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Introduction
Fiji or Fiji, officially the Republic of Fiji (in English: Republic of Fiji, in Fijian: Matanitu ko Viti, in Hindustani: फ़िजी गणराज्य, Fijī Gaṇarājya) is an island country of Oceania, Located in the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the largest and most inhabited countries in the Melanesia, located east of Vanuatu Y New Caledonia, south of Tuvalu Y Wallis and Futuna and west of Tonga.
Understand
Weather
The climate in Fiji is tropical humid and is divided between the rainy season and the dry season. Tropical marine; just a slight seasonal variation in temperature. Tropical cyclonic storms (the version of the hurricanes in the South Pacific) can occur from November to April. Temperature-sensitive visitors can visit during the southern hemisphere winter.
Fiji is the product of volcanic mountains and warm tropical waters. Its majestic and varied coral reefs today attract tourists from all over the world, but they were the nightmare of European sailors until well into the 19th century. As a result, Fijians have conserved their lands and often much of the non-commercial and sharing attitude of people living in vast extended families with direct access to natural resources. When it arrived, European participation and handover to Britain were characterized by conversion to Anglicanism, the cessation of animist beliefs, brutal tribal warfare and cannibalism, and the immigration of large numbers of Indian hired laborers, whose descendants now They represent almost half of the population, and there are fewer Europeans and other Asians. Today, Fiji is a land of rainforests, coconut plantations, beautiful beaches, and fire-cleared hills. For the casual tourist, it is blessedly free from the evils such as malaria, landmines, or terrorism that attend many equally enchanting parts of the world.
Domestic political events since 2005 have reduced tourism. Fiji's tourism industry has responded by lowering prices and increasing promotion of major tourist areas that are far removed from politics in and around Suva.
Ground
Mainly mountains of volcanic origin. In most of the interior of the main islands there are some roads, many trails and an incredible number of remote villages. Tarpaulin or open buses and "carriers" traverse the mountains of Vanua Levu several times a day and the inland mountains of Viti Levu many times a week. (The Tacirua Transport "hydromaster" bus that leaves Nausori in the morning, passes the hydroelectric reservoir and Mount Tomanivi, and arrives the same day at Vatoukola and Tavua is the best and the scenery is truly spectacular in good weather. ) Fiji is a popular vacation destination.
History
Fiji became independent in 1970, after nearly a century as a British colony. Democratic rule was disrupted by two military coups in 1987, caused by concerns about a government perceived as dominated by the Indian community (descendants of contract workers brought to the islands by the British in the 19th century). Coups and a 1990 constitution that cemented native Melanesian control of Fiji led to heavy Indian emigration. The population loss resulted in economic hardship, but ensured that Melanesians became the majority. A new constitution enacted in 1997 was more equitable. Free and peaceful elections in 1999 resulted in an Indo-Fiji-led government, but a civilian-led coup in May 2000 ushered in a prolonged period of political upheaval. Parliamentary elections held in August 2001 provided Fiji with a democratically elected government led by Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase. There was another military coup in 2006, led by Commodore Josaia Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama. Elections were held in 2014 and Bainimarama's FijiFirst party won the majority of seats.
Culture
The indigenous culture and tradition of Fiji is very vibrant and is an integral component of daily life for the majority of the Fijian population. However, Fijian society has also evolved over the past century with the introduction of more recent traditions, such as Indian and Chinese, and strong influences from Fiji's European and Pacific neighbors, particularly Tonga and Samoa. Thus, the diverse cultures of Fiji have come together to create a unique multicultural national identity.
Holidays
- January 1 : new Year's Day
- Feb / Sea : Holi
- Rau naumi (it is not an official holiday)
- Easter (variable)
- June, 15 : queen's birthday
- Eid al-Fitr (Islamic religious observance)
- October 10th : Fiji Day (Independence Day)
- Oct / Nov : Diwali (Festival of Lights)
- December 25th : Christmas day
- December 26 : Gift delivery day after Christmas
To get
From nearby countries like Australia Y New Zealand You can get there directly, otherwise you had to make a stop.
