Population:

906,000
Currency:
Fijian dollar (FJD), 1$F = 100
cents
Opening hours:
Shopping: 8am-5pm, Monday to
Friday, 8am-1pm Weekends
Banks: 9.30am-3pm, Monday to
Friday
Internet:
www.BulaFiji.com
Newspapers:
The Fiji Times
The Fiji Sun
Emergency numbers:
911 Fire/ Medical
917 Police
Tourist information:
Address: Suite 107, Colonial
Plaza, Namaka, Nadi
(PO Box 9217,
Nadi Airport, Fiji)
Tel: +679 6722 433
Email: infodesk@bulafiji.com
FIJI
PUBLISHING DATE: 2008-08-20 | COUNTRY CODE: FJ
Contents: The City, Do & See, Eating, Cafs, Bars & Nightlife, Shopping,
Sleeping, Essential Information, Maps
Copyright 2007 Fastcheck AB. All rights reserved. For more information visit: www.arrivalguides.com
Graham Simmons
FIJI
"Bula! or "Welcome! is the greeting you will most
commonly hear throughout Fiji. It comes as an unreserved
invitation to enjoy the hospitality of the Fijian people.
Whether staying on one of the countrys numerous resort
islands or exploring Fijis towns and cities, the visitor will
encounter this legendary hospitality at every turn.
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THE CITY#THE CITY#
Fijis 332 islands are scattered over a vast
area of the Pacific Ocean, some 1,290,000
sq km in extent. The main island of Viti
Levu is about 10,400 sq km in area, with
high rainfall in the east and much lower
rainfall in the west. The countrys first and
third biggest cities respectively - Suva and
Nadi - are located at opposite ends of Viti
Levu, like sentinels guarding against
enemy invasion - only these days, the
invaders are friendly, coming as tourists
rather than cannibal-warriors.
Fijis main international airport used to be
near Suva. But because of the consistently
bad weather conditions, the airport was
moved to Nadi in 1982. As a result, most
of Fijis tourist development and facilities
are concentrated around Nadi and the
southern "Coral Coast of Viti Levu. Nadi
also makes a great base for exploring the
Mamanuca and Yasawa island groups, the
southern island of Kadavu, and the
"garden island of Taveuni, with easy
access also to the laidback port of
Savusavu on Vanua Levu Island.
DO & SEE#DOANDSEE#
Kathleen & Scott Snowden
Catch the fire walking and cultural show at
the Arts Village. Only those specially
chosen by the head priest of Beqa Island
are permitted to fire walk, and must
undergo rigorous training.
Price: Adults $F35; children $F17.50
Address: Queens Highway, Pacific Harbour,
Fiji
Tel: +679 345 0065, www.artsvillage.com
Kayak the Luva River
Rivers Fiji has exclusive rights to kayak the
Luva and Upper Navua Rivers, inland from
Pacific Harbour. The trip is led by highly
qualified guides, and is suitable for people
of all skill levels - from beginners to
intermediate kayakers. A preliminary visit
to a traditional village, to get the blessing
of the village chief, is an integral part of
the trip.
Address: "The Pearl, Queens Highway, Pacific Harbour
Phone: +679 345 0147
Internet: www.riversfiji.com
Tribe wanted on Vorovoro Island
Share some time with the people of
Vorovoro Island! A unique budget
timeshare scheme brings locals and
visitors together, with funds ploughed into
island development projects.
Address: Vorovoro Is, Labasa, Vanua Levu
Phone: +679 942 5424
Internet: www.tribewanted.com
Cruise the Yasawa Islands
The Yasawa island chain looks like a chain
of little droplets flung off Fijis main island
Viti Levu. One of the most inviting of the
islands is Nacula, with hidden treasures
like the Sawa-i-Lau Cave, high in the hills.
The northernmost of the islands,
Yasawa-i-Rara, is one of the most
untouched places in the whole of Fiji.
