Fiji

Eco-friendly travel guide to Fiji advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Fiji, Oceania.

Maui Jetty, Coral Coast, Viti Levu, Fiji

Air quality: 3.0 / 5

Bus connections: 3.5 / 5

Train connections: 2.5 / 5

Hitchhiking: 3.0 / 5

National parks: 3.0 / 5

Outdoor activities: 3.5 / 5

Locals' English level: 3.0 / 5

Safety: 3.0 / 5

Accommodation: US$20 - $150

Budget per day: US$35 - $200

Responsible Travel

Fiji is one of the most visited places on the Earth in recent times when it comes to travel destinations. Globe trotters make it a point to keep Fiji included on their list due to the sheer beauty of nature that one can find in this island country. Fiji is an island country in Melanesia, which is a part of Oceania situated in the South Pacific Ocean. Fiji is geographically situated close to 2000 kilometers away from New Zealand. It is an archipelago that consists of 330 islands and over 500 islets. The entire area is over 18,300 square kilometers in size.

Most of the land in Fiji was formed due to volcanic activity in the region over 150 million years ago. Even today, the geothermal activity continues in the islands of Levu, Vanua, and Taveuni. A large number of tourists visit Fiji every year. This is to an extent where tourism and travel have become one of Fiji's most profitable industries.

However, some of how one can indulge in travel in Fiji is by submitting in Responsible Travel. Responsible Travel in Fiji involves sustainable ways to move around the city. Let us take a look at a few ways to move around responsibly in the islands of Fiji.

Biking or Cycling: Biking is the first idea that comes to mind when one talks about Responsible Travel in and around Fiji. One can not only travel through the islands but also explore the coasts via cycling through them. There are groups of cyclists who take out their cycles to go on tours and adventures during the week. Travelers can join one such guided tour or simple make friends along the way to discover places in Fiji on their own. Mountain biking is another popular option for Fiji tourists.

Trekking and hiking: Fiji is gifted with some of the most breath-taking views on the planet. A trek in the ranges of Fiji is a challenging task with its gifts. Tourists can have an opportunity to disconnect from the real world and connect with nature miles away from civilization.

Walking: Walking is ideally the most suitable way to discover more of the natural beauty of a place. Being on foot helps one to spend less on fossil fuel, thereby reducing their carbon footprint. Most parts of Fiji are not well connected via roads and public transport. To traverse such places, walk around for the best experience.

Boating: Boats are the transport that connects the islands and islets. Apart from public transport, this one does not make use of polluting agents in Fiji.

Air Quality and Pollution

One would imagine Fiji to be protected from the impacts of nature. However, that is not the case in Fiji. Air pollution consists of Fiji's rising problems wherein the primary sources of the increasing air pollution are combustion, cooking, agricultural waste burning, reliable waste burning, fire wood-burning, and transport. The air quality index is not so high usually. However, it can rise in case of festivities and merriment in the islands.

Being in the Pacific Ocean, Fiji faces environmental impacts from the pollution in the ocean. This affects the drinking water quality as well as the human health on the islands. Proper disposal of waste and pollution within the islands are the top concerns in the islands of Fiji.

Respect the Culture

Fiji is proud of its culture, contributing to the Indian subcontinent, the Chinese, and the European cultures. Besides, the Rotuman and the Tongan cultures from the Pacific islands have left a remarkable impact on this island's culture. The national identity of the Fiji islands is wound together with the Fijian culture and their native tongue. Let us look at the various aspects of the Fijian culture that define their history and heritage.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Most Fiji places are based on shores and beaches since major attractions in islands are usually shores. However, Fiji is famous for its kindness among people, rich culture, and picturesque towns. Let us take a look at the top ten places to visit in Fiji.

Cloud 9: Have you ever wondered how life would have been like in floating towns and marketplaces? Cloud 9 is a bar based on the floating waters in the middle of the ocean. This lounge-like setting allows people to relax away from all human settlements in and around Fiji, therefore, offering tourists a chance to grab a piece of their mind. The blue waters and the horizon relax the mind and have a calming effect on the soul. Take a boat from any of the islands in Fiji and spend a day drinking cocktails and binging on pizza.

