Archives: Destinations

The town itself is small in comparison to the capital, Suva, but is still a bustling center of business with around 20 hotels dotted along its undulating coastal fringe, providing holidaymakers with everything they desire. It also acts as a gateway to other Fijian destinations.

The starting point for many scenic tours and sporting activities, Nadi is close to Viseisei Village, regarded by most Fijians as the ‘foundation village’ of Fijian heritage and culture.

Also close by is Fiji’s largest privately owned gardens, the tropical Waqadra Botanical Gardens, open from Monday to Saturday. Driving north from Nadi past fields of sugarcane and the occasional glimpse of an offshore island, are the towns of Ba and Tavua.

In Ba, you can visit the bazaar, pick up some handicrafts or go river rafting. At Tavua, don’t miss a visit to the nearby Vatukoula Gold Mines. If you haven’t timed for a whole day of sightseeing, try a half day tour to Sabeto Valley with its mosque. Also worthwhile is a visit to the bustling marketplace, where all sorts of fresh produce are sold. Bartering is a way of life here, and is also a lot of fun!

The Taveuni Island is popular for its wide range of dive sites like the Eel Reef as well as the Great White Wall, a stunning drop-off that is covered in pure white coral. In 1990, a Marine Park became a huge attraction at Waitabu as it combines coral and fish.

The Bouma National Heritage Park serves both hikers as well as nature lovers as it offers world-class birdwatching and spectacular hiking trails. Tourists will be able to spot a variety of bird species on the Taveuni Island including Silktails, Kula Lorikeets and Orange Doves.

Matei, a residential location on the northern point of Taveuni is also a popular ‘tourist hub’. There is a scatter of hotels, rental properties and guesthouses along the long road stretch which is crowned by beautiful palm tree plantations and bordered by the beach. Tourists can engage in swimming and diving activities in this area.

Similar to the other areas in Fiji, food on the Taveuni Island is a typical combination of freshly sourced fish, other seafood and traditional root crops of Fiji like tapioca (cassava), taro, Fijian spinach, breadfruit, eggplant, western vegetables, avocados, etc. The cuisine is made even more flavorful by the incorporation of delicious tropical fruits like mangoes, guava, papaya, pineapples, coconut. There is also the influence of typical Indian cooking in the form of curries and addition of chilies and other Indian spices.

The locals on the Tavenui Island traditionally eat their food while sitting on the floor using their hands, even though the use of fork and knife is acceptable in modern Fijian culture as well. This way of eating has its roots in the earlier colonization by the British.

The “logo”, also called Fijian “oven” forms a traditional element of the Island feast. Food is prepared over a stack of very hot rocks and shielded from the top by banana leaves or coconut palm leaves.

One of the must-visit tourist spots in Taveuni is the beautiful Lake Tagimaucia. Situated at a height of eight hundred meters and occupying a volcano crater, it is the home to the exceptional tagimaucia flower.

The Bouma Falls, also known as the most famous waterfalls in Fiji are also located on the Tavenui Island, within the Bouma National Heritage Park.

The lagoon and Vuna village’s southern part occupy an area called the South Cape. Here, the last volcanic activity caused spillage into the waters of the sea about 500 years back.

Matamaiqi blowhole is the Tavenui region’s highlight and has geysers which are formed by the trade winds that crash against volcanic rocks. At the distance of 20 minutes (on foot) from the Waiyevo town is the famous Waitavala Waterslide.

There are 8 major villages in Taveuni and the population is primarily concentrated on the island’s more sheltered, western part.

Going To Fiji

Flights to Fiji land at 15 public airports in the Fiji islands, including Nadi International Airport, Fiji’s main air hub and gateway to international flights, and Nausori International Airport, which serves domestic flights. 85 over flights land at Nadi on a weekly basis. From there, most offshore islands are within minutes’ to an hour’s flight away.

Accommodation in Fiji

Fiji provides a spectrum of luxury hotels, resorts, and villas, to bures (traditional thatched roof houses that channel an authentic Fijian ambiance) with modern amenities, cottages, lodges, townhouses and serviced apartments. Budget resorts offer scenic views comparable to mid-range counterparts, with great locations all over the islands.

Adults- and couples-only resorts are perfect for honeymooners or those on a romantic getaway. Denarau, in particular, is a major tourism complex with luxury options. Resorts with child-friendly facilities and childcare services allow parents to get the respite the seek while on vacation. Those who favor the great outdoors can head to the campsites on Seashell Cove Resort, Tukutuku, Colo I Suva and Nukulau.

Getting around Fiji

Buses are the main way to travel between towns on the larger islands of Fiji, with extensive bus routes on Fiji’s larger islands providing cheap and reliable transport. In rural areas, buses are simply hailed as they pass. Metered cabs operate all over the country, even in rural or semi-rural areas.

Hop on one of Fiji’s inter-island ferries to travel around the principal islands. A robust infrastructure of docks and airfields connect people, goods, and services throughout the island’s resorts through ferries, helicopters, and seaplanes. Car rentals in Fiji are another common option but do take note that cars drive on the left side of the road and foreign or international driving permits have a six-month validity period.

Fijian Currency 

Fiji’s currency is the Fijian dollar. Do note that tipping is not encouraged. Resorts and hotels accept all major credit cards. Bargaining is acceptable at bazaars and markets.

Entry Requirements

All visitors to Fiji require a valid passport/travel document with minimum validity of six months beyond the period of intended stay. Visa requirements vary for different countries of origin so be sure to check here.

Fiji Weather & Climate

With a tropical marine climate, Fiji’s weather is warm throughout the year with minimal seasonal changes. The might be heavy showers and even cyclonic storms, particularly during the December to April period. Light summer attire is advisable, especially during the dry season from March to November.

