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If someone were to ask you to describe your idea of paradise your reply would probably include white sand beaches, clear blue waters, constant sunshine, stunning scenery and welcoming people. Well, you have just described Fiji.
If someone were to ask you to describe your idea of paradise
your reply would probably include white sand beaches, clear blue waters,
constant sunshine, stunning scenery and welcoming people. Well, you have just
described Fiji.
For many Fiji is a paradise on earth. The Fiji archipelago
comprises of 300 volcanic and coral islands in the South Pacific about 2000
miles east of Australia.
The largest of the islands is Viti Levu, home to the capital
Sevu and the resort town of Nadi. As one of the world’s best snorkelling and
dive sites, Fiji attracts visitors from all over the world. Once thought of as
the playground for the rich, today Fiji caters for all budgets.
Many people’s impression of Fiji is the exclusive Turtle
Island (in the Yasawa group) which was the famous location for the movie “The
Blue Lagoon”. But that impression is one that is replicated throughout the
islands.
Whether you just want to relax on the palm fringed white sand
beaches, snorkel the coral reefs and explore the colourful world of tropical
fish, or surf the “Cloud Breaker” 20ft waves at Tavarua Island, Fiji has it
all. Coupled with the warm welcome you will receive from the Fijians, why would
you want to holiday anywhere else?
The currency in Fiji is the Fijian Dollar. Currency can be
exchanged at the airport, trading banks, private exchange offices and most
hotels. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted at a
number of establishments and most major credit cards are accepted in the ATMs
located in Nadi, Suva and Savusavu. If you are using traveller’s cheques they
can be exchanged at banks and private exchange offices.
Fiji enjoys a tropical climate that is typical of the South
Seas.
The period between December and
April is when there is a possibility of typhoons so it is a good idea to avoid
the islands at this time of year. Rainfall is also high at this time with
temperatures constantly in the 30s.
The high season for tourism is from May to October when the
climate is cooler and drier. The cool winter begins in July and lasts
through to September – if you can call it winter as the temperature normally
hovers around the mid 20°C. From October the temperatures begin to rise again
to the comfortable high 20s.
The average monthly temperatures are:
|
°C |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Day |
30 |
30 |
30 |
29 |
28 |
27 |
26 |
26 |
27 |
27 |
29 |
29 |
|
Night |
23 |
23 |
23 |
22 |
21 |
20 |
19 |
19 |
20 |
21 |
22 |
23 |
If you want to do some serious ‘mall’ shopping you’ll need to
head for Suva. Here you’ll find the Mid City Mall, the first western-style mall
in Fiji. Other shops can be found along Victoria Parade which is the main
shopping street in the city. Here you’ll find stores selling jewellery, audio
equipment, cameras, clothes, handicrafts, artefacts and souvenirs. The downside
is that you can’t haggle in the stores but you can at the Suva market.
Nadia Town also offers a range of shops, boutiques and
internet cafes as well as a regular market.
Popular mementos are the multi coloured bula shirts, grass
skirts, ceremonial forks (relics of the island’s cannibal history), hand
painted jewellery and traditional pottery. There are many markets dotted around
the islands but you should be wary of over priced “genuine” artefacts. The many
small craft shops tend to, in general, guarantee quality but you can’t haggle
over price.
Most of Fiji’s
entertainment is centred in and round the capital, Suva. There are a few bars
in Nadi which offer music and dancing such as Ed’s bar, but for those who want
to party late into the night, Suva is the place to go. Below are just a few
places you might like to try.
Fiji’s numerous islands
offer a wealth of opportunities to the explorer. If you can tear yourself away
from the beauty of the beaches, why not take a cruise over to one of the other
islands (such as Turtle Island) or explore the lush green mountainous interior
of the islands.
Your hotel will be
able to provide you with details of the tours available.
At present there are
no recommended vaccinations that are required but you should check with your GP
before travel for up to date information.
Avoid drinking the tap
water, having ice in your drinks and dairy produce. There is no malaria on the
islands but there are plenty of mosquitoes so make sure you pack plenty of
repellent.
The only poisonous
land animal is a very timid and rare species of snake. Take care in the water
as Stonefish and Jellyfish will give you a nasty sting if you stand on them. If
this does occur seek medical treatment immediately.
Healthcare provisions
are adequate with the largest hospitals being on the main island. You are
strongly advised to take out full medical insurance prior to travelling.
Fiji is a very safe
environment but instances of petty theft can occur therefore you should take
the usual precautions with your valuables and never leave your belongings
unattended on the beach.