27) Musket Cove, Malolo Lailai Island, Fiji Pt 1

September 2008: South Pacific

Musket Cove, Malolo Lailai Island, Fiji Pt 1 (S 17.46.232 E 177.11.381) 

                We have heard some really great things about this place.  Knowing it was a resort built by a yachtie that caters to yachts we had high hopes.  Unfortunately, we were not able to get a side-tie as there are few docks and they only med-tie.  But, the dinghy ride from the mooring ball is a very short, safe ride.

  

                First impressions are everything and it worked on us.  This place is well thought out and put together with care.  Many decades ago some guy got together with a couple partners and bought this island with the intent of making it a resort with yachts in mind as he was a sailor.  Over the years the island has developed with few houses and several resorts.  Musket Cove Island Resort has bungalows, 2 saltwater pools, restaurants, laundry, fuel, groceries, water activities and a dive shop.  Bob and I were eager to get here for the diving as we read and heard good things.  We have learned that you need to go where the facilities and people are in order to dive in this part of Fiji.  We were hoping to dive at Beqa but it was too remote and too thinly populated.  

     

    

 

                If you’ve ever wondered where the places are that puddle-jumpers fly in the guests well this is it.  There is a regular service that utilizes a small airstrip in the center of the island as well as a ferry to the mainland.  We noticed on the activities bulletin board there is a bustling business of going inter-island to sample other resorts as there are quite a lot.  One of the stops is to Castaway Island (yes, Tom Hanks Castaway).  That gives you another idea as to what the islands and water are like here.  Except, we know where we are and not struggling for survival.

                Musket Cove was relatively quiet as to crowds.  On the other hand, the Plantation Island Resort, the next one over on the other side of the runway was very crowded; somewhat more condensed and caters to families.  The atmosphere was much more resort-like with live music for lunch and dinner and the overall feel of the place was along those lines.  It was nice to visit but I would not want to stay there.

 

                                                                                                                                                                    

    

 

  

                Of course we walked the runway.  Asphalt will not survive long here and it is primarily grass and gravel. 

                This island is associated with the main island of Malolo but separated by a pass of very shallow water.  Makes you wonder how a runway got here.  Someone was bright enough or had deep enough pockets to think up and make this little paradise happen. 

              

  I discovered what to do with those worn out pesky jet skiis.  Cut off the top, gut it, throw in a paddle an ya’ll got yerself a dingy.