Fiji is concrete evidence that Paradise on Earth does exist. The skies are blue, the waters are superbly clear and the sceneries all around are breathtakingly picturesque—but the best of all, the people there are genuine, hospitable and jovial.
Fiji is definitely worthy to be on everyone’s bucket list. While everyone knows it as the ideal destination for that luxurious beach getaway, we had the privilege to travel beyond just the beaches and explore the lesser-known aspects of Fiji.
There are many beautiful destinations out there and Fiji is most certainly one of them. Here are 12 reasons to love Fiji and why you should start saving up to tick this off your bucket list.
#1 BREATHTAKING & MAGNIFICENT VIEWS UNLIKE ANY OTHER
Fiji is home to over 300 islands, each with its own unique charm. One of the main reasons people flock to this heaven-on-earth, is because of its gorgeous natural views–from spectacular cliff tops to white sand beaches. Much of Fiji is left untouched, making it a perfect getaway to paradise.
If you are looking to escape from the fast-paced city life of skyscrapers, Fiji is the complete opposite of that. Enjoy “Fiji Time” and just kick-back while you take in the beauty of the islands. There’s truly nothing like relaxing on a clean white sand beach with a cocktail and watching the world go by.
#2 LOTS & LOTS OF ACTIVITIES WITHIN EVERY RESORT
When it comes to finding an ideal resort with great amenities, substantial water activities and beautiful views, the resorts in Fiji will not fall short of your expectations. Being an archipelago of 333 islands, the number of land and sea activities will keep you very busy.
Most resorts, if not all, have plenty of in-house activities for guests. Think parasailing, snorkelling, beach volleyball, waterfall hiking and horse riding; the list goes on and on! The resorts in Fiji range from budget to luxury so there is something for everyone.
In fact, some of the resorts in Fiji are so huge that they own the entire island, making it a one-stop place for accommodation, land and water activities, and cultural experiences. For day-trippers looking for such a place, Malamala Beach Club is a fantastic option.
Malamala Beach Club is located on its very own island, just 25 minutes from Port Denarau. With a day pass, guests not only get to enjoy complimentary water sports but also have a chance to indulge in the local delicacies made by Fiji’s celebrity chef, Lance Seeto at the restaurant
Malamala Beach Club
Website: https://malamalabeachclub.com/
#3 BULA! EXPERIENCE THE FIJIAN HOSPITALITY.
In Fiji, people greet each other by saying ‘Bula’, which is short for ‘Ni sa bula vinaka’. This national greeting means way more than just a simple ‘hello‘—it directly translates to ”wishing you happiness and good health”.
We were pleasantly surprised to find out that locals greet fellow Fijians and tourists with a ‘Bula’. Native Fijians are renowned for being happy, benevolent and hospitable and you will find yourself at ease and comfort in their company.
We found ourselves sorely missing the warmth of the local’s hospitality upon returning home. That positive vibe is surely infectious.
#4 INDULGE IN LOCAL FLAVOURS
Seafood lovers will love the fact that Fiji is literally located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean. Traditional dishes in Fiji are thus very heavily influenced by the surrounding sea, so expect only the freshest and finest seafood in Fiji.
It is not uncommon to see ‘Catch of the Day’ as part of the menu in any restaurant or eatery as their fresh catch changes in accordance with the season. Besides, locals in Fiji love to feast on food such as taro and sea grapes, alongside the vast options of fresh seafood all year round.
Fun fact: Coconuts are a centrepiece of Fijian cuisine so do not be surprised to taste the flavours of coconut in many dishes!
#5 WEALTH OF FRESH PRODUCE
Just like many other tropical countries, Fiji is blessed with an abundance of fresh produce. Their tropical fruits are to die for and the locals are not kidding when they say that their seasonal fruits are always the freshest.
The Suva Municipal Market is a great place to visit if you happen to be in Suva, the capital of Fiji. They sell anything from fruits and vegetables to coconut oil to fresh flowers. We heard that the best days to visit are from Thursdays to Saturdays, when there are the most vendors.
Suva Municipal Market
Address: Harris Rd, Suva, Fiji
Mon to Thu: 7am – 6pm
Fri and Sat: 6am – 6pm
(Closed on Sundays)
#6 ALCOHOL THAT IS WORTH THE HANGOVER
For all those alcoholics alcohol connoisseurs out there, you’d be glad to know that Fiji offers a wide range of exotic alcohol—such as Coffee Rum, Coconut Vodka and Banana Liquor, just to name a few.
