Where is Fiji? Did you search for that? Here’s the best travel guide for you. Fiji is a wonderful country made with over 300 islands scattered in the South Pacific Ocean. So, yes, it is an archipelago with paradise islands that offers you any kind of water sport. Fiji’s tropical climate and foliage, stunning waterfalls, pristine beaches with corals, lagoons, and various marine creatures will make your holiday unforgettable. So, do not hesitate to plan your Fiji tour.
This article contains an ultimate travel guide to Fiji.
Where is Fiji?
Where is Fiji Located?
Fiji is an archipelago spreading over 1,000,000 square miles. Having around 330 islands and 540 islets scattered in the South Pacific Ocean, only 100 islands are inhabited.
Just look at the map; Fiji is close to New Zealand and Australia. About 2000 km north of New Zealand and 3000 km east of Australia. And over 8000 km away from Los Angeles. So, usually, direct flights run from New Zealand, Australia, and Los Angeles.
There are two major islands in this archipelago. They are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. And the largest island is Viti Levu, or Great Fiji. Fiji’s three-quarters of the population lives on the island of Viti Levu.
So, Fiji’s capital Suva is also located on the east coast of Viti Levu. Suva is an attractive port city filled with British colonial architecture because it was a British colony for nearly a century. After became an independent country in 1970, the Republic of Fiji economically developed so well.
Tourism and sugar cane industries are the leading industries, and now, it has one of the most developed Pacific islands’ economies.
Where is Fiji: Is Fiji a Dangerous Country?
Not at all. Actually, Fiji is a tourism hub in the Pacific Ocean. And also, it is a relatively easy destination to travel by anyone in the world. Locals always ready to welcome you with warm hearts.
But, do not forget the following things when you are in Fiji.
You should know the terms of “Bula” and “Vinaka.” Although the majority of Fijians speak English, you’ll hear these two words everywhere in Fiji. Bula means Fiji’s traditional greeting word, just like welcome or hi. And Vinaka means thank you.
Fijians are some of the friendliest people in the world. Although they commonly use machetes, don’t be scared; they are harmless. Machete is the most preferred tool for any kind of work in Fiji. Daily workers and even older women are armed with sharp machetes. So, do not misunderstand.
Fiji Facts
When you travel alone at night, it is better to hire a taxi. Especially if you are a solo female traveler, please hire a hire trustworthy taxi for night tours. Generally, Fiji is a safe country. But, be careful on night tours.
Like in many South Pacific islands, it is better to avoid eating reef fish in Fiji. The reason for that is, reef fish can cause sickness or poisoning as they live in shallow water. So, always choose deep water fish like tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi, and marlin.
Also, always try to buy local food because imported food is costly in Fiji. Local food is fresh, high quality, and cheap.
The national speed limit in Fiji is 80 KMH. Do not exceed it if you are driving yourself. And another fact is, if you face any road accident, do not move your vehicle until the police come.
Every Sunday in Fiji is so religious. Since most Fijians are Christians, they surely go to the church. Even shops are opened only for limited hours. On the other hand, the Fiji Indian people celebrate the Hindu festivals like Holi and Diwali.
Do not forget to apply insect repellent as Fiji has a lot of mosquitos. And it is famous for having the Zika virus as well.
Try to wear conservatively when you visit villages in Fiji.
Where is Fiji: Things to do in Fiji
Cloudbreak, Mamanuca Islands
Are you a challenging surfer?
Cloudbreak in the Mamanuca Islands is one of the most challenging spots in the world. As it lies on a sheltered reef, it always offers the best waves for the surfers.
The Cloudbreak’s reef break speeds up the waves making this place a surfable destination in all tides. Usually, the waves vary between 2 to 20 feet. (But, it changes according to the climate). Typically the best waves come between March and October. (Where is Fiji)
To reach there, you need to use a Jet-ski or to tow board.
Now, it is clear that Cloudbreak is only for expert surfers. So, don’t try it by beginners.
Bouma National Heritage Park, Fiji
Taveuni Island offers you a chance to experience Fiji’s authentic environment rather than Fiji’s touristy environment because it is a beautiful and secluded island located on the northern side of the Fijian archipelago.
It contains virgin rainforests and many other natural wonders. So, nature lovers are dying to visit Taveuni Island to explore the real Fiji. Bouma National Heritage Park is there to protect the rainforests and their natural features.
What are the things you can do in Bouma National Heritage Park?
Well, it offers you many eco-friendly outdoor activities like camping, snorkeling, hiking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and many more.
You can do snorkeling in the crystal clear water in the protected Waitabu National park.
On the other hand, hikers can try adventurous hikes through the Vidawa Rainforest. There are several trails. One of them is directing you to reach impressive ancient ruins while another one guides you to the stunning Tavoro Waterfall.
