Finding the Real Fiji, Uprising Trek

It's taken us almost two weeks but we've finally found the real Fiji. 

From Pacific Harbour we joined the Uprising Trek through the 'bush' and within minutes found ourselves knee deep in mud. Whereas there'd once been a wooden path we saw only its remains, the rest having been swallowed up by the swamps or smashed by the floods. Luckily our group was led by three Fijian guides who advised us where to step to avoid going the same way. 

With the Fijians focusing on our feet we could afford to look further afield and take in our amazing surroundings. We were completely immersed within the jungle but through the small gaps in the giant banana leaves and twisted vines, we could see way out over the island which was just beautiful. 

The trek was heading for the waterfalls deep in the forest but before we could get there we had to cross six rivers and one swamp. There were no bridges to speak of so we hoisted our bags up high and waded through. For reasons unbeknownst to me (I decided I'd rather not know) we were told to keep our shoes on in the water so our feet were squelching with every step thereafter. I imagine for some people this would be their worst nightmare but as we watched everyone slipping and sliding around in the mud, with the occasional person disappearing into it entirely, it was quite impossible not to smile. The whole group was in high spirits in fact as our guides led sing-a-longs and showed us how to make crowns from leaves so that we could all be kings and queens of the jungle. 

An hour or so later we reached the waterfalls and dived straight into the pool at the bottom to try and clean off. Then we headed up to the top! The highest tier led into a deep pool so that we were able to jump from the edge down into the water. It was a really long drop but Hana and I braved the fall twice; once to get over the fear and a second time to actually enjoy it! It was amazing; a natural playground hidden in the depths of the forest and we absolutely loved it. 

The return trek was slightly shorter as a boat met us at the river and took us all the way back down to the beach near Pacific Harbour. Strangely enough the Pacific Harbour complex itself was one of the most touristy places we've seen on the mainland but you only need venture a little way out to lose yourself entirely to the real Fiji experience.