Spend the day at the sea
Just as Samui is surrounded by Anthon National Marine Park, Maloro Island also has exceptional marine adventures that can be accessed by boat. The White Lotus character only cruises on Gary's yacht in Episode 4, but he doesn't regret stuffing his snorkel to see the epic coral reef. For a more hands-on experience of marine repair, join Coral Gardeners, an organization that is prone to transplant coral nursery and coral reefs to help restore sensitive ecosystems.
Visitors staying on Maloro Island can arrange day trips to other islands of the Mamanuka Islands, such as Nankai Island, where active vacationers can go kayaking, snorkeling and swimming. Photo by Don Mammother from Shutterstock
Set Jetters celebrated this year's 25th anniversary, not to miss out on nearby Monuriki Island, where the film was cast. A private tour guide with Toursbylocals, Sidney James Cox recommends heading to the iconic island for a hike. “Many people love to take day trips to Monuriki Island, known as “Castaway Island.” Here you will find a short hike in an incredible view, and you will see many untouched beaches. “Maloro Island and its surrounding area are perfect for water sports. “Paddleboarding, swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking and sailing are all fun ways to get out into the ocean,” explains Cox. Adventurous wave riders can ride a 30-minute boat ride to the famous and challenging cloud break surf spot known for their world-class reef handwaves breaking shallow coral reefs.
Embracing local Fijian traditions and culture
Visitors to Maloro Island will be immersed in Fijian culture and learn about traditions such as Meke's performances and traditional Fijian dances that combine songs and storytelling. It is not uncommon for local resorts to hold or feature these traditional performances on-site. Visitors to the island should also witness the customary feasts firsthand, cooked in the basement oven. This Fijian feast usually consists of slow-cooked chicken with sweet cassava and other meats and root vegetables marinated in flavorful local herbs and coconut milk.
While on Maloro Island, visitors cannot leave without trying the hippo. Fiji's national drinks are made from the dried Jaconalut, a pepper plant. The acquired taste, soothing, drinks hit the palate with bitter, earthy overtones, but the social aspect of the Hippo style is something you really remember. Traditional rituals commonly practiced in the Pacific Islands include drinking a gentle sedative drink that sinks from a communal bowl (Tanoa) into a coconut shell (BILO) to participants sitting in a circle. It will be available. Kava is amplified by the charm of giving the taster a numbness in the mouth, followed by a mellow, relaxed feeling, which is adorned by a circle of strangers.
Rabitu compares the importance of Samui and Maloro cultures and says, “Both islands have strong cultural identities. Maloro embraces the Fijian traditions that can be experienced firsthand when visiting nearby villages. This hospitality is driven by the development of Fijians, where their traditional community mindset and welcoming ways are extended to tourists visiting the island. Visitors can also cite these cultural practices, such as the Hippo style. You often experience firsthand. This traditional ritual not only allows guests to connect with local people, but also encourages an experience of belonging and sharing.”
