Sights of Fiji - what to see on the islands

With 333 islands, Fiji offers tourists a vibrant range of adventures. Nature is the main heritage of the archipelago. Here you will discover pristine coastlines, ancient caves, hidden jungle waterfalls and national parks. It's also worth getting to know the local culture. How not to get confused when choosing tourist destinations in Fiji? What are the must-sees and places to visit? All about the main ones Mast-si in Fiji later in the article.

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Attractions of Viti Levu

Let's start with the main island of Fiji, which has an international airport, the capital of the state and several main cities. Viti Levu is home to most of Fiji's population. This explains the presence of modern amenities, as well as extensive sugarcane plantations scattered around the island's perimeter, villages and resort areas. The main island can surprise you with the number of places of interest .

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What to see in Suva

The capital of Fiji, the largest city, economic center, and seaport of the archipelago. Suva is located in the southeast of Viti Levu . Here you can count several interesting locations.

Fiji Museum

There aren't many museum collections on the islands, so the Suva History Museum is worth a look. One of Fiji's main cultural sites was opened in 1904. The museum was created to showcase Fijian history, culture and people as it has developed since ancient times. The oldest artifacts are more than 3 thousand years old. The collection includes household items, weapons, jewelry, ancient clothes, remains of ancient animals and much more.

• Cost of visiting : for adults - $5, for children under 13 years old - $2, visit with a guided tour - $10, family ticket (2 adults and 3 children) - $16.
• Opening hours : daily, except Thursday, from 9:00 to 16:30.

Photo: User:Matthias Süßen, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Suva Municipal Market

Once in Suva , do not pass by the colorful market, the most important one on the islands. Farmers bring their harvest here to sell, and artisans fill their counters with various kinds of souvenirs. The market is scented with exotic aromas of fruits and spices. A must try at Suva Market pineapple fresh ​A great place to get closer to the Fijian identity. This is going to be a lot of work for your photography lens.

Suva Municipal Market

Sacred Heart Cathedral in Suva

One of the main architectural objects of this kind in Fiji. The Roman Catholic Cathedral was built in 1902 from quarry sandstones imported from Australia. True Italian Gothic in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The cathedral rises in the center of Suva , and it will not be difficult to spot it against the background of other buildings. The interior decoration of the cathedral, like the exterior, retains its original appearance.

Colo - i - Suva Forest Park

The forest park near Suva is a vibrant natural site that tourists do not ignore. The national park has a relatively small area - 2.5 km². A tropical forest of unprecedented beauty, with cool shade in the jungle, babbling streams and waterfall pools in which you can swim. Day tours often run here. The place is quite touristy, with food courts and parking lots. There are special gazebos for picnics.

• Location : 11 kilometers from Suva , along the Princes Highway Road .
• Cost of visit for tourists : $5.

What else is there in Suva

• Mariamma Temple , where the Fijian tradition of fire walking can be seen.
• Fiji Parliament Building . One of the most vibrant political centers in the world.
• Thurston Gardens . The old botanical garden, founded in 1879. Amazing collection of plants from all over the world, beautiful grounds.
• Albert Park . A picturesque historical park in Fiji, named after the English Prince Albert.

Parliament of the Republic of Fiji

Garden of the Sleeping Giant

In the city of Nadi, on the western coast of Viti Levu , there is a beautiful botanical garden, which is also called the Orchid Garden. This is a place of pilgrimage for connoisseurs of tropical plants and picturesque landscapes. You can walk here for hours, looking at arches of orchids and ponds with water lilies. In the Garden of the Sleeping Giant has an interesting sculptural composition, from which the name of the garden comes. There are excellent routes here that do not require special physical training. The place is very popular, because it all started with Raymond's private collection of orchids Berra , and today more than 2 thousand of their varieties grow in the garden. The easiest way to visit the garden is on a sightseeing tour of Nadi and surrounding areas.

• Cost of admission : adults $25, children from 6 to 12 years old - $12.50, family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) - $62.50.
• Opening hours : daily, from 9:00 to 17:00.

