Fiji: Overview
The Republic of the Fiyi Islands, an edenic archipelago of more than 300 islands, is located to the south of the Pacific Ocean, to the west of Tonga, to the south of Tuvalu and to the east of Vanuatu. Many of the islands surrounded by coral reefs and bathed by warm and turquoise waters, are the ideal place for diving, scuba diving and snorkeling lovers. But the Fiji’s incomparable beauty is not the only reason to visit these islands, the magic of the ethnic and cultural variety and its people's warmth are equally attractive. Fijian population is composed by a fascinating mixture of Melanesian, Polynesian, Chinese, European, Indian and Micronesian influences. Until the coup d'etat of 1987, the indigenous population of the island was considered a minority in its own territory.
Climate
Thanks to the waters that surround the islands, Fiji is characterized by a semitropical climate that lasts the whole year, what transforms it into a perfect escape to the northern and southern winters. The wet season, when tropical (not too dangerous) cyclones can take place, goes from November to April, although it can rain throughout the whole year. The average temperature is about 25 ºC during the day and the humidity percentage is generally high. For this reason, the best moment to visit this archipelago is during the dry season, "winter", that goes from May to October. During these months the temperatures are a little lower, humidity descends and the rains and hurricanes risk are less.
Some recommendations
Most of the visitors will automatically obtain a tourist visa valid for four months when arriving to the country. This includes travelers from most of the Commonwealth countries, the north, Central and South America, Eastern Europe, India, Israel and Japan. This visa is free, as well as any extensions that could be made in the future. It is important to know that visitors must show a return ticket or its confirmed reservation when arriving and getting their visa.
The used currency is the Fijian dollar (FJD) and it is possible that, with some reticence, American dollars are accepted. The most common way of payment is by cash; although travel agencies, medium and high category hotels and other tourism related places, accept the most extended credit cards (Visa, American Express, Diners Club and Mastercard). Some hotels can overcharge you with 5% for paying by card. North American, Australian and New Zealander currencies and traveler's checks are the best way of buying Fijian dollars. In urbanized areas there is a good number of ATMs which accept, besides the mentioned cards, Cirrus, Maestro y Plus. Prices vary a lot according to the tourist package you choose, from backpackers to first class. Tips are not expected neither recommended when paying for goods or services.
Fiji has a high security level. However, it is always best to know some things to take certain cautions in order to enjoy your stay. In Nadi and Suva, for example, robberies are frequent during the night and it is not convenient to hitchhike, since, for being a foreigner, you will be tempting possible criminals. Also in Suva, you should be cautious, since, although peace was restored after the coup d’etat of December 2006, the situation can always be reverted. Keep track of the political and social situation and avoid demonstrations and political parties’ meetings. At the airports, if you want to have some time to consider your accommodation options and avoid the promoter crowds -trying their best to get you in a vehicle heading for their employers’ hotel- you should go directly to the FVB offices, where you will find plenty about accommodations in Fiji. If somebody acts too friendly, wanting to know your life story, while carving your name in a wooden piece, just walk away, even if they pursue you saying that you have to pay for the so called handicraft. It is also common that they ask you where are you staying, since in that way they will be able to decide how much to charge you for the food. On the other hand, and in spite of the promoted image, not every beach in Fiji is good and safe for aquatic sports. Avoid swimming or practicing aquatic sports alone, be careful with currents and tide changes and always ask to the inhabitants about climatic and marine conditions. Also, it is necessary to be careful and not to be lured by the beauty of marine creatures, since many of them, as the sea scorpion and the lion fish, are as poisonous as beautiful. Look, do not touch! Sharks’ attacks to divers or scuba divers are not frequent. Although reef sharks don't usually attack humans to eat, they are very territorial. Avoid swimming near drains, places where fish is being cleaned, outlets of rivers and dark waters. If you are lucky enough to see a shark, just swim away calmly. Finally, make sure you use repellent to avoid mosquitoes’ stings, since they can transmit dengue.
Where to go
The landscapes offer by these rural islands are incomparable. It is worthwhile to visit the remote villages, the giant cascades that roar in the forests of natural reservoirs and the archaeological places that preserve the mysterious past of the archipelago. It is also great to walk around the craters of extinct volcanoes. Here are some of the places you cannot miss on a visit to Fiji.
Between the main islands of Fiji and Tonga are the Lau Islands, very popular among divers. Vanua Balavu is the biggest of the northern islands of this group and it is a fantastic place to visit, although a special permission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Suva is needed.
The city of Levuka, located in Oylau island, was capital of the country during the first period of the British reign and it also was the first European establishment to be settled on the country. Due to this, it is an ideal place to visit several colonial constructions and to get in touch with Fijian history.
Nadi, the third most important city in Fiji, is located on the west coast of Viti Levu island. Although this city is not the most attractive one in the country, it is a good starting point to a trip to the other islands or to enjoy diverse activities like golf, diving, horse riding, raffting and excursions on boats or airplanes. There are lodging and food for every budget.
Also in Viti Levu, to the east of Nadi, are the incredible landscapes of the remote highlands of Nausori. Here the best place to visit is the town of Navala, one of the most picturesque ones in Fiji, because of the distribution of its buildings, located around central avenues with a central boulevard leading to the river.
Continuing with Viti Levu, Suva located in a beautiful port of the southeast coast of the island, is home to a great diversity of people and cultures, what makes it the ideal synthesis to conclude a trip to Fiji.
The small Mamanuca Islands, located to the west of Viti Levu coast are the ideal destination for a boat excursion to Nadi –you can enjoy it as a day trip or an overnight stay at some of the attractive hotels or picturesque backpackers’ inns. Besides this, the Mamanucas stand out for their ideal places for divers, snorkellers, surfers and anyone that simply wants to enjoy the white sanded beaches and the colorful marine beauty of the coral reefs.
Vanua Levu (‘big land’) is the second biggest and most populated island in the country. It is a very good destination for all those travelers wanting to get in touch with the life and the traditional customs of Fiji. Although this is a volcanic island, for what beaches are not plentiful, there are excellent places to enjoy snorkelling, diving, kayaking and bird watching. Also, its wild and abrupt land is special for hiking lovers.
Festivals
Fijians celebrate New Year with so much happiness that parties can last for a whole week, or even an entire month in some towns. In February or March, during the Hindu Holi (color festival), people play with colored water. Also in March or April the Ram Naumi (birth of Lord Rama) is celebrated, this is a Hindu festival that includes a religious ceremony and a party on Suva Bay shore.
Other festivals that take place in the archipelago are prophet Mohammed’s Birth in May, and a ceremony in honor to Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna -considered the most important statesman, soldier, boss and Fijian expert- during a national holiday full of games and regional and cultural shows. Also, the Sugar Festival takes place during September in Lautoka; the Diwali Festival (Light Festival), a Hindu celebration, is carried out during October or November; the houses are decorated and the business settled to adore Lakshimi, the goddess of wealth and the prosperity.
