Fiji

Quick Facts

[edit]

Capital

Suva

Population

869,000

Government

Republic

Religions

Christianity (Protestant, Catholic), Hinduism, Islam

Languages

Fijian, Fijian Hindustani, English

Calling Code

+679

Nationality

Fijian

Local name

Matanitu ko Viti

Contributors

• Peter (85%)
  from My Shout

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Introduction

Taveuni Hill Fort

© All Rights Reserved Peter

They used to practice cannibalism and, more recently, they've been embroiled in bitter ethnic tension, but Fijians are a friendly people. Seriously. Missionary influence has seen the tide of popular opinion turn man-eating; and while the problems between the Indian and native Fijian communities are deep and far from being sorted out, they don't really tend to affect visitors.

Fiji is a fascinating destination. Fijians are Melanesians, but their islands were invaded by Polynesians from Samoa and Tonga. Upon European discovery, matters were complicated further, as the British turned it into a colony and brought in thousands of Indians to work on plantations. Fijian cuisine represents the diversity of modern Fiji's demographic makeup, with flavours from India and Europe mixed with the local dishes. This unique cultural fusion gives Fiji an edge over other South Pacific destinations, while it still has all the usual attractions of a tropical island.

Brief History

Western contact with Fiji was first recorded in 1643, when the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman visited looking for the Great Southern Continent. It wasn't until the 19th century that Europeans settled the islands permanently, bringing them under British control in 1874. The British introduced Indian contract labourers .

In 1970 Fiji gained independence although democratic rule has been a somewhat testing experience for Fijians. Several military coups have been staged in the country, primarily because of Indo-Fijian domination of the political landscape. The coups have encouraged large scale emigration among the Indian population. The Fijian Constitution underwent several changes, first institutionalising etchnic Fijian domination of the political system and then reversing it again. In 1997, Mahendra Chaudry, a Fijian Indian came to power before being toppled in another coup instigated by George Speight. Commodore Frank Bainimarama assumed executive power, putting an end to the coup. In 2001, fresh elections were held which were won by Fijian interim Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase's party. The military didn't fully withdraw from the political landscape and came back into the fray when in 2005, the Qarase government proposed a Reconciliation and Unity Commission, with power to provide amnesty for the perpetrators of the 2000 coup. Commodore Bainimarama objected heavily to this proposal, causing great tension between the military and government. Eventually, in 2006, Bainimarama orchestrated a coup of his own, overthrowing the Qarase government. Bainimarama restored executive power to President Iloho, who the next day named Bainimarama as interim Prime Minister.

Geography

Fiji is an island nation in the Pacific consisting of roughly 300 islands accounting for 18,272 km2 of earth's surface. The two largest islands are Vanua Levu and Viti Levu, both mountainous volcanic islands with peaks up to 1300m in their center. Heavy rainfall is experienced on the southeastern, windward side, resulting in dense tropical forests in those parts.

The other smaller islands only cover 2.5% of the total land area, but are home to roughly 16% of the population. Taveuni and Kadavu are the third and fourth largest islands. Other island groups are the Mamanuca Group, the Yasawa Group, the Lomaiviti Group and the remote Lau Group. Fiji's old capital, Levuka, lies on Ovalau, a rugged island some 20km off the east coast of Viti Levu.

Islands

Two major islands dominate Fiji;

• Viti Levu is the most populous and hosts the capital Suva and the hub town of Nadi.
• Vanua Levu is the second largest island.

Other islands and island groups are:

• Taveuni
• Kadavu
• Mamanuca Islands lie to the west of Nadi and are a popular tourist destination.
• Yasawa Islands are popular for island hopping.
• Lomaiviti Islands
• Lau Islands
• Nananu-i-Ra

Cities

• Suva is the country's capital and largest city.
• Nadi is where the main international airport is located.
• Labasa is the largest town on the northern island of Vanua Levu.
• Lautoka is Fiji's second largest city. It is also referred to as Sugar City because of the central role it plays in the sugarcane industry.
• Levuka is Fiji's old capital and most picturesque town. Located on the island of Ovalau.
• Nausori is a town, 19 kilometres out of Suva.
• Savusavu is another picturesque little town, located on Vanua Levu.

Sights and Activities

Diving

Fiji's reefs and warm waters provide a great opportunity for keen divers. The Great Astrolabe Reef and Rainbow Reef are two of the most famous reefs in the archipelago. First-timers can take the chance to get certified PADI training at any number of dive centres throughout the country. For those preferring shallower waters, there are snorkelling possibilities in abundance.

