Where in the world is Fiji?
The three hundred and thirty three Fiji Islands lie at the cross roads of the Pacific, close to the International Dateline where the new day begins - approximately 180 degrees longitude and 16 degrees latitude. The people of these magical, unspoiled islands extend a warm, smiling hospitality and are a blend of fascinating ancient cultures.
The genuine friendliness of the islands' 800,000 residents combined with the unique environment, extreme beauty and soothing tranquility has created a perfect holiday destination. There is direct airline access from Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the West Coast of the USA. Fiji is recognized as a world premier dive destination with year-round sunshine and warm waters and offers superb golf courses, tennis, water-skiing, wind surfing, sailing, fishing, bird watching, horse riding. rugby, soccer and cricket.
There is a huge variety of choice in accommodation styles: from five-star resorts with an international flavor within a comfortable drive from Nadi International Airport to secluded traditional "bures" or thatched cottages on private beaches to deluxe cruise ships…and everything in between.
The smiling, English-speaking staff are trained to exceed service expectations and share the delights of their homeland from fine dining to Fijian feasts with song and dance shows. They will recommend special spa treatments or the spectacular fire walking performances; they will ensure privacy for honeymooners, fun for children, escapism for stressed executives and a truly memorable experience for all.
When most people think of Fiji they think of azure waters and white-sandy beaches, coral islets and tropical resorts. Fiji has all this but it also has much more. A once volcanic area, Fiji is home to rugged mountains, lush green rainforest, waterfalls and remote villages. Culturally, Fiji has become the melting pot of the South Pacific. The influences of Pacific, Indian, European and Chinese cultures are reflected in the food, architecture, language and religion. Fiji is a country and unsurpassed hospitality with a surprise around every corner. Its diversity, proximity and untrammeled beauty make Fiji the ultimate reward.
VITI LEVU
Suva
Fiji’s capital and the largest city is colorful and lively, with duty-free shops, a busy harbour and some buildings from the colonial era. It is on the south-eastern side of the island, linked to Nadi Bay by the Queens Road.
Nadi & Denarau
Nadi has duty-free shops and a colorful market. (At its best on Saturday Mornings). Fiji’s international gateway, Nadi International Airport is 6 km from the town. Denarau Island, location of the Sheraton Resorts is 11 km south and 20mintues from Nadi Airport. Denarau Island is an island in itself offering a variety of multinational resort chains along with an 18 hole championship golf coarse and 10 tennis courts.
Lautoka and the Sunshine Coast
The Sugar City, Lautoka, is Fiji’s second largest city and is known for its sugar cane industry. Only 30 minutes drive North of Nadi, Lautoka offers duty-free shopping, markets, cinemas and a variety of international cuisine. The sunshine coast offers visitors a different view of Fiji, one with Volcanic Mountains and inland trails.
Coral Coast
This popular holiday areas are mid-way between Nadi and Suva on the wide, sealed Queens road. Many major resort hotels are here strung over a large area. Sigatoka and Korolevu are the main towns and there are many small villages.
MAMANUCA ISLANDS
This beautiful island chain lies in the sunniest part of Fiji, between the great sea reef and the west coast of Viti Levu. A number of the islands are home to idyllic resorts.
LOMAIVITI ISLANDS
An unspoilt group of islands on the Eastern side of Fiji, 30 km from Suva. The island of Toberua is part of this group. In this area temperature is mild, rainfall is moderate and sunshine is plentiful.
YASAWA ISLANDS
The remote Yasawa Islands consist of a chain of 20 ancient volcanic islands. They are home to some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches and dramatic monoliths surrounded by crystal clear lagoons. There is a range of accommodation available from back packer style to luxurious resorts.
VANUA LEVU
Vanua Levu is Fiji’s second largest island, offering beautiful pristine beaches, lush green terrain. The island has spectacular waterfalls and hiking tracks. Savusavu is the main town of Vanua Levu and offers a wide range of accommodation from budget to luxury.
