What to Expect in Fiji

Fiji is a beautiful country with more to attract the visitor than most people think. There are two main islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. But most people just visit Viti Levu. International flights stop at Nadi Airport (sometimes spelled 'Nandi'). Suva, the capital, is on the southeast coast. It gets the cruise ships.

Dozens of excursions are available. On the beach near the Sheraton Royal Denarau Resort are all-day excursion boats to Castaway or Mana Island. (Can't say much for the trip to Castaway.)

One of the best-known cruise lines is Blue Lagoon Cruises, which offers four-day/three-night and seven-day/six-night cruises. Everything very informal and friendly. Picnics on the beach. Entertainment and singing go on all hours.

Almost half of the Fijian population is Indian, and most of them live in Suva. Many are shopkeepers. Suva is well known for its shops selling good Fijian handicrafts. If you prefer fixed prices, the place to shop is the Government Handicraft Store. It's centrally located and the quality of the merchandise is good. If, however, you prefer to bargain, you can do it at the Handicraft Market on Stinson Parade, where there's a large selection of goods, including intricately designed tapa cloth (made from bark), carved-wood products, jewelry, etc. Incidentally, it's impossible to get lost in Suva. It's not big enough. There are many kinds of stores within walking distance.

The Fijian Museum is mildly interesting, with old Fijian canoes and outriggers and other Fijian artifacts, including weapons and implements from the islands' cannibalistic past. Fairly good on history, but certainly not a sightseeing must.

However, it is worth going to the Orchid Island Fijian Cultural Center, about 20 minutes from Suva. This is the location of the original Fijian village. Enquire at your hotel for the best time to go, as there is a very good program, but it is usually given only when tour groups from cruise ships arrive. The show consists of demonstrations presented in different houses revealing how Fijians used to live. Includes ceremonies, dances, and music. It's very well done, in spite of the touristy aspects, and well worth the time.

A similar and larger version of this show is done at the Pacific Harbour Cultural Center and Marketplace. If you're driving east form Nadi to Suva, it's en route about two thirds of the way there. From Suva itself, it is more than an hour's drive west on Queens Road, the island's circular southern shoreline artery.

It rains much more in Suva than in Nadi. April through October in Fiji is generally cooler and drier. November though March is hotter with more rain.

Article Date: 03/17/1998