Explore Fiji

Explore Fijihttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/oceania/fijiExplore FijiThe Accidental Wife | Fiji Travel Storyhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/love/the-accidental-wifeThe Accidental Wife | Fiji Travel StoryThu, 16 Aug 2018 18:14:59 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/love/the-accidental-wifehttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/oceania/fiji/off-the-beaten-path-fijiMaddy Tobert from Tribewanted has spent a few years in Fiji, and shares her tips, from kava customs to learning to meke (dance).2019-07-01T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/oceania/fiji/off-the-beaten-path-fijihttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#fiji-time"> Embrace "Fiji Time" </a></li> <li><a href="#vorovoro"> Join the tribe in Vorovoro </a></li> <li><a href="#watch-out"> Be careful not to trespass</a></li> <li><a href="#kava"> Bring kava or other gifts</a></li> <li><a href="#bus"> Take the bus or use your thumb </a></li> <li><a href="#go-north"> Head north </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="fiji-time">1. Embrace "Fiji Time"</h2> <p>On your first day in Fiji, you’ll hear about Fiji time. You’ll hear about it on your second day too. And your third, your fourth, your fifth… People take it to mean that life is slow, take your watch off – don’t rush. In my experience it is more a total absence of time. This is an easy place to spend time. Trust me, I've spend three years here. </p> <h2 id="vorovoro">2. Join the tribe in Vorovoro</h2> <p>It was Vorovoro and <a href="http://www.tribewanted.com/" title="Tribewanted">Tribewanted</a> that drew me to Fiji. I wanted to get off the beaten track but didn’t know how. Every time I looked for places to visit I came across the Yasawas and the Mamanucas which looked amazingly beautiful (they are!) but well traveled. I was researching a book and needed to be in a place where I could meet Fijians and pick their brains.</p> <p>Northern Fiji, far from the tourist trail, seemed like the answer – it was. On Vorovoro you live alongside Fijians and get an insight into their culture. I learnt to weave palm roofs, make brooms, <i>meke</i> (dance), spearfish (although I’m awful at it), speak a little of the language, sing <i>isa lei</i> (the farewell song), and most importantly, how to act in this country. I used that last lesson to travel further into the heart of Fiji.</p> <h2 id="watch-out">3. Be careful not to trespass</h2> <p>My best experiences by far have been the ones where I’ve stayed in villages. Fijians are massively hospitable and invitation follows invitation. But don’t just wander about. All land in Fiji is privately owned and you will be trespassing.</p> <h2 id="kava">4. Bring kava and other gifts when visiting villages</h2> <p>Take some <i>yaqona </i>(kava) with you. This is the local ceremonial drink. The roots are pounded, mixed with water and the result is a muddy looking, gently narcotic concoction. The initial taste is that of aniseed or mud depending on who you ask. Present this as a <em>sevusevu</em>, a gift, to the head man of the village – the chief if there is one, or an elder if there’s not. He’ll accept it and when he does it means that he is accepting you onto his land, that his ancestors bless you and that you are welcome. But take some other things as well.</p> <p>Rural Fijians are frequently poor with a lot of mouths to feed. If you plan to stay with a family, bring a few loaves of bread, some butter, rice, oil etc. It doesn’t really matter what, but a contribution. It’s not a like-for-like, you give me this/I’ll give you that but it’s a pre-emptive response to all you will receive. </p> <h2 id="bus">5. Take the bus or use your thumb</h2> <p>It’s cheap to travel around Fiji. Or at least it can be. If you get into a taxi you will be given a special <i>kai vulagi</i> price – it’s much higher than the local one. Take buses instead. They’re a good way to meet people and see the country, but yes, they’re slow. A little faster are minibuses which work as shuttles between certain destinations. They’re often unmarked but will stop if you flag them down (if they don’t they are either full or just a private van!).