Fiji is a group of more than 330 tropical islands in the southern Pacific Ocean, two thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand. Its year-long warm weather, pristine white beaches and unspoilt natural beauty make it a sought-after vacation destination for tourists.
This area is in the top five in the world for scuba diving and many visitors obtain their certification here at very competitive prices. Ecotourism is very active on the islands and hiking, bird watching, fishing and snorkelling are all popular pastimes. The best time to visit is from March to November. Here are the ‘top 5 attractions’.
The Coral Coast, situated on Viti Levu Island, is known for some of the best surfing in Fiji including Frigate Passage. Big game fish, like tuna and wahoos, are found off the south of the island and the biggest event here is the annual International Game Fishing Tournament held at Pacific Harbour around August.
Natadola Beach has snowy white sand, welcoming shady trees and horse rides suitable for children as well as experienced adults. The Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course is world class and presents stunning sea views from most of the holes. Greens fees range from about $40 to $180 for adults over 18 holes.
The Salad Bowl Cave tour features a ride on a bamboo raft, knowledgeable guides and a great lunch of local produce prepared and served by locals. Take part in exhilarating white river rafting on the Navua River, jet boat safaris on the Sigatoga River or visit ZIP Fiji.
The jet-set city of Nadi on the west coast is home to the airport and the start-off point for most of the organized sightseeing tours and cruises to other islands. It has a vibrant nightlife, bustling shops and excellent restaurants where tourists can sample local and international cuisine.
The Yasawa Islands are home to exquisite white beaches and offer a more secluded and serene experience, which is less sophisticated. The soaring volcanic geography is starkly beautiful. Turtle Island is one of the most popular resorts in Fiji. Most of the lodgings are suitable for backpackers but some are more comfortable.
Further attractions include the Mamanuca Islands, which feature lovely beaches and clear water, making it highly suitable for snorkelling and scuba diving and Beachcomber Island is the highlight for diving. Nearby is the island of Modriki, where the Tom Hanks movie, “Castaway” was filmed. Cruising and boating off this group of islands on one of the schooners is also highly recommended.
Suva, the capital and largest city in Fiji, is situated on Viti Levu Island. The bustling Municipal Market offers fresh fruit and vegetables and interesting browsing. For more sophisticated shopping, the many shopping centres, especially on Cumming Street, offer a variety of goods.
Colo-i-Suva in the hills above the city is a top ecotourism destination with its trails, waterfalls and mahogany rain forest. It is within fifteen minutes from the city centre by taxi and has an entrance fee of just $5.
Fiji’s old capital, Levuka is situated on Ovalau Island to the east and is reached by boat or plane. It has fascinating nineteenth century, wooden false front shops in Beach Street. It is not known for good beaches but the green hills offer very good hiking opportunities.
Fiji Museum highlights the remarkable history of the islands with archaeological material dating back more than 3,700 years. The museum is situated in the impressive botanical gardens. Entrance fees are $4.20 for adults and $3 for scholars, with guided tours available at $1.80.
Pacific Harbour is specifically built for tourism and features a championship golf course, luxury villas and the intriguing Arts Village with locally produced wares like intricately woven baskets made from palm leaves.
The Garden of the Sleeping Giant in Nausori gets its name from the mountain in the background, which looks like a giant lying down. Take a bus tour to the garden and experience the beautiful surrounding countryside en route. It features more than 2,000 exotic orchid species.
Other attractions include the Koroyanitu National Park with its beautiful forests and grasslands and the Sigatoka Sand Dunes containing Fiji’s oldest recorded prehistoric site. The Vuda lookout presents visitors with a stunning 360-degree view of the lush countryside.
For tourists with more time on their hands, the nineteenth century Tavuni Hill Fortification overlooking the Sigatoka River Valley, Rotuma and the Sabeto Valley are also worth a visit, as is fire walking on the island of Beqa. Fiji has enough on offer for many repeated visits.
Written by the travel supermarket cheap holidays team.