Entry requirements
Citizens of most countries will not need a visa . Most visitors receive permits on arrival that last 4 months. Everyone else will need a visa. The visitor's permit can be extended up to an additional 2 months for a fee. All visitors receive entry stamps; However, exit stamps were abolished in 2018.
By plane
Nadi International Airport ( NAN IATA ) is the main international airport in Fiji. Suva airport also has some international flights. Fiji Airways flies to Nadi directly from Los Angeles ( LAX IATA ), San Francisco ( SFO IATA and Honolulu ( HNL IATA ) in the United States, as well as from Hong Kong ( Hkg IATA ), Singapore ( WITHOUT IATA ), Tokyo ( NRT IATA)) and many places in Australia, New Zealand and the rest of the Pacific. Korean Air has three weekly flights between Nadi and Seoul. Air New Zealand operates flights to Nadi from Auckland, Christchurch and seasonally from Wellington. As Nadi is a hub for flights to other Pacific Island nations, travelers heading to those countries will likely have to transit through Nadi.
Travel times from Australian cities vary. From Brisbane the flight to Fiji takes approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes, from Sydney 4 hours and 30 minutes and from Melbourne it is 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Boat
You can enter Fiji by boat from Australia via the Australian coastal connection. Yachts should not stop on any island until cleared by customs, immigration, health, and biohazard officials. There are five official ports of entry into Fiji: Savusavu on Vanua Levu, Levuka on Ovalau, Suva and Lautoka on Viti Levu and Oinafa on Rotuma.
Travel
Fiji has a variety of public transportation options, including buses, shared taxis, and private taxis. Fares are very cheap: $ 1-2 (Fiji dollars) from Colo-i-Suva to Suva bus station by bus, $ 17 from Nadi bus station to Suva by shared taxi (shared taxis usually be white mini vans that congregate and set off when they reach their capacity of 6-8), or about $ 80 from Suva airport to Sigatoka by private taxi. On the main road around Viti Levu, buses run every half hour and taxis make up a substantial proportion of the traffic, while Western Taveuni buses do only a few runs per day and there is very little traffic. If the taxi has a meter, ask the driver to turn it on; the trip will be much cheaper than with the negotiated price.
The fare from Nadi beach resorts to central Nadi is $ 8 per passenger and $ 12 to the airport - you should be able to negotiate this price reasonably easily.
While there is seldom a lot of traffic present, most vehicles run on diesel and pollution on major roads can be severe. A national speed limit of 80 km / h is generally observed; Village speed limits are completely ignored, but drivers slow down due to various speed ramps distributed within each village. Seat belts are recommended in taxis, but they are rarely obvious and apparently never used.
Road trips tend to be more dangerous than many people are used to, and many embassies advise their citizens to avoid virtually any form of road trip. Potholes, mudslides and dilapidated bridges are common. Buses are the best, unless you are really comfortable and able to rent and drive a car on your own; most people don't even believe it. Avoid traveling at night, especially outside of urban areas. Another option is hop-on, hop-off bus passes that allow you to tour Fiji at your own pace for a fixed price. These are a more expensive way to travel, but include inclusions like tours and activities. However, some like Feejee Experience are limited to Viti Levu and Beachcomber Island trips and do not include the more remote islands.
Between islands
Denarau Marina on Denarau Island is the gateway to all the inhabited islands of Mamanuca and Yasawa. This is where most of the cruise ships and ferries serving the tourism-oriented western islands of Fiji operate. Denarau Island is connected to the mainland via a short bridge and is 20 minutes from Nadi International Airport. Alternatively, there are additional services to the Yasawas from Lautoka, about 30 minutes north of Nadi.
South Sea Cruises operates daily inter-island ferry transfers at resorts on Fiji's Mamanuca Island, except Malolo Lailai (see Malolo Cat below). Awesome Adventures Fiji and the small Tavewa Seabus offer daily ferry transfers to the remote Yasawa Islands. Inter-island ferries are reasonably priced and have a good safety record, although they can be busy at the beginning and end of school holiday periods. Ferries usually offer two or three classes (depending on the ship).
