Page 13 - Fiji Traveller 2023 Issue 5

Photo: Sairusi Tabualuma

Though the entry tunnel is narrow, you surface into a larger and spectacular
cave.
Once your eyes are accustomed to the lack of lights, you will be able to pick
out its stalactites and stalagmites, and true to its name, the acoustics are as
impressive as in any place of worship.
On the west coast of Qilaqila, you will find the ‘Qara ni Bose’ (The War
Room) cave. ‘Qara ni Volayaca’ (The Library) is on the southern shores.
The former is said to be where our ancestral gods used to meet to work out
their war strategies.
Qilaqila used to be their battleground.
Enter The War Room and you can see seats carved out of the limestone
walls of the cave.
From their seats perched high up, tiny openings reputedly gave the gods a
commanding view of Qilaqila passage.
It is all about being strategic, for no enemies’ war canoes can slip into the
bay without being noticed.

13