Nadi: When tourists plan their route to Fiji, this is the place that they have to pass through to enter Fiji. Nadi is one of the areas wherein one can find inexpensive places to live, dine-in, and have a luxurious time. Nadi is a place that should be there on everyone's itinerary. The unique attractions in Nadi include flea markets, which sell handicrafts to the local people.

Coral Coast: Before all the coral shelves in the world go extinct, make sure to visit at least one of them. Besides, if you plan a trip to the Fiji islands, include the Coral Coast in your must-visit places. However, the Coral Coast in Fiji is situated on the Viti Levu island. Travel to the south-west part of the island wherein you can participate in water sports and safari in the island's jungles. Let us read more about the Viti Levu island in the next segment.

Viti Levu: Located in Suva, Viti Levu is all about beautiful rainforests, gorgeous peaks, nature's beauty, and flora and fauna. Of course, travelers can walk around the island and discover the raw beauty of nature in their own sweet time. There are guided tours as well where a group of tourists can participate in their own free will. The activities for tourists on this island are limitless – visit the village of Navala or raft down the river named Navua. The Garden of the Sleeping Giant is another place that asks for one's attention.

Denarau: Denarau is a residential place amidst the islands of Fiji. The marina is filled with houses that look nothing short of picturesque. There are canals along with an opportunity to boat in them. The unfortunate bit is that due to many incoming and outgoing boats in this region, one can expect much oil in the surrounding ocean that makes the seawater unfit for swimming. Besides, snorkeling is out of the question as there are no coral reefs as well. Traveling in the Denarau is super simple if you have booked a ticket with the Bula Bus. This bus service takes you from one bus stop to another via a large number of bus stops. Take a look at the Denarau Racquet Club and the Denarau Golf Club. An afternoon filled with golf and laid-back music sessions define a trip to the Denarau.

Mini Islands: The Mini Islands offer once in a lifetime experience with swimming, food travels, and the beaches. The resorts in this place are warm and welcoming by nature. People who inhabit these islands speak an extensive range of languages, and they are attentive to the tourist's needs. The activities on this island make sure that guests have the best time in Fiji. Go snorkeling and explore the underground caves. The coral reefs make for a pretty picture underwater as well.

Great Astrolabe Reef: Talking about coral reefs that one should explore, the Great Astrolabe Reef surrounds the fourth largest island in Fiji – Kadavu. The Great Astrolabe Reef is one where the barrier reef stretches for over 100 kilometers. Divers travel to this part of the world, where one can dive into the mysterious depths of the ocean to get to know more about the coral reefs. There are colorful corals, tunnels, caves, peaks, as well as drop-offs. The colorful fish dot the coral reef to provide one with surprising vibrancy in their journey.

Navua River: We have spoken about the Navua River early in the post, as it is a part of Viti Levu's island. The river runs a distance of 65 kilometers from the Viti Levu highlands to the beaches in the south of the island. The river runs through a fantastic landscape of rainforests, fountains, canyons, and cliffs. Tourists can row down the river using a canoe or a raft or make use of a bilibili, a specialized bamboo raft best suited for calm waters. The rapids in the Navua River invite adventure sports enthusiasts.

Garden of the Sleeping Giant: The Garden of the Sleeping Giant is located almost 30 minutes away from the island of Nadi. Take a trip to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant if you are a plant lover by nature. The garden is situated atop the Nadi mountain top and takes a day for a full tour. The garden houses in this place house orchids of over 2,000 species in total. If you wish to take a break, then the hammocks and the benches at every even interval in the park make for an ample space to relax. One can also visit the Mud Pool and the Sabeto Hot Springs to soak themselves in the thermal pools.

Cloudbreak: The Cloudbreak is one of the most challenging surfers' points to surf on the ocean waves. The Cloudbreak lies close to two kilometers away from the Tavarua Island Resort close to the Namotu Island Resort. This, in turn, is situated in the Mamanuca Islands. Surfers are open to surf in these waters at high tide as well as low tide. The most increased swell is usually incoming from the south-southwest part of the sea. There are a large number of surf breaks available to the people around this place.

Coral Coast Fiji

Explore

Apart from the beaches and the greenery in the Fiji Islands, many opportunities allow tourists to have a great time at the Fiji Islands. This section will look at the places one can explore to find their Fiji To-Do List niche.

