Fiji Travel Guide
Dazzling white sand coasts, glistering blue seas, and swaying coconut palms; Fiji is the ideal spot to sit back, relax, and soak up sunrays.
A rich blend of traditional Fijian culture and modernized city life comes together to form an archipelago of over 300 islands, most uninhabited, known as the country of Fiji.
The three main islands; Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, and Taveuni are home to the most popular cities, the biggest shopping areas, the most luxurious resorts, and a wide range of heart-pumping or soothing activities.
Populated by friendly, multi-cultured, multi-raced, human-oriented Fijian people, Fiji remains a popular destination for tourists all around the world.
With such a warm, inviting envrionment seasoned with mouth-watering, sea-oriented dishes and decorated with smiling faces, it would be a shame to simply not visit Fiji!
Location
The Fiji Islands make up a horseshoe-shaped archipelago of about 322 islands in total. These islands lie between North America and Australia, southwest of Hawaii, and northeast of Sydney. It's closest neighbour to the east is Tonga and to the west, is Vanuatu. Interestingly, Fiji is where the new day begins due to its proximity to the International Date Line. Located on the 180th meridian, the imaginary timeline spreads across eastwardly around the archipelago, giving all of the countries the same time-zone.
Climate and Weather
The Fiji Islands enjoy an ideal tropical climate with two distinct periods; Summer and Winter. The country's overall climate can be classified as a hot and sticky tropical climate with a year round cooling breeze from the eastern trade winds in the late afternoons and early evenings. Generally, Summer extends from November through February while Winter lasts from April to September. Despite the seasons however, the islands experience year round temperatures which rarely ever fall beneath 180C or exceeds 350C. In addition, there is a period of tropical rains as a result of the southerly movements of the South Pacific Convergence Zone. Throughout the months of December to February, there are heavy but brief showers which account for most of the country's annual rainfall. It is during this period that typhoons and cyclones are most likely to appear but, it is still quite rare and mainly confined to the months of January and February. In fact, there are only about fifteen cyclones per decade and barely two to four of these cause major damages. As a result, the best time to visit the islands is from late March through early December.
Geography
The Fiji archipelago forms the eastern colony of a series of high volcanic islands of continental origin extending eastward from Papua New Guinea to the Solomon Islands. The total territorial region known as Fiji has been recorded as 709,660kilometers squared, 97% of which, is entirely water. Of the 322 islands which make up Fiji, only 106 are inhabited by humans with Viti Levu being the largest landmass and the core of the country. With only three main islands, the remaining landmasses are much smaller and are divided into two main groups; the Lomaiviti, which are considered "central Fiji" surrounded by reefs, and the Lau islands, known as eastern Fiji and are typically limestone or volcanic structured.
Geographically speaking, these islands are divided into three groups; volcanic in origin, coral islands, and limestone islands. The majority of the high islands are volcanic in origin, for example, Viti Levu. They generally possess sharp, mountainous landscapes, ancient volcanoes, and rocky outcrops and shores. The terrain inland is broken with few stretches of flat land and some valleys. In areas where there is much wind, the rains are frequent and the hills are thickly forested, a striking difference compared to those areas where winds are rare. Additionally, volcanoes are very active on these islands.
The coral islands however, are low, small and generally located a few meters above sea level. They are specifically known for their dazzling white-sand beaches, lavish vegetation, and abundant coconut palm trees.
Finally, the limestone islands, though they too, appear flat and low, they actually tower high above the sea with incredibly precipitous sides. Geologists have suggested that such a formation is an indication of their origins from massive rocks which heaved their way up from the sea. In turn, many of the limestone structured islands are surrounded by steep, bristled cliffs, weakened by the waves below which form ravines and narrow canyons. Moreover, these islands seize a basin-like appearance, with fertile lands, due to depressions at the center.
Another important type of island found within the Fiji territory is the very rare atoll. Consisting of only a few islands, these atolls are simply "long strips of broken coral and sand forming a circular ring-like structure surrounding a lagoon."