Phone: +679 666 1622
Internet: www.bluelagooncruises.com
4-wheel driving
Go four-wheel driving in the rugged
Nakauvadra Range of northern Viti Levu,
the home of the ancestral serpent god
Degei. Inland, visit Navala Village - the
last fully traditional village in the whole of
Fiji.
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Address: Votualevu Namaka, Nadi
Phone: +679 672 0066
Internet: internet@adven.com.fj
Hike the trails of the Koroyanitu
National Heritage Park
Near Nadi, the new Koroyanitu National
Heritage Park in the hinterland of Fijis
second biggest city Lautoka, has it all -
forests and waterfalls, hiking trails and
mountain streams great for swimming. You
can also take the opportunity to stay with
villagers and experience life in a Fijian
highland community.
Snorkeling
Go snorkelling in Waitabu Marine Park on
Taveuni, Fijis "Garden Island.
Watitabu Marine Park offers fantastic
snorkelling amongst its soft coral reefs.
South of Waitabu, the Lavena Coastal Walk
is a "must.
Address: the west coast of Taveuni, about 25 minutes by road
from the airport
Phone: +679 888 0451 (Waitabu) or +679 920 5834 (Lavena).
Visit Natadola Beach
Natadola has been voted one of the worlds
top ten beaches. The Natadola Marine
Resort, to open in 2008, will be the pride
of Fiji. In the meantime, take a day trip
there on the Coral Coast Railway, running
from Sigatoka (on Viti Levus Coral Coast).
Address: 6 km off the Queens Highway, 35 km from Nadi
Phone: +679 652 8731
Internet: www.natadolafiji.com
Chill out at Savusavu's Copra shed
Vanua Levu is the second biggest island in
Fiji. Its southern city, Savusavu attracts a
large "floating population of yachting
enthusiasts, divers and beach-lovers.
There is a superb new marina and cruise
centre (the Copra Shed) fronting the safe
haven of Savusavu Bay.
Address: The Marina, Savusavu, Vanua Levu
Phone: +679 885 0457
Internet: www.fiji-savusavu.com
Arts Village
Catch the fire walking and cultural show at
the Arts Village. Only those specially
chosen by the head priest of Beqa Island
are permitted to fire walk, and must
undergo rigorous training.
Address: Queens Highway, Pacific Harbour, Fiji
Phone: +679 345 0065
Price: Adults $F35; children $F17.50
Internet: www.artsvillage.com
EATING#EATING#
Rohit Seth
With nearly 50 percent of the population
being of Indian origin, curries feature
strongly on the menus of many local
restaurants. Native Fijian dishes include
fish, pork, chicken and/or vegetables all
wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in
an underground lovo oven.
Drinking kava , or yaqona (pronounced:
"yanggona) is the common Fijian way of
relaxing after work, much as Westerners
go to the pub. On more formal occasions,
kava-drinking is accompanied by much
ceremonial ritual.
Saffron Tandoori Restaurant
Good, authentic Indian curries and
Tandoori-style north Indian cooking. The
Rajasthani decor is carried through to the
staff dress. Duck kebabs and stuffed
chicken drumsticks are among the unusual
menu offerings.
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Address: Sangayam Road, Nadi
Phone: +679 670 1233
Internet: www.jacksfiji.com
The Plantation
Fine dining at reasonable prices, at this
island restaurant just three minutes by
boat from the mainland, near Nadi. House
specialities include kokoda (Fijian-style
marinated fish).
Address: Sonaisali Island Resort, via Nadi
Phone: +679 670 6011
Kasturi's Tanjore Restaurant
A huge curry menu features at this
upstairs restaurant in Central Nadi - dishes
from Kerala, Goa and Malaysia as well as
more traditional Mughlai and Tandoori
dishes.
Address: First Floor, Asgar Complex (opposite ANZ Bank), Main
Street, Nadi
Phone: +679 670 7118
EXCLUSIVE
Chef's Restaurant
Chefs is one of the top dining choices in
Fiji. The menu writers have learned
international food-speak very well indeed,
and the chefs deliver accordingly. Try the
house specialty: Fiji mud crab curry with
south Indian spices.
