 Suva
Fiji’s capital and the largest city of the South Pacific Island nations, Suva sprawls over ten square miles on a rugged peninsula in the southeast corner of Viti Levu. The downtown area features modern shops, upmarket restaurants and numerous night spots which springs to life a few hours after the sun has set. The bustling, winding, narrow streets which climb the mountainside behind the downtown area are lined with small shops crammed with merchandise. This is the place to pick up some bargain clothing, for Fiji has a young and vibrant textile industry manufacturing high quality garments. In Suva you will also find Albert Park and the Government Buildings, as well as some of the finest examples of Pacific Colonial architecture in existence. There are scores of places to stay, covering a price range from bare minimum budget to top of the line luxury. There are also a number of golf courses for tourists wanting to hit the green. Suva has Fiji’s largest market, what would be called a “Farmer’s Market” in many countries, where villagers bring their produce for sale. No visit to the city is complete without a visit to the market. Nearby is the Bus Depot, where for a few cents you can board a bus and tour any area of the city, including the residential areas and suburbs.
Suva Municipal Market is where you will find a colourful array of fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and other interesting and exotic food items as well as an experience in uniquely Fijian culture.
Fiji Museum - This historical landmark at Thurston Gardens houses all the ancient artifact, handicrafts, histories of our fore fathers, early settlers, indentured labourers, deed of cession, migration of people and many many more.
Colo-i-Suva Forest Park - Easily reached by bus or car from Suva, this park offers a true rainforest experience without straying too far from civilization. It has a 1.5km nature trail, picnic and camping areas, waterfalls and natural swimming pools.
Mt Korobaba Range overlooks the whole of Suva, Rewa, Beqa Island, Yanuca Island, Serua Island, Kadavu Island and more, and view is awesome! Though steep in parts, this is a fairly easy mountain to scale, so long as the ground is dry. As you walk further up the mountain, the grass is greener, the surroundings are much stiller and the tropical rain forests are denser. First timers will take approximately 2 to 3 hours to reach the top and return;. Take plenty of water, picnic lunch and sunscreen.
Pacific Harbour, 45 minutes from Suva, offers a choice of good hotels and restaurants. Home to many expatriates, the area has one of the finest beaches this side of the island. Visitors come here mostly to visit the Cultural Centre and Marketplace of Fiji and to see a theatrical display of Fijian people in pre-European times. History is retold in theatre and dances. The area is also known for its fine golf courses.
Nadi
Nadi Town, on the Western side of Vitu Levu, is where most visitors arrive at Nadi International Airport and this is the first part of Fiji they see. Nadi is Fiji’s only ‘border town’ and you’ll find it jammed with interesting shops and eateries. A major attraction is the new Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and a work of the art built to a designed thousand of years old. Nadi is where you’ll find the most visitor facilities in Fiji, and of course, the greatest number of souvenir shops, but check around first. Nadi is the ideal place to pick up those last moment things you might want to purchase for your friends at home before departing. Nadi is a gateway to many of Fiji's most spectacular attractions, including the Mamanuca Islands and the Nausori Highlands.
Top features of Nadi include the World War II Momi Gun Site, Port Denarau's shopping complex, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, the mud pools of Sabeto, the tower peaks of the Sabeto Ranges, the Nausori Highlands, and the many shops and restaurants in town.
Viseisei Village
Situated on Vuda Point between Lautoka and Nadi, this village is considered by some to be the beginning of the Fijian Race. Viseisei Village is also the home of the Tui Vuda, the high chief of the area and the current President of Fiji.
Mamanuca Islands
A chain of islands visible on a clear day from Nadi, this has often been called the mecca of Fiji. Many of Fiji's outer-islands resorts are located in the group. These are considered among the most beautiful islands in the country with miles of white sand beaches and coral blue waters, providing a tropical experience in comfortable surroundings.
You can take day trips to these beautiful islands from Nadi or spend a few days (or weeks!) relaxing at one of several sumptuous resorts or slightly lower-budget hotels. The islands are a haven for divers and surfers and the perfect place for the whole family to spend quality time laying in warm white sand and swimming and snorkelling in clear blue water.
