Fiji

Getting Around By Air

Air Fiji (PC) (www.airfiji.com.fj) and Pacific Sun (www.pacificsun.com.fj) operate shuttle services around the islands. The flight time from Nadi to Suva is approximately 30 minutes. Turtle Airways (www.turtleairways.com) operates a seaplane service to numerous resorts in the Mamanuca and Yasawa groups from Nadi.

Air Passes

Discover Fiji: available with Air Fiji (tel: 331 3666 or 5055; www.airfiji.com.fj). Gives four flights within 30 days. The usual routing is Nadi-Taveuni-Savusavu-Suva-Nadi. It is only sold outside of Fiji in conjunction with an international flight ticket. Children over two and under 12 years of age pay 75% of the fare.

Getting Around by Water

Most resorts have their own boat transport, some have catamaran services. Government and local shipping companies operate passenger services linking the outer islands. Yachts and cabin cruisers are available for charter; enquire at the shipping agents, being sure to confirm all arrangements with the captain once the vessel is in port. A number of ferries operate between the major islands, including South Sea Cruises (tel: 675 0500; www.ssc.com.fj), Awesome Adventures (tel: 675 0499; www.awesomefiji.com), Patterson Brothers, and Consort Shipping.

Getting Around by Road

Traffic drives on the left. Main roads are paved. Beware of livestock on the roads as they wander freely during the night, although it is best to avoid driving during the night altogether. When driving past villages, drivers are advised to slow down as locals use the roads as footpaths. The approximate driving time from Nadi to Suva is three hours. The main roads on Viti Levu follow the coast, linking the main centres.

Bus: Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, and Taveuni have good and inexpensive bus networks. The buses are open-windowed with tarpaulins at the ready if it rains; buses can be hailed between stops. Speedier options are minibuses between Suva, Nadi and Lautoka. Express air-conditioned buses also operate between Suva, Nadi and Lautoka.

Taxi: Taxis are widely available. Drivers tend to only use their meter in Suva. Elsewhere, check with locals what an acceptable price should be before embarking on a taxi journey.

Car hire: International car hire companies are represented. Car hire can be relatively expensive; 4-wheel drive is recommended for islands other than Viti Levu. Limousines and chauffeurs are also available.

Regulations: The speed limit in built-up areas is 50kph (31mph) and 80kph (50mph) on highways. The minimum age for car hire is 21 or sometimes 25. Front seat passengers must wear seat belts at all times.

Documentation: Valid national or international driving licence required. Third party insurance is included in car hire rates but collision insurance with rather high deductible amounts is extra.

Air Passes

Visit South the Pacific Pass: valid with Solomon Airlines (IE), Air Vanuatu (NF), Our Airline (Air Nauru) (ON), Qantas (QF), Air Niugini (PX), Aircalin (SB) and Air Pacific (FJ).The pass allows flexible island hopping within the South Pacific, for up to 40% off normal airfares.

Boomerang Pass: can be used to explore the South West Pacific, Australia and New Zealand. Two or more sectors must be purchased. Used in conjunction with Qantas and British Airways international tickets from the UK to Australia. The pass is also valid on Air Pacific (FJ), Air Vanuatu (NF) and Polynesian Airlines (PH). For further information, contact one of the participating airlines. 

Air New Zealand South Pacific Airpass: offers flights between 36 locations in the region. The fares vary according to four domestic and three international travel zones, and the pass must be bought in conjunction with an international ticket outside of the South Pacific or within 30 days of arrival. Contact Air New Zealand for details.

Main Airports

Nadi (NAN) is 8km (5 miles) north of Nadi town on Viti Levu island (www.afl.com.fj) and is where most international flights arrive. To/from the airport: Taxis and buses are available (journey time - 20 minutes). Facilities: 24-hour bank/bureaux de change, duty-free shops, 24-hour bar, restaurants, 24-hour left luggage office, tourist information, post office and car hire.

