The cave's history is fascinating with the Sacred Pond, Cathedral Chamber and majestic rock formations standing out. The Naihehe Cave was normally a sacred place and it was forbidden to outsiders and out of bounds to villagers since it was an ancients worship BUREKALOU (Hall).
In the colonial day during imperialism and spreading of Christianity, a British man, Nakalevu, passed through the Naqalimare District in an effort to convert all inhabitants into Christians. But he was not successful since the Sautabu villagers hid or sort of disappeared into the cave. The cave which was once a fortress for the last pagan tribes of Fiji, was eventually discovered.
There are still many reminders of their residence such as the priest's chamber, a ritual platform and even a cannibal oven. Inside the worship chamber there is a stage used by the chiefs to look down on its people during ceremonies, which also had a cannibal stone oven next to it. Mana and Taboo were also practiced in the cave.
The pregnant chamber is said to have been used if a woman or girl was pregnant and trying to maintain her innocence in front of the elders and chief as well as priests, she would not be able to pass through the passage way. But the hidden fact is that the pregnant chamber was intended as a barrier for any outsiders (enemies) using their hidden power to attack the fortress.
High up in the ceiling there are two escape routes which were now blocked by many years of soil erosion and many root crops, plant, fruits and vegetables were planted above.
Rather than reading the story, It would be better for you to visit our cave and experience the realities of The Salad Bowl Cave Tour Fiji and truly one of the most incredible historical sites of the FIji Islands.
The Tour
Transportation will pick up the guests at the indicated resorts at the time specified. Other guest from the other resorts will have to book prior to the tour and will be picked up accordingly from their hotels, Sigatoka town, the Sautabu Village or Naihehe Bridge.
The Cave Tour guides will be awaiting to escort the guest for the tour. It takes about 15 minutes to reach to sites and about one and half hours to complete the Tour alongside the tour guides will be a clan elder who is familiar with the history, traditions and has cultural knowledge of the area. An interpreter will also accompany the group.
The walk will begin from the main road and follows up the perimeter of the Sigatoka river bank. Then you will ride on a BiliBili (bamboo raft) to the entrance of the NAIHEHE Cave site. During this portion of the cave tour, you will come across numerous farming area of the valley known as the Salad Bowl in Fiji, some ancient sites with rich history and creeks before entering the NAIHEHE Cave.
Upon their return, guest will walk through the farming area towards the hill in the centre of the site which overlooks a true Fijian village in the interior. It also overlooks a beautiful vegetable crop farming area called the Sigatoka Valley. This is the main attraction of the site because of its magnificent scenery. Also at this point the tour will have small break and refreshments of local fruits and juice will be provided. The tour guides will share some stories with the guests prior to departure.
The Salad Bowl
Sigatoka is located along the south western coast (Coral Coast) of Viti Levu, one of the two main islands in Fiji. Sigatoka is the main centre for the Coral Coast, a major tourist district with cultural, historical and natural attractions. Up-river from Sigatoka is a wide valley - the Sigatoka Salad Bowl, known for its rich market gardens. The Sigatoka River – Fiji’s second largest river flows down through the Salad Bowl and opens up along the Coast.