Fiji: Tropical
Paradise
By Richard Moore
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The
Fijian Islands are a
great place to unwind
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Well I know that in Australia we certainly
are treated to some of the most spectacular beaches in the world, but
there is a place that can possibly match some of our sandy stretches.
As soon as you say the name Fiji, the image
of tropical delights pops into mind and you think of glorious hot days
swimming, snorkelling or being waited on hand and foot.
I can see myself now in a banana lounge
supping a margarita!
Fiji is about four hours flying time from
Sydney and is two hours off to the north of New Zealand. It has two
main islands - Viti Levu and Vanua Levu - although there are more than
300 islands in the group.
It is on these islands that you really get a
glimpse of tropical paradise.
The capital of Fiji is Suva and a quarter of
the population lives there. All up there are just under 800,000 Fijians
in the islands.
Suva is built on a beautiful harbour and
mixes colonial architecture with modern style. It is filled with
amazing gardens, and the restaurants offer everything you could want,
but tend to specialise in Indian, Chinese, European and traditional
Fijian meals.
A few of the places to visit in Suva are
Government House, the Thurston Gardens, the Fijian Handcraft Centre and
the highly regarded Fiji Museum.
Away from the big cities you come across
quiet little villages in tucked-way spots. The folk are friendly and so
take a bit of time out to chat with them and learn a bit about the
Fijian culture.
There are river safaris that will take you
into tropical jungle forests, see picturesque waterfalls and
traditional villages. If the sea is more your thing then you have a
huge number of boat cruises to pick from and take time out to relax and
also do a spot of snorkelling in gorgeous coral reefs.
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Fijian's
performing the
'Meke' dance for tourists
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In Nadi there is a half-day journey into the
stunning Sabeto Valley where you will find the Gardens of the Sleeping
Giant. There flower lovers will delight in the largest collection of
orchids on the island.
Fans of the Tom Hank's movie Castaway can
sail to the island where it was filmed and do so in style on the
schooner Seaspray. During the day tour you can stop at anchor for a
while and swim or snorkel.
Other interesting things to look at include
visiting a goldmine, helicopter flights, a shotover jet boat ride,
highland trekking and, last but not least, a shopping tour
extravaganza! Australians, and in fact most visitors to Fiji, who have
a passport with at least six months validity left on it can get a
four-month entry visa upon arrival in the country as well.
At the moment you get about $130 Fijian for
$100 Aussie dollars so the exchange rate is good for us. The currency
in Fiji is very similar to ours, although they still have one and two
cent pieces. You can take in as much money as you like and can take out
up to that amount.
If you buy any souvenirs in Fiji remember
you may need a permit to take out items such as giant clam shells,
turtle shells, whales teeth or coral.
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