FIJI
LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHY
Fiji lies to the north of New Zealand and northwest of Australia. It has approximately 330 islands of which around 100 are inhabited. Its total area consists of 18,376 square km of land. Viti Levu is the largest island and has the largest population and next in line is Vanua Levu. Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Kadavu are it four largest islands, which are surrounded by coral reefs. In their central regions of each island are located mountains which cover a large portion of the land mass.
CLIMATE
The climate of Fiji is a tropical oceanic kind. From November to April falls the rainy season which increases the heat and humidity while May to October fall the cooler months. Humidity tends to be higher in the south and east and much less in the west and north and rainfall varies widely. Sitting in a cyclone area Fiji often witnesses cyclones, which are most likely to occur between November and April, the summer months.
ECONOMY
Fiji's economy is based on mainly agriculture and tourism. The sugar and tourism industries provide employment to over 50% of the labor force with that figure looking to increase due to the influx of resorts and hotels being built in the West. The sugar and tourism industry are based in Western Viti Levu. There is a production of a variety of crops including coconut oil, cocoa, ginger and kava.
Fiji's tourism industry has grown over the last decade to become and important source of jobs and the major source of foreign exchange since 1990, surpassing sugar as an export industry at that time. Nadi and Sigatoka are seeing the rise of a variety of hotels and resorts due to which the area will definitely have an impact on the amount and frequency of people arriving in Fiji, and additionally creating a large number of jobs.
CURRENCY
Fijian dollar is the monetary unit of Fiji.. One United States Dollar when converted yields almost 1.63 Fijian Dollar. Euro, the common currency of the European Union member states is priced a bit higher at approximately 2.17 Fijian Dollars.
LANGUAGES
English, Fijian, and Hindustani (Fijian Hindi) have equal status as the official languages. The Fijian language is widely used and has a number of dialects; the one that is most generally used is known as Bauan Fijian and comes from Bau (Mbau). The majority of the populace speaks at least two languages, one of their own ethnic communities and the other one is English.
CAPITAL
Suva is the bustling capital city of the Fiji Islands. It is the administrative and political center of the country and one of the South Pacific's largest and most sophisticated cities. Its multicultural nature is reflected by the presence of different mosques, churches, temples and cultural centers. The capital has many restaurants, bars, coffee shops, nightclubs including a large cinema complex running the latest movies from Hollywood and Bollywood movies. There is a wide variety of shopping available from The Flea and Handicraft Market offers extensive shopping attractions. In them you can find striking local crafts and wares in addition to stores like Jacks Handicrafts and Tappoos that sell internationally recognized brands.
MAJOR CITIES
Nadi and Suva, these are the two major cities of Fiji Nadi is home to the Fiji International Airport and is located on the west coast of Viti Levu. Suva is lying on Viti Levu's east coast houses the University of the South Pacific.
Nadi is Fiji’s third largest city and is the country’s tourism hub. On the main street you will find a large number of restaurants and souvenir shops. The produce market and the Swami Temple warrant a visit.
With a population of 180,000, Suva is the largest city in Oceania. A large part of the Fijian population, almost one fifth of it, lives in this urban center. Suva has lovely climatic conditions and thus almost any time of the year, is an excellent time to live in Suva. There are so many things happenings, that you won’t get bored.
FUN HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Its mountains, tropical forests, and beaches make Fiji one of the most exotic tourist destinations. There are innumerable things to do in Fiji make the holiday more thrilling and memorable.
Adventure and Recreation in Fiji
Among the major things to do in Fiji are trekking, walking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. To witness the amazing world of sharks, angel fishes, and pelagics you can go on under water adventures. Some of the best surfing sites of the world, like the Cloud break and the Restaurants are located in Fiji.
Yachting, jet-boat trips, bamboo rafting, windsurfing, sailing, canoeing, waterskiing, kayaking, the adventure and sports seem never ending on the island country.
The famous trekking zones in Fiji include the Bouma Village in Taveuni, the Tavoro Falls in Taveuni, Fiji, the Lavena Beach in Taveuni, the Abaca in the Koroyanitu National Park in Viti Levu, and the Sigatoga Sand Dunes.
