Fiji

Overview
Comprised of more than 300 volcanic and coral islands, 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. More recently, Fiji's tropical climate and location on Pacific air routes have made it a prime spot for tourists.

Fifiian ethnicity
Fiji's population, which resides mostly on the two main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, is divided between indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians, the descendants of indentured labourers brought from India. Mixing between the two groups is minimal, and informal segregation runs deep at almost every level of society. In recent years, many Indo-Fijian families have emigrated to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the US and indigenous Fijians are again a clear majority.

The Fijian experience
Fijians are known as some of the friendliest people in the world. They are not judgmental of other people and rarely express a negative opinion. Customs still prevail in the more traditional villages, especially those distant from towns and urban centres. And of course, Cloudbreak, an incredible offshore 6m (20ft) wave at Tavarua Island, draws surfers to Fiji from around the world.

These factors need to be seriously discussed by the international community in future years. Otherwise, paradise really might be lost.

Top Things To Do

• Boat trips
  Cruise by schooner or yacht to the different islands or zoom along the mangrove-lined tidal corridors in a jet-boat. Alternatively, bamboo-raft along the streams and rivers - a uniquely Fijian experience.
• Scuba-diving
  Fiji has a number of soft coral reefs, such as the Beqa Lagoon, Rainbow Reef or the Somosomo Straits with the famous Great White Wall, which make for fantastic scuba-diving and snorkelling.
• Watersports
  Sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, canoeing, kayaking and parasailing are all popular activities across the islands. You can also swim in numerous waterfalls found in the forest, coastal parks and reserves.
• Surfing
  The famous ‘Cloudbreak' (6m/18ft wave) is found offshore at Tavarua. Fiji's waves typically break on coral reefs. Most of the well-known spots are off Viti Levu and can often only be reached by boat.
• Trekking
  Fiji has a network of marked nature trails, such as the Lavena Coastal Walk or Vidawa Forest Walk.
• Fijian dancing
  Take part in a meke, traditional Fijian dancing. The locals dress entirely in the national costume of flower leis, grass skirts and tapa cloth. The men perform warrior dances while the women sing
• Wildlife watching
  Watch for fruit bats, parrots and marine turtles. You should also check out the acres of orchids and flowering plants in the Garden of the Sleeping Giant at the foot of the Sabeto Mountains, and the Sigatoka Sand Dunes off the main Queens Highway on Viti Levu.

Top Things To See

• Suva
  Fiji's capital, Suva, boasts the Fiji Museum, situated in the lush surrounds of Thurston Gardens next to Government House, and the old Parliament Buildings.
• Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple
  The Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple in Nadi is the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere.
• Naihehe Sacred Caves
  The Naihehe Sacred Caves, situated deep in the Sigatoka Valley, are popular with tourists and locals alike. Once a fortress of Fiji's last pagan tribes, the caves contain a priest chamber and a ritual platform.
• Fiji's plantations
  Fiji is renowned for its copra, ginger, sugar cane and cocoa plantations.
• Church of Saint Francis Xavier
  The Church of Saint Francis Xavier, situated high on a hill overlooking the dusty Kings Road on the north-western side of Viti Levu, contains beautiful murals.
• Arts Village
  Visit the Arts Village at Pacific Harbour on Viti Levu where cultural performances alternate with Fijian firewalking on hot stones. The adjacent marketplace contains many speciality shops.
• Views of Fiji
  Fiji boasts an array of spectacular views. Arguably the best vista is the reward you get after a hike up the mountains, such as Mount Batilamu on Viti Levu.
• Views of Fiji
  Fiji boasts an array of spectacular views. Arguably the best vista is the reward you get after a hike up the mountains, such as Mount Batilamu on Viti Levu.
  
  See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Climate
Tropical. Southeast trade winds from March to November bring dry weather. The rainy season is from December to April. On average there are 15 cyclones per decade, affecting some part of Fiji, and two to four actually cause severe damage. They occur from November to April and with greatest frequency in January and February. There is more risk in the outlying northwest island groups.

Required Clothing
Lightweight for summer, rainwear for the wet season.