Bouma National Heritage Park is a nature lovers’ paradise. Are you a nature lover?
Address: Bouma National Heritage Park, Bouma, Taveuni Island, Fiji
Coral Coast
Coral Coast is one of the most popular tourist areas in Fiji as it offers a scenic coastline and many other beach activities. Therefore, the area consists of many resorts suitable for any kind of traveler.
The Coral Coast coastline stretches between Pacific Harbor and Korotogo along the Queen’s Road. Its wide bank of offshore protects the wonderful coral resource. That’s why it calls Coral Coast.
Actually, this part of the coastline is scenic and attractive. Therefore thousands of tourists attracted annually. They can enjoy diving in Beqa Lagoon, sightseeing in Taveuni Hill Fort, exploring the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, touring in the Namosi Highlands, and many more exciting things.
On the other hand, the Pacific Harbor is also located near the Coral Coast. Do not miss it too. (Where is Fiji)
Denarau Island, Fiji
Denarau Island is a luxury island in Fiji. Therefore, it offers you luxury spas, golf courts, shopping opportunities, delicious restaurants, and many other entertaining things.
Since Denarau is located just 20 minutes away from Nadi’s International Airport every tourist can easily reach there.
If you are looking for shopping in Fiji, there’s no other better place than Denarau Island. Whether you are looking for Fijian sarongs to jewelry, wooden artifacts, surfing equipment, and everything is available in Denarau.
After shopping, you can have delicious food from one of the best restaurants in Fiji. Whether you are looking for pizza, American burgers, Chinese food, Indian food, or whatever, Denarau’s restaurants have their best versions.
After dining, you can enjoy the free shows on Denarau’s streets. Ex: in the evening (between 6.30 to 7.30), Polynesian dancing performances, and other Fijian cultural performances are frequent.
On the other hand, for those who are looking for outdoor activities, Port Denarau Marina offers snorkeling, diving, jet-skiing, and sailing like exciting things.
And also, there’s a scenic golf course with 18 holes near the sea on Denarau Island.
For those who are looking for a relaxing massage experience, Denarau Island offers you several world-class spas and resorts. Ex: Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa and Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa.
Are you still going to miss this luxury island?
Fiji Museum
Opened in 1955, Fiji Museum is an excellent museum to study bout the history of the Fiji Islands. Located in Thirstan Gardens of Suva, Fiji, the museum contains many historical, cultural, and archeological exhibits.
Especially, there is an impressive collection of archeological materials that are old over 3700 years. And also there are cultural objects of the Indigenous islanders who lived around 200 years ago.
Apart from that, the museum contains a wonderful art gallery with local artists’ artworks. The gallery has permanent as well as temporary exhibits.
If you visit the Fiji Museum on Thursdays and Fridays, you can join pottery demonstration sessions. (Where is Fiji)
In the end, do not forget to visit the museum’s gift shop and Mimosa Cafe.
Address: Fiji Museum, Thurston Gardens, Suva, Fiji Islands Phone: 679-331-5944
Beqa Lagoon, Viti Levu
Beqa Lagoon (pronounced as Benga) is a paradise in Fiji for adventure seekers.
Located around 144 km southeast side of Nadi, Beqa Lagoon is a world-famous destination for Shark encounters. So, almost every adventure seeker attract to Beqa Lagoon Shark Dive.
Expert local diving operators are always ready to guide you to see the natural habitat of sharks. Don’t worry they use all the safety measures.
You can experience face-to-face shark encounters. And there are whitetip sharks, bull sharks, tiger sharks, and blacktip reef sharks like species. Isn’t it crazy?
On the other hand, Beqa Lagoon offers more diving experiences as well. It is home to around 100 diving sites filled with colorful corals and tropical fish. Since many sites are not so far from the shore, anyone can easily reach those diving sites.
Another highlighted feature of Beqa Lagoon is it is the home to the Fijian traditional tribe, Sawau. They are famous for the centuries-old tradition of firewalking.
Kadavu Island
Having around 411 square kilometers, Kadavu Island is the 4th largest island in Fiji. Since it is not a tourist throng, you can a real paradise island experience from Kadavu.
And also, this island surrounded by one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, the Great Astrolabe Reef. That means you are open to numerous reef diving, snorkeling, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and sailing chances. Just imagine, you are meeting plenty of manta rays while seeing colorful corals in pristine clear water.
Apart from the water activities, Kadavu Island offers you hiking chances as well. Since there are plenty of untouched tropical rainforests, you can get adventurous hiking experiences there. (Where is Fiji)
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Navua River
Flowing for 65 km to the south coast of Viti Levu, the Navua River is a wonderful river in Fiji. It passes rainforests, rugged canyons, waterfalls, and many other landscapes. So, if you paddle through the river, you can get a variety of experiences and sceneries.
