Getting around Ovalau - Buresala to Rukuruku?

Hi everyone -

Thanks to everyone who replied to my last post about Caqalai - it really is so helpful and I really appreciate the time you put into responding.

My question this time is whether it's possible to get from Buresala Landing on Ovalau (where I understand the ferry comes in) to Bobo's Farm at Rukuruku without going through Levuka (it just looks shorter to me).

I have a bit of an itinerary together now - very exciting! If you're interested or want to comment...

2 nights in Suva (don't know where yet - recommendations?)

5 nights at Bobo's Farm

2 night in Levuka (maybe Levuka Homestay)

then either 9 nights on Caqalai or 4/5 nights each Caqalai and Leleuvia (just for something differrent!)

Thanks again everyone.

: )

What type/cost of accom do you have in mind for Suva? I stayed at the budget level South Seas Private Hotel, in a nice old building. Good value if you can get one of the two rooms with private facilities out back, in a separate small building in the garden. The hotel is located uphill from the sports grounds, south of town center. It's about a 15 minute walk to downtown Suva. However, depending on how you're scheduling your onward move to Ovalau, you might find this location a bit out of the way.
There is a somewhat more upmarket hotel not far from the South Seas (can't recall the name). Still, a good, quiet location.

Just for the fun and uniqueness of old-style colonial atmosphere, you really should consider the Royal Hotel in Levuka. Quite a bargain for what it costs, and there's even a small pool you can use. You'll have your fill of 'normal' Fijian accom elsewhere.

If you want to go direct to Bobo's farm, my guess is that you should try to arrange this in advance (contact them from Suva?). Most local transport on Ovalau are the carrier trucks. I don't know if they'd meet incoming ferries or go anywhere other than to Levuka. Perhaps another poster has more up-to-date info...

Generally, keeping things flexible is a good plan. Splitting your time between Caqalai and Leleuvia is a good option to consider. Add or subtract days at places as your mood of the day dictates.

There is no public transport from Buresala to Rukuruku. If you are lucky there might be a truck there from Rukuruku which could take you to the village. But don't try this chance, Buresala is in the middle of nowhere, wouldn't be nice to be stranded there - and even from Rukuruku village to Bobo's Farm it's a 20 minutes walk (through bush)
If you want to get straight to Bobo's Farm you'll have to do with a private pick up - which will be arranged by Bobo's Farm.

On some days Patterson is using their new ferry, and this one will sail directly to Levuka harbour, because the ship is to big for Buresala. Same thing - if you want to head straight to Bobo's the only way is with a private transport ( 4 wheel drive!) - it's too late for public transport.

Your other option: stay one night in Levuka and take public transport next day!

From travel logistics it would be better to stay Levuka first anyway (the Homestay is very nice); then go to Bobo's (you need to pre book, it's such a small place and often booked out) - from there come back to Levuka on the early morning transport and wait here for the pick up to one of the Islands.
And I second oldpro, split your time between the islands, it only costs you some $$$ extra for the transport between Caqalai and Leleuvia.