</p> <p>If you’re going somewhere and can’t find transport, <a href="/explore/southern-africa/botswana/a-smart-travellers-guide-to-hitchhiking" title="A Smart Traveler's Guide to Hitchhiking in Botswana">hitchhike</a>. At the end of the journey contribute a dollar or two to the driver and everyone leaves happy. If you’re traveling between the two big islands, Viti and Vanua Levu, and have time to spare, take the ferry instead of flying. It’s much cheaper, has great views and is an experience in and of itself.</p> <h2 id="go-north">6. Head north</h2> <p>Fiji’s tourist trail centres around Nadi and the islands off the east coast of Viti Levu. It you want to get off the beaten track, go to Vanua Levu. Visit us on Vorovoro and meet the locals, dance, snorkel, drink kava. Or head to Tavenui, hike, swim under waterfalls, dive the most beautiful reefs I’ve ever seen. Perhaps go to Qamea to surf, or stay with a family in one of the villages of Udu Point.  </p>Getty Images/Donyanedomam 1931874656 Getty Images Lavena village on Taveuni Island, Fiji

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/oceania/fiji/7-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-going-to-fijiChantae Redden tells us the things she wishes she’d known before going to Fiji for the first time, from kava ceremony etiquette to experiencing local traditions.2024-10-16T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/oceania/fiji/7-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-going-to-fijihttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Six years ago, I moved to Fiji planning to stay a year or two. I soon fell in love with Fiji’s landscapes, friendly <em>“Bula!”</em> spirit, colorful marine life, and a lifestyle that lends itself to being part of a community. I have no intention of leaving anytime soon.</p> <p>Here are seven things to know before you visit Fiji.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#cost">Is Fiji expensive?</a></li> <li><a href="#time">Best time to visit Fiji</a></li> <li><a href="#etiquette">Fiji etiquette</a></li> <li><a href="#kava">Kava drinking in Fiji</a></li> <li><a href="#beyond">Fiji off the beaten track</a></li> <li><a href="#culture">How to experience Fijian culture</a></li> <li><a href="#food">Traditional Fijian food</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="cost">Is Fiji expensive? What to know about Fiji travel costs</h2> <p>Fiji is an expensive country to travel around, especially if you plan on island hopping. While there are plenty of accommodations to choose from on the main island of Viti Levu, options are limited once you reach the outer islands. To find an affordable bed rate, look for backpacker hostels and guesthouses. Some resorts, such as a handful in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, offer an overall upscale experience with dorm room options.</p> <p>Before you book, factor in the cost of the room, transport, mandatory meal plans, and adventure activities you’ll want to do – such as <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/scuba-diving-travel-insurance">scuba diving or snorkeling</a>. This will give you a more realistic picture of what you’ll spend, as many accommodations have low room rates but high meal plan and activity rates. It’s worth sticking to a few islands than seeing many at once. Expenses rack up every time you step foot on a boat or plane.</p> <p>If you’re on one of the larger islands, keep costs down by shopping at local markets where produce and snacks are sold at lower prices. Taking the bus or even a metered taxi will often be cheaper than hiring transport through your hotel.</p> <h2 id="time">Best time to visit Fiji</h2> <p>There’s no truly bad time to visit Fiji. <a href="https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/country/fiji/climate-data-historical" target="_blank">The best weather</a> is from June to September, when skies are sunny and temperatures hover in the high 20ºCs (low 80ºFs). With these months aligning with school holidays, this is also when accommodation prices spike. Fortunately, because resorts are spread out among the islands, you’re unlikely to notice the crowds. If you want nice weather with lower accommodation prices, visit in May or October.</p> <p>Fiji’s <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/how-to-survive-a-hurricane">cyclone season</a> runs from November to April, which are also the hottest months of the year. And while it can seem risky to come during cyclone season, most days still bring in pleasant weather.