Fiji

Fiji Flag

"Soft Coral Capital of the World"

Why visit Fiji?

Island of paradise offers beautiful beaches, coral reefs, culture, fire walking, exquisite world class scuba diving, golf, hiking, ocean kayaking, lagoons, snorkeling, surfing, white water rafting, windsurfing, and yachting. 

A popular destination for:

• Amateur & Professional Photographers
• Bucket List Destination
• Cruise: Disembark/Embark
• Destination Wedding
• Groups: Family, Friends, Incentive Travel, Multigenerational, Reunions
• Milestones: Anniversary, Birthday, Honeymoon, Retirement
• Romance

Tokoriki Island, Fiji. Photo Credit: Gary Runn/Unsplash

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Bounty rum, bark cloth, cannibal forks, coral, grass skirts, pottery, shell jewelry, and wood carvings. 
• Local Cuisine to Try: Kokoda (marinated fish). Purini (burnt sugar pudding). Roti (bread).
• Local Drink to Try: Bu (fresh coconut). Fiji Beer. Fiji Watter (bottled). Kava (national drink). 

Photo Credit: KuyaAndy/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Since Second Millennium BC occupied by humans.
• In 1643, Abel Tasman, Dutch Explorer arrived.
  
• In 1774, Captain James Cook, British Navigator arrived.
  
• In 1874, became a Colony of Britain.
• In 1970, became independent.
• In 2016, Cyclone Winston (Category 5) made landfall causing approximately $1USD billion in damages.
• Fiji consists of 332 Islands, 106 are inhabited. Approximately 522 smaller islets. 
  
• Majority of the population resides on Vanua Levu and Viti Levu.
• Majority of the islands are volcanic but none are active.
  
• Nickname "Chieftain's Leap" (Wakaya Island) results from citizens leaping over the cliff to avoid being tortured and cannibalism. Tasting of the flesh of the enemy was done "to indicate supreme hatred and not out of relish for a gastronomic treat", said William MacGregor (1909-1914), Lieutenant.
  
• The first born son (Jean-Michel Cousteau, French Oceanographic Explorer) of the Jacques Yves Cousteau (1910-1997), French Explorer partly owns Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji, Savusavu (Vanua Levu Island).
• Approximately 83% of the island is "communal land", which can only be leased but not sold.
• Largely exports bottled water and sugar cane.
• Fiji Islands were known as the Bligh Islands.
  
• Mount Tomanivi (Viti Levu) is the highest point.
  
• On Vatukoula Island gold mining is practiced.
  
• International visitors are usually from Australia, United States, and New Zealand.
• Their beauty was filmed in Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid (2004), Cast Away (2000), Mr Robinson Crusoe (1932), Return to the Blue Lagoon (1991),  and The Blue Lagoon (1980).
• Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma is the largest Christian denomination population.
  
• High School Students continue for a five year education or leave after three years following an entry examination.
•  Rugby is their national sport.
  
• Fijians diets are coconut based inspired by Chinese dishes and Indian curries.
  
• Underground cooking "lovo" is common for special events: birthdays,  funerals, holidays, and weddings.
  

Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Festival of Colors, (July) Bula Festival, Hindu Fire Walking, South Indian Fire Walking Festival, (August) Festival of the Friendly North, Hibiscus Festival, (September) Coral Coast Festival, Fiji Regatta Week, Sugar Festival, (October) Festival of Lights, (November) Blue Sky Fiji Music Festival, Diwali Festival, and South Pacific World Music Festival.
  
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Holi, Ram Naumi, Easter, Palm Sunday, Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Day, National Youth Day, Queen's Birthday, Fiji Day, and Boxing Day.

Photo Credit: HJ/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• Tourists primarily visit the Coral Coast, Denarau Island, Mamanuca Islands, and Nadi. 
  
• Plan to dress modestly off the beach and out of the hotel or resort.
• English is the official language, although natives often speak Fijian or Hindustani as well.
• During low tides Viti Levu's beaches become tidal flats.
  
• Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands offer the picturesque white sand beaches and blue lagoons.
  
• Ambulance services are not widely available.
  
• Offers a variety of world class five-star hotels and resorts. 
• Fijian Fire Walking is over hot stones vs Indian Fire Walking is over glowing embers for religious purposes.
  
• Hyperbaric Chambers are not in service, the nearest chambers are in Australia and New Zealand.
  
• A 9% Government Value Added Tax (VAT) is applied to all goods and services.
  
• A 5% Environment & Climate Adaptation Levy is applied at hotels and resorts.
• Prior to your airport departure with original purchase receipt you may claim claim a Tourism VAT refund on your Government Value Added Tax (VAT) charges.
• Waterfalls along the Lower Navua River (Viti Levu Island) are picturesque.
  
• Peak Surfing Season is April - October (Tavarua and Namotu Islands).
  
• Do not purchase turtle shells or whalebone goods!
• Collected seashells must be declared!
• Do not wander into villages uninvited. 
  
• Most stores are closed on Sunday.
• Local custom upon receiving kava (psychoactive drink)  is to clap once (cupped hands), say "bula," and gulp down. Return the empty cup to the giver and clap three times, saying "vinaka".
• Professional drones must be pre-registered.
  
• Ferry Service connects to neighboring islands.
• Safety Inspections for equipment and facilities do not regularly occur.
  
• Diseases prevalent: Dengue, Chikungunya, Typhoid, and Measles.
• Avoid public transportation for safety reasons.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 4 months.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Winter Season is Northern Hemisphere's summertime. 

Subject to cyclones, earthquakes, hurricanes, landslides, monsoon, and tsunami.

• Best Time to Visit: April - October
• Coolest Months: May - October
• Hottest Months: November - April
• Peak Season: July - September

Hard Rock Cafe (Denarau Island) Nadi Viti Levu, Fiji. Photo Credit: Birgit Ligotzky/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Levuka Historical Port Town

Photo Credit: Pixabay 

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                                       All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.