Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool | Nadi

Information

Landmark: Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool
City: Nadi
Country: Fiji
Continent: Australia

Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool, Nadi, Fiji, Australia

Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool is a geothermal recreational site located in the Sabeto Valley, north of Nadi on Viti Levu, Fiji. The site consists of three natural thermal springs and multiple mud pits managed by the local community as a therapeutic destination.

Visual Characteristics

The site features several excavated pools filled with thick, grey volcanic mud and subterranean geothermal water. The surrounding terrain is composed of grassy clearings and tropical forest at the base of the Sabeto Mountains. Water temperatures in the thermal pools range from 38°C to 60°C. The infrastructure is basic, utilizing timber-framed walkways and corrugated iron changing structures.

Location & Access Logistics

The facility is located on Wailoko Road, approximately 15km north of Nadi International Airport and 2km past the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. Access requires a private vehicle, taxi, or a pre-arranged tour, as no public bus service operates on this unpaved section of the road. A dirt parking area is provided at the entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The hot springs are a result of geothermal activity within the Sabeto Valley, where groundwater is heated by subterranean volcanic rock and forced to the surface through fault lines. The site has been used by local indigenous communities for medicinal purposes for generations and was formally developed for public tourism in the late 20th century under a community-based management model.

Key Highlights & Activities

The standard procedure involves three stages: application of wet mud over the entire body, drying the mud in the sun, and rinsing in the primary mud pool. Following the rinse, visitors soak in one of the clear-water thermal springs. Local residents provide traditional Fijian massages (Bobo) in open-air bures for an additional fee.

Infrastructure & Amenities

On-site facilities include basic changing rooms, open-air showers for rinsing, and wooden benches for drying. There is a small community-run kiosk selling bottled water and local handicrafts. Cell phone signal (4G) is functional but may fluctuate near the mountain base. Shade is provided by thatched pavilions located near the pools.

Best Time to Visit

The site is most functional during the morning hours (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM) to avoid high midday temperatures. Sunny weather is required for the mud to dry effectively on the skin. The facility remains open during the wet season, though heavy rain can dilute the mud consistency.

Facts & Legends

Local tradition attributes the sulfur-rich water and volcanic mud with the ability to heal skin ailments and alleviate joint pain. The pools are owned and operated by the residents of the nearby Sabeto village, with a portion of all entrance fees directly funding village infrastructure and education projects.