Raki Raki is a small coastal town, and a district, which lies in the far north-eastern regions of Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island. The Raki Raki District is part of the Ra Province and town of Raki Raki is the residence of the Tui Ra, the High Chief of the Ra Province, which includes all of the northern areas of Viti Levu. Overlooking the Bligh Water which separates Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, Raki Raki is a quaint old colonial township which is filled with traditional charm and local atmosphere, and stands on the King’s Road which provides easy access to many small rural areas in the vicinity. Due to its location on the King’s Road, Raki Raki has grown to become a small transport hub in the north-eastern parts of Fiji for visitors travelling to its many scattered resorts, and for those travelling by boat to some of the outer islands. Boats depart from Ellington Wharf which lies a few kilometres north of Raki Raki and transports visitors about 1.5 kilometres offshore to the popular island of Nananu-i-Ra. The island is known in Fijian mythology for being the location where the disembodied spirits' point of departure from this world to the afterlife takes place. A village once crowned the peak of Nananu-i-Ra.
The sparsely populated Raki Raki District, (pop. approximately 30,000), centres around the main urban centre of Vaileka. The town lies a few kilometres due west and inland from the township of Raki Raki over a range of forest-covered low hills. Vaileka is surrounded by agricultural lands which form part of a rural landscape, and is generally considered to be a sugar cane growing centre, although cattle are raised on the higher land. Vaileka is a typical Fijian regional community and provides a bus stop, market, banks, supermarket, a small number of cafes and is a good stopover point in the region for those exploring the countryside of the island. Located close to Vaileka can be found the tomb of Ratu Udre Udre, a famous 19th century cannibal chief, who reportedly consumed more than 800 of his victims!!
Within the district it is worth noting for those interested in anthropology that a local prominent landmark known as Navatu Rock in Vitawa village is believed to be one of Fiji's oldest human settlements. During excavations, ancient pottery fragments were found at the base of the rock, which were later dated at around 1000BC.
|