Garden Of The Sleeping Giant

Sabeto Hot Springs

This authentic natural spa is located near the town of Nadi. This is one of the main attractions on the list of attractions in Viti Levu . Here you can expect wraps using natural mud, bathing in hot springs followed by a massage. A great way to spend a busy day with health benefits. Sabeto Springs are usually included in the main tours of Viti Levu , they are combined with a visit to the authentic Navala village or Orchid Garden, hikes to waterfalls, zip lining and other adventures.

Cost : independent visit - about 20 FJD ( Fijian dollars). As part of an excursion tour with visits to several tourist locations - from 100 FJD.

Sabeto Hotspring Mudpool Tours and Transfers

Kula Wild Adventure Park

One of the central entertainment sites of the Coral Coast, the central tourist area of Viti Levu . In the recent past, a natural bird park, which was converted into an adventure park. This is the largest family center in Fiji, where you can have fun while surrounded by beautiful nature. There are wooden platforms for walking among the dense jungle. The park also has a water slide and children's pool, two cafes, a zip line and a zoo that is home to some endangered species of iguanas.

Opening hours : daily, from 10:00 to 16:30.

Cost of visiting : for adults - $44, for children from 2 years old - $22. All-day combo package for adult/child - $65/36.

Kula Wild Adventure Park

Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park

Viti Levu has a small but famous national park. Here you can see desert landscapes that are unusual for Fiji. The height of the sand dunes reaches 60 meters in places. They were formed over thousands of years as a result of erosion of coastal areas. The park is an archaeological site where ancient pottery, stone tools and human remains are still found today. The sand dunes are often cited as one of Fiji's natural wonders. This place was included in the list of UNESCO sites more than 30 years ago, but the final decision has not yet been made.

The park has two hiking trails for exploring the area:

• An hour's hike through the forest to the dunes at the mouth of the Sigatoka River , this is a mountainous area.
• 2-3 hour journey along the ridge of sand dunes.

Location : 3 km west of the city of Sigatoka .

Park entry fee : 10 FJD.

Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park

Port Denarau Marina

Port Denarau is the largest and most modern marina in Fiji. Is the center of the Denarau integrated resort Island Resort , as well as the starting point for boat excursions and transfers to the western groups of the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands . The picturesque port is within walking distance of a modern resort area with a variety of facilities and entertainment. From Nadi International Airport to Denarau Marina about 20 minutes by car. Denarau is located next to the pier Island , with a collection of 5 star hotels, well-groomed alleys, a golf course and a shopping center. A lively place to relax while staying on the main island.

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Pacific Harbor

The adventure capital of Fiji. The Pacific Harbor and surrounding Beqa Islands are for those who crave something special from Fiji. A well-kept tourist center near the Navua River , unforgettable rafting , jet skis, Fijian villages, beautiful waterfalls in the jungle. Pacific Harbor offers some of the most spectacular tours Fiji has to offer. Pacific Harbor is also the departure point to Beqa and Davui Islands . From here you can also get to the popular diving with sharks in Beqa Lagoon, one of the world's largest barrier reefs.

The Pearl South Pacific Resort

Sunny Coast

The northern region of Viti Levu is often overlooked, although very deserves it . Suncoast offers travelers an experience just as exciting as the Coral Coast. It is a scenic mountainous area famous for the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park , as well as Fiji's highest peak, Tomanivi . On the Sunshine Coast There is an excellent selection of budget accommodation. Here you can also stay in a traditional Fijian bure hut and enjoy an authentic holiday to the fullest. Suncoast is a convenient location for spectacular diving in the Bly Strait Water .

Suncoast Fiji

What to visit in Vanua Levu and Taveuni

The second largest island of Fiji can offer fabulous nature, reed landscapes, mangroves, authentic villages, cozy towns, vibrant road trips , incredible diving and wild waterfalls. One of the main assets is Bouma Park , which occupies the island of Taveuni , almost adjacent to Vanua Levu on the southeastern side. Let's highlight some of the best tourist locations in this region of Fiji.