Especially, visitors kayak, canoe, boat, raft, or ride whitewater rapids on the Upper Navua River. Along the way, it is scenic and you’ll find various wildlife and birds. Native parrots, Herons, and Fruit bats are frequent.
And also, this river cruise will lead you to experience rural traditional events like Kava Ceremonies. So, do not forget to participate in it with local villagers.
Kula Wild Adventure Park
This is Fiji’s biggest family fun park. Located on Coral Coast, Viti Levu, Kula Wild Adventure Park is an ecological preserve as well. Although it was originally opened as a bird park in the 1980s, it was changed by the Kula Management in 1997.
Also, this is the only wildlife park on the islands. Therefore, you should visit there to know more about Fiji’s fascinating fauna and flora.
The most highlighted creatures in Kula Wild Adventure Park are endangered Fijian iguanas, Fiji’s national bird Kula Bird, parrots, turtles, and flying foxes. Actually, most of them are Fiji’s indigenous creatures.
You can take a self-guided walk through the park to see all of these creatures.
Kula Wild Adventure Park hosts some special events for kids. For example, there’s a Junior Ranger Program that allows kids to hand feed the creatures and do many other outdoor activities.
Canopy Flier Ziplining and Splash Mountain Jungle Water Slide are more highlighted outdoor activities. Don’t worry all these activities are safe and kinds friendly. (Where is Fiji)
Address: Kula Wild Adventure Park, Sigatoka, Fiji
Garden of the Sleeping Giant
Do you like to see over 2000 species of orchids and Fiji’s native plants in one place? Well, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant offers you that chance.
You can visit this garden within 30 minutes from Nadi. Since there are plenty of things to see in the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, people visit there as a day trip.
Actually, this garden was a private collection of late Canadian-American actor Raymond Burr. He was very famous through his crime TV show Pery Maso. If you like, you can take a free guided tour to know more about the garden content and history.
However, located in a scenic place and surrounded by orchids, lily ponds, and a relaxing environment, this is a wonderful botanic beauty in Fiji. So, let’s breathe fresh air and spend some quality time close to nature.
Address: Garden of the Sleeping Giant, Fiji Islands, Wailoko Raod, Nadi, Fiji.
Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool
No need to spend more money on luxury resort spas because Fiji offers you a totally natural hot spring experience. All you need to do is to visit the Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool located in Sabeto Mountains near Nadi, Fiji.
There you’ll find the natural hot springs surrounded by a lush and green tropical rainforest. And locals say that those hot springs help to heal and rejuvenate your body and spirit.
Normally the visitors rub the spring mud all over their bodies and let them dry for a while. Then, slide into the hot springs to wallow in the warm water. If you like for a massage, local villagers are ready for that for a small charge.
Apart from the hot spring experience, this journey lets you visit several local villages in Fiji as well. Then, you can really experience the authentic Fijian rural lifestyle.
The journey of Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool is unique and exciting from the beginning till the end. (Where is Fiji)
Contact: Aqua Tours, Super Centre Complex, Waqadra, Nadi, Fiji, Phone: 679-672-4441
Lau Group
There are 14 provinces in India. Lau Group of islands is one of them. If you are looking for escaping from the busy world and spend some quality time on a remote island, Lau is an ideal destination.
Located in the southern Pacific ocean Lau is a remote, untouched set of islands in Fiji. Actually, there are no roads, no luxury restaurants, and no other infrastructure. There are only a few small guesthouses on the beach.
Some honeymooners visit Lau to spend a wonderful honeymoon close to nature. Yes, it is a good choice as there’s nobody to disturb you.
What are the things to do in Lau Group?
You can do all the water activities (swimming, diving, snorkeling, boating), hiking to discover amazing tropical landscapes, meeting villagers, and many more. So, do not miss this genuine paradise island experience in Fiji.
Sawa-i-Lau Caves, Yasawa Islands
Sawa-i-Lau Caves in Yasawa Islands is one of the top tourist attractions in Fiji because this was the exact film location of the famous movie The Blue Lagoon.
Located on the northern side of Yasawa Islands, Sawa-i-Lau Caves are natural creations of mother nature.
Those caves were created due to the waves, wind, and ocean water a thousand years ago. And there are easily swimmable limestone caverns with crystal clear water in the deep pool. Just swim through them and explore the beauty of those amazing limestone formations.
But, to reach the inner caves, you need to swim through an exciting underwater tunnel. This inner cave is very special for the native Fijians as they believe that it is the resting place of their God.
However, visiting Sawa-i-Lau Caves in Yasawa Islands is one f the most adventurous things to do in Fiji.
