact us on +6793363023 or +679357133
Written 10 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Olafur O
Edinburgh, UK8 contributions
Oct 2014 • Solo
I had an afternoon off and found this place on the internet by coincidence. I got tour guide, Simmi, his site is http://www.fiji-budget-vacations.com/suva-city-tours.html excellent choice, we had great time with good discussions - not only about Fiji, but mainly.
This place is run down due to flooding recently but that gives it a certain image. It will be renovated next year accordign to Simmi.
This place is run down due to flooding recently but that gives it a certain image. It will be renovated next year accordign to Simmi.
Written 11 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MAULIN MD
Metro Manila, Philippines146 contributions
Feb 2015 • Family
Orchid Island is the perfect example of a combined effort of nature of man and nature. It is a natural river formation which has been transformed into a truly splendid tourist attraction.
Written 19 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew6128
Great Totham, UK5 contributions
Nov 2016 • Solo
Directions: Head west on the main road out of Suva for around 15 mins. Orchid island is signed a few minutes after the village of Lami.
Transport: F$15 by taxi, F$1.50 by bus.
I read about Orchid Island on an independent travel blog which described it as something off the beaten track that had to be done in order to experience a slice of authentic Fijian village history. I must say I have to agree.
I arrived and Michael (I hope that is the correct spelling) warmly greeted me before embarking on the tour of his village (which incidentally is not strictly an island, although the river runs around it giving the appearance of one).
The insightful and informative tour included the impressive main temple, the ancient ruins, a guide to the range of trees and flowers, and the relics and old photos portraying the history of cannibalism that have been put up on a display. All elements were thoroughly engaging, it is just a shame that the recent cyclone caused a great deal of damage to the village and some of the displays, some of which are still in the midst of being repaired.
While there is no fee for the tour donations are welcomed and absolutely deserved as Michael was as entertaining as interesting. I rated this experience more highly than the self-guided tour of the Fiji Museum I did earlier the same day.
Transport: F$15 by taxi, F$1.50 by bus.
I read about Orchid Island on an independent travel blog which described it as something off the beaten track that had to be done in order to experience a slice of authentic Fijian village history. I must say I have to agree.
I arrived and Michael (I hope that is the correct spelling) warmly greeted me before embarking on the tour of his village (which incidentally is not strictly an island, although the river runs around it giving the appearance of one).
The insightful and informative tour included the impressive main temple, the ancient ruins, a guide to the range of trees and flowers, and the relics and old photos portraying the history of cannibalism that have been put up on a display. All elements were thoroughly engaging, it is just a shame that the recent cyclone caused a great deal of damage to the village and some of the displays, some of which are still in the midst of being repaired.
While there is no fee for the tour donations are welcomed and absolutely deserved as Michael was as entertaining as interesting. I rated this experience more highly than the self-guided tour of the Fiji Museum I did earlier the same day.
Written 5 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kazza46
Fiji11 contributions
Feb 2015 • Friends
Lovely setting in a peaceful environment. The staff give you a great welcome and are very helpful. I was expecting more orchids for display but what they had was beautiful.Well worth a visit if staying in the West.
Written 17 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicnichi
Hamilton, New Zealand22 contributions
May 2018 • Family
What this place lacked in actual attraction it made up for with a delightful guide who did everything to entertain my daughter. There were a lot of tall tails going on about 'the stone and the pot used for cannibalism' etc, but it was very entertaining. You will get a pitch for donations to the village as there has been recent flooding, but after paying your $20 entry pp they do accept a no for further support. I held a snake and got to show my daughter the coffee plant, cocoa plant and vanilla plant growing. A slice of real Fijian entrepreneurialism.
Written 14 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KarolaRS
7,001 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
Very interesting place, a great locacl site. Tour guide very informative. Worth the $10 per person donation. All funds go to the local village
Written 19 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is Orchid Island opened? We are going to Suva on a cruise on 28 Aug, and am interested in going.
Written 29 June 2017
No Orchid Island is not open, we called by in July on the off chance, and it is in a poor state. Please see my recent review and photo.
Written 20 July 2017
On cruise visiting Suva on 23rd March 2017. May I have information on where your Tours go to, and cost, please?
Written 21 February 2017
The tour is technically free but donations to the guide and village are expected. I gave F$15 as that's what I roughly valued the experience at.
Written 31 December 2016
HI,
How did you organise this tour, cannot find any way in which to book it .Did you do it when you got to Suva , we will be arriving by cruise ship .Can we still do this.
Thanks
Anne
Written 30 October 2016
neilpetronella
Wollongong, Australia
Hello, Looking at cruising to Suva late November any chance of a roughly day trip from the port??
Written 22 September 2016
are coming on a royal Caribbean cruise on the 27th November. Can we get to your island easily?
Written 8 August 2016
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