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Bula! Welcome to the Fiji Islands.
Fiji is located in the South Pacific and boasting over 300 coral fringed islands scattered across 20,000 square miles, this archipelago has an abundance of enticing experiences waiting for you.
Whether you choose to relax soaking up the South Pacific sun, drop anchor at one of Fiji’s islands, scuba dive at world famous dive locations, surf the reef breaks or bush walk through the abundantly lush tropical rainforests, there is a myriad of ways to enjoy Fiji.
With a destination so diverse and colourful, it seems only right that the people of Fiji are also so delightful, friendly, natural and fun. With a heritage influenced by the blend of Melanesian, Polynesian, Micronesian, Indian, Chinese and European cultures, the people of Fiji add that little extra bit of magic to an already alluring destination. |
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Fiji accommodation options are broad with everything from backpacker accommodation through to five star luxury. Getting around the islands is easy with Pacific Sun or jump aboard a sea transfer to the islands and on the main island of Viti Levu, taxis, private cars or coach transfers are available.
Fiji has also built an enviable reputation for delivering unforgettable wedding ceremonies and honeymoon escapes.
Fiji’s popular vacation spots
Denarau Island
Located just 20 minutes south of Nadi International Airport, Denarau Island is the home to some of the finest resorts and facilities including a magnificent 18 hole championship golf course, an extensive array of water sports and leisure activities, 10 tennis courts and a marina.
Denarau Marina is home to a selection of boutique shops, restaurants and cafes and is one of the major departure points for cruises and sea transfers to the Mamanuca and Yawasa Islands.
The Coral Coast
Stretching 130 kilometres along the southern shores of Viti Levu, and connecting the main towns of Nadi and Suva, via Queens Road is the Coral Coast. The coastline is a combination of coral lagoons, beaches, Fijian villages and sugar cane fields flanked by lushly vegetated mountains. It boasts an array of resorts popular with the whole family.
The Mamanuca Islands
Set among deep blue waters with fringing coral reefs of turquoise and pastel green, the Mamanuca (pronounced Ma-ma noo tha) island group is a paradise of stunning reefs and sand-fringed isles shared by traditional Fijian villages and modern island resorts. The arc shaped Mamanuca chain is situated well inside the outer reef whose protective barrier creates ideal conditions for boating, scuba diving, snorkelling and other water-based activities.
The Mamanuca Islands and the islands of Nadi Bay offer tourists some of Fiji's most outstanding island beauty and are home to a range of resorts that are as different as they are unique.
There are about 20 islands in the group, basking in a large lagoon formed by the Malolo Barrier Reef and Viti Levu. The Mamanucas are movie stars, Fiji's glittering jet set, forever photographed and feted, valued for their natural beauty.
The Yasawa Islands
The Yasawa Group is made up of some 20 islands of volcanic origin; which lie in a chain north west of Viti Levu. They are famous for crystal blue lagoons and some of the Pacific's most ethereal beaches. The islands have white sandy beaches and crystalline waters, lush tropical rainforests and soaring volcano peaks that attract fresh tropical rain. Some of the larger islands are: Yasawa, Waya, Nacula, Naviti, Yaqeta and Matacawalevu.
The Yasawas are accessed daily from Port Denarau and Lautoka by fast catamaran and resort water taxis; or seaplane and helicopter from Nadi.
The Yasawa Islands offer a great range of backpacking properties with their own unique attractions, cultural activities, picture perfect beaches, authentic Fijian food, amazing birdlife and world class scuba diving. There is also a wonderful selection of accommodation ranging from budget to unique five star resorts.
The peace and tranquillity, combined with the generosity and warmth of the local people make the Yasawas a very special travel experience.
Northern Fiji
The northern islands of Vanua Levu and Taveuni are known for their unhurried pace of life. Vanua Levu (Big Island) is Fiji's second largest island with an area of 5,587km2 and a population of some 130,000. Vanua Levu is a true jewel with numerous untouched sites for those seeking peaceful seclusion and wishing to venture away from the busier tourist areas. The island's main population centres are the towns of Labasa, in the north, and Savusavu, located at the foot of the peninsula. Labasa, with a population of almost 25,000 has a large Indian community and is a major centre of Fiji's sugar industry. Savusavu is smaller and is a popular centre for tourists owing to its diving and yachting facilities.
