The exquisite beauty of the gar­den is unsurpassed by most, housing one of the world’s largest orchid collections plus beautiful, cultivated greenery and enchanting lily ponds. The Garden of the Sleeping Giant is not to be missed.

Only a half hour drive from Nadi Town the Garden of the Sleeping Giant has been on the bucket list of many.

The 50-acre garden shows off more than 2000 different types of orchids, palms and luscious scenery, some­thing rare to find in the burning west.

Garden manager Mukesh Kumar said the half of the gardens has wheelchair access and they do not charge them for half tours but give it free of charge.

“We are very family friendly and we hated seeing that if families came with their relatives in wheelchairs they would have to sit and wait at our waiting area.

“It took a lot of going back and forth with the managers as they wanted to keep the gardens as natural as pos­sible.

“Today, it has been very rewarding to see that they are not left behind and can also enjoy the tour,” said the garden manager of 28 years.

“There are also several rest stops along the way that allows you to still enjoy the gardens even when you’re resting.”

The walk through the whole garden involves trekking and can take one and a half hours.

At the end of the visit, you will be given a delicious cold fruit drink and have plenty of space to rest and enjoy your own home packed lunches.

GARDEN OF THE SLEEPING GIANT

Getting there: Before the Lomolomo stretch on the Queens Highway is a sign bearing the name of the Garden of the Sleeping Giant at Wailoko Road, which leads

to the sprawling gardens.

Opening hours: 9am to 5pm, Thursday to Sunday.

Admission: $18 for adults, $9 for children between the ages 6-15 years. Children under the age of five get free entry. Guests stay for unlimited time.

Things to bring: comfortable walk­ing shoes, water, face towel and in­sect repellant.

The Gardens

The attractive landscaped gardens specialise in Fiji’s native plants as well as housing an impressive col­lection of orchids, some native.

A jungle walk takes visitors past a large lily pond and through native forest.

The Garden of Sleeping Giant was started in 1977 by the late Ray­mond Burr, star of Perry Mason and Ironside.

Today it is owned by Judy and Da­vid Zundel.

Originally designed to house Mr Burr’s private collection of tropi­cal orchids, the gardens have devel­oped into a popular attraction.

2000-plus kinds of orchids

Mr Burr loved these orchids just as much as he loved Fiji.

The gardens showcase more than two thousand different kinds of or­chids, covering 50 acres.

For an entry fee of just $18, chil­dren (6-15 years old) $9 and free for those under five years old you can wander through the lush and fertile plantation to your heart’s content.

Breathtaking

Whether you are into gardens or not, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant is sure to take your breath away.

The garden is also an ideal wed­ding destination for those planning to tie the knot soon.

It can also be a venue for corpo­rate functions, parties, wedding re­ception and family reunions.

For booking please email: sleep­inggiant@connect.com.fj or call 6722701 or 9952855.

Feedback: susana.tuilau@fijisun.com.fj