Month: October 2017

Though Fiji seems like an extremely remote destination floating like a jewel in the South Pacific, it is fairly easy to reach. In fact, it has a national carrier (Fiji Airways) and also receives direct flights from a long list of major, international destinations on a daily basis. It is ten hours by air from the western coast of North America, and the same from such major Asian cities as Hong Kong, Seoul and Singapore. Australians have a four-hour flight, and Hawaiians reach it in five hours by air.

Almost all flights arrive at the Nadi International Airport on Viti Levu, described as the main gateway for the entire country. The Suva airport does accept some international flights, but the majority arrives in Nadi. There are also the smaller, domestic airports for island to island flights, but none of them accept the larger international jets.

You can also arrive via sea, with Customs requiring a 48-hour notice prior to arrival as well as the Ports Authority requiring the same. The Department of Immigration, Health and Biosecurity must also be notified ahead of arrival. Failure to do so means the risk of fines and delays in entering the harbor. You can avoid any hassles where this is concerned by booking passage on a ferry or other commercial vessel that can handle these arrangements. In fact, there are experts who say that the many experienced yacht and super yacht agents available can provide an optimal method for entering by sea.

Entry requirements, in terms of visas, are very liberal, with citizens from dozens of countries being granted four-month visas upon arrival (without any need for getting a visa in advance). The list of countries that receive such simple entry include most EU nations, the U.S., most Central and South American countries, and more. A visit to the Fijian immigration website can let you know if you require a visa in advance of arrival.

Traveling Between Islands

Once you have cleared customs (regardless of your method of arrival) it is much easier to travel from island to island. You need only arrange your fare, and just as your main arrival could be by land or sea, there are ample options for traversing the islands in both ways, as well. Ferry services from Suva to Levuka are quite common, with the trip taking just under five hours. In fact, it is recommended that anyone intending to hop between the islands choose this route as it is stunning and extremely relaxing.

Most departures are from Port Denarau in the Nadi area. This is because Nadi is the transportation hub, and it is why the port even has a lounge for some travelers opting to use the sea route between islands.

If you would rather save time by using air services to visit other islands, it is well advised that you arrange airfare before you arrive in Fiji simply because there are so many options and you do not want to find flights unavailable when you wish to travel. You can also book private helicopter flights for shorter distances, with most airplane or copter flights lasting from 15 to 70 minutes at the most.

Keep in mind that you should also confirm any outbound flights to ensure no changes or updates are made prior to departure.

Getting to Fiji is a very simple process, and you have multiple options. Upon arrival, whether by air or sea, you may arrange for your accommodation provider to send transportation, or you can enjoy the many public or private transportation services. Driving can be a challenge because of the unusual conditions of the roads, so as you find getting into Fiji is easy, make sure that you have also arranged to get around easily!

Looking for a new and unforgettable destination for your next tropical getaway? Have you considered Fiji? Located in the South Pacific, and east of Australia and New Zealand, it is a country that most have heard of but which few know a great deal about. It is a destination of tremendous beauty, and it is an excellent idea to experience Fiji for yourself.

As you may hear from experts, there is not “just one Fiji”. Instead, there are more than 300 islands that make up this island nation. Around 110 of the islands are inhabited and of those, a few comprise most of the country’s land area. Each of the major islands have something unique and different to offer, but you can be sure that all of them have truly distinct beaches, landscape and local culture.

So, how do you experience Fiji? You start by learning a bit about the islands from which you can choose.

Viti Levu

This is usually where most visitors arrive, and because of this, the island has a more cosmopolitan flavor. It is also where the broadest range of accommodations will be found, including luxury resorts and private villas. The capital city is here and because of that you can find amazing restaurants, shops and more.

The island is also home to diverse landscapes and the activities that must always be part of such settings. Mountain villages with authentic native villages, gorgeous lagoons where you can enjoy water sports, and stunning beaches that are what make Fiji so famous.

Ovalau & Lomaiviti

Ovalau island is home to the former capital of Fiji, but is now a far quieter and undeveloped place to pay a visit. Authentic jungle covered mountains are here for the enthusiastic hikers and just as expansive stretches of flawless white sand are there to be savored, too. Close to Viti Levu, it is a much less visited area though one of the most exclusive resorts in the country is among the islands in this area.

The Mamanucas

This is a small gathering of islands that offer you that iconic, picture postcard view of Fijian islands. Dazzling white sands, impossibly clear waters, perfect surfing and lots of services for those who wish for nothing more than to enjoy every moment of the flawless beach life are what you can expect on any of these little islands.

The Yasawas

Sitting at the far end of the Mamanuscas, these are quieter and less populated. The famous 1980s movie Blue Lagoon was filmed on one of these islands, and it is a wonderful place for the avid snorkeler, beachgoer and even cave diver.

Kadavu

Are you an off the beaten path sort? This amazing island may be for you. The perfect eco-traveler’s destination, it is dotted with small and low key resorts that commonly grow their own organic foods and ensure you meet local villagers. However, many make a visit to see the Great Astrolabe Reef, popular with divers, fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Vanua Levu

Equally as off the beaten path as Kadavu is this stunning island. It is home to working coconut and sugarcane plantations, amazing waterfalls, a charming harbor town, stunning and quiet beaches, 4WD adventures, and some of the best diving – including the famous Rainbow Reef and the Namena Marine Reserve.

Taveuni

The lushest of all Fiji’s islands, it is nicknamed the Garden Isle. It too has a lot of waterfalls, amazing hiking trails and gardens, vast stretches of protected forest lands and a popular coastal walk that is one of the most amazing stretches you may ever witness.