City Parks

The city parks in Fiji are not so typical for the sole reason that the islands are thoroughly based on their rainforest cover. However, one may find a place to walk around with proper enclosure in Fiji's bigger islands. Let us take a look at a few names of city parks in Fiji.

Albert Park

Ratu Sakuna Park

My Suva Picnic Park

Compared to parks and squares in Fiji, there are many national parks and reserves to preserve wild animals. However, if you are looking for city parks specifically, you will find grassy areas along the beaches in the larger islands, especially Suva. There may be parks within residential complexes or hotels and resorts with separate playgrounds for children.

Taking a walk in Fiji is equivalent to a walk in the park, given how pretty and well-maintained the islands are. Make sure to search the city parks on your search engine to find a space near the hotel you booked.

National Parks

When it comes to national parks, one will not be disappointed. Some reserves offer once-in-a-lifetime sightings of rare, protected species of birds and animals. Fiji is not unique to beach lovers and surfers. People who appreciate wildlife will know the importance of national parks in the islands. Let us take a look at a few.

Koroyanitu National Park: - This national park is closely situated on the island of Nadi. Tourists visiting Denarau can take a hiking trip to the summit of Mount Batilamu, which is 1163m in height. The journey from Denarau takes two hours in total. The Koroyanitu National Park is a paradise for people who love to take a walk once in a while. The park offers wide-angle views of the Yasawas and the Mamanucas. Six villages in total do this project to promote ecotourism.

Bouma National Park: - The Bouma National Park is situated in Taveuni. This national park is the most critical wildlife sanctuary in the islands, sheltering and covering more than 16000 hectares of rainforest area. A large number of birds in this area add to flora and fauna of this place. The Bouma National Park offers excellent trekking options to people.

Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park: - The Sigatoka National Park in the southern part of Nadi is the first-ever national park in the Fiji Islands. It is located 60 kilometers away from Nadi. The reason for the Sigatoka National Park's construction is to defend the maritime dunes' fragile ecosystem next to the river by the same name. The dunes are ancient and over 20 to 60 meters high. There are two distinct walking routes – a one-hour self-guided tour through the island and a two-hour walk along the ridgeline.

Koroyanitu National Heritage Park

Beaches

The Fijian Islands is all about beaches, if not anything else because they are islands. The beaches differ in their landscape, orientation, and immediate environment – some beaches are meant for partying, while some are ideal for sunbathing. There are a large number of beaches that are perfect for surfing in the Pacific. Let us take a look at a few beaches to know what not to miss.

Honeymoon Beach: - Honeymoon Beach is one of the 14 top beaches on the Fijian Islands' most romantic island. The sandy beach is white, and there is a presence of rocky headlands next to the beach. The palm trees on the beach make the sight worth seeing. The Honeymoon beach is a part of the private Fijian Island named Turtle Island. Turtle Island has fourteen accommodations along with the same number of secluded beaches.

Liku Beach: - Part of the Mamanuca Islands, the Liku Beach is a place that has an ancient vibe to it. The beach in Mamanuca Island spreads for 3000 feet along Tokoriki Island. The middle portion of the beach leads up to the Tokoriki Island Resort, meant only for adults.

Castaway Island: - Castaway Island is the most popular beach among all tourists in the world. This place was initially called the Qalito Island. Castaway Island lies between the Mamanuca Islands. The white sand beaches in this place make it an ideal point for snorkeling activities. Rainforests, beaches, and calmness surround the resorts in this place.

Liku Beach

Landmarks

The landmarks in the Fijian Islands are a few. However, we will go through them to know more about the landmarks and popular stops in the city.

Hot Springs, Savusavu: - Hot springs in Fiji are galore considering the soil profile of the region. The hot springs in the Savusavu come with a fascinating history to them. Fiji's local people made use of the springs to boil their food as the water temperatures would reach close to 90 degrees. Geothermal activity in these hot springs turned the springs into fountains every once in a while. H.B. Guppy discovered this.