For fast boats to the popular Malolo Lailai, the Malolo Cat service offers multiple daily departures from Denarau. In lFiji's reserves you can find a useful resource to compare and combine all ferry departures, schedules and connections to these island groups. The furthest ends of the Yasawa Islands take most of the day to reach, depending on the weather, up to 5 or 6 hours. The Mamanucas, although on average it is much closer to the mainland, it can also take several hours to arrive. Is mandatory book at an island resort for at least 1 night if you wish to disembark on any of the islands served by the ferry routes.
Fiji Searoadoffers routes slow (by car) ferry from the east of Viti Levu to Vanua Levu, Ovalau and Koro. They also include bus transfers from all the major settlements on Viti Levu in combination with their ferry departures. However, in most cases it is advisable to compare the pros and cons of such a long sea voyage (usually 10 to 12 hours) with more abundant and much faster (although more expensive) domestic flights.
Economy ($ 65 pp on the Suva-Taveuni route) is the cheapest option, but it requires you to sleep in chairs or on the floor. Sleeper ($ 104 pp, Suva-Taveuni) is a dormitory type accommodation. The cabin ($ 135 pp at MV Suiliven, $ 95 pp at SOFE, Suva-Taveuni) is not necessarily the best option as space is very limited, the cabin can be shared (4 beds) and can have hordes of insects .
Do not try to take a car to another island unless you are the owner or have made clear special arrangements - most rental companies prohibit it and prosecute tourists who violate this clause in the contract.
Reaching the most remote islands, such as the Lau group, is generally possible exclusively by boat charter, domestic flight or plane charter. Usually an official invitation from the local chief is required.
Bike
Bicycles are becoming more popular in Fiji for locals and tourists alike. In many ways, Fiji is an ideal place for a rugged bike tour. However, motor vehicle traffic can be intimidating on well-traveled roads, and there is a lack of accommodation on back roads. Cycling is a great way to see Fiji, but be sure to bring all your parts and supplies as bike shops are in short supply. It is a good idea to bring a lot of water, a camelbak is great as it is very hot and humid most of the year.
The main road around the largest island, Viti Levu, is sealed except for a 40 km section on the east side. A heavy duty, road or hybrid bike is recommended.
Bike rental can be quite expensive compared to other options: Taveuni bike for the full day costs $ 25. With two people, the cost is similar to renting a car.
Railway
The extensive system of narrow-gauge railways used to transport sugar cane to refineries has also carried passengers for free or cheap in the past, but the infrastructure is in disrepair and opportunities are closing. Therefore, the Coral Coast Railway offers a tourist train ride, but not beyond Sigatoka, as the railway's river bridge has collapsed. Your station is at 18 ° 8'27 "S 177 ° 25'50" E (across the main road from The Gecko Lodge, via the turnoff to Shangri-la Resort) and your westbound excursions from that station are off, due to Another unrepaired bridge collapsed immediately west of the station. Mechanical failures can mean there are no deals during the time of your visit.
Is spoken ( http://fijisun.com.fj/2017/04/27/nadi-tourist-trains-to-run-on-fsc-tracks/ ) from another tourist train scheme based in Nadi. When you leave the airport, you will cross the tracks.
Watch
One of the biggest attractions to see in Fiji are above all the beaches. Fiji's main attraction is its nature heavenly, with perfect beaches lined with palm trees, blue waters and green hills inland. Taking perfect photos for your tropical vacation is a piece of cake when you're on the beautiful sandy beaches of the Mamanuca Islands. The same is true for the Yasawas, where you can also dive through the dark cave of limestone Sawa-i-Lau . Discover the dunes of sand of the Sigatoka Valley, once used as a cemetery, or head to Viti Levu to see the wild life outback of Fiji in the beautiful and overcast Kulu Eco Park.. Join the masses on virtually any of the islands to immerse yourself and be amazed by the underwater beauty of Fiji, or opt for a challenging hike along the ridges and through the dense rainforest of the Bouma National Park , in Taveuni. Tall jungle trees, a colorful array of birds, waterfalls, and volcanic peaks are just a few of the
In short, the natural treasures alone are worth it, but this island nation has a number of cultural sights to offer. There is the beautiful Garden of the Sleeping Giant in Nadi, once owned by the famous actor Raymond Burr who lived here. It has more than 20 hectares filled with native Fijian orchids, many cultivated and exotic plants, plus a beautiful lily pond. Take a trip to one of the many villages to participate in a kava ceremony or to see one of the many other remaining cultural traditions. The town of Navala (at Viti Levu) it still maintains its traditional bures, making it an excellent choice. For a deeper insight into the history and culture of the country, the Fiji Museum in Suva It is an excellent addition to your trip.
