There are few bucket list destinations in the world where that can easily be categorized as honeymoon locales and Fiji is one of them. But with new players in the game, Fiji is reinventing itself and has carved out a new hospitality niche–and let’s just say, it’s working. Fiji tourism is up and there’s every reason to consider this destination, whether you’re a honeymooner, adventure-seeker or something else entirely. Keeping everyone in mind we have compiled a small travel guide on things to see in Fiji Island. This is a place where you can explore, stay and indulge all at the same time.
Read on to know more about Fiji – A Tropical Island Paradise.
Decompress on Viti Levu Island
Nadi International Airport is your gateway into the largest island in Fiji – Viti Levu. You can stick around in Nadi for a bit, and check out some shops, music and the local scene. Nadi makes a good base to check out many parts of Fiji. Check in into Fiji Orchid Resort to make the most out of the city. Here you can stay in one of six elegant bures (traditionally a Fijian word for huts made of wood and straw but now represent Fijian style-bungalows), each with glass walls and a tent-like roof. You’re only 15 minutes from downtown Nadi but you can escape here into that feeling of remoteness. Suva, the biggest city on Viti Levu, also happens to be the capital of the Republic of Fiji. Like any capital city, it has the highest population and plenty of amenities, so hop in here for a visit and you won’t be at a loss as to what to do in this bustling city.
Overwater It On Malolo Island
The Likuliku Lagoon Resort in Malolo Island is home to Fiji’s only overwater huts. This Island is located in the Mamanucas which takes about two hours to reach by boat. Here all your everyday tasks like, taking a bath, reading a book, and brushing your teeth seem new and exciting as it’s done overwater. Wake up to a breathtaking view of the sunrise in this ultimate Fiji honeymoon destination. The view of aquatic life beneath the glass floor is something that you just cannot miss. At every turn, the glass floors and glass counters let Fiji’s blues radiate throughout your living space. The hut has a full bath and shower, and a living space that trump’s most overwater offerings in space and style. Stay one night or a week, the choice is yours, but leave only if you must!
Hike Through The Falls Of Taveuni
This three-hour hike will take you through three waterfalls with scenic viewpoints throughout. The first stretch of the hike takes about ten to fifteen minutes to reach the first waterfall. This stretch is well maintained which makes it easier for the hikers to climb. It takes about forty-five minutes to reach the next fall and more than an hour to reach the last waterfall. With the passing of each fall the difficulty of the climb increases. Along the way, you will get to see some colorful tropical flowers of the untamed rainforest and some bright purple crabs. More than 80 per cent of the falls are protected within the Bouma National Heritage Park, and the park is home to prehistoric tree ferns, rare orchids, tumbling waterfalls and natural water slides. The Tavoro waterfall is a 60-foot horsetail of white water which cascades into an emerald pool.
Sigatoka River Safari With A Cause
Sigatoka River Safari is one of the best ways to go outside the typical tourist hubs of Fiji and explore. Touted as an eco-cultural adventure, travellers are transported on a safari jet boat into a Fijian village and experience half a day in the “heart and soul” of Fiji. You will get to experience a day in the life of a real Fijian. Every group will have a personal guide who will give an insight into the history, customs and culture. To top it off, part of your ticket for this tour directly helps the villages you visit with their interior projects, including creating clean water sources. How’s that for sustainable tourism?
Also read: Do millennials really care about sustainable tourism?
Go Diving And See Fire-Walking In Beqa
Another recommendation is giving scuba diving a chance. Those already PADI certified will not need any nudging. For first-timers here’s why you must try scuba diving at least once in your life. Beqa Island and the surrounding Beqa Lagoon is home to more than 100 dive sites, some hardly take 5 or 20 minutes by boat from the shore. But it’s not just about underwater sightseeing. Beqa Island is home to the sawau tribe, who originated the traditional art of fire-walking. You can also see here why Fiji is considered the soft coral capital of the world as you feast your eyes on a variety of marine creatures from ghost pipefish to blue ribbon eels, pelagic to seahorses, and more — most at depths above 50 feet.
Luxurious Stay in Fiji Laucala Island
If you’re looking for a no-expenses-spared type of trip where money is no object, opt to stay on Laucala’s private island. Every indulgence is met, where the property, service, activities (ahem, submarine ride) and grounds (including an airstrip) exude luxurious perfection. With only 25 villas, this billionaire’s playground is exclusive and over-the-top in a way that only travel dreams and extreme FOMO can create and sustain. With five restaurants, an 18-hole golf course, a 240-acre farm and a range of activities that are crazy enough just to work, Laucala is a dream stay with a hefty price tag. Let us know if you go here and send pictures, please.
Check Out Fiji Beach Bars, Restaurants and Cafés
Your visit to the Fiji islands is incomplete without a little indulgence. Check out these amazing places with a unique spin on the flavours for your taste buds.
Taste Fiji – Very important on any trip: Find a place where the coffee is strong. To top it off, this place has fresh food and large servings. Don’t miss their caramelized Vuda pork belly if you’re there for lunch.
