3D22 3D2V Team will be active from Rotuma Island, IOTA OC - 060.
Team - Members of the Rebel DX Group.
They will operate on HF Bands.
QSL via LOTW, ClubLog OQRS.
3D22V 3D2V Rotuma Island News 3 October 2024
3D22 3D2V Team start activity from Rotuma Island.
Rotuma Island
Rotuma Island attracts the attention of vacationers with its warm climate, beautiful beaches, green vegetation, special culture of the local population. It is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean, so the place is valued for its beauty and unusualness. Tourists from different countries come here. The island is good for everyone who seeks to relax away from noisy cities, make beautiful photos and enjoy the pristine nature characteristic of the tropics.
A paradise on Earth, removed from civilization
Rotuma belongs to Fiji and is as far away from the heart of the archipelago as possible. The island is small and volcanic. The size of the resort is about 14 by 5 kilometers, from Vitu Levu it is distant almost 600 km. The area is isolated and surrounded by small islets, which can also be visited.
The peculiar shape of the area is provoked by the enormous excavation of the sea floor and the lithospheric plate dividing line. The eruptions of underwater volcanoes have led to changes in the bottom as well as the appearance of small islets. The sea is not fully explored by scientists, and the free and colorful landscapes attract many photographers.
Unspoiled nature awaits vacationers here, but it is worth taking into account the frequent tides. On the island you can forget about civilization and work, distract yourself from problems and usual troubles. In any season the temperature is above 20 degrees Celsius. The sea is ideal for diving and underwater photos, there is excellent visibility, attracting divers from all over the world.
Rotuma people
The indigenous ethnic group is interesting in its own way. Although the population is approximately 2800, the appearance of the inhabitants and their language are unique. The men and women have different skin tones: lighter in color compared to the rest of Fiji.
A warm and comfortable climate for your vacation
The island's climate is humid and hot, and the island itself is ideal for exploring. By arranging transportation or engaging a guide, you can explore the untouched areas of the tropics at your leisure. For the most part, the area of the tropics is occupied by the local people and their friends, so people who can boast of vacationing on Rotuma are uncommon.
What there is to do on the island
There are no hotel complexes on the territory, but there are guest houses, also there are no stores and tourist facilities. There are no hotels because of the ban on such construction, which has a positive effect on the preservation of nature. It is offered to live in host houses.
There is everything for swimming, hiking, diving under water and other recreation and activity. Services for renting cozy and original boats are offered, excursions with diving take place. Here you can see life from a different angle, the removal of the island allows you to enjoy what is rarely noticed by visitors.
Interesting facts about the island
When arriving on the island, it is worth taking the time to get around, as there may be problems with transportation. It is also important to withdraw money in advance, as there is no bank on the territory.
We offer to learn fascinating facts about the island:
- The female part of the population independently weaves beautiful mats of white color, they can be purchased as a reminder of the island;
- there is a fortress on the territory. Other places worth visiting include deserted beaches, including Vaioa, a cave in Fapura with a pool filled with fresh water, excavations of an ancient burial ground on Sisilo Hill, and the highest point of the island - Zuelhof Mountain;
- on the map Rotuma occupies the extreme north;
- the territory is small, so the island is the 12th largest in Fiji;
- the island is divided into two parts by a natural isthmus of 230 meters;
- the coral reefs in the local coves are accessible to all, and boat access is available;
- The ideal time to travel is from May to November, the so-called dry season;
- palm trees are most commonly found in the mountainous area, but there is also other tropical vegetation;
- there are approximately 20 craters within the island and a natural barrier reef surrounding the island;
- the economy is based on agriculture and copra is made;
- in the lagoon area the maximum depth reaches 50 m;
- the shore and bottom are sandy and rocky, and there are many places with idyllic scenery;
- the largest city and also a port is Motusa, but the capital is listed as Ahau;
- Rotuma was discovered in 1791, and independence with Fiji was achieved in 1970.
Getting to the island: how to get there
Initially, you need to get to the international airport of Nadi (NAN), for this purpose you can choose any convenient offers. Then you need to use domestic flights, calculating everything in advance, since the flight is performed once during the week. Since the island is remote, the cost is high. You can save money by taking a ferry, but it will take a long time, Western Shipping (Fiji) is available once a month, and the journey will take 36 hours. The cost is half as much, but conditions are more modest.
What attracts visitors to the island: marine life
People come to Rotuma for the warm climate and warm azure ocean water, which is filled with a variety of representatives: eels, sea turtles, dolphins, corals, sea snakes and countless exotic fish. During swimming and diving you can often observe turtles and dolphins.
Delicacies worth trying
Rotuma is made from local ingredients, often using coconut, rice, fish, taro, breadfruit and cassava. A unique delicacy is lovo, which is cooked in a pit lined with coconut husks and sprinkled with stones. After burning in such an "oven" they bake vegetables, fish and meat in banana tree leaves. Fish marinated with lime, tomatoes, onions and coconut cream may be offered. There are all kinds of opportunities to explore unique flavors: duruka vegetable, taro leaves, banana puree and so on.
Weather conditions: precipitation and trade winds
You should choose your travel time carefully: from May to October rainfall is minimal, while in January and December rainfall is much more frequent. Fiji receives up to 3000-5000 mm of rainfall throughout the year, but the northwestern part receives less, 1500-2000 mm. Even in the bad season, the sun often comes out after a downpour and the air warms to a comfortable temperature. From November to April, there is a risk of encountering hurricanes during the trip. Normal ocean water temperatures are 27 degrees Celsius, with snorkeling, swimming, and diving available in any season. In dry weather, the water is more beautiful as it retains maximum clarity.
What language you need to know to communicate with the population
Fijian is the language used in Rotuma and is preferred by about 50% of the population. It is used as the main language, but there are a significant number of dialects on the different islands of Fiji. Bau speech is officially recognized, but do not worry: Hindustani and English are also used. The local constitution enshrines the right to communicate in three languages. The convenience of visitors is ensured by the use of English, including in business, on ships.
Sports and activities on the island
Active and surfing can be enjoyed by everyone, other islands have specialized resorts, but on Rotuma you can also try out the process of conquering the waves. The tropical climate allows you to enjoy the beauty and look for a place to swim. Windsurfing is also available, especially in the area that faces the trade winds. Offers with equipment rentals can be found, the shallow lagoons are ideal for beginners.
Who is suitable for a vacation on Rotuma
Since there are no hotels, and the island has no modern infrastructure, the vacation is designed for nature lovers, explorers, lovers who want to get away from the noisy parties. Rotuma is a paradise resort with unique views, sandy beaches, it is an ideal place for romantics, so it is often chosen for fateful confessions. During the vacation you can swim, spend time on the wonderful beaches, enjoy the enchanting blue waters of the ocean. If you like activity, surfing, rafting, diving are available. And with the support of locals or using the services of a guide, you will be able to see all the beautiful and unique places of the island, which will certainly leave only positive emotions after a trip to this wonderful place.