Fiji's northern region also includes the smaller islands of Laucala, Qamea, Matagi, Namenalala, Nukubati and Kaimbu. Divers are drawn from all over the world to Taveuni for its amazing underwater habitant including the 31km long rainbow reef. The region is home to more than a dozen resorts which are easily accessible by air or local ferry. Most are small and intimate and offer the type of vacation difficult to find anywhere else in the world.
To find out more about Fiji, including information on the best dive spots, how to organise a wedding in Fiji and various cruising options visit bulafiji.com.
Fiji Fast Facts
Capital City
Suva is the capital of Fiji and is located on the eastern side of Viti Levu Island. Suva is 30 minutes drive from Nausori Airport, Fiji’s second largest airport.
Nadi, located on the western side of Viti Levu, is considered the tourism hub for Fiji and is the home of Nadi International Airport, Fiji’s gateway to the World.
Climate
Fiji enjoys an ideal tropical climate averaging 31 degrees Celsius (88 F) during the summer months of November to April and 29 degrees Celsius (84 F) during the winter months of May to October. Tropical rains can be experienced during the summer months however the weather remains humid. The temperature can be slightly cooler in the highlands of the larger islands. Trade winds from the east southeast bring year long cooling breezes late afternoon and early evening.
Currency
Name – Fiji Dollar
Code – FJD
Dress
Dress is casual and informal throughout the islands. Visitors should bring light tropical attire such as golf shirts, shortsleeve shirts, T-shirts, shorts and slacks for evenings. For women, summer dresses and lightweight skirts, slacks and blouses. The wraparound "sulu" (sarong) is Fiji's most distinctive form of dress for women and men.
Duty Free Allowance
Fiji
2.25 litres of Spirits OR 4.5 litres of Champagne, Port or Sherry OR 4.5 litres of wine
250 grams of cigarettes OR 250 grams of tobacco
Australia
Total of 2,250ml of Alcohol
1 carton of 250 cigarettes OR 250 grams of tobacco plus one opened packed
*family members living at the same residential address can combine their Australian personal goods allowance.
New Zealand
1 Bottle of Spirits plus 4.5 litres of Wine, Port, Sherry, Champagne (six bottles) or beer (12 cans).
200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars
NZ $700 of other goods purchased Duty Free or overseas.
New Zealand duty free Over Allowance:
Provided you do not exceed the above allowances you may bring in an additional 2 bottles of spirits (1125ml) and declare the additional 2 bottles of spirits to customs.
Japan
2.25 litres of Spirits OR Champagne, Port, Sherry OR wine
400 grams of cigarettes OR 250 grams of tobacco
USA/Canada
1.14 litres Spirits OR Champagne, Port, Sherry OR wine
200 grams of cigarettes OR 100 grams of tobacco
Duty Free allowances are current as at February 2008 and may be subject to change.
Electricity
The electrical current in Fiji is 240 volts AC/50 cycles. Fiji has three pin power outlets identical to Australia and New Zealand. Leading hotels and resorts offer universal outlets for 240v or 110v shavers, hair dryers, etc.
Health
Yellow fever and Cholera vaccinations are only required if coming from an infected area as designated by the World Health Organization. Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over one year of age coming from an infected area. Hospitals are located in the major centres and there are health centres in rural areas. Hotels and resorts usually have a qualified nurse on the premises and a doctor on call. Fresh water is safe to drink from the tap.
Language
English is the official language of Fiji, however indigenous Fijians also speak Fijian and the Indo-Fijians speak Hindustani. Some Fijian words to get you started:
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Fijian |
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English Translation |
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Bula |
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Hello |
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Bula Vinaka |
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A warm hello |
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Ni Sa Moce (ni sa mothey) |
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Goodbye |
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Vinaka |
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Thank you |
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Kerekere |
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Please |
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Kana |
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Let's eat |
Location
The Fiji Islands, located in the South Pacific, lie on the 180 Meridian where the dawning of each new day occurs.
Passport & Visa requirements
Population
Fiji’s population is close to 900,000
Time Zone
GMT + 12
Tipping
Tipping is not encouraged in Fiji and is left to the individual to determine whether to make a gratuity. However, do bargain in the bazaars or markets.