</p> <p>No matter what time of year you visit, bring reef-safe <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/sunblock-or-insect-repellent-first">sunscreen</a> and a rain jacket. It’s not unheard of to have bluebird skies in the morning, and a moody downpour come afternoon. Lightweight, sun protective clothing works well as a wardrobe staple in Fiji – bright colors and tropical patterns encouraged.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/fiji/sea-turtle-suba-fiji-chantae-reden.jpg" alt="Spotting a sea turtle while scuba diving in Fiji." /> <figcaption>Spotting a sea turtle while scuba diving in Fiji. Photo credit: Chantae Reden</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="etiquette">Fiji etiquette: visiting local villages</h2> <p>Whenever you enter a new village, it’s customary to bring a gift and participate in a gift-giving ceremony called a <em>sevusevu</em>. Walking into an unknown village without a <em>sevusevu</em> is often seen as disrespectful. A bundle of <em>yaqona</em>, pepper root that is pounded into kava, is well-received, and you can purchase it at most major markets. The head of the village, called the <em>Turaga ni Kor</em>o, and other community members may share kava with you as a welcome into the community.</p> <p>Bringing a <em>sevusevu</em> often lets you explore the village’s surrounding areas. Don’t be surprised if you’re invited to a church service, someone’s home for tea, or the school for a tour. If you travel to a village with a guide, they’ll likely sort out all logistics for your arrival.</p> <p>When you enter a village, avoid wearing anything on your head – no hats or sunglasses allowed. Hold your backpacks in your hand rather than on your back. For both men and women, it’s polite to wear a <em>sulu</em>, or sarong, whenever you’re on village property.</p> <h2 id="kava">Drinking kava in Fiji</h2> <p>Kava, a relaxing, earthy drink made from ground pepper root, is Fiji’s drink of choice. After two <em>bilos</em> (coconut shell bowls), your lips might start to tingle. After three or four, you’ll feel like you’ve arrived on island time.</p> <p>Drinking kava with others goes well beyond the drink itself – the act of it is steeped in Fijian tradition and there are a few etiquette points to follow whenever you’re seated around a <em>tanoa</em>, a wooden bowl. Kava is served everywhere from work functions to ceremonies to sporting events to backyard barbecues. Communities often resolve problems over a bowl of kava, rather than through formal routes or emails.</p> <p>The leader of the group will be seated at the ‘head’ of the bowl and typically served first. When you’re served a <em>bil</em>o, clap and drink the entire coconut shell in one go. Many communities consider it polite to receive and hand back the <em>bilo</em> with both hands. Once you’re done, clap and say <em>“Bula!”</em> – a nod to good health. If you can, drink the full <em>bilo</em> the first time it’s offered. Feel free to politely skip subsequent rounds or ask for “low tide,” a small portion. When in doubt, a big smile and a hearty <em>“Bula”</em> will carry you through any social situation.</p> <h2 id="beyond">Fiji off the beaten track: other islands to visit</h2> <p>It might seem like Denarau is the best region to visit as it’s where you’ll find most of Fiji’s large resorts. However, it lacks the postcard-perfect beaches you might’ve come for, and you’re somewhat detached from Fijian culture. Some travelers trail along Viti Levu’s Coral Coast. Others will jet off to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. These stops make up the majority of Fiji’s tourist trail.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/fiji/mamanuca-island-chantae-reden.jpg" alt="The Mamanuca Islands, Fiji." /> <figcaption>The Mamanuca Islands, Fiji. Photo credit: Chantae Reden</figcaption></figure> <p>However, if you’re looking for an experience where drinking kava and dancing is more of a way of life than a performance, head to Fiji’s outer islands or into Viti Levu’s interior. Taveuni, Fiji’s so-called “Garden Island” offers waterfall hikes and world-class scuba diving. Ovalau is home to Fiji’s old capital, Levuka, and villages where locals are happy to teach you about Fiji’s history. For incredible snorkeling and scuba diving, venture towards Kadavu, an emerald island surrounded by the Great Astrolabe Reef. To see the <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/off-the-grid-travel-stays-zero-emissions-maximum-fun">most remote islands</a> in Fiji, take a cruise to the Lau Archipelago. What it lacks in accommodations and airport strips, it makes up for in natural beauty and Fijian hospitality.