Sport
- Rugby union It is the national sport, and even in the poorest villages you can see children playing rugby on any open field using plastic bottles or something similar as substitutes if they cannot afford to buy a real rugby ball. The ANZ Stadium in Suva is the national stadium of Fiji, and the Fijian national team usually performs a traditional war dance known as the cibi before each test match. Fiji disputes the Nations Cup of the peaceful with neighboring Tonga and Samoa, and regularly sends teams to the Rugby World Cup, having reached the quarterfinals twice. In addition to the traditional 15-player game, Fiji also regularly competes in rugby sevens, where it is the dominant team in the world, having been the most successful team in the Hong Kong Sevens, as well as the gold medal winner in the inaugural rugby tournament. sevens at the Olympics.
To buy
Money
| Fijian dollar exchange rates As of January 2020:
Exchange rates fluctuate. Current rates for these and other currencies are available at XE.com |
In Fiji, the currency is the Fiji dollar , denoted by the symbol " F $ "or" $ "(ISO currency code: FJD ). Wikivoyage articles will use $ to denote the coin.
Bills include: $ 2, $ 5, $ 10, $ 20, $ 50. Coins include: 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, $ 1, and a $ 2 coin.
Tip
In Fiji, the tip is practically non-existent. This includes not tipping taxis, hotels, bellboys, restaurants, etc. However, at most all-inclusive resorts and between dive operations, they have a "Christmas Box" where you can donate money that is shared equally among all staff at Christmas.
Concerns
Expect to pay similar prices to Australia in tourist regions.
Keep in mind when going to local markets, often some of the street vendors' relatives will be outside looking for travelers, escorting them inside under the guise of "getting the best bargains." Once inside, they and their family stall owners can become quite aggressive if the traveler does not purchase their products. Be firm, tell them that you will report them to the authorities if they don't leave you alone. They will quickly change their pitch and back off.
Also note the small travel counters that act as travel agents, even in some hotels, or at docks where ships arrive. They may not be accredited, or they may be an outright scam. While the tourist police have been created to assist tourists in such difficulties, time constraints can restrict tourists' ability to recover money. Ask the resort managers for more advice.
Sleep
Talk
There are three official languages in Fiji: English, Fijian and Hindustani
To study
Security
Most of the crimes take place in Suva and Nadi, far from the tourist areas. The best advice is to stay on the hotel grounds after dark and be very careful in Suva, Nadi and other built-up areas after dark. Travelers have been victims of violent crime, particularly in Suva. Travelers have reported the regularity of petty theft, muggings and also home invasions / rapes etc. You will notice the dominance of bars in most people's homes. The economic and ethnic strife has led to a low-level buzz of violent crime. Some resorts and hotels have more extensive security measures than others that must be taken into account.
Assaults are often carried out by large groups of men, so being in a group will not necessarily be a deterrent. Police forces sometimes have a difficult time responding to crime, possibly for reasons as mundane as not being able to pay for gas.
Fijian culture encourages sharing and small things like shoes are sometimes "borrowed". Often, by talking to the village chief, you can arrange to have things returned to you.
Fiji continues to be run by a military government, following a coup in December 2006. Although its effect has not been prominent in the tourist areas of Nadi, it has led to economic decline and a decline in the rule of law. Journalists may be blacklisted for political reasons. Those whose employment involves reporting controversial political activities should take extra care to ensure their visas are in order before visiting Fiji.
