GUIDE TO

INSIDER GUIDE TO FIJI Fiji

With island hideaways custom-made for relaxation, resorts that know how to show guests a good time, coral reefs just perfect for diving and snorkelling, and fresh cuisine based on the ocean’s best catches, Fiji is a firm favourite with Australians for a range of reasons. This mini destination guide to one of the world’s most popular holiday island destinations is designed to provide you with all the inspiration needed to plan your next holiday to Fiji. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, retirement trip, relaxing solo break or intergenerational family holiday, Fiji’s relaxed pace and welcoming attitude makes it the ultimate destination for Australian travellers looking to recharge their batteries in the sunshine.

Population: 881, 065 Capital: Suva : God bless Fiji (or Meda Dau Doka) Currency: Official Language: English, Fijian, Fiji Hind Interesting facts...

Fiji is a collection of more than The International Date Line runs straight Rugby Union is the most popular sport 333 islands, but only one third of those through the island of Taveuni so on side it’s in Fiji, with the nation’s Rugby Sevens team islands are inhabited by humans. Monday and the other it’s Tuesday. bringing home Fiji’s first ever Olympic gold medal in 2016.

The island of Taveuni is known as the Tourism is one of Fiji’s biggest economies, With most belonging to the ‘Garden Island of Fiji’ due to the huge with Australians representing the largest Christian faith, Sundays are an important amount of native flora found on the island. number of tourists to the island. holy day. Expect nothing much to be Almost all of the plants and animals open on Sundays – except churches. indigenous to Fiji are found on Taveuni.

Climate Fiji’s warm, tropical climate tends to hover around the 26-30 degree mark all year round. The wet season tends to run from December to April, but showers tend to be heavy, but brief. Fiji is cyclone-prone, with January and February being the most cyclone-prone months.

Average Monthly Temperature: Nadi

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

26° 27° 26° 25° 24° 24° 23° 24° 25° 25° 26° 27° Things you must see while in Fiji Tavoro Waterfalls Garden of the Sleeping Giant Located in Bouma National Heritage Park on Taveuni The Garden of the Sleeping Giant is only 6 kilometres from (also known as Garden Island) this isolated spot is well worth Nadi Airport but feels a world away. Filled with more than the modest entry fee. The series of three waterfalls are 2000 varieties of orchids, this serene garden’s lily ponds, fringed with lush jungle and while quite slippery, clambering to waterfalls and flowers is a great family-friendly spot to all three waterfalls reveals crystal clear natural swimming spend a few, stress-free hours. pools perfect for a relaxing dip. An abundance of bird life makes this spot a dream for birdwatchers and nature lovers. South Sea Island This is Fiji at its finest. A short 30 minute boat trip from Denarau, South Sea Island is the perfect place to dive, snorkel, kayak and swim. Sawailau Caves Operators run day trips to this island and often provide all the Located within the Yasawa Island group, these spectacular equipment needed to enjoy this tiny island with a bug amount limestone caves can be reached by a scenic boat trip. of natural beauty. Offshore coral reefs are home to many Venturing into the caverns with a local guide, visitors are species of colourful tropical fish, so putting on a snorkelling often astounded at how blue the water is within the cave mask to go make new friends is one of the best ways system. Listen to local guides tell stories of myth and legend to enjoy this part of Fiji. associated with the caves, and if you’re feeling adventurous, head underwater for further exploration. TC Recommended: Fiji

Take a look at some quintessential Fiji holiday experiences recommended by Travel Counsellors

“There are 14 golf courses scattered throughout Fiji, and I highly recommend visiting one while in Fiji. Whether you want to challenge yourself on an 18- hole, 72-par championship course or “Experiencing a lovo (eart hout take it easier with a nine-hole option, oven) feast and traditionalh “You really can’t leave Fiji wit Fiji’s golf courses are world class.” dance show is my top pick. experiencing a cruise. Manyom Portcompanies Denarau Sitting on the beach, feasting David Jackson on fresh produce while l offer day cruises leaving fr he Marina but heading out on a classic sail to local musicians and watchingistening boat is one of the best ways to explore t traditional dancers is a cul lagoons and bays at a slow pace.” experience not to be missed.”tural Lynda Reid Kim Rudd

esh food “I love wandering aroundesh the fish fr to piles markets of Suva. From fr opical of coconuts and rows of colourful tr fruit, the markets are a great way to geting a slice of local life, take some interesteshest “Fiji has some of t photos and pick up some of the fr gardens in the world,he bestso snorkell soft coral produce on the planet.” should definitely be on t “Picking up souvenirs for friends Whet ing and family back home is easy if her you go on a cruisehe agenda.or head Julie Moore out to a reef on a day trip, the ar you’re in Suva. Head to the Pure of Rainbow Reef, Namena Marine Fiji factory outlet to pick up some Reserve and the Great Astr eas of their sustainable bat products for a fraction ofh andt body Reef are among t olabe he best.” you’d pay back at home.”he price Richard Stewart Donna Jones

To share your special holiday memories, please upload your images to your social media account using #TCexperience Why not try Fijian?

Want to recreate those authentic Fijian flavours at home? Then we’ve got the perfect recipe for you.

Tina Millington’s Kokoda (pronounced ‘ko kon da’) recipe This is my favourite dish from Fiji and is very easy to make yourself. The easiest way to describe it is to take some raw fish marinated in lime and serve in a coconut milk broth. The broth has cucumber, onion and a hand full of chilies. It is simply delicious and so fresh.

