GUIDE TO Fiji - Travel Counsellorsmediaserver.travelcounsellors.co.uk/Product-AU/... · With island hideaways custom-made for relaxation, resorts that know how to show guests a good

FijiG U I D E T O

INSIDER GUIDE TO FIJI

FijiWith island hideaways custom-made for relaxation, resorts that know how to show guests a good time, coral reefs just perfect for diving and snorkelling, and fresh cuisine based on the ocean’s best catches, Fiji is a firm favourite with Australians for a range of reasons.

This mini destination guide to one of the world’s most popular holiday island destinations is designed to provide you with all the inspiration needed to plan your next holiday to Fiji. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, retirement trip, relaxing solo break or intergenerational family holiday, Fiji’s relaxed pace and welcoming attitude makes it the ultimate destination for Australian travellers looking to recharge their batteries in the sunshine.

Population: 881, 065

Capital: Suva

National Anthem: God bless Fiji (or Meda Dau Doka)

Currency: Fijian Dollar

Official Language: English, Fijian, Fiji Hind

Interesting facts...

Fiji is a collection of more than 333 islands, but only one third of those

islands are inhabited by humans.

The island of Taveuni is known as the ‘Garden Island of Fiji’ due to the huge

amount of native flora found on the island. Almost all of the plants and animals

indigenous to Fiji are found on Taveuni.

Rugby Union is the most popular sport in Fiji, with the nation’s Rugby Sevens team

bringing home Fiji’s first ever Olympic gold medal in 2016.

With most Fijians belonging to the Christian faith, Sundays are an important

holy day. Expect nothing much to be open on Sundays – except churches.

The International Date Line runs straight through the island of Taveuni so on side it’s

Monday and the other it’s Tuesday.

Tourism is one of Fiji’s biggest economies, with Australians representing the largest

number of tourists to the island.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Average Monthly Temperature: Nadi

26° 27°27° 26° 25° 24° 24° 23° 24° 25° 25° 26°

ClimateFiji’s warm, tropical climate tends to hover around the 26-30 degree mark all year round. The wet season tends to run from December to April, but showers tend to be heavy, but brief. Fiji is cyclone-prone, with January and February being the most cyclone-prone months.

Tavoro WaterfallsLocated in Bouma National Heritage Park on Taveuni (also known as Garden Island) this isolated spot is well worth the modest entry fee. The series of three waterfalls are fringed with lush jungle and while quite slippery, clambering to all three waterfalls reveals crystal clear natural swimming pools perfect for a relaxing dip. An abundance of bird life makes this spot a dream for birdwatchers and nature lovers. This is Fiji at its finest.

Sawailau CavesLocated within the Yasawa Island group, these spectacular limestone caves can be reached by a scenic boat trip. Venturing into the caverns with a local guide, visitors are often astounded at how blue the water is within the cave system. Listen to local guides tell stories of myth and legend associated with the caves, and if you’re feeling adventurous, head underwater for further exploration.

Garden of the Sleeping GiantThe Garden of the Sleeping Giant is only 6 kilometres from Nadi Airport but feels a world away. Filled with more than 2000 varieties of orchids, this serene garden’s lily ponds, waterfalls and flowers is a great family-friendly spot to spend a few, stress-free hours.

South Sea IslandA short 30 minute boat trip from Denarau, South Sea Island is the perfect place to dive, snorkel, kayak and swim. Operators run day trips to this island and often provide all the equipment needed to enjoy this tiny island with a bug amount of natural beauty. Offshore coral reefs are home to many species of colourful tropical fish, so putting on a snorkelling mask to go make new friends is one of the best ways to enjoy this part of Fiji.

Things you must seewhile in Fiji

“Experiencing a lovo (earthoven) feast and traditional dance show is my top pick. Sitting on the beach, feasting

on fresh produce while listeningto local musicians and watchingtraditional dancers is a culturalexperience not to be missed.”

Kim Rudd

“Fiji has some of the best soft coralgardens in the world, so snorkellingshould definitely be on the agenda.Whether you go on a cruise or headout to a reef on a day trip, the areasof Rainbow Reef, Namena MarineReserve and the Great Astrolabe

Reef are among the best.”Richard Stewart

TC Recommended: FijiTake a look at some quintessential Fiji holiday experiences

recommended by Travel Counsellors

“Picking up souvenirs for friendsand family back home is easy if you’re in Suva. Head to the Pure Fiji factory outlet to pick up some of their sustainable bath and bodyproducts for a fraction of the priceyou’d pay back at home.”Donna Jones

“I love wandering around the fresh food

markets of Suva. From fresh fish to piles

of coconuts and rows of colourful tropical

fruit, the markets are a great way to get

a slice of local life, take some interesting

photos and pick up some of the freshest

produce on the planet.”

Julie Moore

“There are 14 golf courses scattered throughout Fiji, and I highly recommend

visiting one while in Fiji. Whether you want to challenge yourself on an 18-hole, 72-par championship course or take it easier with a nine-hole option,

Fiji’s golf courses are world class.”

David Jackson

“You really can’t leave Fiji without

experiencing a cruise. Many companies

offer day cruises leaving from Port Denarau

Marina but heading out on a classic sail

boat is one of the best ways to explore the

lagoons and bays at a slow pace.”

Lynda Reid

To share your special holiday memories, please upload your images to your social media

account using #TCexperience

Why not try Fijian?

INGREDIENTS

• 850g (about 4) snapper fillets, skin removed

• 185ml (3/4 cup) fresh lemon juice

• 2 ripe tomatoes, diced

• 1 green capsicum, halved, deseeded, diced

• 1 brown onion, diced

• 100ml coconut cream

• 1 large fresh red chilli, halved, finely chopped

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 3 green oak leaf lettuces, stems trimmed, washed, dried

METHOD

1. Use a sharp knife to cut on either side of the centre line of bones in each

snapper fillet, and discard the bones. Cut the snapper into 1cm pieces.

2. Place the snapper and lemon juice in a large ceramic or glass bowl, and toss

to combine. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 8 hours or

overnight to marinate, tossing occasionally with a wooden spoon.

The fish will be white when ready.

3. Add tomatoes, capsicum, onion, coconut cream and chilli to marinated

fish, and stir gently to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

4. Line a serving bowl with the lettuce leaves. Spoon the kokoda onto the

leaves. If you like, transfer portions of the kokoda and leaves into individual

serving bowls.

Want to recreate those authentic Fijian flavours at home? Then we’ve got the perfect recipe for you.

Tina Millington’s Kokoda (pronounced ‘ko kon da’) recipeThis is my favourite dish from Fiji and is very easy to make yourself. The easiest way to describe it

is to take some raw fish marinated in lime and serve in a coconut milk broth. The broth has cucumber, onion and a hand full of chilies. It is simply delicious and so fresh.

It’s like a Fijian cross between sashimi or ceviche, so you really should try it yourself! And a popular addition you could try is to have it with fried cassava (big hot chips).

TC Hidden Gem:Spectacular Savusavu

Savusavu is a natural, lush and beautiful paradise on Vanua Levu, Fiji’s other big island. The town of Savusavu has a wonderfully diverse range of accommodation, activities and adventures for all tastes. Let our Travel Counsellors choose from the many different resorts Savusavu area has to offer. From island resorts to hotels with commanding views of the town or marinas, or luxury villas to boutique hotels, there is something for everyone in and around Savusavu.

Easily accessible by ferry, flight or boat from Nadi or Suva, you will find a wealth of activities including spas, diving, snorkelling, fishing, trekking or just plain fun in the sun in this hidden paradise of Savusavu!

Fiji for familiesThis 10-day itinerary is perfect for families with children of all ages. Incorporating a wide range of outdoor activities (and time for parents to retreat for a child-free rest), this itinerary makes the most of Fiji’s finest beaches and resorts.

Days 1-3 NadiAfter flying into Nadi International Airport transfer to Sheraton Fiji Resort in Nadi. Shake off jetlag with a dip in the resort pool, then spend the night dining at the on-site Flying Fish restaurant. With menus designed by Peter Kuruvita, the focus is on fresh, simple food at this restaurant known for its casual vibe and relaxing water views. By day, parents can drop their kids off at Sheraton’s Lailai Kid’s club – one of the best kid’s clubs in Fiji. While the kids are having fun face painting and learning how to play traditional drums, choose to head out for a round of golf, relax by the pool with a good book, or indulge at a Feast buffet at lunch.

Days 4-6 Castaway IslandCatch a fast, air-conditioned catamaran from Denarau to Castaway Island where a family beach bure awaits. Spend the next few days exploring the island’s charms together. Take a dip in the family pool, go on a kayaking adventure around the shallow shores of the island, try your hand at paddleboarding and learn to cook Fijian-style at a cooking demonstration. Castaway Island is perfect for fun-loving families!

Days 7-9 Toberua ResortMake the return journey to Nadi via catamaran, then hire a car and make the three-hour drive to Toberua Resort on the other side of the island (near Suva). Alternatively, air-conditioned buses make daily trips from Nadi to Suva. Once at Toberua, enjoy the wide range of outdoor activities on offer. From beach volleyball to mini golf, basket weaving and sailing, there’s no chance you’ll run out of things to do here. Don’t forget to head out from the resort to check out the local scene. Visit nearby villages to experience a traditional kava ceremony and meke dance, head into Suva to buy souvenirs at the waterfront market or hit the Nasivou Eco Trail with a guide to learn about the local culture and native species that make this place so special.

Day 10 NadiMake the return drive to Nadi, stopping in at the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. Located only a few kilometres from Nadi International Airport, this spot is a great place to fill in a few hours before your flight home (and the perfect place for kids to burn off some energy before having to sit still on a plane). Return your rental car and jet off home filled with a suitcase full of souvenirs and a mind full of happy memories.

Spending moneyWondering how much spending money you’ll need for your travels? To help you plan your trip, here’s a rough guide to the cost of some of the things you might be buying whilst you’re there!

$5-$10FJDA bottle of beer

AU$3.38-AU$6.77

$30FJDA two course

dinner with a drink in a restaurant

AU$20.30

$12FJDTypical fee to use

an ATM AU$8.12

$4-$6FJDA single taxi rideAU$2.71-AU$4.06

$1.50-$2FJDA 1.5 litre bottle

of waterAU$1.02-AU$1.35

*Approx. exchange rateused 1FJD = AU$0.68on 1st March 2017

Chatter with the localsCan’t speak Fijian? Never fear! You’ll find that most Fijians speak English but if you want to impress locals then try these Fijian terms.

HELLO/WELCOME BULA

HOW ARE YOU?VACAVA TIKO?

PLEASED TO MEET YOU LA BULA/LANI BULA

GOOD LUCK VANUINUI VINAKA

BON APPETITDA KANA

THANK YOU VINAKA/ VINAKA VAKA LEVU

HELLO THERE!

ENGLISH - FIJIAN

Here, we’ve chosen a few of the things we think you should see, do and eat while you’re in Fiji. We hope it inspires you to journey to Fiji time and time again and taste a little of

Fijian life.Get in touch to build a bespoke itinerary, tailor-made

just for you! We’d love to see your photos and stories on social media so please share your memories using

#TCexperience

Photography courtesy of Tourism Fiji and Chris McLennan