Tribewanted: Vorovoro Info Pack

What is it like to actually live on your own deserted island? This guide will give you an idea. Find your island feet before they even hit the sand!

Click here to download the latest 'Island Info Pack'

EXPLORE

Here's your chance to explore our tribal village on Vorovoro without even leaving your seat! Check out our interactive map of Vorovoro!

EXPERIENCE

Vorovoro is a place and experience like no other in Fiji. The ability to live, work and play within a real Fijian community is simply an opportunity that should not be missed. But don't just take our word for it - read what other travelers have said about their time on Vorovoro!

Still curious if Tribewanted is right for you?

THE ISLAND

Vorovoro is a spectacular eruption of land; a short plane, bus and boat ride from Fiji's international airport. Over 200 acres of cliff-topped jungle and palm-fringed paradise surges out of the crystal blue South Pacific ocean. This island will be the tribe's home for three years as they write their own adventure story.

Vorovoro's chief, Tui Mali and his family have welcomed the tribe to their idyllic and dramatic home, where freshly caught seafood and island-grown fruits and vegetables are served daily.

A few minutes boat-ride north of its calm shores lies the third largest reef in the world - an undiscovered underwater Eden. Close by breaks an off-shore wave that will capture the imagination of surfers and adventurers alike.

This is Vorovoro. We have called this place home since September 2006.

CULTURE

Over 300 tropical islands form the South Pacific's most popular adventure escape. With its desert-islands, coral reefs, lush jungles and jagged mountains, Fiji is a land that leaves you breathless and exhilarated. But it is what is beyond its dramatic and enchanting environments that provides Fiji's biggest attraction; its friendly, welcoming and energetic people make Fiji a country full of big hearts, wide smiles and exotic culture. It doesn't take long to feel at home in Fiji.

Fijian culture is very rich in traditional beliefs and many aspects of life today are as they were a hundred years ago. Fijians live within a strict hierarchical system with the village chiefs receiving the respect of all. Fijian chiefs are hereditary titles, mostly through the male lineage, and the ranking of chiefs throughout the country is ordered into a strict hierarchical system of mataqalis, vanuas and yavusas (clans and sub clans).

Village homes are simplistic and doors are seldom closed. Subsistence farming, fishing, gathering firewood for cooking and hand-washing make up the normal days chores in Fijian villages. At night, Fijians will (more often than not) be drinking Yaqona, discussing village affairs and playing guitars. Most village people live without material goods, and many villages have no electricity and running water. Money to buy essential provisions and to pay for school fees is obtained by selling excess root-crops (dalo, cassava and yams) and vegetables at the town markets.

On Vorovoro, all tribe members are welcome (and also encouraged) to get involved with Fijian culture as much as possible. Whether this happens to be in the form of learning the meke (traditional Fijian dance), attending Fijian ceremonies and drinking kava with the boys, visiting the local school, helping to pound and weave new floor mats, taking part in a lovo (Fijian feast), or picking up on some basic Fijian words to use in your everyday conversation on Vorovoro, you will find it to be an extremely rewarding experience. Your respect for Fijian customs and traditions will not only make you a welcome guest in local villages and homes, but add another dimension to your Fijian holiday.

While you may have a choice on your level of involvement in these aspects of Fijian culture, we do expect all tribe members visiting Vorovoro to adhere to standard Fijian village etiquette during your time on Vorovoro or the surrounding villages of Mali. Don't worry though, staff on the island will explain the basics to you once you get to Vorovoro and will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Unlike all the "party islands" in Fiji, Vorovoro is about the Fijian cultural experience. We drink kava (grog) rather than mojitos and beer, and we sing songs and chat under the stars on the kava mat (with the local Fijian community) rather than shout at one another in nightclubs.

KIT LIST

It's hard to know what to bring to the island. If you've got specific questions, why not get in touch with someone currently on the island?

What NOT to bring

Help us Ban the Bag! We are working towards keeping all plastic bags and packaging off of Vorovoro, so please consider the amount of waste generated by different items you might bring with you.

