What to See in Fiji

Is it the intoxicating sun, the blissfully warm weather or the host of fun and adventurous activities on offer throughout Fiji that keeps us coming back? Beyond the cabana and swim-up cocktail bar are plenty of exciting and enriching must dos.  Sigatoka Sand Dunes Easily accessible from the main highway, these dunes present a significant cultural and natural heritage and have been considered for UNESCO listing. Take a two hour walk and visit the old archaeological sites to see ancient lapita artefacts or go bird watching in the park's pockets of native forest. Garden of the Sleeping Giant A huge hill inland from Nadi resembles a big bloke having a lie down. In the shadow of the snoozing monster is a beautifully maintained botanic garden once owned by the late Hollywood star, Raymond Burr. Browse 2000 varieties of magnificent Asian orchids and Cattleya hybrids. Delightful. Fire walking on Beqa Island Anyone who’s seen this spectacular show comes away wondering if they’ve just witnessed something supernatural. Legend says 500 years ago, a magical eel exchanged its life for the gift of firewalking with the men of Beqa Island. Now these heroic warriors can walk unaffected on red hot coals. Kava ceremonies One of the signature experiences in Fiji is the solemn kava, or yaqona ceremony. Even though it has been made tourist-friendly in recent times, Fijians still revere the occasion and visitors should respond respectfully. In the traditional village of Nukubalavu on Vanua Levu, visitors can partake in the distinctly flavoured beverage. Discovering pearls in SavuSavu South Pacific pearls come in all shapes and sizes and in the town of Savusavu is the J Hunter Pearls farm where the distinctly coloured gems have created a unique demand in pearling circles. Guests can tour the oyster beds and farm then ogle the finished masterpieces in the showroom. Hike the falls of Taveuni The island of Taveuni, fittingly dubbed the Garden Island, is a lush, tropical outpost and one of the most beautiful islands anywhere in the Pacific with rich organic soil and sprays of vivid foliage everywhere. Be sure to hike the verdant trails to the famous Tavoro waterfalls at Bouma. Dive off the Northern Islands While the crowds swarm around busy Denarau, there’s plenty of peace and seclusion in the northern region around Vanua Levu. Another pearl at Savusavu is the acclaimed Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, famous for diving and up-market families. A resident marine biologist delivers enriching tours. Find a secluded beach It’s like trying to count the stars in the sky when conducting a census of Fiji’s private and secluded beaches. There are beaches all around the main islands, but it’s the many coral islets that provide true seclusion, like Monuriki (where Cast Away was filmed), Drawaqa (Barefoot) Island or Nanuya in the Yasawas. Sail the Mamanucas A short distance to the east from the marina at Denarau is the Mamanuca Group, an ideal playground for cruising yachts and powerboats. Take a mulit-day cruise with Blue Lagoon or Captain Cook, or a romantic fully rigged day sail aboard the classic schooner, Seaspray. Private island by helicopter If you think Fiji is beautiful on the ground, wait until you sea her from the air. And there is no better way to experience that than from the cabin of a helicopter. Choose a simple scenic flight or a fully-catered private island excursion for the ultimate romantic gesture. Go golfing Natadola Bay Golf Course and Denarau Golf Course are two superb golf courses on the western coast of Fiji both offer Par 72, championship standard holes for golfers of all levels. Denarau boasts a pick of several resorts including the Sheraton and Westin, while Natadola is served by nearby InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa. Underwater treasures  Fiji is renowned the world over for spectacular soft corals. While scuba diving is done all over Fiji, Pacific Harbour is an accessible hub on the south coast, not far from Suva. Otherwise the expansive reefs in the Yasawa Islands and sites near Taveuni are popular. Sharks up-close  Fiji is one of the few places in the world where you can scuba dive with large adult bull and tiger sharks... sans cage! Ultimate Shark Encounter takes divers daily to see these predators being hand fed or take a relaxed snorkel at Kuata Island to see serene reef sharks. Sea kayak the Navua River More visitors are enjoying the peace and tranquility of a sea kayak adventure and the lower Navua River is a great place see the mangrove forests and coastal scenery around Pacific Harbour. Paddle silently to hear the bird calls and gentle lapping of the sea. Raft the Upper Navua The notion that Fiji is all beaches and palm trees will be quickly dispelled when you raft the canyons of the remote upper Navua River in Fiji’s seldom visited and uninhabited interior. It’s excitement and scenic beauty in one wet, heady mix. Fish the Mamanucas When you feel the urge to reel in a fighting game fish, Mamanuca Express Fishing Charters are on call to whisk you and three friends out from Port Denarau in search of marlin, mahi mahi or yellowfin tuna. Spend a day or half day in the bountiful waters of the Mamanucas.