Momi Guns: - Fiji is known for its strategic importance during World War II. The Japanese troops attacked the islands considering it to be their prime target due to their geographical position. New Zealand ensured to keep the Fiji islands safe by constructing defense points at various island parts. The Momi Guns at the Momi Bay, Viti Levu, is one of these points which protect the Navula Pass. The Navula Pass is considered one of the weakest breaks in the western part of the island.

Naihehe Caves: - The Naihehe Caves is situated in Sigatoka. The translation of the name in the local language means a place to get lost. The caves are extensive and never-ending. However, tourists who have been to this place will not be astonished to know that this is the most extensive cave system in Fiji. There are a large number of caves located under the water as well.

Udre Udre Grave: - Udre Udre has his name in the Guinness Book of World Records, where he is considered the most popular cannibal. His fame was so far-reaching that Viti Levu was earlier nicknamed the Cannibal Islands. Udre Udre is claimed to have eaten 800 of his enemies during his lifetime and has collected a stone from his victims. Each of these stones is stored in the Udre Udre Grave.

Museums

Fiji has a few museums which tell tourists exciting stories about its past. Let us take a look at the museums that are there on the islands in the country.

Fiji Museum, Viti Levu: - The Fiji Museum is all about the culture and history of this country in a small museum in Viti Levu. This is one of the best museums in the South Pacific Ocean, considering the artifacts they display from their land's colonial history. The museum tells us all about the impact of the Indian population, native history, and the country's colonial history. There are double-hulled canoes as well as the rudder from the HMS Bounty on display in this museum.

Levuka Museum: - The Levuka Museum is on the island of Ovalau. This place has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site wherein the trading town of the 19th century contributes to the artifacts within the museum. There are small charms, relics, and artifacts from the trader's business in the early days. Even though the Levuka Museum is nothing close to the Fiji Museum in terms of grandeur and scale, it is worth visiting due to the shabby charm.

Clock Tower of Fiji Museum

Eat

Food and drinks are two things where Fijians do not compromise on. Their cuisine has a heavy influence from the Indian and Chinese subcontinents. However, their twist of the food has become predominant, leading to Fijian food becoming a delicacy. Let us take a look at food items one must try when they are in Fiji.

Lovo: - The Lovo is a Fijian delicacy prepared for a large gathering in Fiji – be it a party, wedding, or a festival. In their local language, Lovo stands for a 'feast that has been prepared in the earth.' A hole is dug up in the ground wherein coconut husks are lined up to be lit and covered with stone. The feast may consist of meat, fish, and vegetables wrapped in taro and banana leaves. This steams for two to three hours, after which the items become full of flavor and smoked taste.

Taro: - Taro is a staple dish of Fiji, which is similar to the yam all over the world. The Taro is a starch-filled root that can be chopped into thin slices or mashed to make a dish out of it. Fiji recognizes a holiday in the name of Taro as well. Fiji became one of Taro's significant exporters in the world after Samoa had its crops destroyed to blight.

Roti: - The Roti is a direct influence of the Indian community in Fiji. This a flatbread that goes with all sorts of curries and dishes. The Indo-Fijian community makes this flatbread which is not a prominent part of Fijian cuisine.

Fiji Chop Suey: - The Chop Suey is a dish that comes handed down from the Fijian Chinese community. The Fiji Chop Suey is a dish that is a staple among the locals living there. One will find this dish o be widely sold in the food courts, stalls, and restaurants. Find vegetables like carrots, oyster sauce, red chilies, ginger garlic paste, and Chinese cabbage.

Drink

Fiji is famous for its traditional drinks and beverages. Since the country is an island country, one will find widespread use of coconut fruit in their drinks.

Kava: - Kava is a staple in the drink in the Fijian islands. The glass is made using yaqona that has been powdered and mixed with water to offer a refreshing yet earthy taste.

Beer: - A lot of Fijians enjoy beer throughout the islands. The most popular brand in Fiji is the Fiji Bitter. This is well-known as the Fiji Gold.

Rum: - Fiji makes their rum which goes by the name of Bounty. This is an acclaimed potion that has reached far and wide in terms of distribution.

Tap-water

The tap water available in the larger islands such as Nadi, Suva, and Ovalau is safe to drink for travelers and tourists. Most resorts in the Fijian isles purify the tap water well before making it available to the guests. Thus, there is no harm in consuming tap water till government officials otherwise state it. The tap water will taste different. However, the taste is acquired, and once you are living there for a while, you will be satisfied with the tap water taste.

