Fiji is located in the South Pacific, 1875 miles east of Australia and about 1200 miles south of the Equator. It comprises 322 islands. The two largest are the extinct volcanoes of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. There is much of scenic and historic worth in Fiji, including its sugar cane and cocoa plantations. The capital, Suva, has many old shops and markets selling artefacts and handicrafts. Places of interest include the National Museum, situated in the lush surrounds of Thurston Gardens, and the old Parliament Buildings. Other attractions include the acres of orchids and flowering plants in the Garden of the Sleeping Giant at the foot of the Sabeto Mountains. Tourists can pay to see fire walking ceremonies, although the ritual does remain a religious penance. Yacht Cruises can also be arranged.
What To See
Fijians are a very welcoming, hospitable people and visitors should not be afraid to accept hospitality. The ethnic variety of Fiji society can be seen mainly in the towns. There are powerfully built Fijians dressed in wrap-around sulus, numerous Indians, men in Western clothes, women wearing colourful saris and a scattering of European, Chinese and other Pacific Islanders. One celebrated tradition is the practice of fire-walking which has its origin in legend, although the Indian variant is performed for religious reasons. Tourists can pay to see these ceremonies but the ritual remains a religious penance and not merely a tourist attraction. Informal casual wear is generally acceptable, as are swimsuits, as long as they are worn on beaches and not in towns. Smoking is only restricted where specified. Tips about visiting villages: The Fiji Visitors Bureau has the following advice for travellers visiting Fijian villages: visitors should be aware that they cannot just stroll into a village, which would be an intrusion of privacy. It is customary to purchase a bundle of unpounded yaqona (kava) - the traditional sevusevu (gift) - before visiting; half a kilo, which is an appropriate amount for a gift, costs approximately $10. When approaching the village, visitors should not enter immediately but wait nearby until someone comes to greet them and ask the purpose of their visit. They will then be taken to the Chief or Turaga Ni Koro (Headman), to whom the kava should be offered. Visitors who are accepted by the Chief will be assigned a guide and host. Once inside the village, please also note the following: visitors should dress modestly and not wear shorts or hats and women should not have their shoulders bare; shoes should always be taken off when entering someone's house or any other village building; visitors should speak softly and not raise their voices too much as this may be interpreted as expressing anger; visitors should show respect but be cautious about praise as Fijians will feel obliged to make a gift of an object if visitors show too much liking for it; Fijians wil always, out of custom, ask visitors to stay or eat with them, but if one has already been invited, new invitations should be politely declined and possibly arranged for a later date; visitors who spend a night in the village should reward their host with a useful gift of similar value for each member of the party; it is not recommended to give money.
Food & Drink
International cuisine is available, but the local cooking is Fijian and Indian. Local dishes include kakoda (a marinated local fish steamed in coconut cream and lime), rourou (a taro leaf dish), kassaua (tapioca, often boiled, baked or grated and cooked in coconut cream with sugar and mashed bananas), and duruka (an unusual asparagus-like vegetable in season during April and May). Breadfruit is also common. Indian curries are served in all major hotels. A umber of hotels also serve the Fijian lovo feast of meat, fish, vegetables and fruit cooked in covered pits. Table service is normal, although some establishments offer buffet-style food at lunchtime. Hotels often serve meals to non-residents. A wide range of drinks are available. Local beers are Carlton, brewed in Suva, and Fiji Bitter, brewed in Lautoka. Local wines include Meridan Moselle and Suvanna Moselle. South Pacific Distilleries produce Booth's Gin, Bounty Fiji Golden Rum, Cossack Vodka and Old Club Whisky. Throughout Fiji, the drinking of yaqona (pronounced yanggona) or kava is common. In the past, the drink was prepared by virgins, who chewed the root into a soft pulpy mass before adding water. It is made from the root of the pepper plant and the yaqona drinking ceremony is still important in the Fijian tradition, although it has also become a social drink. Bars and cocktail lounges have table and/or counter service. Only licensed restaurants, clubs and hotel bars can serve alcohol.