Health
Fiji is relatively disease free compared to most of the tropics. Avoid mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever and even elephantiasis, by covering yourself thoroughly or by using repellants outdoors at dawn or dusk. Water Generally safe premises, although it is recommended to filter or boil when unsure. Urban tap water is treated and almost always safe. When exceptions occasionally arise, there are public warnings or radio and print media warnings. Contaminated food is rare, although mature reef fish can sometimes contain mild neurotoxins that build up in their bodies from freshwater algae that reach the ocean. The effects of this "fish poisoning" are usually intense for only a day or two, but tingling of the lips and unusual sensitivities to heat and cold can persist for a long time.
Drownings are common, and car accidents and other car accidents (often involving animals or pedestrians) are very common. Local emergency medical care is very good on the basics in urban areas. Expect long waits at government-run hospitals and clinics. Treatment for serious conditions often requires an evacuation to New Zealand or Australia. Even the most basic medical care is generally not available outside of urban areas.
Fiji, like most of the South Pacific, can have intense solar radiation that can cause severe skin burns in a short period of time. Be sure to wear hats, sunglasses, and generous amounts of high SPF sunscreen on ALL exposed skin (including ears, noses, and tops of feet) when in the sun. Besides tropical boils being a common inconvenience in Fiji, this can be avoided by giving those sweaty sections of the body a soapy scrub more than once a day.
Next destination and surroundings
Nearby sites worth visiting are Tuvalu or New Zealand.
Go out and drink
Go out
- White water rafting ,Ríos Fiji, PO Box 307 Pacific Harbor, Fiji Islands, ☏[1-209-736-0597]. Rivers Fiji operates whitewater rafting and sea kayaking six days a week.
- The Pearl ,Queens Road, Pacific Harbor, Pacific Coast, Fiji Islands, ☏[679-773-0022]. The Pearl Fiji Championship Golf Course and Golf Course is located in Pacific Harbor and surrounded by beautiful tropical forests. With over 60 bunkers, multiple water traps, and a winding course, it offers a challenge for even the most experienced golfers.
To drink
A very popular drink in Fiji is the yaqona ("yang-go-na"), also known as "kava" and sometimes referred to as "grog" by the locals. Kava is an earthy and pepper flavored drink made from the root of the bell pepper plant (piper methysticum). Its effects include a numb tongue and lips (usually lasting 5-10 minutes) and relaxed muscles. Kava is mildly intoxicating, especially when consumed in large quantities or on a regular basis, and you should avoid taxi and other drivers who have been drinking.
The kava drink in Fiji became popular during the fall of cannibalism, and originated as a way to resolve conflicts and facilitate peaceful negotiations between villages. It should not be consumed together with alcohol.
To eat
The locals eat in the cafes and small restaurants found in each city. The food is healthy, cheap and of very variable quality. What you order off the menu is often better than what comes out of the glass case, except in places that sell a lot of food quickly and keep it fresh. Fish and Chips are generally a safe bet and are widely available. Many cafes serve Chinese food of some kind alongside Indian fish, lamb or pork dishes and sometimes Fijian style. Near the airport, you will find a greater variety of foods, including Japanese and Korean.
Local delicacies include fresh tropical fruits (they can be found at the farmers market in any city when in season), paulsami (baked taro leaves marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk often with some meat filling or fish and a little onion or garlic), kokoda (fish or shellfish marinated in lemon and coconut milk), and they cook everything in a Lovo oven or pit. Vutu It is a local variety of walnut that is grown mainly on the island of Beqa, but it is also available in Suva and other cities around January and February. A lot of food is cooked in coconut milk - they all react differently to increased levels of fat in your diet.
Be careful when ordering chicken meals. Most often, the chicken is cut into pieces in one bite, but with all the remaining bones, so it is quite easy to choke on a sharp bone. When unsure, always ask for boneless chicken meal.
A common dish in Fiji includes starch, seasonings, and beverages. Common starches in Fijian foods include taro, yam, sweet potato, or cassava, but can include breadfruit, bananas, and walnuts. Seasonings include meat, fish, seafood, and vegetables. Drinks include coconut milk, but water is more prevalent.
