Fiji

Fiji is a South Pacific nation of over 300 islands known for palm-fringed beaches, coral reefs, and warm hospitality. Viti Levu, the main island, is home to the capital Suva and the international gateway of Nadi, while nearby islands like the Mamanucas and Yasawas offer crystal-clear waters and relaxed resorts. Traditional Fijian culture thrives in village ceremonies, firewalking, and kava rituals. Diving and snorkeling reveal vibrant reefs and marine life, and inland adventures include waterfalls and rainforest treks.

Not entirely devoid of trouble, the islands are susceptible to the occasional coup, but on the plus side, there has been a drop in resort prices meaning you can have a first-rate holiday without a bank-breaking dent in your pocket.

Most travelers fly into Nadi on Viti Levu, the largest island, then head straight to the Mamanuca or Yasawa Islands for clear water, white-sand beaches, and affordable to luxury resorts. Suva, the capital on the opposite coast, is less visited but offers markets, colonial architecture, and local urban life. Vanua Levu and Taveuni are the quieter, greener options, ideal for waterfalls, jungle hikes, and some of the best diving in the country. Fiji isn’t just about beaches, it’s a blend of indigenous Fijian, Indian, and colonial cultures, with kava ceremonies, fire dancing, and Indo-Fijian curries part of everyday life.

Fiji is moderately priced, and it caters to all kinds of travelers. Budget backpackers can find hostels and dorm-style island stays with shared meals and communal activities, while honeymooners and luxury travelers have their pick of private island resorts. Food varies by island, on larger ones, you’ll find everything from Indian thalis and Chinese takeout to seafood curries and kokoda (Fijian ceviche). On smaller islands, most meals are included in your stay. Alcohol can be pricey, especially imported drinks, but local Fiji Gold beer and kava are widely enjoyed.

Getting around requires a mix of boats, small planes, and buses. The Yasawas and Mamanucas are served by daily ferries and catamarans, while more remote islands may require charter flights. On the main islands, buses are cheap and reliable, and taxis are plentiful. English is an official language and widely spoken alongside Fijian and Fiji Hindi. Fiji is safe, with low crime rates and a strong sense of community, visitors are often treated like family, especially in traditional villages.

Why Go to Fiji?

• Island Hopping & Coral Reefs: Take ferries through the Yasawa and Mamanuca chains for snorkeling, diving, and beachfront stays.
• Fijian Culture & Kava Ceremonies: Visit villages, attend a meke dance performance, or share kava with locals in a traditional welcome.
• Soft Coral Diving: Dive in Taveuni, Beqa Lagoon, or the Rainbow Reef, known for some of the most colorful soft corals in the world.
• Waterfalls & Jungle Trails: Hike through Bouma National Heritage Park, chase waterfalls on Taveuni, or explore the highlands of Vanua Levu.
• Beach Time & Lagoon Views: Unwind on beaches like Natadola, Blue Lagoon Beach, or Honeymoon Beach on smaller islets.
• Friendly People & Village Hospitality: Experience Fiji’s famous warmth, visitors are often invited to homes, meals, or spontaneous rugby matches.
• Affordable Paradise: From budget dorms to five-star villas, Fiji is one of the few Pacific destinations accessible to all kinds of travelers.

Who Might Not Enjoy Fiji?

• Budget Travelers Seeking Independent Exploration: While Fiji has some budget options, many of the best beaches and islands are accessible only via expensive boat transfers or resort stays. True budget backpacking can be limited outside the main island of Viti Levu.

• Travelers Without Time for Island-Hopping: Fiji’s best experiences often require travel between islands. If you’re on a tight schedule or don’t want to coordinate ferries, small planes, or water taxis, you may miss the highlights.

• Those Hoping for a Strong Urban or Cultural Scene: Suva has some museums and nightlife, but Fiji isn’t known for dynamic cities or deep urban culture. Most tourism is focused on beaches, resorts, and nature rather than heritage or art.

• Nightlife-Oriented Tourists: Outside of a few resorts and towns like Nadi, nightlife is quiet. There are beach bars, but this is not a party destination like Bali or Thailand.

• Vegetarians or Vegans in Rural Areas: Fijian cuisine includes root vegetables and tropical fruits, but it also heavily features meat and seafood. Plant-based travelers may struggle outside tourist-friendly restaurants.

• Travelers Expecting Seamless Transportation: Infrastructure between islands can be unpredictable. Ferries may be delayed or infrequent, and domestic flights can be costly or weather-dependent.

• Visitors Wanting High-End Shopping or Trendy Cafés: Fiji is not a place for designer boutiques or third-wave coffee culture. Shopping and dining are often basic or resort-centered.

• Those Sensitive to Heat and Humidity: Fiji has a tropical climate, with high humidity and heat throughout the year, especially during the rainy season (November–April).

Highlights

• Turtle Island: having recently gained notoriety as a celebrity holiday hotspot, there are some great beaches here as long as you don’t mind sharing them with Britney Spears.
• Lautoka: the nation’s second largest city attracts few visitors, but is well worth a visit for its proximity to the nearby mountains and Koroyanitu National Park.
• Nadi: this is the tourist and transit hub of Fiji, home to the largest Hindu temple in the Pacific.
• Garden of the Sleeping Giant: popular location for botanic walks and close up looks at some of Fiji’s most beautiful orchids.
• Rakiraki: popular for its old-world charm and colonial character, come and see an altogether different side of Fiji.
• Suva: the capital is home to Fiji’s tallest building, botanical gardens, a charming waterfront and some first-class hotels.

• Diving and snorkeling: almost all of the islands have abundant reef life, with many beautiful and unspoiled spots where you can mingle with the local marine life.
• Hiking: trek through Koroyanitu National Park and explore the highlands, waterfalls, semi-rainforest and remote villages.
• Sea kayaking: is popular in Fiji and a great way to get a different perspective of the islands.
• Fishing: daytrips are easily organised through a travel agent, with top-notch deep sea fishing available.
• Shopping: local handicrafts such as baskets and woven bracelets are sold for next to nothing here.

Fiji is prone to the occasional coup, with the last one being in December 2006, albeit a bloodless one. Visitors are advised to check with their Foreign Office for up-to-date information prior to travel. Road rules are often ignored and seatbelts are rarely seen in use. Avoid traveling with taxi drivers who look like they’ve had one too many glasses of yaqona. Crime is uncommon, but keep a close eye on your stuff in busier places such as Suva and Nadi. Don’t automatically assume something has been stolen; Fijians are known to ‘borrow’ things you leave lying around. The island is malaria-free, but you still need to protect yourself against mosquito bites if you want to avoid dengue fever and other unwanted diseases. Healthcare is good in urban areas, but almost non-existent in remote parts.