Viseleisei Village & Garden Of Sleep Giant

OVERVIEW

Stroll the winding paths of an exotic orchid garden and delve into Fijian culture at a seaside village on the island’s western shore. Supposedly founded as early as 1500 B.C., Viseisei is considered to be the oldest settlement in Fiji and its villagers still follow traditional ways. After a brief guided tour of Viseisei, you will browse the shell market and take in the stunningly beautiful views from Vuda Point, where those original settlers landed. You will also visit the exquisite Garden of the Sleeping Giant, which is named after the legend of a giant that ate so many Fijians that he fell into a deep sleep. The garden started as a nursery to house the orchid collection of actor and part-time Fiji resident Raymond Burr of “Perry Mason” fame. Thousands of brightly colored orchids now flourish there in the foothills of the Nausori Highlands, including hybrids that Burr created.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour the oldest settlement in Fiji, which according to tradition dates to 1500 B.C.
• Browse the village shell market and admire the panoramic views from Vuda Point.
• Meander through the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, a lush paradise full of exotic orchids.
• Hear how the garden began as a nursery for the orchid collection of actor Raymond Burr.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.