TAVEUNI
Taveuni is known as the garden island of Fiji. This is not only for its lush tropical terrain, but also for its spectacular underwater coral gardens. A hotspot for sport fishing and diving, Taveuni is a diverse adventure playground.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Business Hours
Most businesses operate Mon-Fri from 8 am-5 pm. Supermarkets and souvenir shops are open 7 days a week. All tourism related industries operate 6-7 days a week. Several tours that involve a village visit will not operate on a Sunday for religious reasons.
Climate
Fiji enjoys a tropical maritime climate without great extremes. The cooler dry season is from May to October and the warm wetter season from November to April. Warm season temperatures average 30 degrees Celsius and the cool season average is 26 degrees. The wet season lasts from November to March and the dry season falls between April and October.
Clothing
Lightweight informal summer ware is the usual year-round attire. Light tropical style dresses for the ladies and comfortable summer casuals for the men. Perhaps a jacket or light jumper is advisable for the odd cool evening. Bathing suits and bikinis are fine to wear at resorts and beaches, but is offensive to locals on village visits and shopping in town.
Communication
All telephone fax and email communication both locally and internationally is readily available from most Hotels in Fiji. Email cafes have started to appear in the major cities and on island resorts. Reception is good and direct dialling to all overseas destinations is available.
Currency
The national currency is the Fijian dollar (FJD).
Diet
Fiji restaurants and hotels cater to almost any taste or dietary requirement. We get a lot of fresh imported vegetables and have a wide variety of local fruit and vegetables.
Driving
International driving permits and overseas driving licenses are recognized in Fiji for a period of six months. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road and most main roads are paved and in good condition.
Electricity
Electricity in all resorts is 240 volts, 50 cycles A.C. Some resorts and live-aboard may have 110 volt outlets for use as well.
Entry Requirements
Visas are issued on arrival for nationals of most countries. Visitors will be issued with a tourist visa on arrival. All visitors must have a passport that is valid for at least three (3) months after departure from Fiji, onward or return air tickets and sufficient funds to cover their stay.
Geography
Located in the heart of the Pacific, Fiji has 333 islands. The two largest islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu make up 85% of the total landmass. Many of Fiji’s islands are surrounded by reefs and lagoons that provide visitors with spectacular underwater scenery. Fiji’s capital and largest city, Suva, is located on the southeastern side of Viti Levu, linked to the international airport by air and road.
Health
Fiji is free from most tropical diseases, including malaria and inoculations are not required unless visitors are entering from an infected area. Drinking water in cities and resorts is regularly tested and safe to drink. Medical services are available in the main towns. No inoculations are required and travel insurance is recommended. Regular checks with your doctors and travel agents are recommended.
Flights
The Fiji Island is readily accessible by air, ideal for stopover travellers as well as visitors who have chosen this destination for a well-earned holiday or for business purposes. Fiji is close to its South Pacific neighbours and is accessible to major to Northern Hemisphere cities. Direct flights link Fiji with the Pacific Rim cities of Los Angeles, Sydney, Brisbane, Tokyo and Auckland with easy onward connections worldwide.
Flying Times
Australia – 4 hours to the South West
New Zealand – 3 hours to the South
Los Angeles – 10 hours to the Northeast
Time Zones
Although the 180th Meridian passes through the Fiji group, the International Dateline is adjusted so that the entire archipelago falls into the same time zone; 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Language
English is the principal language and is widely spoken. Fijian and Hindustani are also spoken.
Shopping
Tapa is Fiji’s most traditional product, as well as woven baskets and mats. Bargaining is still conducted at the markets and in some duty-free shops, larger stores have fixed pricing. Business hours are from Monday to Thursday 8 am to 5 pm; Friday till 6 pm and Saturday 8 am to 1 pm.
Tax
All Goods and Services incur VAT (Value Added Tax).
Tipping
Tipping is not widely practiced and is at your discretion.