5 Things To Do in Fiji

If you’ve been bitten by the travel bug and are looking for a new destination Fiji just might be it. This beautiful country in the South Pacific has a lot to offer its tourists, and it also helps that it is relatively easy to find cheap flights to Fiji. 

Here are our top 5 things you can do in Fiji:

1. Go to the beach

Fiji’s beaches are some of the most pristine and idyllic beaches in the world, let alone in the Pacific Islands. In this country diving is a staple activity. The coral is spectacular and multi-coloured at the famous Great White Wall, the base of the well-known Rainbow Reef. While diving it is possible to see and swim with turtles and manta rays ad some of the best shark diving in the world is done in Fiji. You can also experience one of the widest barrier reefs in the world, the Astrolabe Reef. 

If you are a bit apprehensive about diving, you can also snorkel to get a good view of the wondrous reefs of Fiji or go kayaking, which is also a fun coastal adventure that you and your friends can enjoy. Good for family vacations, this experience is truly worth your flight. Diving in Fiji is a year-round activity but between July and December the water is at its clearest.

2. Watch the firewalking in Pacific Harbour

In touristy beaches around the world, fire dancing is a common sight. But what about firewalking? This South Pacific island is great for seeing firewalkers dazzle you with their stunts. 

Right on Fiji’s southern coast of Viti Levu, Pacific Harbour is Fiji’s main island, a must-visit for a various set of reasons, including the renowned shark diving that happens offshore. Cultural enthusiasts may also visit the Arts Village for a cultural show, in which performers do the firewalking ceremony.

The Fiji firewalking tradition, which people walk across stones buried in blazing fire, originates from the neighbouring Beqa Island. The community also presents crafts, paintings, and textiles during the ceremony. If you’ve never seen this feat done before, then it’s time that you start planning your Fiji holiday.

Toberua Island

3. Enjoy Fiji’s abundant nature

Fiji’s 300 plus islands are abundant with natural beauty, making it the perfect tropical destination to explore if you are seeking an eco-friendly adventure. Explore the many jungle trails with the indigenous flora and fauna. Hike alongside rocky terrains and muddy ground or venture into dark limestone caves in Sawa-i-Lau, in Fiji's remote Yasawa islands. 

Take a dip in the Tavoro Waterfalls to freshen up or visit the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, home to pretty lily ponds, native plants and the rumoured largest orchid collection in the world with over 2,000 different species. 

Have you heard of Des Voeux Peak? At 1195 metres high, this landmark on a clear day offers some of the most spectacular views from the peak, making it possible to see Lake Tagimaucia and the Lau Group. Allow 3 to 4 hours to traverse the challenging terrains up to the top and 2 hours to return. But, once you’re there those views are well worth the effort. 

For lovers of bird watching, why not enjoy a tour around the rich avian biodiversity of Fiji? Here, you can see red-throated lorikeets, the collared lory, and rare creatures flying around trees. And, for the more adventurous you can also give zip-lining a try as you fly across canopies and glance at the stunning views that Fiji has to offer from a different perspective.

4. Learn how to cook, the Fiji way

Visiting the restaurants in Fiji should be part of every Fijian holiday. But, why not take it one step further and experience cooking the Fijian way? Cooking food in the ground in Fiji is called a lovo. This traditional method uses hot stones and are saved for special occasions in villages and are regulars served at many resorts throughout Fiji. All the food is prepared, then placed in an underground oven and slow cooked for hours. YUM!!

You can also discover Fiji’s local cuisine by cooking the food yourself. Flavours of Fiji Cooking School will teach you to cook your very own Fijian feast. Your day begins with a visit to the Nadi food market before using the beautiful fresh ingredients such as taro, coconut and sweet potatoes, to create your seasonal menu. You will cook an eight-course menu split into three categories including a Fijian selection, Indian selection and a Tropical Sweets selection.

Who says that sashimi is mainly in Japan? In Fiji, sashimi-style cooking is abundant, with the traditional dish known as Kokoda that should be cooked with lime juice and squeezed lemon. Let the raw fish’s acidity marinated in lime cook the fish. Leave it in the fridge for about 45 minutes. Afterwards, mix with vegetables, chilli and fruits. This dish is a great option for the summer months.

5. Meet the locals

Malamala Beach Club

Bula Bula! As the locals say, which means welcome and is always accompanied by a smile. Fijians have a reputation for being warm and kind and as soon s you get off the plane, they make you feel ‘like home’, so why not start your Fijian experience with the locals by hopping onto their kava ceremony where they sit in circles on the floor as the host serves drinks from pounded kava roots. The system has it, the eldest male in the group, say in your travel group, will drink the kava in a singular shot and then pass this down to others. 

This delightful ceremony is a favourite among the locals, and you must also feel and appreciate how this is done. Plus, you can also see how the Fijians prepare their meals as part of their sacrificial rites.

The villages also open their doors for tourists where you can witness ceremonies and be introduced to the community. You can also offer gifts at the Koroua Village, and feel like you are part of the family. Another local experience you might enjoy is a Drua Sailing expereince, where you set sail across the beautiful blue waters on an authentic, traditional Fijian canoe.

White sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, stunning coral, breath-taking views, mouth-watering cuisine, friendly locals, abundant nature to explore and 100’s of islands its little wonder Fiji has always been a popular destination for many Australians. From luxury travel to budget-savvy explorers iFly.net.au has cheap flights to Fiji year-round as well as up to 40 percent off hotels when you book online.

So why not say “Bula” to Fiji and start planning for your 2021 getaway today. Fiji is just 4 hours from Australia’s east coast and from currency queries to flight times, adventure activities and where to stay, iFly.net.au has got you covered.