Fiji is an ideal honeymoon destination. Tranquility and scenic beauty are the main course that this beautiful island nation serves to the travelers. You can lie on the golden sands during the day and watch the ebbs and flows of the sea. Better still, sit and contemplate over the connection between the sea waves and the life. However stop the train of thoughts in your mind and enjoy the indescribable red hues as the sun sinks into the sea. Make this sunset more memorable as you whisper into the ears of your special someone and bring those good old days back again. Apart from the sea beaches, the island of Fiji offers some of the best dive sites in the world. Dive into the water and explore the unknown colorful kingdom of tropical fishes fortified with soft corals. Swimming along the schools of tropical fishes, you could very well stumble upon sunken ships. All these and much more are offered by Fiji tourism in a nicely woven package.
If climbing is what you rave about, then there are plenty of hills that are waiting just for you. Home to hills rising up to almost 1300 meters above sea level, the top of the hills offers spectacularly beautiful views. Shed off your tiredness and rinse your sweat by cooling yourself off in majestic waterfalls. There are some protected national parks in Fiji as well. A vacation can never be complete without shopping. There are a lot of things to buy in Fiji. Buy traditional handicraft items or dress up in Fijian style. Fiji tourism offers so much that you would feel like extending your vacation time for a couple of weeks more.
History of Fiji
Fiji, one of the most favorite tourist destinations of the world, has a history of its own. The history of Fiji dates back to around 1000 B.C. The specimens of potteries unearthed from different places of the Fijian towns are evidence of the country's existence. It was the people from the South East Asia who were the first to inhabit at different parts of the Fijian land. It was during the 17th century that the island nation of Fiji was visited by explorers from Europe. In the year 1643, Abel Tasman, the Dutch explorer was in the look out for the Great Southern Continent. It was then that he had a visit to the land of Fiji. Travelers are always interested in getting a Fiji overview. Fiji travel guide gives us a deeper insight of the history of Fiji.
History of Fiji states that during the nineteenth century, the Europeans had started settling down on the islands of Fiji on a permanent basis. In the year 1874, the land of Fiji was converted into a colony which was under the rulings of the British. With this, the British started bringing the Indian contract laborers in the land. 1970 marked one of the major milestones in the history of Fiji. The country was declared independent on the 10th day of August, 1970. Many perceived the government as being controlled by the Indo-Fijian or the Indian community. The year 1987 experienced a couple of military coups, causing unrest in the democratic setup.
The history of Fiji witnessed the second coup in the year1987. A non-executive President replaced the the Governor General as well as the British monarchy. From its name of Dominion of Fiji, the nation was newly named as the Republic of Fiji. In 1997, the name was again changed to Republic of the Fiji Islands. The coups had a negative impact on the country as a whole. Indian emigration was on of the most worrying factors. Though the phenomena played its part in holding up the Melanesians as the majority of the population, the population loss resulted in the downslide of the national economy.
The history of Fiji states that in the year 1992, Sitiveni Rabuka, the Lieutenant Colonel who was in charge of the 1987 coup, took charge as the Prime Minister of Fiji. Fiji regained its admission to the Commonwealth of Nations. Even after the enactment of constitution in 1997, Fiji faced a civilian-led coup in 2000. The country got a democratically elected government in 2001. It was in 2006 that another military coup took place.
In spite of being a small nation, the armed forces of Fiji are substantial in its volume. Fiji has been a key contributor to the UN peace initiatives carried out in different parts of the world.
Culture of Fiji
The island state of Fiji is inhabited by indigenous Fijians and other minorities like the Indo-Fijians and other smaller groups. The influence of so many diverse groups of people has contributed in making Fiji society a truly multi ethnic one. The inputs that all these diverse group of people brought along are the main basis of the culture of Fiji. The religion in Fiji is also diverse and every religious group gets equal opportunity to profess theirs. Armed with Fiji travel guide, you can roam around this island nation hassle free.
Language is the main determinant of any country's culture. Fijian, according to the Constitution of 1997, is the official language of this tiny island nation. According to an estimate, almost 350,000 people all over Fiji speak this language. This language is officially recognized as the first language of the Vanua Levu Island. Two other languages namely English and Hindusthani too are other official languages in Fiji. These languages have contributed significantly in making up the culture of Fiji.
Music is an integral part of the culture of Fiji. The instruments used in Fijian music are guitar, ukulele and mandolin. The indigenous musical instruments like Lali drums are used mainly to call people to assemble at a certain venue. In the ancient days when no other kind of communication mediums was available, the drum beats used to announce births, deaths and wars. The Fijian islanders have now embraced modern western dance forms. However in the interior of some sparsely populated islands, Meke dance is practiced. Considered to be an ancient dance form, it is said that the dancers become possessed by spirits as the Lali drums start beating aloud. Indian music, mostly classical forms such as Bhajans and Qawwali, can be easily listened on main islands. Music and dance in Fiji attracts tourists from all over the world.