Warning: If you are planning to swim to the inner cavern, it is essential to hire a guide and check the tide. (Where is Fiji)
Address: Sawa-i-Lau Island, Yasawa, Fiji
Lavena Coastal Walk
Are you ready to reach the stunning Wainibau Falls and a nearby swimming hole? Lavena Coastal Walk trail will lead you for that.
It is an exciting hiking trail that stretches along Taveuni Island’s coastline. Then, it takes you through some untouched tropical rainforests to reach the Wainibau Falls and a nearby swimming hole. There is around 5 km to reach the waterfall. So, altogether, you have to walk 10 km to complete the hike.
If you feel like it is too much, just hire a one-way motorboat transfer. It will reduce 5 km.
And also, if you are interested in knowing about fauna and flora along the trail, hire a local guide. They are always ready to offer you the service for affordable charges.
Otherwise, you don’t need any guide. You can manage your own.
Finally, the Lavena Coastal Walk trail retreats you with the stunning Wainibau Falls and its swimming hole. And as a bonus, you can see another hidden waterfall once you swam through the gorge. Only swimmers can see it. (Where is Fiji)
Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple
A Hindu Temple in Fiji? Yes, Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple is the largest Hindu temple located in the Southern Hemisphere.
Located in Nadi, this temple attracts many devotees and other tourists. Actually, its Dravidian architecture is just awesome. That’s why it attracts many tourists.
Opened in 1986, Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple was made by Indian artists. They have all the way from Indian to built the temple as a dedication to the God Mungan.
So, wear properly and behave properly.
Address: Queens Rd, Nadi, Fiji
Natadola Beach
Welcome to the best beach on Fiji’s Viti Levu. The reason to say that is Natadola has plenty of clean, white, and safe coastlines. Just imagine a perfect picture of a tropical beach. Natadola is such a perfect destination.
Natadola Beach is a beach paradise for swimmers, snorkelers, divers, kayakers, body surfers, and surfers as it is safe. Especially, this beach attracts surfers with different skill levels from all over the world.
If you do not like to get wet, you can stretch on the clean beach and enjoy the sunshine. Also, do not miss Natadola’s spectacular sunset in the evening. (Where is Fiji)
Address: Natadola Beach, Sigatoka, Viti Levu, Fiji
Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park
Located near the mouth of Sigatoka River in Viti Levu, Fiji, Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park is a paradise for hikers. Spreading over 650 hectares of land, the national park is filled with soft sand dunes. Their height varies from 20m to 60m.
Hikers can experience scenic views of the ocean from every corner.
On the other hand, Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park has archeological importance as well. There some remnants of historical inhabitants who have lived 2600 years ago in this area.
You can get all of this information from the Visitors’ Center in the park. So, start from there. If you want to hire a guide, they’ll offer you a local ranger. And the ranger will guide you for the dunes, beach, inland forests, and meadows.
Address: Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, Queens Road, Yadua, Fiji, Phone: 679-652-0243
When is the Best Time to Visit Fiji?
The high season or the best time to visit Fiji is from July to September. Although the weather is perfect in this period, hotel and flight charges are very high.
From November to April, it is Fiji’s rainy season. So, very few amounts of tourists visit. If you are looking for a budget tour, this is the ideal time period as you can experience the cheapest rates.
Is there any shoulder season in Fiji?
Yes. If you visit Fiji in May through June and October, you can experience decent and weather and as well as affordable rates. Most importantly, there are very few crowds in every tourist attraction in this shoulder season. (Where is Fiji)
Fiji vs Bora Bora
Are you confused about Fiji vs Bora Bora? Yes, it is true, both are famous and gorgeous tropical destinations. And almost every traveler has these to places on their bucket list.
Don’t worry, here’s a small comparison between these two wonderful tourist hot spots. It will be helpful for you.
As mentioned earlier, Fiji is a South Pacific country. But, Bora Bora is a small South Pacific island that considers a part of French Polynesia.
Reaching Fiji is easier than Bora Bora. Even direct flights are always functioning to Fiji from Los Angeles, Australia, and New Zealand. In Bora Bora, there’s only one airport and no public transportation is available. But, Fiji has more transportation facilities.
And also, in the case of cost, Fiji is affordable compared with Bora Bora. That’s why many honeymooners select Fiji over Bora Bora. Actually, many couples select Fiji as their destination wedding venue.
But, in the case of cultural experiences, Bora Bora leads with its unique French Polynesian background.
So, as a summary, if you consider the cost, Fiji is the best. Also, if you are a diving lover, choose Fiji.
Or, if you are an island adventurer, plan your tour to Bora Bora. Staying on overwater bungalows, swimming with sharks and stingrays, and jet skiing are Bora Bora’s highlighted adventures.
Have fun.
Where is Fiji