</p> <p>Local operators such as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Finding-Islands-Tours-100082480250148/" target="_blank">Finding Islands Tours</a> can arrange an overnight stay in a village as well as <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">off-the-beaten-path hikes</a>, camping trips, and boat trips. No two trips are exactly alike.</p> <h2 id="culture">How to experience Fijian culture</h2> <p>Fiji is one of the few places in the world where it feels like magic still exists. On the island of Beqa, you’ll have a chance to see Fiji’s traditional firewalkers. Instead of someone trotting across hot coals as you might’ve seen in a street performance, stones are placed in a fire pit for hours. Men then perform a ceremony and walk across stones so hot you can feel the heat radiating from them even from a distance. This skill has been passed down through generations. Legend says it was given to Beqa after a Fijian warrior freed a spirit god that lived within an eel. In return the spirit god gave the warrior the power to walk without being burned.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/fiji/beqa-fire-walker-chantae-reden.jpg" /> <figcaption>Fire walkers on the island of Beqa, Fiji. Photo credit: Chantae Reden</figcaption></figure> <p>If you get the chance, attend a <em>meke</em>, a performance of song and dance. Performers drape themselves in bark cloth painted in Fijian patterns, called <em>tapa</em>, and tell stories through movement. This is also an opportunity to see Fiji’s traditional weaponry – wooden clubs, spears, and fire tools add to the excitement of each song.</p> <p>As Fiji is a culture founded by the world’s best seafarers, visit the <a href="https://fijimuseum.org.fj/" target="_blank">Fiji Museum</a> in Suva to learn about the art of ancient sailing. There, you’ll find a replica <em>drua</em>, a traditional sailing canoe, that once crossed the South Pacific. The Uto Ni Yalo is a 72-foot sailing canoe that still cruises through Fiji’s waters and occasionally offers sailing tours for visitors.</p> <h2 id="food">Traditional Fijian food</h2> <p>On my first trip to Fiji, I wasn’t surprised to find heaps of fresh tropical fruits sold at the markets. Pineapples, papayas, mangoes, bananas, soursops, and more are ubiquitous around the islands depending on the season.</p> <p>However, I was surprised to discover just how varied Fijian cuisine can be. Enjoy refreshing coconut shells filled with <em>kokoda</em>, fresh fish marinated in lime juice and served with coconut milk, cucumber, onion, and tomato. A local spinach dish, called <em>pulasami</em>, is made with bundles of taro leaves cooked with coconut and onion in an underground oven called a <em>lovo</em>. This <em>lovo</em> is also used to cook meat and seafood – firing it up typically calls for celebration. Salads made from sea grapes (<em>nama</em>) and small fern leaves (<em>ota</em>) drizzled in lime juice and coconut milk are the perfect after-sun snack.</p> <p><a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/fd6bb849099f46869125089fd13579ec" target="_blank">According to a recent census</a>, nearly 33% of Fiji’s population is of Indian descent. This means you’ll find tasty Indian-Fijian fare all throughout Fiji’s major cities of Nadi, Suva, Lautoka, and Labasa. Bus stations and markets sell delicious roti parcels stuffed with spiced curry for around USD $1. One dish you can’t miss? Jackfruit curry made with jackfruit, onion, garlic, turmeric, curry powder, chili powder, cumin, and a dash of decadent coconut cream.</p> <p><em>World Nomads travel insurance plans offer cover for more than 150 adventure sports and activities, including hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, and sailing. <a href="/travel-insurance/whats-covered/adventure-sports-and-activities">Find out more</a>.</em></p>Chantae Reden 0 Surfboards on a beach in Fiji.