Adventure Of The Month
Fijian Island Experience | Fiji
There are about 322 islands, which make up Fiji of which only 106 are permanently inhabited, this allows for plenty of 'castaway island' experiences.
The two most important islands Viti Levu (which hosts the capital city Suva) and Vanua Levu. Viti Levu is home to the main airport 'Nadi' (where most tourists fly in and out of). Other islands in the group include Taveuni, Kadavu, The Mamanuca Group and the Yasawa Group, which are popular destinations for travellers.
Religion plays an important part in both Indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians lives. Both Ethnic groups follow very different religious paths, Indigenous Fijians are predominantly Christian (99.2%) and Indo-Fijians are Hindu (76.7%) and Muslim (15.9%). Whichever island you chose to travel to, you won't be far from a Christian church or hearing the Joyous Indigenous Fijians singing.
Sport is also a huge part of Fijians life, the national sport being Rugby can be seen everywhere. The locals love a good rugby match, if you are lucky enough to be visiting during the Rugby Union season; this is one of the most impressive things to do. The Fiji Sevens Team is the most successful Rugby 7's team in the world.
Fiji is a truly fantastic place to visit, especially if you are coming from the UK, its worth making a stop in Fiji as part of an around the world trip, as you can fly directly to Fiji from Los Angeles on your way across to New Zealand or Australia, making the most of an around the world fare.
The best time of year to visit Fiji is May-October to avoid the heav downpours and tropical storms; the weather is usually dry and between 26C and 30C. The perfect month tends to be September, where the skies are a lot clearer. Unlike the seasonal weather in Europe, Fiji tends to be a mild tropical climate throughout the year, although be warned that due to climate change happening all around the globe this could change daily!
Fiji is a great destination for honeymooners and couples with its clean white sand and blue seas. With the choice of islands and resorts, you can really opt for anything from a pampering spa retreat to an intrepid backpacking experience.
Take a trip on a sea plane out to the Mamanucas to explore some of the most fantastic deserted beaches and cultual sites the country has to offer. Travellers can stay on several islands (including Tokoriki –see below for place to stay).
One of the best island adventures is being 'shipwrecked' for the day on your own island. If you stay at a resort they will offer to take you out on a rowing boat to an un-inhabited island for the day, along with apacked lunch, first aid kit and a radio (in case you get into any trouble). Although that is unlikely, unless you get hit by a coconut. This is a wonderful experience being on your own peaceful island, without a soul in sight. Just you, your swimsuit and a bottle of champagne – complete bliss.
Another inhabited island you may pass on-route is 'Yanuya' which has a wonderful local community culture, women make pottery, carve bowls and weave, whilst the children learn to speak English (the national language) at school. Although they don't beg for money, you can support the locals by buying 'local'. Make sure if you buy anything local made out of wood, that it is treated first, most 'customs' at airports won't let you through with anything that is has been treated.
If you are lucky enough to stay longer, you must experience a local Fijian BBQ, which isn't your usual affair, your food is cooked in a pit in the earth, lined with heat resistant stones locally called a 'Lovo'. When the stones are hot, food generally wrapped in Banana leaves are placed in the pit and covered with soil and left to cook. It is delicious.
Sometimes Fijians like to welcome travellers with a famous national drink 'Kava' known as 'Yaqona' in Fiji. This is nothing like the fizzy champagne you get back home. It tastes of muddy water with strange 'aneasthetic' after-bite. Traditionally, it was used only in important ceremonies. Nowadays, it is a social beverage. There is a strict protocol associated with yaqona drinking. You should clap once, clasping the hands, take the cup, and drink the yaqona in a single draft before returning the cup to the bearer, clapping three times, and saying the word 'maca.' This truly is a great experience.