Walking Tours in Fiji are a favorite with the holydays at Fiji. Walking down the Nubukalou Creek, the Cumming Street, the Albert Park and the Suva Municipal Market is a wonderful way of witnessing these places.
Entertainment
On the entertainment front, Fiji offers a vivacious and lively nightlife on account of its innumerable Bars and Pubs. The country is also replete with restaurants serving delicacies from the world over. Some of the Popular Restaurants in Fiji include Ashiyana, Malt House Brewery and Restaurant, Vilisite's Seafood Restaurant, and Makuluva Delights.
If you are a shopaholic then Fiji has a lot to offer you by way of shopping. One of the most entertaining experiences in Fiji is shopping. Fiji is famous for its countless authentic artifacts Authentic artifacts crafted by the locals of the area can be taken home as collectibles as well as souvenirs.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Has all the adventure and entertainment left you exhausted? Travel in leisure around the cities and sites of the country.
Suva
Fiji's capital, Suva, boasts the Fiji Museum, situated in the lush surrounds of Thurston Gardens next to Government House, and the old Parliament Buildings.
Visit Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple
The Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple in Nadi is the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere.
Naihehe Sacred Caves
The Naihehe Sacred Caves, situated deep in the Sigatoka Valley, are popular with tourists and locals alike. Once a fortress of Fiji's last pagan tribes, the caves contain a priest chamber and a ritual platform.
Fiji's plantations
Fiji is renowned for its copra, ginger, sugar cane and cocoa plantations.
Church of Saint Francis Xavier
The Church of Saint Francis Xavier, situated high on a hill overlooking the dusty Kings Road on the northwestern side of Viti Levu, contains beautiful murals.
Arts Village
Visit the Arts Village at Pacific Harbor on Viti Levu where cultural performances alternate with Fijian fire-walking on hot stones. The adjacent marketplace contains many specialty shops.
Views of Fiji
Fiji boasts an array of spectacular views. You are amply rewarded by the best landscape after a hike up the mountains, such as Mount Batilamu on Viti Levu.
GETTING AROUND
Getting Around by Air
Air Fiji and Pacific Sun operate shuttle services around the islands. Turtle Airways operates a seaplane service to numerous resorts in the Mamanuca and Yasawa groups from Nadi.
Getting Around by Water
Most resorts have their own boat transport, some have catamaran services. Passenger services which link the outer islands are provided for by both the government and local shipping companies. One can also opt to charter Yachts and cabin cruisers. The major islands can be traveled by ferries which operate regularly between them.
Getting Around by Road
Two points need to be kept in mind during traveling by road in Fiji- one is that traffic drives on the left here and second that the livestock wander freely on the roads during the night making driving a bit dangerous.
Bus
Good and reasonably priced bus networks are in place in Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, and Taveuni. Buses which are open-windowed have tarpaulins at the ready in case of rains and these buses can be hailed between stops. However, if you want to travel faster, minibuses are the speedier options, that run between Suva, Nadi and Lautoka. Between Suva, Nadi and Lautoka, express air-conditioned buses also run.
Taxi
Taxis are easily an extensively available.Car hire
Though car hire can be relatively expensive, it is worth it; although a 4-wheel drive is recommended for islands other than Viti Levu. If you want to travel in style, limousines and chauffeurs are also available.
PLACES TO STAY
Hotels
There are a good number of luxury hotels, the majority of which are located in almost all the major cities of the island. Many small inexpensive hotels throughout the islands offer dormitory accommodation. One is advised to book accommodation in advance as some outer island resorts can house only up to 16 guests.
Guest Houses
Guest houses are mostly clean, comfortable and some even have a licensed bar, pool, restaurant, air conditioning and kitchen. A good budget option is Lodges.
Self Catering
Bungalows are available on Viti Levu, the Mamanucas and the Yasawas. Ranging from standard to deluxe rooms and bathrooms, the bungalows are a comfortable stay. The hosts prepare and serve meals in the main house in most places. Other accommodation styles available across the main islands are self-contained holiday houses, cottages.
Fiji's tropical climate and location on Pacific air routes makes it one of the most favored destinations among holiday makers.
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