Address: Sagayam Road, Nadi
Phone: +679 670 3131
Internet: www.jacksfiji.com
MID-RANGE
The Bounty Restaurant/bar
The Bounty is a very popular, casual dining
venue. There is a house special every day;
the choice might be Lovo pork with
palusami (meat, coconut cream and onion
all wrapped in taro leaves and then
baked).
Address: Queens Road, Martintar, Nadi
Phone: +679 672 0840
BUDGET
Malt House Brewery & Restaurant
Fijis first micro-brewery pub also offers
fine, inexpensive fare. The fresh pakapaka
(snapper fish) is a house specialty. The
pizzas are good value, too.
Address: 88 Jerusalem Rd, Vatu (4 km from Suva)
Phone: +679 337 1515
CAFS#CAFES#
Inga Ivanova
Fiji is not exactly renowned for its coffee
culture. But now, there are some excellent
new cafs springing up. The trend was
started by The Republic of Cappucino, Fijis
first coffee house brand, which has four
cafs (with more planned) across Fiji.
The Republic of Cappuccino
Excellent coffees - from single shot
espresso to latte, plus a good range of iced
drinks. Recommended.
Address: FNPF Place Building, cnr Loftus St and Victoria Parade,
Suva
Phone: +679 330 0333
Vilisite's Caf and Seafood Restaurant
Vilisites is one of the few Fijian-owned
cafs along the Coral Coast. The setting
and the ocean views are tops.
Address: Queens Road, Naibale Village, Sigatoka
Phone: +679 653 0007
Cardo's
If you dont mind paying $4 for an
espresso, this is a great place to hang out.
Address: Port Denarau Marina, Nadi
Phone: +679 675 0900
Internet: www.cardosfiji.com
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Chilli Tree Caf
Excellent Illy coffee and home-style light
meals in this Lautoka corner caf.
Address: Tukani Street, Lautoka (25 minutes by road north of
Nadi)
Phone: +679 665 1824
BARS & NIGHTLIFE#BARSANDNIGHTLIFE#
iStock
There are some great bars throughout Fiji
- from boisterous pubs to sophisticated
resort bars. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
and Saturdays are the most popular
nights.
From fast-n-loud Fijian rock, through
Bollywood rhythms to late-night resort
venues, Fiji resounds with zounds of
sounds.
The Bounty Bar
A great outdoor patio bar makes for very
pleasant drinking
Address: 79 Queens Road, Martintar, Nadi
Phone: +679 672 0840
Ed's Bar
Eds is THE place to hang out in Nadi. The
crowds are biggest on Friday and Saturday
nights.
Address: Lot 51 Martintar, Nadi
Phone: +679 672 4650
O'Reilly's
Suvas craziest night venue gets jammed
packed early. Get there even earlier!
Address: 5 Macarthur Street, Suva
Phone: +679 331 2322
Tailevu Hotel
A fine hilltop location distinguishes this pub
near Nausori, Fijis second airport.
Address: Kings Road, Korovou, Nausori
Phone: +679 343 0028
Traps
This giant pub/club complex - six bars in
one - is the very favourite hangout of Suva
residents. The front bar attracts
baby-boomer professionals, the middle bar
those around 30-40, while a younger sets
throngs to the back bar. Upstairs is a
chillout, non-smoking lounge.
Address: 305 Victoria Parade, Suva
Phone: +679 331 2922
Tadra (dream) Nightclub, Mango Bay
Resort
As clubs-within-resorts go, this is better
than most.
Address: Namatakula Tadrawai, on the Coral Coast, 90 minutes
by road from Nadi Airport
Phone: +679 653 0069
Internet: www.mangobayresortfiji.com
Purple Haze
A Bollywood-themed club, popular with
Indian locals.
Address: Macarthur Street, Suva
Phone: +679 330 3092
SHOPPING#SHOPPING#
Milan Klusacek
Jacks of Fiji (401-403 Main Street, Nadi;
tel: +679 670 0744; www.jacksfiji.com ) is
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DESTINATION: FIJI
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a Fiji institution, sprawling over two levels.