Popular Destinations - Islands & Cities
Nadi is Fiji's third largest center and another multi-cultural town popular among tourists. It is also home to the international airport. When in Nadi, be sure to purchase your souvenirs from Indo-Fijian shopkeepers, and dine at one of Nadi's local restaurants. On the streets, you will hear many Hindi and Fijian tunes while shopping or exploring. Though Nadi lacks in high-rise buildings, it is just a 20 minute drive away, over a bridge, from Denarau Island.
This group of islands is ideal if you want a break from the hustle and bustle of civilization. With no shops, high-rise buildings, or banks, you'll be free from the demands of society, amidst beautiful white-sands, swaying coconut trees, and radiant sun-rays. Be sure to engage in the fishing, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in which these islands offers.
Viti Levu is the largest of the islands and is home to more than three quarters of all the Fijian population. It is the island of power and the one by which all Fijian politics, commerce, and industry revolves. Viti Levu accommodates the most popular resorts, marked by their beautiful coastlines, glorious beach sunsets, and adventurous daytime and nighttime activities. Viti Levu is the island to visit whether you are looking for a laid-back escape or an event-packed vacation.
As the capital of Veti Levu, Suva is also the prime city and the chief port of Fiji. It is the largest cosmopolitan city in Oceania packed with malls, markets, fine dining restaurants, parks, museums, and a vibrant nightlife. Suva is a #1 tourist destination, famous for its marvelous mixture of traditional culture and urbanism.
Vanua Levu is Fiji's second largest island and is slightly more than half the size of Viti Levu. It is more sparsely settled than Viti but it is remarkable for its large production of sugarcane and its enormous coconut plantations.
Savusavu town is located on Vanua Levu. This town is set in some of the most beautiful surroundings, with a protected bay that is a popular mooring for yachts. A common attraction in Savusavu is the Wasali Nature Reserve, an untouched rainforest with hiking trails leading to spectacular views. There is lots to offer in Savusavu; touring, diving, exploring, and much more!
Denarau island is home to six international luxury hotels, the Port Denarau shopping complex and marina, and large private homes. The island shares a beachfront and free shuttle buses with Nadi, providing an ease of access to restaurants, spas, and activities. If you are interested in taking an excursion to the Mamanucas and Yasawa islands, the best place to do so is from the Denarau Marina.
Kadavu ties with Tavauni for the third largest island of Fiji. It lies to the south of Viti Levu and is well-known for its centre of traditional Fijian culture. However, this island is not often seen by tourists but it is definitely worth seeing!
Beqa is the adventure capital of Fiji, less than an hour away from Suva. The city offers a wide range of heart racing activities from surfing to snorkeling to shark feeding and four-wheel-drive tours. The area even includes spots great for laid-back golfing or fishing. Not to mention, Beqa is home to its own fine hotels offering Fiji's local cuisines.
Culture:
The people of Fiji are known for easy-going, hospitable traits. In fact, the overall tempo of Fijian life is slow and laid-back. Fijians live their lives in their own way, at their own pace, but they get things done. It is indeed, a place to sit back, relax, and let go of the hustle and bustle of modern-day societies.
At an early age, Fijians are taught that the most important things on Earth are family and friends. They have been molded to appreciate the beauty of humanity and to make their best efforts to understand human beings and their nature. It is simply a Fijian custom to appreciate the wonders of the world, both within human relationships and in nature. It is no wonder after all, that these locals possess the amazing ability to observe and an "intuitive sense when it comes to what people require and desire."
Perhaps the most shocking thing about this compassion however, is that only a 100 years ago, these people were known as the fiercest cannibals in the South Pacific. Nonetheless, Fijians today welcome their visitors with the warmest of hearts. There is no doubt that once you visit Fiji, you will be touched by the tenderness of these peoples so much so, that your experience would become more than just a trip to another island, but instead, a fascinating escape into a world like no other.