Archive for the ‘Pacific’ Category

Fiji is an archipelago on the southern part of Pacific Ocean having 322 islands. It is also sometimes called Fiji Islands. Out of 322 islands only about 110 are inhabited. Most of the population is found on the islands of Vanua Levu and Viti Alevu. The country is a multicultural Melanesian with rich history lying about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand. Polynesian, Indo-Fijians, Rotuman and Melanesian are the main race inhabiting the islands. The volcanic mountains and the warm tropical waters attract most of the tourists to Fiji.

Suva is the capital of Fiji and the largest city of the South Pacific Island nations. It is on the southeast corner of Viti Levu and sprawls over an area of ten square miles. Here are ten top things which one can do in Fiji Islands.

FIRST
Nadi
Nadi is on the west side of the largest island of Fiji, Viti Levu. There are direct flights to Nadi International Airport from Brisbane, Auckland, Honolulu, Melbourne, Los Angles, Seoul, Tokyo, Sydney and host of South Pacific countries. The Nadi Town is just eight kilometers from the airport.

At Nadi visitors can opt for bus tours to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, the Sabeto Valley, the Vuda Lookout, and also to Lautoka, the second-largest city of Fiji. All these places are north of Nadi. One can also enjoy luncheon and dinner cruises on the Nadi Bay and on Nadi River there is nothing more fun than jet-boating. Oops! The energetic fun can be, of course, trekking in the Nausori Highlands overlooking Nadi.

SECOND
The Mamanuca Islands
It is of Mamanuca Group scattered across protected sea on the west of Nadi and north of Malolo Barrier Reef. Seaspray and Whales Tale, the sailing vessels, ply these waters from Nadi. The resorts at Mamanuca Islands is a bit more expensive than of Nadi. All-inclusive day cruises from Nadi is more economical.

THIRD
The Yasawa Islands
To the west side of Fiji and northwest of the Viti Levu runs the chain of Yasawa Islands. This island for tourism was opened just in the last decade. The resorts at the Yasawa Islands are mostly designed for young backpackers who search for lower prices. There may be some inconvenience on this island as it may not be luxuries staying. One may not get air-conditioned comfort and also fancy food on this island. Well, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking to scenic viewpoints on the high volcanic islands are the most happening on the ‘to do’ list here. Oh! One may also get to see here traditional Fijian culture that is preserved intact in the local villages here.

FORTH
Coral Coast
Coral Coast is famous for housing some of the largest international resorts. It lies between Nadi and Suva. One may find here some of the best surfing of the country.

Another famous activity of Coral Coast is Scuba diving. Almost all the resorts here have dive shops. Throughout the week days one may enjoy whitewater rafting and boat rides on the Navua River. Traditional dancing and firewalking can be seen on Fijian feasts. Apart from all these one may enjoy some shopping at Sigatoka, the largest town on the Coral Coasts.

FIFTH
Suva
Suva can be day toured from Coral Coast or Nadi or one may also enjoy nightlife at the clubs and bars of the city. It is the capital of Fiji and well recommended best to lunch at Indian restaurant and dine at the Chinese one. Oops! May be because the Indian restaurants do not serve alcohol.

The must see in Suva is the Fiji Museum (in the South), Thurston Botanical Gardens, Albert Park, the Grand Hotel and the Government Buildings.

The market and the main shopping centers are in North Suva. Public transport is available from all parts of Viti Levu for this place. The top ecotourism attraction of Fiji is the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park lying on the hills above Suva just 15-minute away by taxi. One can see the beautiful nature trails and waterfalls in a mahogany rainforest.

SIXTH
Northern Fiji
Northern Fiji or Fiji’s “Friendly North” is a must visit if traveler plans for more time on the Fiji Islands. The main attraction here is the old plantation town of Savusavu on the Vanua Levu, the second-largest island of Fiji. This place is popular as one of the top scuba diving venues of Fiji. Tourist also pause at this place with extended days for exceptional hiking in the Bouma National Heritage Park in the eastern Taveuni. Waterfalls are the main attraction at Taveuni.

SEVENTH
Eastern Fiji
This is the place where the lovers of history and culture would like to visit most. The Eastern Fiji practically means everything east and south of Suva. One can venture here on the old capital of Fiji, Levuka. It is on the Ovalau Island east of Viti Levu. The 19th centure wooden false front shops are till date preserved along the Beach Street here. One can enjoy hiking in the green hills behind Levuka.

EIGHTH
Orchid Island
The culture of the Fiji Islands is found on the Orchid Island. One will found a miniature representation here. For the first time visitor to Fiji it is a must see.

NINTH
Dive Beqa Lagoon
Dive Beqa Lagood is just 45-minute away from Fiji by boat ride and is about ten miles in diameter. It is the best to explore the magical underwater world of the country.

TENTH
Village Visit
A village visit is a must on Fiji Islands trip. One can experience the true culture of the Fijian here such as their lifestyle, the tradition, the beliefs and also the norms of the people. Among the famous local villages, Komave Village is most common for visitors. Feasting with the locals and dancing and merry-making with them are the real fun.

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