Destination attractions things to do in fiji

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Fiji is a South Pacific nation made up of more than 300 small islands. Once known for its fierce cannibals, Fiji is now known for its natural beauty. With its coral reefs and warm, clear water, Fiji is naturally a wonderful destination for diving and snorkeling. Known as the "soft coral capital of the world," the islands are home to several hundred types of sponges and coral, as well as almost one thousand species of fish. Beginning divers can take advantage of the numerous instructors on the islands while more advanced divers will enjoy exploring some of the worlds most protected reefs. In addition to the coral and sea fans, divers can also swim near dolphins, turtles, and schools of barracuda.

The islands are also known for their consistent surf breaks. Although the island of Tavarua is famous for its surf spots, there are lesser known spots on Kadavu, Taveuni and Viti Levu that provide excellent surfing conditions with fewer people and less expensive accommodations. Fiji has several surf camps located throughout the country. A number of surf guides are also available to assist in making arrangements.

One way to explore the islands of Fiji is by boat. Many types of cruise options are available, including regularly scheduled tours, personal yacht rentals, and sailing ships. Travelers may choose short day trips or plan longer multi-day cruises. While onboard the boat, many visitors enjoy deep-sea fishing. With dolphin fish and sailfish available nearly year-round and a number of other species available seasonally, game fishing is a wonderful experience for the whole family.

Fiji also offers many exciting options for those who prefer to remain on land. Birdwatching is a popular island activity, due to the variety and diversity of the wildlife. There are over eighty species of land and water birds distributed throughout the islands. The larger, more ecologically intact islands tend to have birds that are larger and more easily seen. The islands of Kadavu, Taveuni, and Viti Levu are some of the best places to begin a birdwatching trip.

Travelers to the main island of Viti Levu should be sure to visit several cultural spots. The Orchid Island Fijian Cultural Centre is a showcase of native traditions and culture. In addition to having a Fijian history museum and cultural artifacts, the Cultural Centre also has a number of animals native to the islands, including the Crested Iguana, found only in Fiji. Nearby is the Kalevu South Pacific Cultural Centre. Here, visitors can experience life in a traditional Fijian village, complete with authentic dances and craft demonstrations. During lunch, which has been cooked in a traditional underground oven, guests are treated to a fire walking demonstration.

A visit to Viti Levu is not complete without a trek to the tomb of Udre Udre. Named for the nineteenth century tribal chief and cannibal who is buried there, the tomb is surrounded by a number of stones, each representing one of the 872 victims that the chief personally consumed. Several ceremonial forks used by Fijians to eat human flesh are on display in the Fiji Museum.

Though Fijian chiefs no longer eat human flesh, it is possible meet and perhaps even dine with a village chief. Located in the interior of Viti Levu, the remote villages of the Nausori Highlands are some of the most traditional in all of Fiji. Unlike the iron and concrete construction of most modern Fijian buildings, the buildings in the village of Navala are the traditional bure, small buildings constructed from natural materials. When arriving in the village, custom dictates that travelers ask to meet the chief and request permission to visit in the village.

Despite some political unrest during the past several years, Fiji remains a safe destination for travelers. The Fijian people, once known as the South Pacifics fiercest cannibals, are very welcoming to the visitors who come to experience the beauty of their island nation.