Rum Co. of Fiji has been distilling award-winning rums since 1980, with flavours including coffee, chocolate, banana, and spiced rum. These flavours may be peculiar, but all we can say is that Fiji distils liquor like no other!
You’d have to try it to believe it. The exotic flavours are very predictable of a tropical paradise, yet unbelievably surprising and refreshing upon your first sips.
#7 THE WORLD’S FIRST AND ONLY ECO TRAX
Fiji is home to the world’s first electric rail-riders, and it is safe to say that it is currently the only one in the world today. In the past, Fiji used to have rail transport but they have since stopped its service. A German couple then used the now-defunct railway tracks for their electric bicycle carriages, and that was the birth of the world’s first Eco Trax.
Be prepared to be blown away by the beauty of the sceneries that awaits you as you ride through villages and fields, and expect to see animals such as cows and horses which will look undeniably majestic against the stunning landscape.
Remember to greet ‘Bula’ to the locals when you pass by the 2 local villages on the way as well!
On this tour, you will stop by a beach so you may wish to prepare a set of swimwear too. This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that is worth every single dollar paid, so if you happen to be in Fiji or are planning for a trip there, we recommend that you save a spot in your itinerary for this!
And no, you do not need to be very fit nor know how to ride a bike to use their electric bicycles, so children can easily participate as can Grandpa and Grandma.
Ecotrax Fiji
Website: http://www.ecotrax.com.fj/
#8 LEARN ABOUT THEIR RICH HISTORY
Most people will remember that the Fiji islands used to be called The Cannibal Islands. According to the Fiji Museum of Suva, evidence suggests that the practice of cannibalism began over 2,500 years ago, with the last man known to be eaten being Methodist missionary Reverend Thomas Baker in 1867.
Worry not, for cannibalism no longer exists in Fiji so your trips there will be safe. In fact, if you find their dark past intriguing like we did, a trip to the Cannibal Cave and the Fiji Museum of Suva would be worth it! Dive deep into the rich tribal history of Fiji and learn more about their progression to the thriving country they are today.
Fiji Museum
Website: http://fijimuseum.org.fj/
Off-Road Cave Safari
Website: http://offroadfiji.com/safaris/the-story-of-the-naihehe-cave
#9 FIJI’S NATIONAL DRINK – KAVA
While we all know that the range of liquor in Fiji is worth going crazy over, the locals there would choose Kava over alcohol any time. Also known by its Fijian name yaqona, Kava is Fiji’s national drink enjoyed by the indigenous people.
So, what exactly is Kava?
Kava is primarily made by grinding the root of a pepper plant and mixing it with spring water to give it a slightly bitter taste, followed by a numbing sensation (if it is highly concentrated or if consumed in large volume).
We admit that this drink doesn’t sound like the most appealing one out there, but no experience in Fiji is truly complete without having Kava.
#10 THE CLOCKS TICK IN FIJI TIME
“Don’t worry, you are on Fiji Time!” This phrase is regularly heard in Fiji as Fijians believe that nothing good ever happens in a hurry. As compared to other countries, Fiji has comparatively fewer rules and lower stress levels—it is no surprise that Fiji is constantly dubbed as the happiest place on Earth.
As if Fiji isn’t already a beautiful destination to travel to, living in Fiji time just makes it an even better place to relax, distress and unwind!
#11 THE ART OF SIMPLE LIVING
You will never get bored in Fiji given the multitudinous variety of beach activities available, but remember to immerse yourself in an experience unique to Fiji while you are there. Go beyond the surface and delve deeper into their culture and see how their locals live in the villages, and we promise you that you will not regret!
Hop on the Jewel of Fiji Village Tour and enjoy a calming boat ride along the Nuvua River, before arriving at a local village where you get to witness how Fijians who live away from the city live their lives. In fact, in several areas of Fiji, some children still swim across rivers in order to get to school every day. Kudos to them for that!
Jewel of Fiji
Website: http://www.discoverfijitours.com/jewel-of-fiji/
#12 FUSS-FREE DIRECT FLIGHTS TO FIJI FROM SINGAPORE
If you’re worried about connecting flights with long layovers to Fiji, you will be pleased to know that Fiji Airways offers direct flights to and fro Singapore twice a week! This removes the hassle of having to rush to a connecting flight so you can truly have a smooth experience all throughout your journey there. Get comfy in a A330 Fiji Airways airplane and prep yourselves on the 9.5-hour flight to paradise.
This post is brought to you by Tourism Fiji.
Hi, I would like to check if the money changer at Nadi Airport accept SGD?