Located just a short 20-minute drive from the heart of Suva, the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park and Reserve serves as a lush and vibrant sanctuary for both locals and tourists. This popular destination offers an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, especially during school and public holidays when visitor numbers peak.
Recently, a team from The Sunday Times ventured into Colo-i-Suva Forest Park and Reserve. Despite being on a work-related trip, they found themselves immersed in a serene and tranquil environment, surrounded by towering mahogany trees and the sounds of exotic birds.
Established in 1952 and situated at an elevation of 56 meters, the park is easily accessible from Colo-i-Suva village by various modes of transportation. Managed by the Ministry of Forestry, visitors can opt for a budget-friendly bus ride from the Suva bus station, which costs under $2 and takes about 30 minutes, or take a taxi for around $15. For those driving, the main entrance is located opposite the Ministry of Forestry station and the Colo-i-Suva Rainforest Eco Lodge, accessible via Princes Rd through Tamavua and Tacirua villages.
Spanning 4.97 square kilometers, this sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to Fiji. Following a period of extensive logging in the 1940s and 50s, the Ministry of Forestry initiated a replanting program that included African Mahogany trees, which have helped stabilize the topsoil while preserving the native vegetation.
The park’s trees play a crucial role in air and water filtration, soil erosion prevention, and climate change mitigation, according to scientific research from the ministry. Notably, about 45% of Fiji’s endemic plants can be found in the Colo-i-Suva forests.
Among the spectacular flora, visitors can see blooming bamboo orchids, white ginger, and various ferns, while birdwatchers can rejoice in the presence of 30 out of the 57 land bird species found in Fiji, including the recognizable Barking Imperial Pigeon, locally known as Soqe. Further, the reserve accommodates migratory birds and various exotic species, from Pacific black ducks to predatory birds like the Fiji goshawk.
The biodiversity goes beyond avian life. More than 20 butterfly species, like the Fijian ringlet, help pollinate blossoms, alongside a range of insects and reptiles, including the Pacific Flying Fox, which feeds on the plentiful fruit trees.
Colo-i-Suva Forest Park is not just a haven for wildlife; it also offers numerous recreational opportunities. The park features beautiful trails for hiking, rock pools, and waterfalls, providing a refreshing retreat for visitors looking to cool off. Ambient temperatures sometimes drop to about 15 to 20 degrees, and the area experiences regular rainfall, making it one of the wetter locations in Suva.
Waisiliva Creek is the main waterway flowing through the park, creating inviting swimming holes and leading to the popular Waisila Falls, known for its rope swing and deep swimming area. Adjacent picnic tables and bure sheds provide a convenient space for visitors to relax and enjoy meals.
Forest reserves are vital for the ecosystem’s health. In Fiji, they provide essential resources such as fuel, water, nutrition, and oxygen, all while helping stabilize the climate and protect biodiversity. The Colo-i-Suva Forest Park and Reserve’s significance was officially recognized when it was registered under the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Malta in 2015.
During a visit to Fiji in late October 2018, Prince Harry planted a Fijian Kauri tree in Colo-i-Suva, an act that the Ministry of Forestry continues to maintain.
Whether planning a hiking trip, a swim, or simply wishing to enjoy the vibrant array of lifeforms, a visit to Colo-i-Suva is always rewarding, offering new experiences for all who explore its trails.