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Fiji Islands |
Fiji Island MatangiFiji Island Matangi is one of three small volcanic islands located east of Fiji Island Tavenui. Matangi is sometimes spelled Matagi. The other two islands are Fiji Island Laucala and Fiji Island Qamea, and all three of them are found east of Thurston Point on Tavenui. The four islands are often referred to as the Tavenui Group and they are a part of the Northern Region of Fiji. Fiji Island Matangi is in the shape of a horseshoe and comprises no more than 240 acres. Today, there is a speedboat link from Taveuni to Matangi so reaching the island is easy. Fiji Island Matangi – scuba divingOne of the prime activities on Fiji Island Matangi is to explore the surrounding crystal clear waters using a snorkel or scuba gear. The Northern Region, to which Fiji Island Matangi belongs, is considered the most excellent area in Fiji for those interested in diving among soft corals since a wide range of thriving soft coral species are to be found here. The strong current that runs between Vanua Levu and Tavenui creates an ideal environment for delicate coral species. This area is known as the Somosom straits and you can reach it from Matangi, Qamea and Taveui. Matangi also have a rich assortment of supreme and easy to get to dive spots around its own shores. In addition to this, Fiji Island Matangi is used as the base for a live aboard charter boat that can take you even further north, to the isolated islands and reefs of the Ringgold area. Fiji Island Matangi – fishingYou can catch big-game fish as well as small reef inhabitants year round in the waters of Fiji Island Matangi. Sailfish is only present during the summer months, while Mahimahi, Tuna and Spanish Mackerel are there 12 months a year. The reefs are inhabited by species such as Barracuda, Reed Snappers, Coral Trout, and Giant Trevally. Going out in a boat is the most common way of fishing around Fiji Island Matangi, but the beaches are actually ideal for fly fishing during high tide. Sinking lines are not recommended around coral reefs, so use floating or intermediate lines instead. Fiji Island Matangi – historyThe Northern Region if Fiji wasn’t really explored by Europeans until entrepreneuring adventures began to show up on these islands during the 19th century. The voyagers were attracted the sandalwood, which could bring in a large sum of money when sold to China. Sandalwood is traditionally sacrificed in front of Chinese idols. As the sandalwood market cooled off, the main export became copra. Copra is still an important export product in the Northern Region, but tourism is growing increasingly important, especially on privately owned Fiji Island Matangi. Fiji Island Matangi – ownershipFiji Island Matangi is privately owned by the Douglas family, 5th generation Fijian's of Scottish origin. Today, they run the Matangi Private Island Resort where the accommodations are inspired by traditional Fijian bures and constructed out of local materials, but fitted with electricity and modern beds.
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