Activities

Fiji mostly promotes water sports and mountain adventures due to its landscape. However, there are tons of variations within the same categories. Let us take a look at the activities that one can pursue when they are in Fiji.

Snorkeling

Deep-Sea Diving

Hiking

Kayaking

Cruise rides

Bird watching

Demos for sacrificial offerings for the cannibals

Surfing

Sky diving

Zip-lining

Guided tours

Accommodation

One of the biggest industries in Fiji is their tourism sector. Thus, no matter what else you may find on the islands, the resorts and hotels must. There are many accommodation facilities available for people on the islands – be it resorts, hostels, or hotels.

Green Hotels

Green hotels are the first step to Responsible Tourism. Green hotels take care to manufacture minimum waste and reduce the use of water and energy. Let us take a look at the hotels which offer such eco-friendly solutions for vacations.

Sheraton Fiji Resort

Grand West Villas

Radisson Blue Resort Denarau Island

Royal Davui Island Resort

Likuliku Lagoon Resort

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

Make a booking at any of these hotels to ensure sustainable choices during travel.

Hostels and Guest Houses

This is an option for people who want to budget their living in the Fiji Islands. Take a look at the list of hostels and guest houses in the Fiji islands given below. The backpacker hostels serve best for hitchhikers and low-budget travelers who wish to know the Fijian culture closely.

Barefoot Manta Island

Funky Fish Beach and Surf Resort

Mantaray Island Resort

Maravu Taveuni Lodge

Bamboo Backpackers

The guest houses in Fiji are aplenty as well. This is usually availed by mid-range accommodation seekers in the Fijian islands. The guest houses are well maintained and proper.

Al's Bed and Breakfast

Takalana Bay

Green Fiji Plantation

Beehive Fiji

Apartments

Apartments are always available in Fiji for rent. If you are a traveler who will be spending a good deal of time in the islands, the smart decision is to rent out a place for the period of stay. Get hold of a broker or a local who can show you around good neighborhoods on the island.

In the Fijian islands, one can find studio apartments that are for rent or sale. However, you can settle for a one-bedroom or two-bedroom living space in an apartment or gated community. The properties in Fiji are excellent. Many apartments look over to the sea or are surrounded by greenery if they are in the interiors.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is an excellent alternative for people who are reluctant to spend a lot. Besides, it is the way hitchhikers travel in places. If you wish to engage with a local family, understand their daily life, and be at home with them, the best way to live in their place is to make a few friends and couchsurfing.

Camping

Camping is a popular activity in Fiji, given the mountain ranges in the islands. Some of the best camping grounds are:

Seashell Cove Resort
Beergarden Natural Camping
Yau Kolo Campground

You can carry your tents or hire one at the Fijian islands' camping grounds.

Regions

Regions of Fiji

Viti Levu
This is the largest and most important island of the country. It has most inhabitants, is the most economically developed and is home to the capital, Suva.

Vanua Levu
The second largest island, surrounded by some smaller northern islands.

Taveuni
The third largest island, near Vanua Levu, with the 180th meridian cutting the island in half. It is the exclusive habitat of the Tagimoucia Flower.

Kadavu
This island is south of Viti Levu.

Yasawa Islands
Northwestern island group popular for island-hopping holidays.

Mamanuca Islands
A group of tiny islands west of Viti Levu.

Lomaiviti Islands
The central group of islands between Viti Levu and Lau Group.

Lau Islands
Group of many small islands in eastern Fiji.

Rotuma
Remote dependency of Fiji, home to a different Polynesian ethnic group.

Cities

Even though Fiji is covered with rainforests and green cover, human settlement is in bits and spaces. You can travel through the islands to find the amenities that you are looking for. However, in the cities, life looks more industrialized, unlike the villages. The main towns in Fiji are:

Suva - the capital
Nadi (pronounced 'Nandi')
Taveuni
Savusavu
Labasa
Lautoka
Levuka
Nabouwalu
Nausori
Rakiraki
Sigatoka (pronounced 'Singatoka')

There are many more cities, but a maximum number of them are small towns and townships with basic amenities. Almost all of them have accommodation regardless of their size and population.

