GUIDE TO Fiji 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 National Anthem: God bless Fiji (or Meda Dau Doka) Currency: Fijian Dollar 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 Fijians 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 lookrecommended at some quintessential by Travel Fiji Counsellors holiday experiences “There are 14 golf courses scattered throughout Fiji, and I highly recommend visiting one while in Fiji. Whether you “Experiencing a lovo (earth want to challenge yourself on an 18- oven) feast and traditional hole, 72-par championship course or dance show is my top pick. take it easier with a nine-hole option, Sitting on the beach, feasting hout Fiji’s golf courses are world class.” on fresh produce while listening to local musicians and watching David Jackson traditional dancers is a cultural “You really can’t leave omFiji witPort Denarau he experience not to be missed.” experiencing a cruise. Many companies offer day cruises leaving fr Kim Rudd Marina but heading out on a classic sail boat is one of the best ways to explore t lagoons and bays at a slow pace.” Lynda Reid esh food esh fish to opicalpiles “I love wandering around the fr markets of Suva. From fr ing “Fiji has some of the best soft coral of coconuts and rows of colourful tr eshest gardens in the world, so snorkelling fruit, the markets are a great way to get should definitely be on the agenda. a slice of local life, take some interest Whether you go on a cruise or head photos and pick up some of the fr produce on the planet.” out to a reef on a day trip, the areas Julie Moore of Rainbow Reef, Namena Marine Reserve and the Great Astrolabe “Picking up souvenirs for friends Reef are among the best.” and family back home is easy if you’re in Suva. Head to the Pure Richard Stewart Fiji factory outlet to pick up some h and body of their sustainable bat he price products for a fraction of t you’d pay back at home.” 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 1. Use a sharp knife to cut on either side of the centre line of bones in each snapper fillet, and discard the bones. Cut the snapper into 1cm pieces. 2. Place the snapper and lemon juice in a large ceramic or glass bowl, and toss 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. 3. Add tomatoes, capsicum, onion, coconut cream and chilli to marinated 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 the leaves. If you like, transfer portions of the kokoda and leaves into individual 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.