26 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting The Beautiful Islands Of Fiji
By Tommy Walker
Fiji is a beautiful part of the world. If you’re heading to Fiji, it might be worth having a read of these before hand!
1. Fiji is for backpackers too.
Despite its reputation as a beach resort for the prawn sandwich-eating tourists, you can backpack this beauty of a country. Street food is cheap as is local transport and hostels.
2. It isn’t just a boring resort.
Continuing on, there is so much to do. You can island hop, spearfish, scuba dive, jungle hike, skydive, and party all here. It isn’t just about sitting on a beach.
3. You can keep the cost down.
Local food can be as cheap as $1 for a two-rolled roti from the street. Markets are common especially in cities like Nadi and Suva.
4. Although, island-hopping can be expensive.
Saying that, to really book a tour of continuous island hopping, they can really add up. Either pay a local who has a boat or be specific about the islands you want to see.
5. Fiji is a third world country.
You may only see crystal clear water and beautiful beaches, but Fiji is poor still around local areas. Be cautious of this.
6. Fiji is multi-religious.
It’s important to respect each religion here. Whether that means covering up when appropriate or respecting each one’s choice. Christian, Muslim and Hindu are three to name.
7. Fijians are the friendliest.
You will never beat a most friendly nation of people. BULA!
8. It’s clear waters baby!
Seriously there are. Amazing visibility almost everywhere you go. Turquoise waters to fully enjoy!
9. Diving and snorkelling are some of the world’s best.
Snorkelling with sharks is pretty common here, but the one of the world’s BEST shark dives exists here. From Bull to Tiger sharks, if you love this kind of thing, you’ve got to do it.
10. Fiji time…
Forget your European standards, Fiji time is ALL you will hear here. Just sit back and relax and let Fiji do the rest.
11. The cigarettes are harsh…
Smokers! Not to discourage it, but these cheap cigarettes are more like cigars.
12. Smokers again! RED weed exists.
Never heard of it? Well, if you get your hands on this stuff it’s what the locals smoke. Pretty darn hazy. Get the Pringles ready.
13. Castaway Island is definitely worth the trip.
Just like Maya Bay in Thailand for the movie “The Beach,” Castaway Island is truly amazing.
14. Accommodation sense?!
Book online before you go, prices double at walk in value. Pfft!
15. If in Nadi, head to Newtown Beach!
Most people hang here as it has an array of accommodation, such as the favourite Bamboo or its sister place Tropicana Capricorn Hotel.
16. But for a day trip, maybe the fourth best beach in the world!
Natadola Beach.
17. Try Kava.
This natural plant mud induced drink is a ritual here for Fijians. You may feel a bit numb, but you have to try it.
18. Common Fijian phrases.
Bula (Hello), Vanaka (Thank You), Lamo Kei (Come Here), Lei Lei (Crazy!).
19. Fijian food.
Normally either a curry or some fresh fish, the cuisine here is tasty but spicy.
20. Fishing is mandatory.
Well you don’t have to, but a lot of the locals rely on this method, and spear fishing in particular.
21. The WiFi kinda sucks,
Most places it’s terrible, you might be lucky though.
22. Germans.
Everywhere. Just everywhere.
23. Hitch-hiking is common.
You can catch a ride by the old thumb out technique, and Fijians given there nature will happily apply.
24. Taxi, Bus, Car, Scooter, Transport is decent.
It’s fairly easy to get around here. Taxis are cheap, buses are even cheaper, but strangely, cars are cheaper than scooters for hire.
25. Tropical weather!
You will either burn or tan in the sun, or you’ll get drenched in a downpour.
26. That you want to come back.
This place will always be in your heart due to its location, its beaches, it’s people and that you’ll have to return one day.