Bula! Fiji is more than friendly, smiling people and 333 beautiful tropical islands. The readers of Travel + Leisure magazine voted Fiji "one of the top 5 romantic destinations in the world". Add to that world class diving and surfing, adrenaline-pushing adventure activities, pristine, un-crowded beaches and inspiring cultural traditions that date back hundreds of years and you'll find that Fiji offers a varied palette of unforgettable experiences for all types of travelers. Fijians are some of the friendliest people on the planet and the warmth of the wide smiles and enthusiastic ‘Bula’ (hello) that greets you wherever you go, are small indications of the pure joy with which they embrace life.
Fiji is a dream destination of white isles, clear seas and pristine rainforest. Explorers will find a high standard of affordable accommodation, where they can do almost anything in this paradise whether it be surfing, soft coral diving, deep sea fishing, shark diving, jet boating, zip lining, sailing or simply finding the perfect spot on a beach. The beautiful coral islands tick to their own gentle rythm and the genuine warm 'Bula' welcome of song and smiles will soon put guests in the right frame of mind. Fiji islanders are naturally friendly, cheerful and fun loving people and seek to draw visitors into their culture.
According to Fijian legend, the great chief Lutunasobasoba led his people across the seas to the new land of Fiji. Most authorities agree that people came into the Pacific from Southeast Asia via the Malay Peninsula. Here the Melanesians and the Polynesians mixed to create a highly developed society long before the arrival of the Europeans.
The European discoveries of the Fiji group were accidental. The first of these discoveries was made in 1643 by the Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman and English navigators, including Captain James Cook who sailed through in 1774, and made further explorations in the 18th century.
Just relax: You're in Fiji to rest, refresh and recuperate, so take it seriously! Find a lounger with just the right dappling of shade and sun, order a long cool cocktail, open the best-seller you bought at the airport bookshop and let the relaxation begin. Taking it easy is always one of the best things you can do in Fiji.
Go island-hopping: With 333 islands, Fiji can take your Pacific holiday further. Push the boat out with a cruise or seaplane trip to the Yasawa Islands, an archipelago northwest of Viti Levu. This gorgeous island group has a focus on eco-friendly activities to do, hand-crafted accommodation and food that's locally sourced. Or if you're looking for something a little bit more upbeat, a short 25 minute boat ride from Denarau will land you at the world's first island beach club, Malamala Beach Club, located on its very own island.
Discover a rainbow world of fish and coral: Fiji's beautiful reefs and lagoons can be easily explored with a snorkel and mask straight off the beach, or you can find a local operator to take you further offshore to special places only accessible by boat. Coral reefs can be found throughout every region in Fiji and snorkelling is great on both fringing and barrier reefs. Some of the best off-the-beach snorkelling locations include many places in the Coral Coast, Mamanuca and Yasawa Island groups while other regions have amazing snorkelling spots too.
Explore Fijian culture with a village visit: A river safari on Fiji's main island of Viti Levu is much more than a jet boat trip. You'll travel up the beautiful Sigatoka River on the Coral Coast, enjoying pristine rainforest scenery as you go, then disembark at a host village where you'll be welcomed in to enjoy a traditional lunch and kava ceremony, followed by Fijian dancing and singing.
Spa and wellness retreats: Fiji has a perfect environment for rejuvenating. Let your mind and body relax in the comfortable climate and natural beauty. There are plenty of luxurious spa treatments to choose from. Highly-rated spa and wellness centres can be found in most resorts and the main towns. Whether enjoyed beside the ocean or in the zen-like tranquillity of a private spa room, most spa menus include a range of traditional Fijian herbs, wraps and treatments as well as leading international products and techniques.
Tuck into the local food culture: Fijian food reflects the country's fusion of cultures - indigenous Fijian, Indian, Chinese and European. At resort restaurants this diversity is celebrated with exciting la carte and enticing buffet spreads. Reef fish, aromatic spices, luscious tropical fruit, cassava, taro and other local ingredients are skilfully cooked and beautifully presented. Keep an eye out for delicacies cooked in a lovo (earth oven).
If you're looking for a romantic dining experience, there are countless opportunities. Order a picnic lunch hamper and a boat to drop you on a secluded beach. Go all out with a private candle-lit table under the stars on the beach. If you're looking to stay in, choose gourmet room service on the balcony of your ocean-view bure.
Dive into the deeper marine world: Whether you're already a diver or want to learn, Fiji can show you an amazing time beneath the sea. You'll have the chance to see Manta rays (seasonally), turtles and reef sharks at outstanding dive sites in the Beqa Lagoon, Savusavu, Taveuni, Kadavu and Suncoast (Bligh Water). Jean-Michel Cousteau, who has a dive resort in Savusavu on Vanua Levu, calls Fiji the 'soft coral capital of the world'.
Volunteer to make your holiday more meaningful: Give back to Fiji by volunteering some of your holiday time to plant mangroves or coral. This is a fun, sustainable activity, that many resorts offer and can help to off-set the carbon emission from the flights to Fiji. At Shangri-La Yanuca Island Fiji they can provide you with the GPS coordinates so that you can go back years later to see how your coral has grown.
Fiji welcomes visitors throughout the year, but our preferred months for travel are from April to June and September to October.
Currency: Fijian Dollar
Language: Fijian, Hindi, and English
What makes it special: Fiji offers a remarkable tropical paradise, with crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs. The warm Fijian hospitality, rich indigenous culture, and diverse marine life make it one of our top travel destinations.
Weather: Fiji enjoys a tropical climate year-round. The wet season, from November to April, brings occasional heavy rainfall and high humidity, while the dry season, from May to October, offers sunny days and cooler evenings, making it a great time to visit.
Social customs: In Fiji, locals are known for their warm and friendly nature. It's customary to greet people with "Bula," which means hello and is used as a friendly welcome. The Fijian way of life, often referred to as "Fiji time," is relaxed and unhurried. Visitors are encouraged to participate in traditional ceremonies and learn about the local culture. Tipping is not a common practice, but showing appreciation for good service with a "vinaka" (thank you) is appreciated. When visiting a Fijian home, it's polite to bring a small gift or offer to help with meal preparations.