Suva (SUV) is at Nausori, 16km (9 miles) from Suva (journey time - 30 minutes), and is the hub for internal flights. To/from the airport: Taxis and car hire. Facilities: Parking, duty-free shop, snack bar, and car hire.

Getting There by Water

Main ports:Suva and Lautoka (Viti Levu). Lautoka, Levuka, Savusavu, and Suva are ports of entry for cruising yachts. Several cruise ship lines serve Fiji.

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Tropical. Southeast trade winds from March to November bring dry weather. The rainy season is from December to April. On average there are 15 cyclones per decade, affecting some part of Fiji, and two to four actually cause severe damage. They occur from November to April and with greatest frequency in January and February. There is more risk in the outlying northwest island groups.

Required Clothing

Lightweight for summer, rainwear for the wet season.

Hotels

There are a good number of luxury hotels, the majority of which are located in Nadi, Suva and Savusavu, along the Coral Coast of Viti Levu, in the Mamanuca and Yasawa groups, and on Beqa and Taveuni islands. There are also many small inexpensive hotels throughout the islands, some offering dormitory accommodation. It is preferable to book in advance as some outer island resorts accommodate no more than 16 guests. A 5% hotel tax is levied on all services charged to guests' accounts, including meals in hotel restaurants.

Grading: A star system is used to indicate the price range, as follows: 3-star (deluxe), 2-star (medium) and 1-star (budget).

Guest Houses

Guest houses are mostly clean, comfortable and some even have a licensed bar, pool, restaurant, air conditioning and kitchen. Lodges are another popular budget option.

Self Catering

Bungalows are available on Viti Levu, the Mamanucas and the Yasawas. Bungalows consist of standard to deluxe rooms and bathrooms (some have shared bathrooms). Meals are often prepared by the host and served in the main house. Self-contained holiday houses, cottages and flats are also available across the main islands.

Youth Hostels

Hostels are available on Viti Levu.

Accommodation Information

Tourism Fiji

PO Box 9217, Nadi Airport, Fiji

Tel: 672 2433.

Website: www.bulafiji.com

Fiji Islands Hotel and Tourism Association

PO Box 13560, 42 Gorrie Street, Suva, Fiji

Tel: 330 2975/80.

Website: www.fihta.com.fj

Fiji Islands Backpacker's Association (FIBA)

PO Box 16655, Suva, Fiji 

Website: www.fiji-backpacking.com

Passport Note

All visitors must hold onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover stay. Permit/visa duration largely depends on these factors.

Passports

Passport valid for at least six months beyond intended period of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above who are issued a visitor’s permit on arrival except:

(a) 1. nationals of Lithuania who do need a visa;

(b) transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country within three hours, provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Visa Note

Visitors permits are issued for stays of up to four months for touristic purposes and for stays of up to 14 days for business purposes.

Types of Visa and Cost

Single-entry: £45. Multiple-entry: £80.

Validity

Visas are valid for stays of up to three months, but can be extended on application to: Immigration Department, Level 3, Suvavou House, Victoria Parade, Suva (street address); or PO Box 2224, Government Buildings, Suva, Fiji (postal address) (tel: 331 2622).

Applications to:

Consular section of high commission or embassy; see Contact Addresses.

Working Days Required

Seven to 21 days.

Health Care

The main hospitals are located in Ba, Labasa, Lautoka, Levuka, Savusavu, Sigatoka, Suva and Taveuni, with health centres elsewhere throughout the islands. There is a private hospital in Suva that provides Western-style medical care and maintains the Fiji Decompression Chamber. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Note

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving within 10 days of leaving infected areas.

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Food and Drink

Local cooking is Fijian, Chinese and Indian. International cuisine is also available. Table service is normal, although some establishments offer buffet-style food at lunchtime. Hotels often serve meals to non residents. Bars and cocktail lounges have table and/or counter service. Only licensed restaurants, clubs and hotel bars can serve alcohol on Sunday.

National specialities:

Kokoda (raw fish marinated in coconut cream and lime).

Rourou (a taro leaf dish soaked in coconut cream).

