FIJI

Sunny skies, swaying coconut palms casting long shadows on sandy shores teasingly lapped by aquamarine waters, sails billowing in the gentle breeze, boats coming in laden with fresh sea bounty and long, cool drinks served by smiling islanders happy to have guests over – all that and much more is on offer in the Fiji Islands. Pleasure seekers, lotus – eaters and those with wanderlust in their blood head out to the Republic of Fiji – a tropical paradise of three hundred islands in the mid South Pacific. A melting pot of many Pacific and Asian cultures, the Fiji Islands reflects the laid back, easy-going nature and holiday ambience of the Pacific Islands. Well connected by international airlines, Fiji has a superb tourist infrastructure and is the perfect pleasure trip for snorkelers, scuba divers, swimmers and beach bums. Great food, a warm and friendly people and weather designed to please even the most difficult -add to that sun, sand and sea and its an all time unbeatable combination. Bula! Welcome to Fiji. Capital: Suva Best time to Visit: 1.You can come here all year round, but it’s best to visit Fiji between May and October when the weather is dry and humidity is at its lowest. 2.Fiji gets crowded between between July and August, when tourists from New Zealand and Australia, amongst others, come and holiday to escape the cold in the region. Minimum Days Required: 4 days Places of Interest: 1.Rainbow Reef 2.Kula Water Park 3.Navua River 4.Mount Tomanivi 5.Thurston Gardens 6.Sigatoka Sand Dunes Climate: 1.Fiji has tropical maritime climate with only mild seasonal variations. 2. The daytime temperatures hover around 25° centigrade, and the humidity level, especially between November to April can be uncomfortably high Currency: Fijian Dollar Things to carry: 1.Carry the essentials of a visit to a tropical island: medication for minor ailments like colds, fevers and tummy upsets; insect and mosquito repellents; antihistamine pills and ointments; 2.Sunscreen and sun tan lotions; shady, wide brimmed hats and sun shades; 3.Beach wear and a few good clothes for formal dining or entertainment; a camera to capture for posterity the fabulous sceneries; 4.Always carry/ wear a comfortable pair of shoes. How to get there: Air 1.Nadi International Airport is Fiji’s main international airport. Suva airport also has some international flights. 2.Fiji Airways (Formerly Air Pacific) is Fiji majority owned and flies to Fiji directly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Honolulu International Airport (HNL) in the USA, and from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), as well as many other locations. Korean Air has three flights weekly between Nadi and Seoul. 3.Air New Zealand operates flights to Nadi from Auckland, Christchurch, and seasonally from Wellington. 4.Travel times from Australian cities vary. From Brisbane the flight to Fiji is approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes, from Sydney 4 hours and 30 mins and from Melbourne it is 5 hours and 30 minutes.