Shopping
Favourite buys are filigree jewellery, woodcarvings (such as kava bowls) and polished coconut shells, seashells, woven work (such as mats, coasters, hats, fans and trays), tapa cloth and pearls. Bargaining is not a rule in shops. Some shopkeepers will give a discount with large purchases. Duty-free items are available and include cameras, televisions, watches, binoculars, clocks, lighters, hi-fi equipment, pewter, crystal and porcelain. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0800-1300 (some shops have half-day closing on Wednesday and are open later on Friday).
GENERAL INFORMATION (A-Z)
Airport
Nadi is 5 miles north of Nadi town on Viti Levu island. Suva is actually at Nausori, 13 miles from Suva. Nadi is where most international flights arrive, while Suva is the internal hub. Buses and taxis are available at both airports. Departure Tax is F$30. Children under 12 years of age and transit passengers leaving within 12 hours are exempt
Climate
Tropical. South-east trade winds from May to October bring dry weather. The rainy season is from December to April.
Clothing
Lightweight clothing for summer, rainwear for the wet season.
Currency
Fijian Dollar (F$) = 100 cents. Exchange rate: 2.75 to £1.00 (as at 14/01/05) Notes are in denominations of F$50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of F$1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Driving
Traffic drives on the left. There are about 3100 miles of roads, 930 miles of which are paved and useable all year round. The approximate driving time from Nadi to Suva is three hours (on a tar-sealed road). The main roads on Viti Levu follow the coast, linking the main centres.
Electricity
240 volts AC, 50Hz. Larger hotels also have 110-volt razor sockets.
Flying Time
>From London to Nadi is 27 hours 45 minutes (plus connection/stopover time), from Los Angeles is 9 hours 30 minutes and from Sydney is 3 hours 45 minutes.
Getting Around
Fiji's domestic airlines operate shuttle services around the islands, particularly between Nadi and Suva (Nausori) with additional regular flights to Vanua Levu, Kadavu and Taveuni. The flight time from Nadi to Suva is approximately 30 minutes. Air Fiji also operates from Suva to Ovalau, Koro, Cicia in the Lau group and Gau, and from Nadi to Labasa. SEA: Government and local shipping companies operate freight and passenger services linking the outer islands. Cruises to offshore islands leave Nadi/Lautoka and Suva. A ferry goes back and forth regularly from Suva to Labasa, and to Ovalau and Koro Island. Yachts and cabin cruisers are available for charter. A number of ferries now operate between the major islands, greatly reducing travel times. These boats can take between 300 and 500 passengers and have a full range of facilities, including bar, TV lounge and snack bar. A new F$2.5 million catamaran has recently been launched by Beachcomber island resort and will provide two cruises from Fiji, servicing Lautoka, Nadi, Nanu-i-ra, Savusavu and Wananvu.
Health
For the latest immunization requirements please contact your GP
Holidays
Jan 1 2005 New Year's Day. Mar 25 Good Friday. Mar 26 Easter Saturday. Mar 28 Easter Monday. Apr 25 Birth of the Prophet Muhammad. May 6 National Youth Day. May 30 Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Day. Jul 13 Queen's Birthday. Oct 10 Fiji Day. Nov 1 Diwali. Dec 25-26 Christmas.
Language
The principal languages are Fijian and Hindustani, but English is widely spoken and is also taught in schools. Chinese and Urdu are heard in the markets
Opening Hours
Banking hours are 09.30-15.00 Mon-Thur and 09.30-16.00 on Friday.
Time
GMT + 12.
Tipping
Small tips only for special services
Tourist Board
Fiji Visitors Bureau, Notcutt House, 36 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9EU Tel: (020) 7202 6365 Fax: (020) 7928 0722
Visa Requirements
None for UK passport holders, but passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date.