Mamanucas and Yasawas

The Mamanuca Group and adjacent Yasawa Group of islands lie just off the coast of Viti Levu. Pick one of the numerous resorts, big, small, eco-friendly or ultra-luxurious and unwind on a white sandy beach. Stay the night at an island resort or, if you would rather stay on the mainland, it is also possible to take day cruises to islands in both the Mamanucas and the Yasawas.

Fiji Museum

Suva's Fiji Museum houses an extensive collection of Fijian artefacts. The museum's collection was founded in 1904 and originally displayed in the town hall. The current building was constructed in 1955.

Events and Festivals

• Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Day is celebrated every year on the last Monday of May. It commemorates Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna, a hero in the First World War, who was honored with France’s highest military award. He is considered the father of modern Fiji.
• One of several popular city festivals, the Hibiscus Festival is held in Suva each year around August. It runs for a week or so featuring bands, cultural activities, a Miss Hibiscus pageant and much more.
• The Sugar Festival is Lautoka's festival, similar in principal to the Hibiscus Festival (September)
• The Bula Festival is held in Nadi, another popular city festival (September)
• Diwali, or the "Festival of Lights" is a Hindu festival celebrated by the country's Indian population in October / November.
• Christmas in the tropics is an experience in itself. Visit one of the Christmas Eve carol services to enjoy some fine Fijian singing.

Weather

Fiji enjoys a mild tropical climate with year-round temperatures around 25 °C with a generally high humidity. May to October is Fiji's dry season, also known as the "Fiji Winter". The weather is slightly cooler and less rainfall and humidity make it a good time of the year to visit.

Getting There

By Plane

The main international airport in Fiji is Nadi International Airport (NAN). It is the main hub of Air Pacific, and also services Air New Zealand and Air Fiji flights, amongst others. There are connections to New Zealand, Australia, Los Angeles, Korea and other Pacific destinations.

The second international airport is near Suva, Nausori International Airport (SUV). It services flights to Auckland, Sydney, Tonga and Tuvalu, as well as domestic flights.

The official website for both airports is Airports Fiji Limited.

By Boat

Getting Around

By Plane

Sun Air and Air Fiji run a range of domestic routes. Air Fiji tends to revolve around Suva, while Sun Air travels mostly from Nadi. The planes operate at a low altitude, offering great views of the islands on a clear day.

Turtle Airways and Pacific Island Seaplanes offer seaplane services directly to your island resort.

Island Hoppers can transfer you to and from your island resort in style by helicopter.

By Car

If you're looking to explore Viti Levu, hiring a car can be a good option. Remember to drive on the left in Fiji. There's a mostly sealed road in good enough condition that leads around the island. Otherwise, taxis are plentiful around the major centres.

By Bus

Good bus networks operate on the larger islands. When out of town, you can often hail down a bus whenever you see it. Express buses operate between the major centres, while local buses will seemingly stop at every village on the way. Bus travel is an affordable and pleasant way of getting around Fiji and a good way to meet some local people.

By Boat

Travelling between island by boat is an inexpensive and generally reliable means of getting around. For some of the backpacker resorts, it can be the only practical option. The most significant scheduled ferry routes operate between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, Ovalau and Kadavu and between Vanua Levu and Tavaeuni. The service between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu is the most frequent, as it connects the two major islands. Conditions on board the ferries are usually ok, with deck-travel the norm. Cabins are also available if you prefer more privacy. South Sea Cruises operates daily ferry departures to the Mamanuca Islands on board modern, comfortable vessels. Awesome Adventures Fiji's Yasawa Flyer (the big yellow boat) is the main form of boat transport out to the remote Yasawa Islands.

Red Tape

Money

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

Fiji is well set-up for travellers and provides a great variety of accommodation options, ranging from eco-lodges to high-class resorts or even private islands for the ultra-rich. For those seeking a more cultural experience, it is possible to arrange an overnight stay in one of the villages. Don't expect luxuries like hot water or flushing toilets; this option is for those prepared to rough it a little.

Drink

Having a drink of Kava while in Fiji is part of the experience for most backpackers. It is a mildly intoxicating drink that relaxes, without disrupting mental clarity. Drinking Kava is very much a social thing, particularly among young men in Fiji. It bears a considerable resemblance to dirty dishwater and tastes a bit like it as well. It is usually drunk from a half coconut shell (bilo) while sitting around in a circle.

Health

Safety

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