Garden of the Sleeping Giant, Nausori, Viti Levu, Fiji

My review is not only about this lovely garden but also a couple of other interesting places around Nadi in Fiji. Incidentally Nadi is pronounced Nandi in Fijian Unless you are interested in adrenalin seeking activities such as skidoos , banana boats, rafting down a river, swimming with sharks, scuba diving or deep sea fishing then there are limited things to do in the Nadi area. The most obvious experience is to sail and visit some of the smaller islands in either the Mamanuca or Yasawa island groups. We decided we would take a trip to see a couple of the islands in the Mamanuca ( pronounced ... more

The tropical gardens nestle beneath the Nausori Hills (the ridge outline of the hills is said to resemble the body of a sleeping giant).We were not aware until we returned home that the gardens (and orchid collection ) formed part of the estate of the late Raymond Burr, Hollywood star of 'Ironside',and 'Perry Mason'. Located on Fiji's 'big island' a few minutes drive outside the bustling town of Nadi ,past the international airport,and along the Lautoka road.We did not require transport,but a taxi (a high proportion of which were splendid white Mercedes saloons) would have cost FJ$20.A steal ... more