Getting There
Air Fiji (tel. 877/247-3454 in the U.S., or 672 2251 in Nadi; www.airfiji.com.fj) has early-morning and late-afternoon flights to Ovalau's unpaved airstrip at Bureta, on the island's west coast. The round-trip fare from Suva is about F$128 (US$83/£43). Levuka is halfway around Ovalau on the east coast.
Patterson Shipping Services (tel. 331 5644; patterson@connect.com.fj) has bus-ferry connections from Suva to Buresala Landing, north of the airstrip.
The airstrip and ferry landing are at least 45-minute rides from Levuka via the very rough road that circles Ovalau; nevertheless, the ride to Levuka, on the other side of the island, is a sightseeing excursion in its own right. Bus fare from the airstrip or ferry landing into town is F$7 (US$4.50/£2.30); taxis cost about F$25 (US$16/£8.30).
Don't Leave Home Without It -- You can see the prime sites in old Levuka in a day. The airstrip on Ovalau is not lighted, however, and rainy weather or delays can cause the one late afternoon flight to be canceled. If you do come over here on a day trip, bring your toothbrush and a change of clothes. If the flight doesn't come, Air Fiji will put you up at the Royal Hotel.
Getting Around
Levuka is a small town, and you can get to most places in 25 minutes by foot. Numerous taxis congregate on Beach Street; be sure you and the driver agree on a fare before departing.
Given the poor condition of Ovalau's roads, four-wheel-drive trucks with seats in the back -- called "carriers" here -- serve as the local bus service. They don't run after dark, so find out from the driver when -- and whether -- he returns to Levuka at the end of the day.
Ovalau Watersports (tel. 344 0166) and the Royal Hotel (tel. 344 0024) both rent bicycles for F$15 (US$9.70/£5) a day. The road around the southern part of the island is flat, but the north side is hilly.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