Nadina Authentic Fiji Restaurant – Dinner al fresco is almost a requirement in Fiji. Celebrating homegrown and foraged ingredients, this local cuisine is some of the best you’ll try. Don’t miss their ceviche, or kokoda, Fiji’s version of the dish, which is balanced with coconut milk.
Eco Café – This joint Italian-Fijian enterprise doesn’t disappoint. Eco café faces the beach, with an open-fronted, wood-and-bamboo decor and a mellow beach bar vibe. What’s not to love about a beach facing bar?
Beach Bar and Grill – Known as Le Café earlier, the Beach Bar and Grill are popular with those wanting to eat outside their resorts. It’s a simple thatched outfit, but has an impressive menu, with lots of excellent local seafood.
Whale’s Tale – With a quaint bamboo thatched kitchen out back and massive windows in the seating area where you can watch the world go by as you dig into something delicious. This perennial Levuka favourite is a charming little place. The fish and chips are a classic, but look out for local river prawns which will be a delicious treat.
Underwater Adventure Snorkel Tour
One would be remiss to visit Fiji and not witness the otherworldly reefs below the sea. PJ’s Snorkel Tour is the perfect way to snorkel without having to worry about huge charter boats full of people–tours max out at 30 people. You can also choose from the epic snorkelling sites like Makongi Island, Namena Marine reserve, Wakaya Pass or Makongi channel which is for the more experienced swimmers. If you are an avid shark fan, then try the Shark Fin point. You may even encounter the majestic Whale Sharks if you are lucky. After snorkelling, you’ll head to a private island where you’ll get to relax on the beach and enjoy a true Fijian meal for lunch. This is a perfect way to see Fiji and its hidden, lesser-known corners.
Escape To Nanuku Levu Island
If you’re looking to escape off-property, then the spectacular sandy Nanuku Levu Island is the right choice. Nanuku is a short trip from the pacific harbour, Fiji’s adventure capital, where you can spend the day white water rafting or zip-lining. While it sits on 10-acres, Nanuku is actually a boutique property, assuming its position on Beqa Lagoon as its own private utopian base. Fit with villas, incredible service and a full-service spa that’s redefining wellness, this Auberge Resort boasts an all-over experience that is setting new benchmarks in the Southern Hemisphere. You can also experience a private vacation rental, a twelve-acre island entirely for you and your family. Give it a try to escape into serenity and find solitude!
Enjoy A Traditional Fijian Massage
If you are in the mood to soothe your body and soul, then Fiji is the place where you can get the ultimate relaxation experience. Take advantage of the different types of massage from a few international award-winning spas across Fiji’s islands.
Banana Leaf Massage: This massage is very unique and wacky as you will be wrapped in a huge banana leaf. To begin with, the entire body is coated with natural brown sugar and virgin coconut oil and then wrapped in a banana leaf. The natural sounds around will infuse a feeling of positivity and calm inside you.
Bobo Massage: This utterly blissful traditional massage is most common in Fiji and can be found on any spa menu in Fiji. Rich exotic oil and warm medicinal herbs, such as Makita and Macou are applied with techniques involving kneading and long strokes to increase circulation.
Barefoot Fijian Massage: Barefoot massages are popularly all around the world and are known widely as Fijian Massage. Here the therapist uses their feet for the massage to release tension and increase circulation, mobility and flexibility.
Visit The Largest Temple In The Pacific
Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple in Nadi is the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere. A must visit Hindu temple that features traditional Dravidian architecture. Constructed in the early 1990s this brightly colored temple is dedicated to Murugan, Ganesha, Meenakshi and Shiva. As you move around the temple you will be wonderstruck by the impressive wooden statues of the deities. These statues are believed to be brought here from India. Above you can see the elaborate ceiling frescoes which were created by Indian artisans. Please dress modestly and leave your footwear outside before entering the temple. If you are not dressed for a temple visit, don’t worry, you can borrow a sari from the reception.
Chopper Ride For A Bird’s Eye View
How about winding up the trip with a chopper ride over the vibrant Fiji Island? Re-discover Fiji Island from above by taking a helicopter tour from Nadi International Airport. The white sandy Island right in the middle of the blue ocean is sure to blow your mind away. Even if it is a little expensive, this is the best way to have a unique view of this spectacular location. A helicopter ride will cost an approx INR 18,000 for a 15-20 minutes tour. There’s a range of different flights available, pick the one that suits your budget. Don’t forget to carry your camera as you will experience the true joy of photography here.
Some Interesting Facts About Fiji Island
- Fiji is made up of 333 tropical islands with 110 being inhabited.
- Viti Levu is Fiji’s largest island inhabiting over 800,000 people.
- Fiji has three official languages, English, Fijian, and Fiji Hindi.
- A major contributor to the Fiji economy is its tourism industry.
- Kava, one of the most iconic beverages in Fiji, is the National drink.
- Fiji is the soft coral capital of the world which is home to 4,000 square miles of coral reefs.
- One of the main commercial exports of the country is the world-famous Fijian water.
- You too can own a slice of paradise if you can shell out a few million.
- Fiji Museum holds archaeological findings and cultural objects dating back 3500 years.
With so many things to see and do in Fiji, who wouldn’t want to visit this island paradise. Think no further, book your tickets now as this tropical oasis awaits to welcome you.
