Fiji is an island nation in the South Pacific, located northwest of New Zealand and Australia. Fiji is comprised of over 300 islands, only a third of which are inhabited. Fiji has a tropical climate, with average daily low temperatures in the 70s and average daily high temperatures in the 90s.
Agriculture was once the major source of revenue and jobs in Fiji. Its native crops include kava, coconut oil, cocoa and ginger. In the past decade, the tourism industry in Fiji has grown by leaps and bounds and now accounts for much of the country’s generated revenue and job sources. Millions of tourists flock to this tiny island nation each year to partake in the variety of activities it has to offer. We’re going to outline some of the most popular places that tourists visit in Fiji, in no particular order.
1. Kula Eco Park
Kula Eco Park is a Fiji’s only wildlife park. Its mission is to conserve the natural flora and fauna of the country as well as educate the population – especially the children – on the various ways and the importance of wildlife conservation. Free classes are given often. The park is located in a forest that surrounds a stream. The forest is filled with native trees that have provided everything from food to medicine for native Fijians for centuries. Parrots, iguanas and flying fruit bats are just some of the native wildlife you’ll find here.
2. Coral Coast Railway
The Coral Coast Railway offers tourists a unique way to experience life in Fiji and to see parts of the country they wouldn’t get to otherwise. The trains are small, open air carts – not fancy passenger trains you might be expecting. The tracks meander along different routes through sugarcane farms and coastal villages with some stopping for various planned excursions along the way. Trips can last from ½ and hour to a full day, depending on the route chosen.
3. Sigatoka River Safari
The Sigatoka River Safari is a boat tour of Fiji that runs along the Sigatoka River. The safari lasts a full day and carries passengers through some of the most pristine areas of the country where breathtaking scenery abounds. This is a do-not-miss attraction for any visitor to Fiji because you get to see parts of the country that cannot be accessed over land.
4. Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Baths
Off the beaten path, down a long and winding road, you’ll smell the scent of sulfur in the air. As pools of steaming water come into view, you’ll know you’re in the right place. There are three pools of varying degrees of warm as well as mud wallows to dip yourself in. The hot springs and their mud are said to have purifying qualities and have been enjoyed by locals and tourists alike for centuries.
5. Arts Village
The Arts Village in Fiji is an open air market filled with artisan wares. There are wall hangings, paintings, handicrafts, clothing and a variety of other artistic pieces that anyone would love to bring home as souvenirs of their time in Fiji. There are also a variety of cafes, restaurants and other amenities in the area, which makes it a great all-inclusive shopping destination.
6. Clubbing in Suva
If you’re looking for a party in Fiji, Suva is the place to find it. The city is world famous for its nightlife scene and the abundant clubs that cater to any genre of music fan out there. The bars in Suva start hopping after 10pm and the party continues until 5am when the city laws say it must end. But don’t worry – they’ll do it all again next weekend. The club strip is surrounded by other entertainment venues like movie theaters and restaurants and is definitely the place to see and be seen in Fiji.
7. Molituvu Tribal Village
Molituvu was once the site of a bustling tribal village of ancient Fijians. Through teamwork, a group of archaeologists uncovered the ancient city a few years ago and was able to recreate the village from the ruins so that it looks much the same now as it did centuries ago. Molituvu Tribal Village is staffed by local actors that portray ancient Fijians going about their day to day lives in the village to give tourists a glimpse into the past.
8. Garden of The Sleeping Giant
Little did the late US actor Raymond Burr know that the orchid garden he planted in 1977 for his own pleasure would soon become one of Fiji’s most popular tourist attractions. Today, the gardens cover more than 20 hectares exploding with the colors of two thousand different kinds of orchids. Walk through at your own pace while taking a rest on one of the many benches.
9. Sawa-i-Lau Caves off Nacula Island
The Sawa-i-Lau Caves are for true thrill seekers. They are a part of a chain of 100 caves, most of which are only accessible by divers. Inside the labyrinth, the walls rise up some 50 feet in some places while in others, you can barely squeeze through the passages. Swimming, snorkeling, diving and exploring are all popular activities in the Sawa-i-Lau Caves. Local legend says a ten headed god lives in these caves. Can you find him?
10. Historical Walk of Levuka
Walking tours are a great way to experience a region at your own pace. The walking tour in Levuka provides some stunning scenery as well as original Fijian architectural and sites of historical significance. Some points of interest to look out for are the Masonic Lodge, Church of The Sacred Heart and The Royal Hotel.
11. Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park
Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park is located at the mouth of the Sigatoka River. It covers over 600 hectares full of sand dunes, ranging in heights of 20m to 60m. Pottery dating back some three thousand years has been uncovered in the dunes as well as one of the largest burial sites in the Pacific. In 1999 Fiji applied for acceptance as a World Heritage Site. The dunes were also the site of many bloody battles between ancient Fijians and opposing forces. Watch towers were erected all along the area to keep tabs on invaders. Most of these towers have long since been destroyed, but ruins of some of them still remain.
Helpful Tips and Information
You’re likely to encounter lots of villages when visiting Fiji, especially if you tour the remote areas. You should always ask permission from the village elder to enter. If invited inside the homes, it’s expected for you to remove your shoes. Tipping is frowned upon in Fiji, but the staff at luxury resorts may suggest you donate your tip to a staff communal fund instead. Internet access is readily available in most metro areas of Fiji as are banking amenities like ATM machines.
Also Read: Top 10 National Parks in California
Fiji does put many stipulations on visa requirements for tourists. Depending on which country you are from, your requirements will vary. It’s best to check with the Fijian governmental websites for the most current information regarding your home country and the regulations imposed by Fijian immigration officials. Be advised all tourists over the age of 12 will have to pay a $30 departure fee upon arrival in Fiji.