What to bring

For the tribe / Fijian community

1/2 kg kava (yaqona root) - tribe members can help you shop for this in Labasa upon arrival ($20 FJD) If you are able to, please bring something from the island wishlist

Clothing

NOTE: Vorovoro can be harsh on clothing, so don't plan on wearing your Sunday finest! See notes on tribe dress below.

Shorts (down to at least the knee if possible, board shorts the best type) or Skirts, something comfortable for during the day T-shirts (lots of them, you'll wear more than you think) For girls, the best t-shirts are ones that cover your shoulders and have a high neck line Long pair of pants - good for evenings Long shirt - for covering up from the mozzies in the evening Hoody or Sweater - for cooler evenings Shoes to get wet - solid sandals, flip-flops, or water shoes (for walking in water, over stones, and on sharp coral) Shoes to go hiking - boots are good, but a good pair of trainers is fine Hat protection from the sun Bathing suit - swim and beach gear 1 sulu - aka Fijian sarong - tribe members can help you shop for this in Labasa upon arrival ($5 FJD)

For sleeping

There is a variety of accommodation including a 6-bed dorm, 12 bed dorm, Family Bure (sleeps 5), Fun House (sleeps 2-4), a military sleeping hammock with beach views and the Grand Bure has room too. If you're feeling adventurous there is a tree house.

Light sleeping bag or sheet Tent (optional) - if you would prefer your own space, you can pitch your tent wherever you like around camp.

Additional Costs on Vorovoro

Your tribal membership fee covers the large majority of your stay on Vorovoro. There will be no additional costs on Vorovoro for food or accommodation, as these things are included as part of your membership. The only additional costs that you are likely to run into once you get to Vorovoro are for extra activities, such as reef trips, or trips back into town to do some shopping. The prices attached to these activities are to cover the fuel costs of running the associated boats. These activities can be paid to the island team after the event:

Mali village visit - $10 return Town trip - $15 return (Limited availability on Mon, Wed, and Sat each week) Reef trip - $20 return (Limited availability, usually once or twice each week)

For hygiene and health care

Toiletries, keep it as eco as possible, ie. less chemicals, the more biodegradable the better. Natural soap (made in Fiji) can be purchased on the island (coconut, mango or starfruit) First aid kit - band aids and anti-septic wipes will be the most useful thing you bring. There is a full first aid kit on the island for serious injuries. Suncream/after sun Water sterilization tablets (optional) - The rainwater we catch is fine but you may want to take extra care.

Travel insurance details

health docs bank cards Fiji $ Worldnomads.com

Travel Insurance: Simple and Flexible

You can buy, extend and claim online even after you've left home. Recommended by Lonely Planet, World Nomads travel insurance is available to people from over 150 countries and is designed for adventurous travellers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and activities such as skiing and snowboarding.

Tribe members can enjoy all that WorldNomads.com offer plus receive a 5% discount on purchase by simply adding the code: KAVA on the payment page!

 

 

 

 

 

More on World Nomads and how you can get involved

Optional items

Torch / Flashlight - essential. There are no street lights on Vorovoro. Water bottle - highly recommended. Camera - Bring your own and share photos online! Mosquito spray/cream/lotion - natural options are preferable. Long pants and shirts also work well against biting bugs. Neosporin (antibiotic cream for treating any open sores), cortizone cream (for rashes or itching, swelling or allergic reactions), surgical adhesive tape (band aids tend not to fair too well in an environment like Vorovoro), Tea Tree oil (highly recommended for stopping any sinus infection or ear infection from the sea water) Mosquito Net (we have more than enough on Vorovoro to go around now) Sleeping matt/mattress (cheap single foam mattresses can be purchased in Labasa if needs be, but we have plenty already on Vorovoro that can be used)

Packs and luggage

Rucksack/Travel Bag - a large backpack is preferable to a rolling suitcase Small daysack/ mini rucksack Snorkel and fins - there are community snorkels, fins, and masks to share on Vorovoro.