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Savusavu and surroundings

Savusavu is the main tourist center of Vanua Levu . The beauty of the town, sandwiched between green hills and the blue ocean, is difficult to put into words. This is a small settlement of just one street, but extremely picturesque. A yacht marina, several cozy establishments, hospitable Fijians and stunning hiking trails in the nearby hills. This is what makes it worth going to Savusava . The most popular entertainment among tourists starts from the town - car or bike rides along the picturesque 100-kilometer Hibiscus Highway, which goes around the entire southern coast of Vanua Levu .

Snorkeling and diving in the vicinity of Sasusavu are worthy of special attention. The most popular diving site - Split Rock , near the resort of Jean-Michel Cousteau . For unforgettable diving , you can also go to Rainbow Reef and Namena Marine Reserve from Savusavu .

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Labasa and surroundings

Labasa is the second township on Vanua Levu . The picturesque green hills are the most beautiful local attraction. You can also visit an old sugar factory in the surrounding area. The town has tourist infrastructure on Nasekula Street : cafes , curry houses , bars, hotels and a local market. The latter is a must-see, as well as several other interesting places:

• Naag Temple The Mandir is an important cultural site for the local Indo-Fijian population. It is located 14 kilometers from Labasa , along the Vainikoro road .
• Korowathu Beach . A beautiful and conveniently located coast with white sand surrounded by palm trees. Located 15 km from Labasa , past the Naag Temple Mandir .
• Vaikele Springs . An amazing body of water where hot currents mix with cold ones. Located 3 km from Labasa Airport .
• The village of Lekutulevu and the waterfall of the same name. The jungle trek to Lekutulev takes one hour, passing a rock shaped like a giant bowl. This is another iconic place.
  
  

Bouma National Park on Taveuni

Park with an area of 150 km² occupies most of Taveuni . A mountain range runs through the entire island with the highest peak Uluinggalau (1241m). The dense, mountainous jungle contains several endemic plants and three waterfalls, past which all hiking trails pass. Bouma National Heritage Park is rightfully considered a mecca for bird watchers and wildlife lovers. There are four villages here, each of which is geographically responsible for managing the park. What one of Fiji's most extensive game reserves has to offer:

• Snorkeling in Waitabu Marine Park .
• Trekking through the rainforest to the ancient ruins of the Widawa Forest .
• Kayak or walk along the coastal area of Lavena beach .
• Tavoro waterfalls near the settlement of Korovou .
• Crater lake Tagimausia and De Vaux peak, with an observation deck at an altitude of more than a thousand meters.

Bouma National Park is paid and for tourists it is about 35 FJD per person.

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Sawa-i-Lau Caves in the Yasawa Islands

The natural heart of the Western Yasawa Islands . Many legends are associated with the unusually beautiful and mysterious caves of Sava-i-Lau . There are two of them in total. One is swimmable and has a domed opening. Only the most courageous can get into the second one , because you need to dive and swim underwater. The ancient limestone depressions are a major site of pilgrimage from the resorts of Yasawa and Mamanuca . On the route of the popular cruise operator Blue in Fiji Lagoon Cruises island with caves is also included. From Viti Levu the distance to Sava-i-Lau is about 100 kilometers. But excursions by seaplane are very much in demand here, because the exoticism of the caves is undeniable. By the way, the cult Hollywood film “The Blue Lagoon” was filmed here.

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Levuka , Ovalau

There is only one UNESCO site in Fiji, and this is an entire historical center located on the island of Ovalau . Levuka was the first capital where there is still evidence of Fiji's colonial past. The city has been developed since the early 19th century as a center of commercial activity for Americans and Europeans. Warehouses, shops, port facilities, residential buildings, as well as religious, educational and social institutions were erected. Today Levuka is a rare example of a late colonial port city so unusual in its origins.

Here you can see the Church of the Sacred Heart, dating back to 1858. This is the oldest religious building in Fiji. Levuka also boasts the longest running hotel in the Pacific Islands. Levuka's Royal The hotel was built in the mid-1850s and still welcomes guests to this day. The entire town, surrounded by hills of lush greenery, is imbued with the atmosphere of antiquity and has a unique charm.

How to get there : Ovalau Island is separated from Viti Levu by a 20-kilometre strait. Bus ferries and water taxis run here.

Photo: I, Anton Leddin, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons