Appealing Fiji

Although the Pacific island of Fiji, does offer some of the best palm-lined beaches and coral reefs, it is the friendliness of the Fijian people that makes a visit to the island a memorable one. A pleasant greeting by smiling faces accompanied by an enthusiastic exclamation of the word ‘Bula!' is the best welcome you could receive.

The island has an appealing variety of accommodations from secluded, exorbitantly priced resorts, to pleasant guesthouses on the beach to simple lodging with local villagers. Visitors at the resorts can enjoy several programs that present Fijian culture in the form of a storytelling dance called the ‘meke' and a traditional fire walking display on hot stones. Kava drinking ceremonies are extremely popular and allow tourists to sample the woody liquid within the context of a trans cultural experience.

The Fiji islands offer a myriad of activities, excursions and entertainment options. Its tourist areas, especially the offshore islets, boast gorgeous white sandy beaches bordered by curving coconut palms, azure lagoons and colorful coral reefs, a perfect setting for world class scuba diving and snorkeling. Most resorts provide special facilities for kayaking, golfing, surfing, rafting and trekking activities.

The vibrant marketplace of Nadi features yagona stalls, homemade souvenirs, authentic carved wooden kava bowls and copies of fearsome Fijian war clubs. Another collectible, the Tapa cloth is made from the pounded inner bark of the mulberry tree and painted with geometric designs, is available at the market.

Visitors can enjoy an indulgent dinner cruise around the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands or watch dolphins at play on a Tiyua Island cruise. The capital of Fiji, Suva was established and built in the 1800s and has managed to retain its colonial character. The capital has several restaurants that serve some of the best dishes from the Indian, Chinese and Fijian cuisines. A overabundance of clubs, bars and discotheques form a significant part of the nightlife in the city.

Political struggles between Fijians and Indians have resulted in three coups since 1987. Though the situation became unstable, visitors to the island were largely unaffected by these events.