A short flight from Australia, Fiji offers travellers more than you expect. Fiji is about family, the warm Bula spirit, fresh food, stunning natural surroundings, adventure, community connection, natural wonder and a chance to reconnect and recharge with your loved ones. With 333 islands, there is one that will fit every traveller’s needs.
The tiny island nation of Fiji may be a mere speck on the map, but it packs a punch when it comes to things to do and see. An archipelago of more than 330 islands, Fiji is famous for its rugged landscapes, palm-lined, white sand beaches, coral reefs, clear lagoons and infectious local smiles. Its major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu contain most of the population. Viti Levu is home to the capital, Suva, a port city with British colonial architecture, and the main airport of Nadi.
Affectionately named one of the happiest places on Earth, the local Fijians are most welcoming. It is a destination that is well known for travellers embracing the local island way of life. It won’t take long to slip into this and swap your “hello” for “bula” and your “thank you” for “vinaka”. The Fijian way of life requires you to drop the pace back to discover a place where happiness finds you.
It is also a destination focused on sustainability. Many hotels are adopting no plastic/limited plastic, growing food in their own herb, vegetable and fruit gardens; using local fishermen for fresh daily catch and engaging in eco-activities such as coral planting to help preserve marine life.
Who goes to Fiji
Fiji is right for everyone. We all know about how family-friendly Fiji is. Did you know, Fiji has an adventure capital at Pacific Harbour? An array of backpacking resorts throughout the country? Adults only from barefoot to luxury, family luxury, eco retreats, surf retreats, wellness retreats and even hotels where you can practise your art or yoga. Diving, and trekking companies that take you into the highlands, and private islands you can book on an exclusive basis. Wanting to get married with just you and your partner? Fiji has a range of options, eloping – that too. Who goes to Fiji – well everyone can.
How to get to Fiji
Four airlines fly from Australia to Fiji depending on your city. Fiji Airways is Fiji’s national carrier, Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin also fly to Nadi Airport from Australia. Flights range from as little as 3.5 hours to 7 hours. A number of large ship cruises do stop in Fiji but these are scheduled on longer itineraries. However, when in Fiji, there are some small-ship fly and cruise options for 3-4 day add-ons, or for longer 7-12 day itineraries exploring several regions.
Top 10 things to do in Fiji
To narrow down the top things to do in Fiji to just 10 is near impossible. With so many experiences for all types of travellers, there will never be a boring moment. Even if you are not doing anything but just relaxing on the beach and taking a nap, you are still doing something in Fiji. Here are ten of the most popular experiences in Fiji.
Experience a lovo and meke
Wherever you are staying in Fiji chances are you’ll be there for a lovo and meke. Lovo is the traditional cooking method where food is prepared in an underground pit covered with leaves and dirt to slowly cook. Lovo night is often combined with Meke which is Fiji’s traditional dance performed by the men and women of the village. Sometimes using clubs, fans and spears, a meke tells traditional stories through song and dance.
Visit a Village for a true insight into the real Fiji
A highlight of a village visit will be a trip to the village school where the children will delight you with song and dance, sometimes followed by a game of rugby. You will need to visit a village on an arranged visit and please, ensure you understand what is culturally unacceptable when visiting a village.
Diving in Fiji is amazing. Credit: Tourism Fiji
Dive at famous sites
Fiji is the Soft Coral Capital of the World and some of the world’s longest barrier reefs can be found in Fiji. Over 1200 species of fish and several hundred types of flower-like corals and sponges can be found in Fiji’s waters and with an abundance of dive resorts offering PADI or SSI-affiliated dive operators you will soon find yourself immersed in an underwater extravaganza. If you don’t dive, Fiji is the perfect place to learn.
Learn a different side of Fijian culture
Visit the colourful Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple to discover a different side of Fiji Culture. Located in Nadi Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple is the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere.
Visit the Markets
You will find Markets in Lautoka, Nadi, Suva, Savusavu and many other villages. Colourful and full of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and more, a trip to any of the markets will reveal the amazing food offerings from Fiji’s fields and oceans.
