Page 24 - Fiji Traveller Issue 3

Neighbourhood guide

Laidback Labasa

Labasa town was established in 1922 and has a population of approximately 28,000 people. It is called the ‘Friendly North’ with
good reason; it is home to one of the warmest, most welcoming people in Fiji. The indigenous people and the history they share with
the descendants of indentured labourers are the pride of the town, with playful banter marking many interactions on the streets and
from car windows—in both iTaukei and Fiji Hindi—eliciting big kailas (laughs).

Apart from the friendly atmosphere, the town has its own charm with an airport, cinema, malls and smaller businesses and a
modest nightlife. Travel out onto the countryside for breathtaking scenery.

Pontoon Nite Club
If you're in the mood for a good night out, head on down to the
Pontoon nightclub right in the heart of Labasa town. The vibe is
electric, the DJ's music mix is set to keep your feet dancing all
night, and the dancefloor, the light show, and the mood are just
the right combination to make your night out a memorable one.
They close at 1am, and their security is always on the lookout to
ensure your safety. Just keep in mind that if you are buying a jug
of drink, the glasses are charged $1 to use, so many prefer to
buy the bottles instead.

Kwong Tung Restaurant
If you're in the mood for Chinese, Kwong Tung Restaurant
serves the best Chinese food in town. The quaint restaurant
serves tasty oriental Chinese dishes and other local favourites.
They have some of the best service I've ever encountered, with
dedicated staff for each section, chefs, fryers, kitchen hands,
and a slew of waitresses who attend to you. They also have a
genuine act of kindness in that when they see someone sitting
alone, they spend a few minutes chatting with them and laughing.
The restaurant is always packed; if you are heading there, you
can line up at the counter if you want takeout, but if you want to
enjoy the full service, just grab a table and one of the waitresses
will attend to you.

Labasa Handicraft Market
If you are visiting any part of Fiji, you can never leave without
visiting the market, and Labasa is no different. The market is
packed with spice vendors selling cinnamon, curry powders of
all varieties, vegetables, fish, and fruits, as well as an art and
craft space up the stairs that you must visit. The assorted mats
and the kuta mats that the ladies from Vanua Levu are well
known for are available, along with different baskets.
Grand Eastern Hotel
The Grand Eastern Hotel has an old-school charm and is
conveniently located. The in-house Colonial Arms Restaurant
is worth visiting not only for the menu, but also the wall of
fascinating historical photos of Labasa town.

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