With a year-round topical climate and an abundant wealth of natural beauty, perhaps the more appropriate question here would be, what don’t I do in Fiji? The options in this paradise are plentiful.
Fiji is made up of over 300 islands in the South Pacific. Of these 300, they are organized into 9 major island groups. In actuality, if you counted all of the islands in the archipelago, they would number in the thousands, with some so small that you could walk all the way across them in just a few minutes. A total of 106 of the islands are inhabited, and each one has its own interesting and unique people, culture, and traditions. While these islands were once dubbed “Cannibal Isles,” today we have a much better understanding of this area’s friendly and warm people and practices. Visitors are welcomed here from all over the world.
Viti Levu, or Great Fiji, is the largest and most inhabited Fijan island. It is home to the national capital of Suva, and also the industrial and political hub of the islands. Around 75% of Fiji’s total population lives here. The island of Viti Levu often serves two purposes for those who visit Fiji: one is sort of a base camp or hub while touring the lesser inhabited islands, and the other is a center for adventure activities.
Visitors’ favorites in Viti Levu include visiting Namosi Highlands and Koroyanitu Heritage Park. Namosi Highlands is the ideal spot for white water rafting and kayaking trips. The area is brimming with exotic misty mountains and lush foliage. Namosi Highlands is also the perfect spot for some of the most colorful sunsets you will ever see. Koroyanitu Heritage Park is an excellent place for nature lovers. Here you can embark on a hike through the thick, verdant jungle, or a rigorous mountain bike trail. You’ll pass by secluded waterholes, small villages, and stunning, panoramic mountainous views. You can also venture to the nearby Garden of the Sleeping Giant, which is famous for its beautiful orchid gardens.
One of the most frequently visited spots on Viti Levu is the town of Nadi, the west coast home to many popular resorts and hotels. In Nadi, you will find plenty of places to shop for souvenirs, watch a movie, dine, and dance. Since Nadi is the third largest town in Fiji, it is filled with the hustle and bustle of city life, and all the traffic that comes with it. But if you want to escape the busy city life, it’s easy to do that here, too. The city sits on the scenic Sabeto Mountain Range, so you’re never that far away from a secluded and quiet spot. In Nadi, you will also find ample opportunities to let out your adventurous spirit with snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, sailing, paddle boarding, swimming, and even sky diving. If you prefer more relaxing activities, you can choose to sunbathe on the beautiful beaches or to golf on Denarau Island, which is just a 5 minute drive from downtown Nadi.
If you’re not convinced yet that Fiji sounds like a wonderful and exotic place to vacation, you may want to take a look at these photos from Go Fiji.com. It’s hard to believe that a place as gorgeous and secluded as this exists anywhere but in the movies. But it does- and it’s called Fiji!
