Planning your next island holiday? Fiji is highly publicised but there are many reasons for that. The scenery here is what we think of whenever someone says ‘island paradise’ with white sandy beaches and glimmering turquoise sea. Well-known as a wedding and honeymoon destination, there are far more things to discover in Fiji.
Mamanuca islands
Fiji is an archipelago of 333 islands and the Mamanuca Islands are the closest group of islands to Nadi International Airport, the main international airport. This was where the movie Cast Away starring Tom Hanks was filmed!
The Mamanucas offers accommodation that ranges from backpackers lodges to five-star hotels. Additionally, there’s also plenty to do in the Mamanucas such as water sports. For the thrill-seekers, there’s the jet ski tours that includes snorkelling and jet skiing to notable parts of the island. You can also go parasailing and have a bird’s eye view of the islands.
Viti Levu
Viti Levu, the largest island in the Republic of Fiji, is home to an 80-kilometre stretch of white beaches known as Coral Coast. Located on the southern shore of Viti Levu, Coral Coast is known for its family-friendly resorts and hotels. In addition to the usual beach activities, the coast is home to many local villages where you’ll be able to see and experience the real Fiji.
For those with kids in tow, bring them on a learning trip to the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, Fiji’s first national park established in 1987. Go on a guided tour and choose either the one hour or two hour walk to explore the park. Visit the ancient archaeological sites to see ancient Lapita-prehistoric Pacific Ocean people- artefacts or go bird watching in the Native Dry Forests.
Suva
Suva is Fiji’s capital and largest city with shopping malls, farmers’ market, restaurants and entertainment. With buildings dating back to the 19th century, Suva is a great mix of a modern city with parks, museums and a vibrant nightlife with colonial architecture.
Kila Eco Adventure Park is an adventure park which also has an organic farm. With 10 kilometres of jungle paths, waterfalls, picnic spots and Fiji’s only linear botanic garden, Kila Eco Adventure Park is a great place to immerse yourself in nature. Bring your kids along on a guided eco-walk and see the various varieties of tropical flowers, plants, birds, butterflies and reptiles!
Taveuni
Known as the Garden Island, Taveuni is a covered in lush jungle with secluded waterfalls and beautiful beaches. A nature lover’s dream, Taveuni is home to Bouma National Heritage Park which is one third of the island, and also Waitabu, a marine park with world-famous dive sites like Eel Reef and the Great White Wall.
There are three famous waterfalls known as Bouma Falls in Bouma National Heritage Park. The first waterfall has picnic tables and is an easy stroll away from the visitors’ centre. Climb for about 30 minutes and you’ll arrive at the second one but if you push on for a further 20 odd minutes, you’ll arrive at the third waterfall. Do note that the paths to the last two waterfalls can get quite slippery due to mud and possibly cut off during the wet season. All the waterfalls have natural swimming holes and at the third waterfall, bring a snorkel and see hundreds of prawns!
Remember to always sign in and pay at the visitors’ centre before going to the waterfalls because these spots are very isolated!
References: Lonely Planet; Tourism Fiji.
