Fiji or officially known as the Republic of Fiji is an archipelago of more than 330 islands. This island country is located in the South Pacific Ocean. It lies about one-third of the way from New Zealand to Hawaii. Its closest neighbours are are Vanuatu to the west, New Caledonia to the southwest, New Zealand's Kermadec Islands to the southeast, Tonga to the east, the Samoas and France's Wallis and Futuna to the northeast, and Tuvalu to the north. Most of the islands in Fiji were formed through volcanic activity starting around 150 million years ago.

For many centuries, Fiji has made it both a destination and a crossroads for migrations. The indigenous Fijians of today are descendants of the chief Lutunasobasoba.  They landed at an area that is now known as Vuda. After that, they moved inland to the Nakauvadra mountains. This story has been descended orally up until now. Today, many tribes claim to be descended from the children of Lutunasobasoba.

The total land area of this country is approximately 18,300 square kilometres. The two major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, account for 87% of the total population of 898,760. Suva on Viti Levu is the capital. It serves as Fiji's principal cruise port. About three-quarters of people in Fiji live on Viti Levu's coasts, either in Suva or smaller urban centres like Nadi and Lautoka. Tourism and agriculture are major industries here. Viti Levu's interior is sparsely inhabited due to its terrain. Today, Fiji is a land of tropical rainforests, coconut plantations, beautiful beaches and fire-cleared hills.

Fijian is a language spoken in Fiji. It is an Austronesian language of the Malayo-Polynesian family. The Fiji Islands developed many dialects, which may be classified into two major branches; eastern and western. Even so, approximately less than half of the people in this country speak Fijian. Instead, they use English and Fiji Hindi. A Malaysian is not required to obtain a visa when travelling to Fiji. However, you will still need the relevant permits depending on the nature of your travel, with a maximum stay of four months per visit.

Fiji is a tropical marine country. It is warm year-round with minimal extremes. The warm season starts from November to April and the cooler season lasts from May to October. The average temperature during the cool season is around 22°C. Meanwhile, rainfall is variable. The inland areas experience heavier rainfall, especially on the southeast parts of the country. Winds are moderate, though cyclones occur about once a year (10–12 times per decade). Cyclone Winston hit Fiji on 20th February 2016. It destroyed tens of thousands of homes across the island and killed 44 people.

Traditionally, Fijian food has been healthy. Most of the food in the country is based on tuber and coconut. Since Fiji is a multicultural country, it is home to people of various races. For breakfast, Fijian prefers Roti, Topoi or simply a long loaf bread. It is spread with butter or jam and is served with a cup of tea. Rourou is typically served during lunch. It is a dish with dalo leaves and boiled Tapioca (cassava). Sometimes, they will have fresh fish soup with dalo (taro), while dinner is usually stew, curry or soup made from meat/fish or chicken.

How to Get There?

By Flight

If you are travelling from Kuala Lumpur, there is no direct flight to Fiji.  Usually, there would be two transits before you reach the country’ main international airport in Nadi. With limited airlines to choose from, Qantas Airways would make a good choice if you have a limited budget. However, if money is not your constraint,  you may opt for better airlines such as Malaysia Airlines and Fiji Airways. Since there are more than one transits, the air trip may take approximately 24 hours.

By Boat

This mode of transportation is only viable if you are travelling from Australia shore connection.

By Helicopter/Seaplane

Once you reach Nadi International Airport, there would be plenty of choices to get to your accommodations. Offering professional and personalized resort transfer, Heli-Tours Fiji could take you to resorts located at the Coral Coast, Mamanuca's & Yasawa's.  Meanwhile, Pacific Island Air could take you to the Northern Islands with seaplane, aeroplane and helicopter. With daily flights available, you will get a chance to experience scenic view of the islands from above.

By Bus/Taxi

There are a variety of public transports in Fiji including bus, share and private taxi. A share taxi is usually white mini-vans that congregate together and set-off when they reach their capacity of 6 to 8 passengers. The bus and taxi to and from Viti Levu run every half an hour. If you are riding a taxi with a meter, ask the driver to switch it on as the ride will be a lot cheaper than with negotiated price.

By Bicycle/Motorbike

Cycling is a great way to see Fiji. It is also possible to rent a motorbike and get it delivered to the airport. However, the motor vehicle can be intimidating on well-travelled roads. There is a lack of accommodation along secondary roads. As a precaution step, make sure you carry all your own spares and supplies as bike shops are scarce. As it is very hot and humid, it is a good idea to carry plenty of water.

What to Do There?

Bouma National Heritage Park

This magnificent rainforest park is located on Taveuni Island. It was established in 1990 and designed to protect the rainforest region from further deterioration. Home to three spectacular falls, the park is a wonderful escape from the tropical heat. Here, may enjoy many exciting activities including jungle trekking, hiking, bird watching and kayaking. By visiting this park, you would also help to generate an income for the four surrounding villages, with the traditional park owners being three local tribes.

Sigatoka River Safari

Offering their guests with a half day uniquely Fijian adventure, you may cruise your way up the majestic Sigatoka River to visit authentic Fijian villages and experience a day in the life of the real local. As you go deep in the Fijian interior, you will get to interact and engage with the Fijian people as they truly are. By visiting this place, you will see the developments undertaken to improve their lives such as water projects, electrification, concrete footpaths, telecommunications, education and health initiatives.

Castaway Island

To get to this idyllic island, you may board a luxurious catamaran at Denarau Marina and enjoy a scenic journey whizzing past Mamanuca Islands. The island is spread on a 174 acres land. It is covered in a rich tropical rainforest, surrounded by white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs and azure waters. The solitude, tranquillity and stunning surrounds seem almost surreal making it an ideal place for a honeymoon trip. You may do plenty of water activities ranging from scuba diving, snorkelling as well as swimming.

Navala Village

This place is known as the most picturesque village in Fiji. Nestled in rugged, grassy mountain area, Navala is home to approximately 1000 people. There are dozens of traditional thatched bure that are laid out neatly in avenues, with a central promenade sloping down the banks of the Ba River. Here, you may learn about the villagers' traditional way of life as you participate in a kava ceremony and visit the local market and school. Also, you will get to Visit the market and learn how the locals harvest wild fruits and yams, hunt for wild pigs in the jungle, and grow their own roots and vegetables nearby.

Where to Stay?

Tadrai Island Resort

Located on breathtaking Mana Island, the Resort lies 15 miles from the main island of Viti Levu, 30 kilometres from Nadi International Airport. It is Fiji's newest five-star resort and has been created exclusively for couples. With only five ultra-deluxe, 100 square metre beachfront villas, the location is a perfect vantage point to watch the spectacular sunset. You may enjoy the Pacific Rim cuisine served in the signature Na Vatu Rock Pool Restaurant and private in-room dining. Meanwhile, the gourmet picnic basket can be savoured at any of Tadrai's four secluded white sandy beaches.

Novotel Suva Lami Bay

This 4-star hotel is 15 minutes drive from the capital. There are four types of room to choose from. This hotel is located directly on the waterfront of Lami Bay. It is equipped with excellent facilities to make you feel at home. Thurston Gardens, Fiji Museum and Handicraft Market are not far away. There is a free shuttle bus from the hotel to the city centre Monday to Friday.

Maqai Beach Eco Resort

Located on picture perfect Qamea island just north of Taveuni, this resort is the perfect island holiday for couples, families and solo travellers. All the rooms here are equipped with all the little comforts of home. There are  mosquito nets, fans, private veranda with seats, en-suite bathroom, comfortable beds and quality bed linens. Depend on your preferences; there are four types of room to choose from.