Getting There and Moving Around

Getting to Fiji is not a big deal at all. The Nadi International Airport is the main airport that leads in the islands. The maximum air traffic of the Fijian islands goes past the Nadi International Airport. This is situated in Viti Levu, which is the country's tourism hub. One can avail accommodations and transport routes in the area itself.

Air

The two most important airports in Fiji are the Nadi International Airport and the Nausori International Airport. One can reach Fiji via New Zealand or Australia from where there may be connecting flights.

Nadi International Airport

Bus

The bus services in Fiji are plenty and, more importantly, cheap. The express bus from Nadi to Suva runs frequently. The buses are a great way to interact with the locals. Besides, the bus stops have signboards for the bus services and the intervals they are available.

Open air buses are available in Fiji. This is excellent for tourism as one can look at the landscape around them. Bula Bus and Westbus are services that offer excellent bus services in Fiji as well.

Bus in Fiji

Train

Railways are not standard yet not obsolete in Fiji too. Mostly the railroads function to carry sugarcane from one place to another. There are plans for pedal-powered railroads for Cuvu Beach and Sigatoka. The working railroad falls from Cuvu Beach to Vanumbua Beach that stretches for 12 kilometers in total. According to the locals, the tourist passenger train used to work well till the 2010s, after which they do not regularly work. There are conducted tours on the same railroads where electrically assisted pedal-powered trolleys operate.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking in Fiji is a common way to travel. The locals in Fiji hitchhike all the time; however, tourists are usually advised not to do so. Even though the risks around Suva are small, they can be severe if they occur at all. Despite that, many tourists and foreigners hitchhike their way through the archipelago so that they can cut costs and talk to people in the islands.

Others

The other feasible methods of travel in Fiji are via boats. One can hire a boat to travel from one end of the island to another, while you can also venture into the deep seas with the boats available.

Apart from that, there are rental car systems, local buses, taxis as well as ferries in the locales. Island hopping is common via boats and jet boats.

Sustainable Shopping

Fiji has many shopping stores that offer sustainable solutions to people who are visiting the islands. One can indulge in organic and sustainable products such as homeware, decor items, and cosmetic products. Most local handicrafts work as great gifts for your loved ones – try woven mats, pottery, wood-carved figures, and woven crafts using pine leaves, coconut leaves, and bamboo.

Recycling

Recycling is highly encouraged in the Fijian islands. The South Pacific Waste Recyclers look after the waste recycling part of the waste disposal. This is situated in Suva, Fiji. Make sure to segregate your waste when you dispose of them in your hotels. Do not litter while walking around the islands. Besides, avoid buying unnecessary plastic on the road.

Waste

The waste recycling plants in Fiji work well to recycle all the generated waste within the islands. As a tourist, try to conserve the environment by reducing the waste products in the city.

Work and Study Abroad

If you are willing to travel to Fiji to work there and settle down, some of the best career options fall under the hospitality industry. Take a look at the list to know some Fiji openings to understand where the demands lie.

Hotel Manager
Hospitality Director
Regional Restaurant Manager
Hotel Sales Manager
Cluster Director

Suppose you wish to study abroad in Fiji, the disciplines that they offer to cover all three domains of science, arts, and commerce. You can go for accounting, or you can study the basic sciences. The agriculture industry is a massive hit in this region as well.

Exchange Student

The international student exchange programs serve to offer an excellent opportunity to understand their culture and help one learn more about their domain in a different setting. The University of South Pacific offers an ISEP Exchange Program where international students can travel to Fiji and study.

Au Pair

Fiji has many au pair agencies that offer help to people who are there for travel. Local women help out families of travelers with their responsibilities during the journey. Tourists can hire services for babysitters, as well as helps. The Fijian people are friendly and kind, which means that one can expect the au pairs to be friendly and accommodating.

Volunteering

Volunteering in the Fiji islands is very much possible. Tourists can get hold of organizations that take in volunteers daily. Additionally, the community work in Fiji is usually under their jurisdiction. One can talk to the government officials to participate in the fun activities organized through the volunteering activities. One can help build amenities, paint schools and walls, plant trees, clean up the beaches, and build latrines for ordinary people.