That is not all of the inhabited islands, but if you wish to experience authentic Fiji, these are great places to begin. Whether it is pristine waterfront, world-class reef diving, impressive hiking, or a combination of activities, Fiji has it all and puts is own exotic spin on it.

You hear the name Fiji and you automatically envision pristine white sand beaches (though there are some pretty stunning black sand beaches to be discovered, too) and flawless turquoise seas. When you hear the water sports of Fiji, you might also picture the different activities to enjoy along those beaches:
– Snorkeling
– Reef diving
– Cave diving
– Surfing
– Sailing
– Paddle boarding

That is a fairly accurate list, but don’t forget that the islands also feature lagoons, rivers and present you with an amazing range of further activities to enjoy in the gorgeous waters. These include:
– Kayaking
– Diving with sharks, rays and other creatures
– White water rafting
– Jet ski adventures
– Water skiing
– Fly boarding
– Para sailing
– Underwater scooter rides

Naturally, swimming is a must, but even with this simple activity, your options vary widely. Ocean and river swimming are popular, but you can also spend time beneath pristine waterfalls in places like Taveuni Island. Hot springs are available on some of the islands, with one of the most popular being the Sabeto Hot Sprints and Mud Pool in Viti Levu. There are even entire resorts built above the water, so that everything you ends up being an on the water activity!

Don’t forget that cruising is an activity you can enjoy while visiting Fiji, and that too counts as a water sport! You can take day trips to some of the uninhabited or quieter islands and enjoy the water sports they make available to their visitors.

Tours or On Your Own?

Naturally, with so many water sports, it makes sense to consider making the very most out of every moment by joining in on a water sport tour. There are endless options if this is the route you choose. You can find tour providers at resorts, in most harbor areas and via simple online searches.

Is this the best way to enjoy the different water sports of Fiji? That has two answers – yes and no. If you speak with experts on Fiji travels, most will say that it is easy enough to make your way along hiking trails and other routes to places like waterfalls and hot springs. Beach activities are also streamlined and not necessarily improved by participating in a group activity such as snorkeling, any of the boarding activities and use of the smaller craft like jet skiing.

However, if you are eager to see the smaller islands, find those flawless diving or fishing spots, and really explore the quieter corners of Fiji, then water sports done via tours are a smart investment. They provide you with skilled and knowledgeable guides who ensure you have all of the essential gear, simple transportation and waste not a single second with common travel headaches – such as getting lost, errors in bookings, and so on.

The largest islands offer an abundance of opportunities, and these can range from such amazing activities as a snorkeling and whale watching tour aboard a luxury sailing vessel to smaller island cruises with stops for snorkeling, sunbathing and other waterfront activities. Jet ski safaris are a fun way to see more of the islands, snorkeling with sharks is also a possibility (and safer than it sounds), but tamer diving can be enjoyed via lagoon and reef snorkeling tours. Wreck diving can add an unforgettable element to your visit to Fiji, but so too can a day sail with sunset viewing as part of your experience.

Fiji is abundant with coastal, ocean and inland water sports and activities. There is, literally something for everyone on each island.

As you might expect of a popular island destination, Fijian culture has been shaped by the different groups that have passed through or taken up permanent residence on the island chain. There is an indigenous culture of native Fijians, who represent more than half of the country’s current population. Another larger segment of the country’s population is of Indian heritage. As a British colony, Indian laborers were sent to the islands for many years, and many remained once British rule ended. Thus, the island has a distinct blend of native, Indian and some Chinese and European influences.

Because Westerners remained at a distance until the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the native culture remained mostly intact and that has allowed it to be incredibly prevalent to this day. As experts say, the indigenous culture has “shaped the nation and is an active and living part of everyday life for the majority” of modern Fijians.

This means that any traveler to Fiji will instantly experience the local culture in the foods they eat, the festivals that occur throughout the year, the arts that appear everywhere from decorative to functional items, the music, the architecture and more. Even better is that visitors are always encouraged to engage with the local culture in many ways. One of the most impressive and memorable ways to do this is to enjoy kava drinking.

Kava

Long considered one of the most enjoyable ways to make new friends, a kava ceremony has its formalities, but it also enables you to meet locals and really experience authentic culture. You might find options for visiting a village, participating in a gift giving ceremony, some kava drinking and even some dancing. You will want to spend time learning the etiquette of a kava ceremony ahead of time, and you will be glad you did because it ensures you have even deeper understanding of the native culture.

If you are eager to experience the more blended cultures of Fiji, head to Nadi where you can find one of the best open-air craft markets and areas rich in the country’s Indian culture. There is a functioning Hindu temple in town and some of the finest Indian restaurants, too.

Maybe you are a bit more interested in the less tame activities? If so, you may want to witness some fire-walking that is another aspect of local culture. Just off of the southern coast of Vitu Levu is the charming Beqa Island. This is famous for its flawless diving, but it is also where the Sawau Tribe still live. They created the art of fire walking, and host frequent fire walking ceremonies where their warriors walk barefooted over glowing embers!

If you are planning a visit to Fiji, make a point of spending a bit of time at any of the local museums and the National Heritage Sites, too. If you are eager to get a full immersion experience a visit to Levuka – the country’s original capital prior to relocation to modern Suva – is a great choice. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that seems to capture both old and new Fiji in a way that few other locations can.

Of course, the country of Fiji is so rich in history and culture that you may benefit from choosing some cultural tours or day trips during your stay. This can allow you to ensure you experience the essential or “must see” activities and cultural flavors of Fiji. You can find many excellent providers with specialized tours emphasizing anything from arts and crafts, native history and experiences, natural places and parklands and even combination tours. The point is to enjoy Fiji’s natural beauty, but don’t miss out on its rich culture, too.