Food in Fiji

There is a complete selection of local Fiji food and international cuisines to choose from. For a more authentic experience, pick Fijian restaurants and cafes frequented by locals in the know. In fact, many resorts have a relationship with nearby villages that will welcome you to try traditional Fijian fare during village tours or hikes.

Fijian cuisine is wholesome, affordable and full of variety. Mainstays of the local diet include yams, sweet potatoes, nuts, seafood or meat steamed or boiled in fragrant coconut milk and an assortment of foods cooked in a pit oven or logo. Fresh tropical fruits may also be purchased at farmer’s markets.

Kava, the national drink, is also worth a try. Made from the root of the pepper plant, Kava temporarily numbs your tongue and lips and relaxes your muscles. It has intoxicating effects and consumption of alcohol should be avoided.

Fijian Nightlife

When the sun goes down, Fiji’s partygoers come out to play. Most trendy nightclubs and surf bars are in Nadi and Suva on Viti Levu, along with a range of restaurants and cinemas. On smaller islands, entertainment comes in the form of Fijian Nights, organized by hotels and resorts. A make (song and dance) always livens up these boisterous parties, where logo and Kava are served.

For anyone visiting Fiji on a gap year, Beachcomber Island is perfect. This “party island” of Fiji is home to the Bula dance – somewhat of an island sensation, not unlike the Macarena, that serves as an icebreaker.

Shopping in Fiji

From affordable souvenirs to luxury international labels and duty-free shopping, shopaholics will be spoilt for choice on their Fiji holiday.

Popular Fiji holiday souvenirs include carved tanoa bowls meant for serving kava, Fijian combs and replicas of cannibal dorks. You could also buy handicrafts like woven baskets, fabrics, and ceramics, or invest in the incredibly versatile sulu or sarong, which can be worn by both genders, all sizes and in multiple ways.

Shops and bazaars, especially in Cumming Street, Suva, are a haven for bargain hunters who get a rush from haggling over prices. Shops close at 5 pm on most days except Fridays and most are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.

Places to Visit In Fiji

Fiji’s beaches, especially those on Coral Coast and islands of Mamanuca and Yasawa, draw in flocks of tourists all year round, who pack up the Fiji beach resorts and hotels. These Edenic, otherworldly escapes of the South Seas have been featured in Hollywood movies like Cast Away and The Blue Lagoon. Natadola Beach on Viti Levu itself is also one Fiji’s prime beach offerings.

However, beaches are all but a fraction of the nation’s tourist offerings. Explore the Nakama thermal springs and Name blowholes on Vanua Levu and discover how Taveuni‘s lush floral and fauna and breathtaking mountains have earned it the nickname “Garden Island”.

Immerse yourself in the Fijian way of life in Suva, the capital, and Lautoka, a port town that thrives on the cultivation of sugarcane. History buffs should not miss the unrivaled collection of anthropological and historical artifacts at the National Museum in the historical Thurston Gardens.

The historical journey continues at Orchid Island, a cultivated, realistic microcosm of Fiji. Trace the journey of the missionaries in 1840 along with a central highland bush track, tour a plantation and visit the Kula Bird Park and the Sigatoka Sand Dunes as you journey from Suva to Nadi in the western side of Viti Levu.

The Sri Siva Subramaniya temple, the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere, boasts striking Dravidian architecture – a rare sight outside India.

Water Sports, Diving & Snorkeling in Fiji

Known as the soft coral capital of the world, Fiji dive spots are the Pacific’s finest and most. Divers and snorkelers will marvel at the jaw-dropping beauty of never-ending reefs, drop-offs, walls and channels. Surfers up for a challenge can also try navigating Fiji’s legendary waves of Cloudbreak, Swimming Pools, and Frigates.

Alternatively, take your pick from other water-based activities available, like windsurfing, cruising, sailing, yachting and game fishing. You could swim, jet or raft through the crystal clear rivers, and even go on sailing excursions to remote villages.

Hawaii Island offers a range of activities for the discerning traveler. The town of Hilo features the Merrie Monarch Festival, the world’s major hula event, held from March to April. Hilo also houses several galleries and museums featuring the works of local sculptors, painters, and musicians.

Liliuokalani Gardens has many Japanese bridges for kids as well as adults to run over. You can walk along the Kohala Coast to see ancient petroglyphs etched into stone at various sites. Family friendly beaches and parks offer a number of outdoor activities including snorkeling and diving. Learn about paniolo or Hawaiian cowboys and visit Kahua Ranch in Waimea for a wagon ride.

You can go sightseeing and window-shopping in Kailua-Kona, the art and coffee town of beautiful Kailua-Kona. Visit the Hamakua Heritage Corridor for a road journey or roam the streets of Downtown Hilo. On the Kohala Coast, you can tee off at one of the many breathtaking golf courses.

Hawaii is famous for the Hawaii Regional Cuisine started by 12 of the best Hawaii chefs in 1991. It is a culinary exercise that blends the world’s cuisine with Hawaii’s varied, ethnic flavors. The hallmark of the Hawaii Regional Cuisine is the use of the most natural farm-bred ingredients. These include vegetables and fruits obtained through volcanic soil and cattle reared on the upland pastures. The region of Waimea features upcountry pasturelands where grass-fed lamb and beef are grown.

Some of the restaurants on Hawaii island that exemplify Hawaii Regional Cuisine are Waimea’s Merriman’s Restaurant owned by Peter Merriman and Roy’s Bar & Grill on the Kohala Coast owned by Roy Yamaguchi. Merriman and Yamaguchi are two of the celebrated chefs who have played a stellar role in the Hawaiian Regional Cuisine movement. Honolulu Magazine has rated Merriman’s restaurant the best for 13 years consecutively while Yamaguchi-based in Oahu has been conferred the James Beard Award.