Yasawa Islands
Located off the northwest coast of Viti Levu, the Yasawa group of islands are still largely unspoilt, with pristine beaches and local people living the traditional way of life. You can stay on one the island's resorts or take one of the many family-friendly cruises through the area.
The Sunshine Coast
Some 30 minutes to the north of the Nadi International Airport is Lautoka, the second-largest city in Fiji. During the crushing season, this international seaport often has a strong smell of sugar coming from its sugar mill and docks. Mounds of wood chip overlook the little fishing boats and cruise ships also dock. Lautoka is the main departure point to the Yasawa group, and two hours north along the Kings Road is Rakiraki, and its offshore island of Nananu-i-Ra. Diving around the island is excellent, as is the windsurfing on the northern side. Ellington Wharf is the departure point for ferries travelling to the northern island of Vanua Levu.
The Coral Coast
The Coral Coast on the south west of Viti Levu has some fantastic beaches. Stretching from Pacific Harbour to Sigatoka, this beautiful coastal area has attracted the Hotel builders. These are several international hotels located including the Warwick Fiji, The Naviti, Outrigger Reef Fiji, Tambua Sands, The Beachouse, The Crows Nest, Tubakula, Tute’s Oceanbreeze, Totoka Bed & Breakfast, Seashell @ Momi, Beddara Fiji, and the Hideaway. Tourists come into Sigatoka Town in search of bargains. The town also has and a cinema in the town center.
Sigatoka
This small town on the island of Viti Levu acts as a service town for the Coral Coast resorts. It’s good base for exploring the Sigatoka valley and sand dunes as well as the southern coast of the island. The valley holds around 200 cultural and archaeological sites and is also home to some great traditional potters.
Diving and Snorkelling
Fiji is one of the great dive destinations of the world, famed for it's crystal clear waters, rich coral reefs and abundant marine life. Most resorts can arrange Diving and snorkelling tours, and there are often great opportunities for snorkelling right off the beach.
 Kayaking
Just about every beach resort offers kayak hire to its guests. Overnight kayaking tours with professional guides are also available. The best months for kayaking are May to October, when the seas are usually calmer.
Trekking
Fiji also has plenty of activities to enjoy on dry land. Northern Fiji in particular has spectacular rainforests that can be explored with the help of a Fijian guide. Some of the mountain villages of the scenic Nausori highlands east of Nadi can also be visited on foot.
TOP TEN things to do
- Lie on the soft, white sand of an isolated beach and relax.
- Take an island cruise from Nadi and visit some of the most stunning islands in the Mamanuca and Yasawa group.
- Take your pick from one of many vibrant coral reefs and discover why Fiji is one of the world’s top diving and snorkelling destinations.
- Take a river cruise from Sigatoka jetty, visiting traditional villages and experiencing kava ceremonies and Fijian craftwork.
- Hike through one of Fiji’s national parks such as Koroyanitu or Buma National Park and enjoy spectacular mountain views and untouched rainforest.
- Stay overnight in a Fijian village in the Nausori Highlands
- Enjoy an evening of traditional Fijian dancing.
- Take a dip in a natural swimming pool in Colo-I-Suva Forest Park.
- Explore the unique markets in Suva, tasting exotic fruit and picking up interesting souvenirs.
- Hop into a hot-air balloon and take in a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the islands.
Events
The Fijians celebrate several festivals and holidays throughout the year. Christmas and New Years are among the most important celebrations for many Fijians. Some events are especially delightful for kids, including:
Hindu Holi - Known as the Festival of Colours, this Hindu celebration in February or March involves people squirting each other with coloured water.
Hibiscus Festival - Fiji's biggest carnival is popular with both locals and tourists, taking place in the first week of August in Suva. There are a variety of events including parades, traditional shows, carnival rides and fireworks.
Bula Festival - A similar event to the Hibiscus Festival, with parades and music, it takes place in Nadi during late July.
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