Dress on Vorovoro

Tribe Camp - casual. There is plenty of beach for sun lovers. When Fijian family and workers around bikinis should be covered with sarong and singlet or T-shirt. Boys can get away with just boardies/shorts. Around Tui Mali's house and Mali villages for ceremonies and visits, tribe members should wear sulu and t-shirt/shirt. Girls need to cover shoulders and yes, boys get to wear a skirt! Nudity is not commonplace in Fijian culture - so if this is something you want to do please be discrete (don't do it near the Fijian village or the workers)! Sunglasses are considered impolite in Fijian rural society so around the site these are generally discouraged For women that intend to swim in front of the village, please bring surf/board shorts and a comfortable light T or tank top with wide shoulders for swimming. Bikinis are fine as long as you swim away from the village, and don't walk around the village afterwards without attempting to cover up at least a bit

TRAVEL

Booking time on Vorovoro

When you join the tribe you can book your week(s) on Vorovoro.

There is currently availability every week of the project. However, with the recent vote limiting pre-booked tribe members to 30 at anyone time it is likely that availability during certain times of the year will disappear.

If you aren't sure about when you might come and have questions about when its busy just send us a quick email and we'll let you know.

Last minute bookings in Fiji

If you have just found out about Tribewanted since arriving in Fiji then thanks to a friendly vote from the tribe there are always a few places available on Vorovoro for people like you.

Hop on a plane or boat up to Labasa and come and stay. Call or email us to confirm availability.

Buying and booking more than 3 weeks on Vorovoro

You can easily buy and book more than three weeks on Vorovoro. Simply email us to confirm availability and then we'll direct you on how to do the rest. The longest period you can pre-book island time is 12 weeks. So far the record is 9!

Travel to Vorovoro

Fiji is an international stop-over for many flights to and from New Zealand and Australia. You can fly direct to Nadi (pronounced Nandee), Fiji, from Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland, Los Angeles and Seoul. For round the world tickets book with STA Travel Once in Nadi you can overnight at the Skylodge five minutes from the airport or connect directly to Labasa LOCAL FLIGHTS TO VOROVORO connect twice daily from Nadi to Labasa on Pacific Sun. Remember to enter your flight times into our booking system, so we can organise for a taxi to meet you at Labasa Airport on your arrival! TAKING THE BOAT is an alternative to flying to Labasa if you have a bit more time, a sense of adventure, and want to save some dollars. There are all kinds of combinations of boats and bus routes to get you to Labasa and you can plan these when you arrive into Nadi. If you are interested in travelling by Boat/Bus to Labasa, please check out > Bligh Water Shipping

Traveling by boat is a great way of seeing more of Fiji but please allow at least 24 hours for the journey and some patience, a bit of 'Fiji time' is do be expected.

As a result of a recent vote, all tribe members must arrive into Labasa on either a Monday, Wednesday or Saturday. (This is to save on gas pollution, tribe funds, as well as minimize the social impact of members arriving and departing from Vorovoro) Once you confirm your arrival time into Labasa on our online booking system , a Tribewanted taxi will pick you up from Labasa Airport and will bring you to our office at The Grand Eastern Hotel (approx. 20 minute journey). If you have any delays or problems, please call Tribewanted locally on +679 992 0428. At the Grand Eastern you will be welcomed by one of the Tribewanted team and given instructions as to when the boat will leave for Vorovoro from the jetty on the river behind the hotel (approx. 40 minute journey). Someone from the tribe will take you to buy your kava for you welcome Sevusevu to Tui Mali. And if you did not bring a Sulu (sarong) with you, you will need to buy one for about $6.

About Tribewanted:

Tribewanted is a unique community tourism project based on Vorovoro Island, Fiji. Tribe members join online before spending upwards of one week on Vorovoro living as part of a Fijian and global community. You can do as much as you like on Vorovoro from collecting firewood to spearfishing to learning the local dance. "If there's one thing you do in life, make sure its Tribewanted" Lisa Niari