Vibrant culture in tropical paradise
AFRIENDLY Fijian welcome and broad smiles await you in this tropical paradise of beautiful beaches, blue lagoons and swaying palm trees.
Renowned for stunning sunsets, breathtaking waterfalls, awesome surf and pristine rain forests, Fiji draws thousands of visitors to its shores each year.
Comprising more than 300 islands, the country is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, where East Indian, Polynesian, Melanesia, Chinese and European converge to form a unique cultural medley.
English is widely spoken, which means communication is a breeze.
Brimming with colourful attractions, awe-inspiring scenery, friendly people and cultural and sporting activities, Fiji offers something for everyone.
From the wanderlust-suffused traveller to the hedonistic sports junkie, this archipelago at the crossroads of the South Pacific is a tourist heaven.
And, best of all, there’s an array of accommodation and activities to suit all tastes and budgets.
Arts Village
Pacific Harbour’s Arts Village is a mix of historical fantasy and contemporary local flavour.
Cultural performances include boat tours around the adjacent lagoon, temple and market tours and traditional displays of Fijian fire walking.
Hot springs, mud baths
Fiji’s hidden hot springs are believed to have healing properties. Irrespective of its claims, the three pools, warm mud baths and lush natural backdrop combine to offer a relaxing experience.
Mangrove forests
Many parts of the coast along Viti Levu are covered in mangrove forests. These areas are rich in wildlife and are favourite spots for local fishing.
A boat journey through the meandering corridors of the mangrove forests up the Rewa River Delta daily from Nausori makes for an adventurous journey.
Church of Saint Francis Xavier
Perched high on a hill overlooking the dusty Kings Road on the northwestern side of Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu, The Church of Saint Francis Xavier is a must-visit for its unique marrying of European and Fijian influences.
Straw mats instead of pews meet beautiful frescos, originally commissioned by the former chaplain to the famous Von Trapp family of The Sound of Music fame.
Fijian dancing
The traditional dance of the indigenous people of Fiji Islands, experiencing a meke is almost unavoidable, particularly if you’re staying at an island resort.
Well-known meke types are fan dances performed by women, and spear or club dances performed by men. The men perform warrior dances while the women sing.
Garden of the Sleeping Giant
For peace and tranquillity, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant on the road between Nadi and Lautoka, at the foot of the Sabeto mountains, is the place to go.
Formerly a private orchid garden, it is now open to the public – beautiful orchids and flowering plants abound here.
Naihehe Sacred Caves
Situated deep in the Sigatoka Valley, the caves are popular with tourists and locals alike.
Once a fortress of Fiji’s last pagan tribes, the caves contain a priest chamber, sacred pond and great Cathedral Chamber.
The caves are still considered sacred today and locals still frequent to pay tribute to their ancestors.
Scaling Mount Batilamu
For unparalleled views, take a day trip from Nadi or Lautoka to scale the “sleeping giant”, Mount Batilamu.
The ascent takes hikers through the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park past tempting waterholes, through small villages, and up to green-swathed, panoramic summits.
Scuba diving
Fiji has been called “the soft coral capital of the world” and few seasoned divers will deny that Fiji has some of the finest scuba diving in the South Pacific.
Diving is possible year-round, with the best sites being Beqa Lagoon, Rainbow Reef or the Somosomo Straits with the famous Great White Wall.
Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple
A must-see for culture vultures, Nadi’s Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple is the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere.
Illustrating the architectural diversity for which Fiji is well known, the three-part temple is dedicated to the deity Murugan whose statue, specially carved in India, is housed in the main temple.
Windsurfing in the Mamanuca
Ideal water conditions, big waves and a year-round strong breeze makes windsurfing in Fiji amazing.
Most holiday resorts in Fiji offer the sport. However, the best windsurfing spots can be found in and around the Mamanuca group of islands.
This article and picture are from www.worldtravelguide.net/fiji/ things-to-do