Vanua Levu in

Vanua Levu, formerly known as Sandalwood Island, is the second-largest island of Fiji. Far from the bustle of Viti Levu and the touristic islands, Vanua Levu is a joy to explore, especially on an inland bus ride along mostly rugged roads. The north coast has the bustling settlement of Labasa at its center. Along the south coast lies Savusavu, a charming sailing town with a bay and surreal natural hot springs. The mountainous south has tropical rainforests and coconut plantations along the coastline. The rest of the island is dotted with sugarcane and copra farms, small villages, lush mountains, and waterfalls.