The Fiji Islands are of interest to many tourists for their exotic nature and the opportunity to have a great rest away from home. This remote country can offer a great time, but the trip should be carefully prepared. All the necessary information for any traveler about this state is present in this article.
Location and general data
First of all, tourists should know where the Fiji Islands are, and some more information. In fact, the state is an archipelago. The origin of the islands is coral or volcanic, the main ones being Vanua Levu and Viti Levu. The latter is home to about seventy percent of the total local population. A huge part of the tourism sector is also concentrated here due to the location of three large cities - Suva (the capital), Lautoka and Nandi. The state is located in the Pacific Ocean, more precisely in its southwestern part. The nearest landmark is New Zealand, which is located at a distance of 1770 kilometers from Suva.
Trip
Due to the location of the Fiji Islands, tourists have to carefully plan their itinerary to this territory. If the departure is from Moscow, then it is best to fly to Seoul, and from there with a transfer to the city of Nandi. This option is cheaper than others. The opportunity to fly to the archipelago is also present from Japan, Australia and New Zealand. You can take a ticket to any of these countries and fly to a place of rest with a transfer. A visa is not required to the Republic of Fiji for citizens of Russia if the period of visit is no more than three months. Medical insurance is optional, but it is better to play it safe. At customs, you should be careful not to take with you products of plant origin, as well as any other food, as this is prohibited. You can import an unlimited amount of money, and export only five thousand Fijian dollars or the equivalent amount in another currency. It should also be remembered that there is no ban on products made from leather, coral, bird feathers, but they can only be exported with a special permit.
Climate and travel around the archipelago
The Fiji Islands are a hot-weather destination all year round. In summer, the temperature is kept at around 26 degrees above zero, and in winter it drops by three divisions of the thermometer. The hot season is accompanied by a large amount of precipitation, and the cold season is drier, although here these concepts are almost erased. The windward slopes are known for constant rainfall that almost never stops. The least precipitation falls in the lowlands, which is worth remembering by travelers. Another note about climate would be the presence of hurricanes. The country is in the centercyclone belt in the Pacific Ocean, and this natural phenomenon is not uncommon here. To make it convenient to travel throughout the territory, it is best for tourists to rent a boat. You will need an international driving license for a car, and roads are only present on the two main islands. In other places, the need for them disappears due to the small area.
Beaches and hotels
The Fiji Islands are also a unique holiday destination because they have a great selection of hotels to choose from. For lovers of relaxation and quiet time on small islands, original buildings were built where you can settle for a certain time. Another plus of settling in hotels in small areas of the archipelago is calmer waters. The main island of Vitu Levu has strong surf, although you can also rent a bungalow right on the beach. Such a vacation can be called more extreme, because the sound of water will accompany a person every minute, and when swimming, you will have to deal with the elements. The best beaches in the country are also present on small islands. Each hotel in this place takes care of the presence of a sandy coastal strip. The institution provides free admission; sun loungers, hammocks with umbrellas can be used at your pleasure. In the morning, tourists can watch the low tide and how the sea pushes the borders two dozen meters, and in the evening it returns to its place.
Money and kitchen
Holidays in the Fiji Islands are accompanied by spending the local currency - Fijiandollars. The ratio to the ruble is approximately 1 to 28, depending on exchange rate fluctuations, the amount may vary slightly. For one American dollar, you can get a little more than two Fijian. You can stock up on foreign currency in advance or after your arrival in the archipelago. Every visiting tourist is recommended to experience all the delights of local cuisine in catering establishments. There are several speci alties here that are not found in other regions. These include fish marinated and stewed in coconut sauce with lime juice, which is called "kakoda". The local population also practices earthen oven cooking. They can be ordered in a set, which is called "lovo". In restaurants, in addition to local cuisine, you can enjoy delicious products of Indian, Japanese or Chinese origin. Everyone will find their favorite gourmet dish.
Various interesting entertainment
If questions about how to get to the Fiji Islands, about currency, hotels and beaches have been exhausted, then it's time to think about entertainment. There are a huge number of them for every taste. In addition to beautiful lagoons with clean beaches, visitors are encouraged to try their hand at night or day diving. Rafting is suitable for those who like to raft along the rivers and enjoy the waterfalls from the side. Water skiing can be organized in any form. A boat, skis, kayaks and more - all this is provided for rent to tourists. Of the quieter types of recreation, fishing, sea cruises and helicopter trips can be noted. Do not forget about the evening discos in the opensky. During the season, people from all over the world relax on the archipelago, and this is an excellent opportunity to make new acquaintances. Tourists are also encouraged to watch the dances of the local population, which turn into a unique show with songs and an incredible atmosphere.
First Attractions
If the Fiji Islands in the photo seemed attractive to you, then with a more thorough acquaintance, a genuine feeling of admiration will appear. Sightseeing only contributes to this. It is best to start from the capital of the state, where the Fiji Museum is located. In this building, you can get acquainted with the history of the formation of the state and learn more about the culture of the population. An interesting stop on the route of acquaintance with the state will be the church with the long name of St. Francis Xavier High. The temple rises on a hill in the capital Suva and can attract beautiful frescoes on the vaults inside the building. After that, it is recommended to go to the island of Beka, where a unique tribe lives. People in it revere the ancient religious tradition of walking on coals. Such a spectacle is worth seeing at least once in a lifetime and marveling at the resilience of these men and women. The rite is unique in its kind, and you will not be able to see it anywhere else.
Sightseeing continues
The Fiji Islands in the Pacific Ocean attract tourists primarily with beach holidays and various water activities. Seeing interesting places in the region can be a great alternative and add variety. To do this, it is worth going to the shores of the island of Kandavu, where the Astrolabe Reef is located. This coral formation fifty meters long attracts a variety of marine life. In the vicinity of the city of Sigatoka, there is also one interesting place called the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park. This natural formation of sand dunes attracts visitors with its mysteries. According to legend, a wide variety of treasures are hidden in the depths of the clusters. The next stop on the journey should definitely be the city of Nadi, where another temple with the long name Swami-Shiva-Shri-Subramania will immediately be noticeable. It is dedicated to three Indian gods, but the interest is primarily due to its architecture. The construction used multi-colored materials, and the total height is thirty meters.
Travel's end
The Garden of the Sleeping Giant is one of the attractions of the Fiji Islands. This is a unique area where two thousand orchids bloom. The park is located in the foothills of Nausori and annually attracts a large number of tourists. In terms of popularity among visitors, the village of Lovoni can compete with this garden. It was built right in an extinct volcanic crater, and a trip here will be accompanied by incredible emotions. Orchid Island is the latest attraction in the country. It is an ancient cultural center with a variety of educational and cultural parks. Here you can stock up on souvenirs, as well as spend some time walking around the territory.
