Savusavu on the island of Vanu Levu is often referred to as a quiet alternative to the more famous resorts of Fiji. It is a small port town where the daily life of the locals easily intersects with the routes of travelers. There is no sense of a tourist conveyor belt here, but there are markets, shops, bus trips, and simple excursions that allow you to see northern Fiji as it lives every day.
Savusavu is a convenient base. From here, it is easy to reach markets, gardens, resort areas, hot springs, and neighboring towns, and the town itself provides everything you need for everyday shopping and leisurely strolls.
Shopping in Savusavu
Shopping in Savusavu is not about shopping malls, but about markets, small shops, and local stalls. The main place for shopping is the Savusavu farmers’ market, also known as the Central Market. It is located in the city center and is a large covered area with rows of stalls.
Here you can buy tomatoes, lettuce, green beans, taro, kava root, eggplants, cucumbers, bananas, chilies, pineapples, papayas, mangoes, and other tropical fruits and vegetables. Saturday is considered the busiest day, when the selection is at its best and the atmosphere is especially lively.
There are two Max Val-u supermarkets in the city. They are small but convenient for buying basic products. Here you can find carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, apples, citrus fruits, and things that are sometimes not available at the market. One of the departments sells wine and beer. Another popular store is New World IGA. It is considered the best-stocked in Savusavu and often comes to the rescue if you can’t find the product you need elsewhere.
Mini-markets in Savusavu can be found on almost every street. These are small stores in a single room that sell everything under the sun. Sometimes, if you are willing to walk around and search, you can find items that are temporarily out of stock in supermarkets.
Savusavu Wines and Spirits deserves a special mention. Formally, it is a wine shop, but in fact, it serves as a gastronomic lifesaver. It sells spices, foods, and ingredients from all over the world. Cardamom, tamarind paste, capers, feta cheese, good Parmesan, olive oil, Asian sauces, Italian products, and even familiar sweets. Sometimes they make stuffed rotis here, which are considered some of the best in town.
There are two bakeries in Savusavu: Hot Bread Kitchen and Lee’s Bread and Cake House. Each has its own regular customers. Many people say that Lee’s rye bread is the best in town. There are also several butcher shops where you can buy chicken, pork, steaks, and sausages. One of the most popular ones is located in the Waitui marina area.
Excursions in Savusavu
Excursion routes around Savusavu are divided into short trips and longer trips around the island of Vanu Levu. One of the most famous attractions nearby is the Flora Tropica botanical garden, located about five kilometers from the city. Visits are possible by appointment. The garden is known for its collection of palm trees from around the world, including rare species. The walk takes about an hour and follows wooden paths with access to a viewing platform.
In Savusavu itself, there are hot springs at the medical center. This is a volcanic area, and the springs are small pools of hot water. It is more of a local spot than a tourist attraction, and your experience will depend on your personal preferences.
A popular walk is to the resort area of Kusto on Cape Lesyacheva. The walk takes several hours one way, but you can also take a bus. Nearby is an anchorage and snorkeling spot, easily accessible by boat from Savusavu. This is a good option for a day trip with the feel of a real sea route.
Among the more distant trips, the route to Labas, the largest city on Vanuatu, stands out. It is located about 53 miles from Savusavu. The bus ride takes about three hours and passes through picturesque areas. Labasa is noisier and hotter, and the central market there is much larger. It is a city with a strong Indian influence, which can be felt in the food, architecture, and everyday life.
In Labasa, The Oriental restaurant, located above the bus station, and the pool bar at the Grand Eastern Hotel are often recommended. From Labasa, you can visit the Snake Temple, built around a cobra-shaped stone. It is a place of pilgrimage and an interesting cultural site, but it is best to plan your trip by taxi.
Another option is Palmlea Farms Lodge in northern Vanuatu. It is an eco-lodge with its own organic produce and excellent cuisine. The trip requires a rental car and advance booking, but lunch or a night at this place often becomes one of the most memorable episodes of the trip.
For nature lovers, there are trips along the Hibiscus Highway to Buka Bay, day diving tours to Namena Island with Koro Sun Dive, and visits to the Vuadomo and Nakawaka waterfalls and the natural hot springs in the village of Bagasau. Some of these places require a sevu sevu ceremony and an entrance fee.
Bottom Line
Savusavu is suitable for those who want to see Fiji without the rush and tourist noise. Shopping here is practical and local, and excursions range from short walks to full-fledged trips around Vanu Levu. This town does not try to impress, but it gives you the opportunity to explore the island at your own pace, communicate with the locals, and plan your itinerary at your own pace.
