Situated just a 20-minute drive from Suva’s central business district, the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park and Reserve provides a lush retreat from urban life. It’s a favored spot for locals and visitors seeking solace and recreation, especially during school vacations and public holidays.
A recent visit by a team from The Sunday Times transformed a work trip into a tranquil experience, as the team enjoyed the serenity of towering mahogany trees and the sounds of exotic birds.
Established in 1952 and perched at an elevation of 56 meters, the park lies on the outskirts of Colo-i-Suva village and is easily accessible by various modes of transport. Visitors can take a bus from the Suva bus station for under $2, which takes approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, taxis are available, usually costing 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 Road through Tamavua and Tacirua.
Covering 4.97 square kilometers, the sanctuary is rich in Fiji’s unique flora and fauna. Historical records from the Ministry of Forestry indicate that African Mahogany trees were planted in the 1940s and ’50s to stabilize topsoil after a period of heavy logging, while also preserving indigenous vegetation.
The scientific insights reveal that the forest’s lush greenery plays a vital role 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 Colo-i-Suva.
Visitors can find vibrant flowers like bamboo orchids and white ginger, along with endemic ferns such as false staghorn and king fern along the trails. Of the 57 land birds in Fiji, 30 species reside in the forest, with the notable Barking Imperial Pigeon, known locally as Soqe, frequently heard among the treetops. The area is also a sanctuary for numerous exotic species, including the Pacific Kingfisher and various migratory birds.
In addition to birds, the park hosts over 20 butterfly species that aid in pollination, along with spiders, dragonflies, and diverse crawling creatures. The Pacific Flying Fox, found among the trees, enjoys the fruits available, while the Small Indian Mongoose may occasionally be heard in the underbrush.
Colo-i-Suva serves as a picturesque picnic and recreational spot, offering stunning forest trails for hikers and inviting rock pools and waterfalls for relaxation. The temperature in the reserve can drop to between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, with rain frequenting the area three to four days a week, making it wetter than other parts of Suva.
The Waisiliva Creek, a key waterway, flows through the forest, creating numerous swimming holes. There are two car parks at the entrance, leading to upper and lower pools, with Waisila Falls being the most well-known feature, famous for its rope swing and deep swimming area.
Recognized for its role in nurturing biodiversity, the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park was registered under the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy by the late Queen Elizabeth II during the 2015 Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. In a notable visit in October 2018, Prince Harry planted a Fijian Kauri tree in the park, a lasting tribute maintained by the Ministry of Forestry.
For anyone planning a visit to this vibrant natural oasis, taking time to appreciate the diverse life forms—from plants and birds to insects—ensures that there is always something new to discover in Colo-i-Suva.