It’s like a Fijian cross between sashimi or ceviche, so you really should try it yourself! And a popular addition you could try is to have it with fried cassava (big hot chips).

INGREDIENTS • 850g (about 4) snapper fillets, skin removed

• 185ml (3/4 cup) fresh lemon juice

• 2 ripe tomatoes, diced

• 1 green capsicum, halved, deseeded, diced

• 1 brown onion, diced

• 100ml coconut cream

• 1 large fresh red chilli, halved, finely chopped

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 3 green oak leaf lettuces, stems trimmed, washed, dried

METHOD ine of bones in each 1. Use a sharp knife to cut on either side of the centre l snapper fillet, and discard the bones. Cut the snapper into 1cm pieces. ge ceramic or glass bowl, and toss 2. Place the snapper and lemon juice in a lar to combine. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 8 hours or overnight to marinate, tossing occasionally with a wooden spoon. The fish will be white when ready. i to marinated 3. Add tomatoes, capsicum, onion, coconut cream and chill fish, and stir gently to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

4. Line a serving bowl with the lettuce leaves. Spoon the kokoda onto theividual leaves. If you like, transfer portions of the kokoda and leaves into ind serving bowls. TC Hidden Gem: Spectacular Savusavu

Savusavu is a natural, lush and beautiful paradise on Vanua Levu, Fiji’s other big island. The town of Savusavu has a wonderfully diverse range of accommodation, activities and adventures for all tastes. Let our Travel Counsellors choose from the many different resorts Savusavu area has to offer. From island resorts to hotels with commanding views of the town or marinas, or luxury villas to boutique hotels, there is something for everyone in and around Savusavu.

Easily accessible by ferry, flight or boat from Nadi or Suva, you will find a wealth of activities including spas, diving, snorkelling, fishing, trekking or just plain fun in the sun in this hidden paradise of Savusavu! Fiji for families

This 10-day itinerary is perfect for families with children of all ages. Incorporating a wide range of outdoor activities (and time for parents to retreat for a child-free rest), this itinerary makes the most of Fiji’s finest beaches and resorts.

Days 1-3 Nadi Days 7-9 Toberua Resort After flying into Nadi International Airport Make the return journey to Nadi via catamaran, transfer to Sheraton Fiji Resort in Nadi. Shake off then hire a car and make the three-hour drive to jetlag with a dip in the resort pool, then spend Toberua Resort on the other side of the island the night dining at the on-site Flying Fish (near Suva). Alternatively, air-conditioned buses restaurant. With menus designed by Peter make daily trips from Nadi to Suva. Once at Kuruvita, the focus is on fresh, simple food at this Toberua, enjoy the wide range of outdoor restaurant known for its casual vibe and relaxing activities on offer. From beach volleyball to mini water views. By day, parents can drop their kids golf, basket weaving and sailing, there’s no off at Sheraton’s Lailai Kid’s club – one of the best chance you’ll run out of things to do here. Don’t kid’s clubs in Fiji. While the kids are having fun forget to head out from the resort to check out face painting and learning how to play traditional the local scene. Visit nearby villages to drums, choose to head out for a round of golf, experience a traditional kava ceremony and relax by the pool with a good book, or indulge at dance, head into Suva to buy souvenirs at a Feast buffet at lunch. the waterfront market or hit the Nasivou Eco Trail with a guide to learn about the local culture and native species that make this place so special. Days 4-6 Castaway Island Catch a fast, air-conditioned catamaran from Denarau to Castaway Island where a family beach Day 10 Nadi bure awaits. Spend the next few days exploring Make the return drive to Nadi, stopping in at the the island’s charms together. Take a dip in the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. Located only a few family pool, go on a kayaking adventure around kilometres from Nadi International Airport, this the shallow shores of the island, try your hand at spot is a great place to fill in a few hours before paddleboarding and learn to cook Fijian-style at your flight home (and the perfect place for kids a cooking demonstration. Castaway Island is to burn off some energy before having to sit still perfect for fun-loving families! on a plane). Return your rental car and jet off home filled with a suitcase full of souvenirs and a mind full of happy memories.

Spending money

Wondering how much spending money you’ll need for your travels? To help you plan your trip, here’s a rough guide to the cost of some of the things you might be buying whilst you’re there!

$5-$10FJD $1.50-$2FJD A bottle of beer A 1.5 litre bottle AU$3.38-AU$6.77 of water AU$1.02-AU$1.35

$4-$6FJD A single taxi ride AU$2.71-AU$4.06

$12FJD Typical fee to use an ATM AU$8.12

$30FJD A two course dinner with a drink *Approx. exchange rate in a restaurant used 1FJD = AU$0.68 AU$20.30 on 1st March 2017 Chatter with the locals

Can’t speak Fijian? Never fear! You’ll find that most Fijians speak English but if you want to impress locals then try these Fijian terms.

ENGLISH - FIJIAN

HELLO THERE!

HELLO/WELCOME BON APPETIT BULA DA KANA

HOW ARE YOU? THANK YOU VACAVA TIKO? VINAKA/ VINAKA PLEASED TO MEET YOU VAKA LEVU LA BULA/LANI BULA

GOOD LUCK VANUINUI VINAKA Here, we’ve chosen a few of the things we think you should see, do and eat while you’re in Fiji. We hope it inspires you to journey to Fiji time and time again and taste a little of Fijian life. Get in touch to build a bespoke itinerary, tailor-made just for you! We’d love to see your photos and stories on social media so please share your memories using #TCexperience

Photography courtesy of Tourism Fiji and Chris McLennan