Tavioka (manioc or tapioca, often boiled, baked or grated and cooked in coconut cream with sugar and mashed bananas).

Duruka (an unusual asparagus-like vegetable in season during April and May).

Lovo (a covered pit or underground oven used to cook meat, fish, and vegetables).

National drinks:

Kava (traditionally prepared by virgins, who chewed the root of the pepper plant into a soft pulpy mass before adding water but nowadays the roots are pounded in a wooden bowl using a vertical metal rod usually operated by hand).

Fiji Bitter (a beer brewed in Suva by Carlton Brewery).

Booth's Gin, Bounty Rum, Czarina Vodka and Regal Whisky (produced by South Pacific Distilleries, Lautoka).

Legal drinking age: 21.

Tipping: Generally not necessary; only small amounts for special services.

Nightlife

Major hotels and resorts offer live bands, dancing and Fijian entertainment (meke). The biggest range of evening entertainment is in Suva where Victoria Parade is lined with restaurants, nightclubs and bars. Cinemas are found throughout the islands and show both English-language and Bollywood films.

Shopping

Favourite buys are woodcarvings (such as kava bowls), polished coconut shells, woven works (such as mats, coasters, hats, fans and trays), tapa cloth and pearls. Bargaining is not the norm in shops but is expected at handicraft markets. Some shopkeepers will give a discount with large purchases. Duty-free items are available and include electrical goods, pewter, crystal and porcelain.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0800-1300. Many places close for lunch 1300-1400.

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Boat trips

Cruise by schooner or yacht to the different islands or zoom along the mangrove-lined tidal corridors in a jet-boat. Alternatively, bamboo-raft along the streams and rivers - a uniquely Fijian experience.

Scuba-diving

Fiji has a number of soft coral reefs, such as the Beqa Lagoon, Rainbow Reef or the Somosomo Straits with the famous Great White Wall, which make for fantastic scuba-diving and snorkelling.

Watersports

Sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, canoeing, kayaking and parasailing are all popular activities across the islands. You can also swim in numerous waterfalls found in the forest, coastal parks and reserves.

Surfing

The famous ‘Cloudbreak' (6m/18ft wave) is found offshore at Tavarua. Fiji's waves typically break on coral reefs. Most of the well-known spots are off Viti Levu and can often only be reached by boat.

Trekking

Fiji has a network of marked nature trails,such as theLavena Coastal Walk orVidawa Forest Walk.

Wildlife watching

Watch for fruit bats, parrots and marine turtles. You should also check out the acres of orchids and flowering plants in the Garden of the Sleeping Giant at the foot of the Sabeto Mountains, and the Sigatoka Sand Dunes off the main Queens Highway on Viti Levu.

Fijian dancing

Take part in a meke, traditional Fijian dancing. The locals dress entirely in the national costume of flower leis, grass skirts and tapa cloth. The men perform warrior dances while the women sing.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Suva

Fiji's capital, Suva, boasts the Fiji Museum, situated in the lush surrounds of Thurston Gardens next to Government House, and the old Parliament Buildings.

Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple

The Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple in Nadi is the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere.

Naihehe Sacred Caves

The Naihehe Sacred Caves, situated deep in the Sigatoka Valley, are popular with tourists and locals alike. Once a fortress of Fiji's last pagan tribes, the caves contain a priest chamber and a ritual platform.

Fiji 's plantations

Fiji is renowned for its copra, ginger, sugar cane and cocoa plantations.

Church of Saint Francis Xavier

The Church of Saint Francis Xavier, situated high on a hill overlooking the dusty Kings Road on the northwestern side of Viti Levu, contains beautiful murals.

Arts Village

Visit the Arts Village at Pacific Harbour on Viti Levu where cultural performances alternate with Fijian firewalking on hot stones. The adjacent marketplace contains many speciality shops.

Views of Fiji

Fiji boasts an array of spectacular views. Arguably the best vista is the reward you get after a hike up the mountains, such as Mount Batilamu on Viti Levu.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

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