Choose your adventure
It might be jetboating down the Sigatoka River, whitewater rafting down the Navua River, or taking it at a leisurely pace in a river tube. Trek the highlands in central Viti Levu or slide down a natural waterslide in Taveuni. Take to the waves that Kelly Slater surfs in the Mamanuca region, or dive with the sharks in Beqa Lagoon. In Savusavu discover magical waterfalls or quad bike in Fiji’s remote forests. You’re guaranteed to find an adventure in Fiji.
Eat world-class food
Enjoy fusion dining like no other – be it local Fijian ingredients combined with Japanese technique to create a unique Omakase evening dining experience, a private beach picnic complete with freshly caught lobster and champagne, a Lebanese banquet or a restaurant with no menu, just advice on what came in on the boat, or is ready to pick in the garden, you will dine like never before at every meal. Take time to leave your resort too and discover local dining options such as Kanu by Chef Lance Seeto and authentic Fijian food at Nadina.
All about reconnecting
Recharge and Reconnect – with family or as a couple, with friends, or with your whole multi-generational family coming from far and wide. Fiji is easy to connect from all parts of the world, so the perfect spot to gather everyone for a celebratory birthday, anniversary or just for no reason at all. There are resorts that will accommodate you in multi-bedroom residences, multiple bures, or rooms. As a couple, take a break away for a long weekend at an adults-only hotel or resort. As a family, allow your beautiful Fijian buddy to shower your little ones with their happy spirit and gentle souls.
Try something new
Travel is all about new experiences and Fiji is no different. Try something new like cooking the traditional way in bamboo. Simply add prawns and locally grown herbs, some tomato, onion and lemon. Throw in an open fire and you have lunch. Many resorts offer cooking classes like this. Learn to Stand up Paddle board for the first time; make your own skin treatments at a mixology class, or learn to paint in Savusavu.
Adopt the happy Fijian way
Boost your Happiness – by saying Bula, discovering the extraordinary natural environment surrounding you, eating well, giving back through supporting local communities and volunteering, and learning the phrase Sega na Lega – or Don’t worry. You’ll find yourself using it when you come home too!
When is the best time to travel to Fiji
Fiji enjoys warm tropical weather all year round. As with all tropical destinations, there is a wet season between November through to March. School holiday periods can get very busy and travel books out quickly.
What are the top 5 tips for first-time visitors to Fiji
- Popular school holiday breaks book quickly so book ahead of time so as not to miss your favourite resort.
- Venture beyond the mainland – there’s so much of Fiji to discover
- Embrace the culture. In Fiji Happiness comes Naturally.
- If you plan to visit a village the local School always welcomes pencils, note pads and other small school suppliers. Don’t hand out to the children but pass onto the Head Teacher
- Learn about cultural sensitivities. Don’t touch a Fijian on the head, or wear sunglass inside, or on your head. Be mindful of your behaviour in a village.
How to book Fiji
You are able to book Fiji through your preferred wholesaler, through the Tourism Fiji website https://www.fiji.travel/deals or direct with resorts, hotels, experience and transfer providers.
How to learn more about Fiji
Tourism Fiji’s Fiji Matai Specialist Training Programme allows agents to work through learning modules from Introduction to Fiji to specific courses such as Active Experiences and Off the Beaten Track.
With tailored itineraries, it’s easy to simply put together a unique experience for your clients – from the traveller that thinks they know Fiji well to those that are first-time visitors.
There are cheat sheets, and a forum to ask your specific questions and the news section will keep you updated when there’s hot off-the-press news you need to know.
https://specialist.fiji.travel/ Work through Bronze to Gold level for inclusions on unique and tailored famils and new learnings.
COVID-19 Rules and Regulations for Fiji
Fiji is, at the time of writing, open to everyone. All restrictions have been removed so travellers do not need to be vaccinated, or do any pre-travel testing. Should things change we will always update our Matai site and our consumer site at https://www.fiji.travel/covid-19/travelling-to-fiji
Fiji still encourages you to have travel insurance, and if you are unwell, please do not travel.
