| Population | 775,000 |
| Language spoken | Most Fijians speak English |
| Currency | the Fiji Dollar |
| Average temperature | Summer: 80F (with humidity); Winter: 70F (dry) |
| High season | May through October |
Bula! Welcome to Fiji, the exotic archipelago in the South Pacific, wherein you'll find the fusion of Polynesian, Melanesian, Indian and European cultures, beautiful beaches and coral reefs, a vibrant history, and friendly people.
Suva, the capital of all the islands, is located on the main island of Viti Levu, and from here, you can get the widest range of experience on your vacation. Although every part of the year has its advantages, May to August are the high time in Fiji. Christmastime is also popular, but the stretch from January to March is very hot and humid, with a tremendous amount of rainfall on the main islands; but the cost of traveling to Fiji during these months is significantly lower.
There's so much to do in Fiji that 10 trips wouldn't suffice, but here's a three-day itinerary that will get the most out of this tropical destination in a short time.
Day 1: See the sights of Suva
Although Suva is the capital, 95% of international travelers arrive in Nadi at the international airport, which is across the island from Suva, on its western coast. The traveler destined for Suva has a few options: you can take a half-hour plane ride to Suva, or rent a car and drive the King's highway, which will take around four hours. This might seem like a long time, but it also gives you a chance to see the interior of Fiji, which is rich and wild.After a drive like that, you'll want to have lunch and you won't have to look far in the town center for a good meal. Very affordable, The Old Mill Cottage Cafe Restaurant on Carnarvon Street offers a mix of Indian, Chinese and Fijian foods, and is a very popular lunch spot with the government workers, as it is a stone's throw from the U.S. Embassy and the Government Building.
Hotels in Suva are reasonably priced and cool, which, in Fiji, is a must. The Holiday Inn provides a centrally located rest stop for less than $100 US.
After checking in, hop on a bus or take a cab to Thurston Gardens. In the gardens, you'll find a nice place to walk off your meal while you check out the local flora (if you're with a woman, she'll love you for showing your sensitive side).
You'll also find yourself next to the museum, which, in the heat of the midday, will be a nice respite and a chance to find out about this tremendous country you're in. After the museum, cross the street and find the Government house, which on the hour performs a changing of the guards. This ain't no Buckingham palace, and the guards have their own special dance ritual that's pretty impressive.
In later afternoon, get back to the city center and find the old market, right across from the main bus stand. There you can ask about the kava root, known as kava. The kava root is a local custom and you'll be lucky if you find a local Fijian to share some kava with. The root is an acquired taste, but brings with it a slightly euphoric feeling. Each time you drink the water prepared with the root, you should clap your hands and call out Bula! Save the root for nighttime.
You'll also find some little shops that display and sell old school Fijian weapons. Think The Last of the Mohicans , that crazy weapon the Last Mohican carried. These unique weapons are beautifully sculpted with hooks, clubs and points, and it's worth finding one just so you can hold it in your hands.
Surprisingly, it's difficult to find indigenous Fijian food, but at the end of a little alleyway, on 15 Waimanu Road, you'll find The Indigenous Restaurant, where you'll be able to sample rich tasty local food for dinner. Much of it prepared with coconut milk. This might be the best place to ask about the kava ceremony, but if you can't find anyone to do the kava ceremony with, then keep the root, as it lasts a long time, and ask how you can do it on your own.
Afterwards, Suva has plenty of nightclubs. Try Lucky Eddies, a.k.a. The Urban Jungle, if you're in the mood for tourists, or if you want to find a place more popular with the locals, the Golden Dragon on Victoria Parade. Birdland is a cooler jazz bar, although there aren't many live performances. The place to be seen, though, is Trapps, also on Victoria Parade.
Day 2: Rockin' the reefs
Day two and you'll need to get out of the city and into the natural beauty of Fiji. Half an hour drive from Suva you'll find the Pacific Harbor, which is the big tourism area of Suva. Here there are many things to do, from diving to golf. The one thing you won't find is the beach, or what you think a beach should look like. That's for the third day. This morning, you're going under water and exploring the world famous soft coral reefs. Although you can dive all year, the most impressive season for marine life is from May to November. It will be a morning you won't forget.In the afternoon, after eating some lunch at Pacific Harbor, I suggest you hop on to a boat that takes you up the Navua River into the interior of Fijian rain forest. Depending on when you travel, the size of the river and the number of mosquitoes might deter you, but it's worth it. If you're really not keen on seeing the interior, Pacific Harbor has a beautiful golf course.
In late afternoon, make your way back to Suva. You've flown over from Nadi, and booked for this return, so get your gear and make your flight. Upon reaching Nadi, there are a number of surfing beaches and resorts up the coast. I suggest the Surf & Dive Rendezvous Beach.
Note: Get to bed early if you're going to surf because they start leaving at 5:30 a.m.
Day 3: Surf & relax
The Surf and Dive is good for all ages, and is owned by a Fijian family. This is a cheap beachfront property, where facilities are shared, but the service is family style. There's also live entertainment at night. Breakfast is served at 5:30 and then a quick 10-minute boat ride takes you out to great spots like "Desperation," "Wilkespassage," "Swimming pool point," and the world famous "Cloud break" (Saturday morning only -- booking is required).You can dive too, with instructors offering lessons. Or, you can just sit back and relax, say "Bula" to each other, and watch the sun take it slow.
tips for the trip
Resources:
http://www.fijivision.com/guide/Suva.html
http://www.southpacific.org/text/finding_fiji.html
http://www.fijibeaches.com/nadi/index.cfm
http://www.fijiguide.com/Guide/Islands/suva.html
Vacation Packages
0 comments:
Publicar un comentario