Discover Fiji

More than anything else, Fiji is an exotic destination. It's the exhilaration of a dolphin arching high into the air beside your boat; the long gliding swoop of an orange dove through the rainforest; the smiles of excited children performing in unison to the beat of a hollow log drum.

Our 333 islands can sizzle with excitement or murmur with the quiet calm of pristine nature. Where else can you swim with huge, harmless manta rays congregating by the shore, snorkel over giant rainbow gardens of soft coral, or scuba dive the White Wall and famous Astrolabe Reef? Fiji is where the Cloud Breaker, the incredible six-meter wave found offshore at Tavarua, draws surfers from around the world. It is also where you can float in the calm, quiet waters of a turquoise lagoon at sunset or walk alone through lush rainforest. It is where the sun shines almost every day and when it does rain, people rush outside for a rainbath in the warm, brief downpour of a tropical shower which ends as quickly as it began. This is where life is lived for the joy of it all, where rushing is rude, and the name of a new friend is never forgotten. Fiji is where people wear flowers tucked in their hair, not to impress visitors, but because they like to.

The Fiji archipelago is at the crossroads of the South Pacific. In the days of sailing ships it was known as The Cannibal Isles and carefully avoided by mariners because of its fierce warriors and treacherous waters. However, in the age of jumbo jets and global travel, Fiji has become the central hub of the exotic South Pacific. More than 85 flights land at Nadi on the main island of Viti Levu every week. From there it is only a quick seven minute hop to one of the offshore island resorts, or less than an hour of flying time to Vanua Levu or Taveuni, the second and third largest islands, where the outside world is quickly left behind.

For those who like to keep their feet on the ground once they arrive, the big island of Viti Levu offers a wealth of tropical scenery, from rushing mountain rivers and waterfalls in the depths of the rainforest, to palm-fringed beaches where time seems to stop. This is where you can fish from the reef in the morning, picnic at the edge of a waterfall plunging into a rocky jungle pool at midday, eat native food cooked in an earth oven in the evening, and then dance to the beat in a swinging discotheque until long after midnight. Along with its pristine tropical beauty, Viti Levu offers several large towns and the bustling capital of Suva, a shopper's paradise and you will never have to travel more than a few hours to get anywhere on the island.

Getting There
As the hub of the South Pacific, Nadi International Airport is the focal point of flights from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Pacific Islands, United States, Great Britain and Europe via eastern or western routes.

Air
Airlines that service our country include Air Pacific, Air New Zealand, Qantas and Korean Air. Around Fiji, buses run virtually everywhere. Taxis are inexpensive and metered. Ferries, launches, aircraft, helicopters and seaplanes service an extensive network of docks and air fields throughout the islands and resorts. Our domestic carriers, Air Fiji, Air Pacific and Sunflower Airlines serve major airports. Rental cars are available from Avis, Rosies, Hertz and other major local firms. In Fiji we drive on the left side of the road. Overseas and International permits are valid for six months

Ferry Services
There are regular ferry services scheduled between the major island. If you have the time and a taste for adventure, you'll find voyaging scenic and exciting, a taste of true island travel. While Fiji has many luxurious cruise ships, inter-island vessels carry freight as well as passengers. Deck passage is the usual way to go, with a few cabins available on some of the ships on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bus and Taxi
There are numerous modern, air-conditioned coaches serving resorts and major towns. However, many visitors like the adventure of using the local open-windowed buses so they can take in the sights and sounds of the passing scene. Canvas flaps are unfurled in the event of a rain shower. Local buses also allow the visitor a chance to mingle with the people of Fiji, who by choice and tradition, treat strangers with gracious hospitality. Every town and village has a bus stop, since this is still the most common form of transportation in the islands. You can also hail any public bus from the road side merely by waving to the driver.

Taxi
Most people in Fiji do not own a car, so taxis are plentiful and fares are reasonable. For instance, FJ$3 will take you just about anywhere in the average town or city. Urban taxis have meters, with a flag at $1.00 and $1.50 after 10.00pm. But you will find smaller towns and rural area taxis use a fixed price system and almost everyone can tell you the price to local destinations. For long trips, bargain with the driver. Often he'll reduce the fare if you allow him to pick up other passengers going the same way. Some taxis can also be hired by the day or half day for a fixed price, often the equivalent of a rental car.