Situated just a 20-minute drive from the heart of Suva, the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park and Reserve offers a lush escape from urban life. This vibrant oasis attracts both locals and tourists eager to unwind and enjoy quality time with loved ones, with visitor numbers soaring during school and public holidays.
A team from The Sunday Times toured the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park earlier this week, and the experience felt like entering an entirely different realm. The calming ambiance created by the towering mahogany trees and the sounds of exotic birds provide a peaceful retreat.
Established in 1952, the park sits at an elevation of 56 meters, on the outskirts of the Colo-i-Suva village, and is easily accessible via various modes of transport. Managed by the Ministry of Forestry, visitors can take a bus from the Suva bus station for under $2, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes, or opt for a taxi costing around $15. For those driving, access is straightforward via Princes Road through Tamavua and Tacirua villages, with the main entry located opposite the Ministry of Forestry station and Colo-i-Suva Rainforest Eco Lodge.
Covering 4.97 square kilometers, this sanctuary is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna unique to Fiji. Data from the Ministry of Forestry indicates that African Mahogany trees were introduced post-1940s logging to stabilize topsoil while preserving indigenous biodiversity. The exotic trees play crucial roles in air and water purification, soil erosion prevention, and climate change mitigation.
According to the Commonwealth Forestry Association, 45% of Fiji’s endemic plant species thrive in the Colo-i-Suva forests. Visitors can enjoy sights of blooming bamboo orchids, white ginger, morning glory, and vibrant ferns such as false staghorn and king fern. Among the 57 terrestrial bird species found in Fiji, 30 make their home in this park, with their distinctive calls filling the air, particularly that of the Barking Imperial Pigeon, known locally as Soqe.
The park also hosts various migratory and predatory birds, including the Pacific black duck and Fiji goshawk. The forest is lively with insect and reptilian life, featuring over 20 butterfly species like the Fijian ringlet, along with numerous spiders, dragonflies, and other critters like slugs and millipedes.
Colo-i-Suva serves as a pleasant picnic spot and recreational space, boasting stunning hiking trails, rock pools, and waterfalls for those looking to relax and cool off. The temperatures in the area can dip between 15 to 20 degrees, and it experiences frequent rainfall, making it one of the wetter regions near Suva.
The Waisiliva Creek, a key waterway, traverses the forest over stones, creating numerous swimming holes as it flows from the Waimanu River. There are two car parks at the entrance, leading to both upper and lower pools, with the famous Waisila Falls being a highlight, complete with a popular rope swing and a deep pool suitable for swimming.
Forest reserves are vital for ecological health, providing fuel, water, nourishment, and oxygen, while stabilizing climate and protecting biodiversity. The significance of Colo-i-Suva as a haven for various endemic species received international recognition in 2015 when it was registered under the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy during a Commonwealth meeting in Malta.
During the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Fiji in October 2018, Prince Harry planted a Fijian Kauri tree, known locally as Dakua Makadre, in a continued effort to maintain the area’s natural beauty.
For those considering a visit to Colo-i-Suva Forest Park, it’s a chance not just for hiking and swimming but also for observing the diverse life forms that thrive there. The park promises a unique experience, ensuring there is always something new to discover.