The Fijians consider their national costume a representative of the culture of Fiji. The national costume of Fiji in the earlier times used to be loin cloths for men and grass skirts for women. The skirt lengths would determine the status of a woman. A single woman used to wear short skirts but long skirts had to be worn by the married women. The national dress of the Fijians now is Sulu. Resembling a skirt, both genders wear it. Women during special occasions wear multi layered Tapa cloth. Arts and Crafts in Fiji are another attraction for the tourists which also portray the rich culture of the Fijians. Except the capital Suva, other cities do not have modern high rise buildings. Suva Central in Suva is one example of the architecture of Fiji.Sightseeing in Fiji
Fiji is a tropical paradise located in the South Pacific. The swaying palms and the clear waters are sure to captivate your imagination leaving you in utter contentment. It is a place where natural splendor is found in its richest contours and colors. On thing is definite, that you surely cannot escape the warmth of the people around. The benevolent tropical climate is another boon to all. It comes as no surprise that many tourists visit this part of the world every year. There are loads of Tourist attractions in Fiji. Sightseeing in Fiji is something to look forward to. Fiji travel guide is just what you need to fulfill your itinerant quest.
As for sightseeing in Fiji, Tavuni Hill Fort in Sigatoka in Fiji is one such place to look out for. Tavuni lies on the pinnacle of a fortified hill that overlooks the rural region of the Sigatoka River Valley. A road is found that falls alongside the river. The views of the hills and the lovely sight of the traditional villages around is indeed a feast to the eyes. The scenic beauty of the place simply goes without words.
Suva Municipal Market in Fiji is another venue that needs to be checked out. This market place is chockablock with umpteen shops and stores that meet all your requirements. A variety of shops are to be found, form jewelry shops to groceries (tropical fruits to vegetables), all are found here. Municipal Handicraft Center in Suva in Fiji is just another storehouse of hand woven bags to carved wooden items. Local craft items are best found here.Tourists benefit the most out of it. And if you know how to bargain then you can also attain the goods at a much lower price. Sightseeing in Fiji also includes places like Parliament in Suva in Fiji, Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple in Nadi in Fiji, Denerau Beach in Nadi in Fiji, Navala Village in Nadi in Fiji, Subar Maniya in Nadi in Fiji, Sheraton Denarau Golf and Racquet Club in Nadi in Fiji, Rock Paintings in Fiji, Levuka in Old Capital in Fiji, Yasawa Islands in Fiji, Beaches at Denerau in Fiji, Sunset Beach in Fiji, Fiji Palms in Fiji and Fiji Museum in Suva in Fiji.
Fiji Festivals & Events
Fiji, the island nation in the South-Pacific Ocean is quite a tourist destination. There are travelers and tourists from all over the world visiting Fiji to explore and experience the natural beauties and cultural program that Fiji has to offer. Fiji Festivals and Events are given a special significance.
Each town in Fiji has its very own week long festival. While there is an absolutely huge range of festivals and events in Fiji, the two most popular and significant events are the Bula Festival that is celebrated in the town of Nadi held during mid September and the Hibiscus festival in Suva celebrated during the month of August. A person can witness parades featuring local marching bands and beauty pageants that are regarded to be the highlight of the Bula festival. Much like the Bula festival, the Hibiscus festival celebrated in Suva showcases a variety of events including traditional shows, parades and the renowned Hibiscus Ball. There are several religious events that take place in Fiji, including Diwali that is celebrated in the month of October and is known all over as the 'festival of lights', Easter and Eid, a prime festival for Islamic people. Other major festivals that take place in Fiji include fire walking festival, the Yagona Ceremony and the New Year's celebrations.
Fiji Festivals and Events includes several captivating and unique events that take place almost throughout the year. Some of the major events that take place in this nation include the Outrigger Fiji International Competition that takes place in Nadi Bay in the month of April and this event includes several sporting events and marathon races. There is a music festival held in Fiji that is known as the South Pacific Music Festival that highlights several well known musicians and bands from Fiji and continues till 4 days. There is a fantastic event held in Suva usually in the month of October called the Multicultural Arts Festival that displays arts, culture exhibitions, songs, dances and even culinary preparations. The other festivals and events held in Fiji include Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Day, Constitution Day, Sugar Festival, South pacific Bowling Carnival and the Beachcomber Island Annual Fiji Swim among several more.How to Get in
Fiji a country of colorful attractions, splendid scenic view and exciting things can be easily accessible from anywhere by any mode of traveling. The geographic position of Fiji makes it center of transport for the entire South Pacific. So it is easy to getting to Fiji.
Nadi is the main international airport that serves all around the Pacific Rim. One can get direct flights to Fiji from U.S.A and Europe. Besides, Japan, Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand also have direct air flights to Fiji Island group.
The most convenient way to travel to Fiji is by air. Suva Nausori International Airport is one of another premier Fiji airports. One can also get to Fiji by sea however it is not a cheap mode of traveling to Fiji.
Hotels in Fiji
