The Garden of the Sleeping Giant on Viti Levu is one of the most popular tourist attractions. But the history of Raymond Burr’s orchid collection comes as a surprise.
Under the Sleeping Giant Mountain
Sat under the looming Sleeping Giant Mountain, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant is one of the most popular inland attractions on Viti Levu, Fiji.
And it’s also one of the oddest things to say you’ve seen. When you get home – try topping “I’ve seen Ironside’s orchid collection” for obscurity value.
Why book a Sleeping Giant hot spring and mud pool tour?
- 🌿 Visit Fiji’s renowned mud pools and rejuvenating hot springs
- 🌺 Wander through the lush Garden of the Sleeping Giant with thousands of orchids
- 🏞️ Enjoy scenic views and immersion in Fiji’s unique tropical landscape
- 🚗 Private transportation and personalized attention throughout the day
- 🧑🤝🧑 Also includes a traditional village visit to experience local culture
Raymond Burr’s orchid collection
The history of the Garden of the Sleeping Giant begins with Raymond Burr’s passion for orchids.
The Sleeping Giant orchid collection, which represents 2,000 of the 25,000-plus species of orchid that have currently been catalogued, was originally put together by Canadian actor Raymond Burr.
Burr – who also played Perry Mason – originally intended the 50 acre garden to be private, but opened it up to the public due to popular demand.
Burr sold the garden at the foot of the Sleeping Giant Mountain before he died in 1993, but the site is still delightfully maintained.
Visiting the Garden of the Sleeping Giant
The guides have an impressive knowledge of what’s what, and continue firing out the names long after you’ve got your lipstick plant, Spanish moss and giant maiden hair ferns confused.
Following a walkway covered by netting (it prevents too much light getting in), you emerge at a large pond full of water lilies, frogs and tilapia fish. There’s a boardwalk from there that takes in the big beast trees, interspersed with some of the more colourful orchids.
Garden of the Sleeping Giant tours
The easiest way to visit the Garden of the Sleeping Giant is on a tour from Nadi. There are several tour options available, many of which also stop at the Sabeto Mud Pools.
For more information, visit the garden’s website.
Things to do near Garden of the Sleeping Giant
- Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool – This nearby geothermal attraction offers mud bathing and a series of warm pools, making it an easy addition to a visit to the gardens.
- Sleeping Giant Zipline, Orchid Falls and Jungle Safari – This outdoor adventure attraction offers ziplining and rainforest activities in the foothills of the Sabeto Range.
- Sabeto Range – The mountain range provides a backdrop to the gardens, with opportunities for guided hikes and views across the surrounding countryside.
- Nawai Village – A visit to this local village can provide an introduction to Fijian community life and traditions; arrange access through a local tour or guide.
- Viseisei Village – This historic coastal village near Vuda is associated with Fijian settlement traditions and can be visited on a cultural excursion from the Nadi area.
Alternative attractions
- Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple – This colourful Hindu temple in Nadi is known for its Dravidian architecture and intricate painted decorations.
- Wailoaloa Beach – This beach near Nadi has a long shoreline, views towards the mountains and places to watch the sunset.
- Big Bula Waterpark – On Denarau Island, this family attraction has inflatable slides and water-based activities.
- Koroyanitu National Heritage Park – Near Lautoka, this protected area has forest trails, mountain scenery and opportunities for guided village and hiking visits.
- Fiji Culture Village – Near Nadi, this cultural attraction offers experiences introducing visitors to Fijian customs, traditional performances and local food.
More Pacific Islands travel
For a wide selection of tours and experiences in Fiji, head here.
Other Pacific Islands travel stories on Planet Whitley include:
- Visiting Robert Louis Stevenson’s grave in Samoa.
- Why I don’t want to go back to Palau.
- Is Muri in the Cook Islands the perfect holiday town?
- Why it’s worth paying to visit Malamala Beach Club from Port Denarau in Fiji.
- Guide to visiting Big Bula Water Park in Denarau.
- Getting trapped in a wildlife refuge in Guam.
- Cruising on the lagoon in Aitutaki.
- What to do in Noumea, New Caledonia.
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