Downstairs, a good range of handicrafts
and souvenirs are on offer, while upstairs,
good quality clothing (including Fijis
famous bula shirts) is on sale at bargain
prices. Another good choice is Nads
Handicrafts (Main St, Nadi; tel: +679 670
3588; www.nadsfiji.com), offering
hand-crafted items such as tapa cloth
(made from the pounded bark of the
mulberry tree).
One of the best buys in Fiji is the finely
crafted coconut-palmwood furniture on
sale at Pacific Green (Queens Road, Yadua
village, near Sigatoka; tel: +679 650
0055; www.pacificgreeninternational.com).
SLEEPING#SLEEPING#
Graham Simmons
Westin Fiji Resort
Set on 12 hectares of finely landscaped
gardens, with a championship 18-hole golf
course, this place oozes style and
relaxation.
Address: Denarau Island, Nadi
Phone: +675 0000
Internet: www.starwoodhotels.com/westin
Nakia Resort & Dive
This small eco-resort on Taveuni Island,
just opened in mid-2006, relies fully on
solar, wind-turbine and tidal energy for its
power needs. Great swimming pool and
organic-food restaurant on site.
Address: Taveuni Island
Phone: +679 888 1111
Internet: www.nakiafiji.com
Aquarius Fiji
The superior ocean side setting of this
backpackers hangout, with its fine
swimming pool and patio bar, makes it an
excellent choice.
Address: 17 Wasawasa Road, Wailoaloa Beach, just out of Nadi
Phone: +679 672 6000
Internet: www.aquariusfiji.com
EXPENSIVE
Fiji Beach Resort and Spa
Just opened in July 2006, stage one of the
Fiji Beach Resort and Spa bills itself as
Fijis most luxurious resort, on a 1.2 km
strip of exclusive beachfront. When the
trees grow a little more, this place will be
up with the very best.
Address: Denarau Island, Nadi
Phone: +679 675 6800
Internet: www.hilton.com
GOOD VALUE
Natadola Beach Resort
is a small, Mediterranean-style hotel with a
dining room and bar, in a shady courtyard.
Address: Natadola Beach, Coral Coast: 6 km off the Queens
Highway, 35 km from Nadi
Phone: +679 672 1001, Double room: $F246
Internet: www.natadola.com
BASIC
Mango Bay Resort
Fijis first "Flashpacker Resort offers
upmarket backpacker comforts plus. A
package deal at $F180 per head includes
three nights bunk bed accommodation,
three continental breakfasts, lunch and
dinner, a $20 bar tab and half-hour
Internet usage.
Address: Namatakula Tadrawai, on the Coral Coast, 90 minutes
by road from Nadi Airport
Phone: +679 653 0069
Internet: www.mangobayresortfiji.com
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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
#ESSENTIALINFORMATION#
Noah Wasserman
Airports
Nadi International Airport, 9 km north of
downtown Nadi, is the gateway to Fiji.
Suvas much smaller Nausori International
Airport (SUV) is situated 23km northeast
of the Suva CBD.
Internet: www.afl.com.fj
Public transport
Nadis local bus service is efficient, though
buses are less frequent on Sundays. Fares
are reasonable (eg 65 cents from the
suburb of Martintar to Nadi city centre).
Throughout Viti Levu and Vanua Levu,
buses also run between all major (and
minor) towns.
Taxi
Taxis are required by law to have the
meter running when hired. Fares are
reasonable, averaging about 50 cents a
kilometre.
Post
The main post office in Suva is the General
Post Office on Victoria Parade.
In Nadi, Nadi Post Office is in Queens
Road, Namaka; tel: +679 672 0467.
There is also a post office in Nadi Airport,
and at Nausori, Lautoka, Sigatoka and
Labasa and about 280 smaller towns.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1630; Sat: 0900-1200.
Internet: www.postfiji.com.fj
Pharmacy
There are no 24 hour pharmacies.
Emergencies: tel: +679 999 3506 or +679
999 5500.
Late-night pharmacies include:
Budget Pharmacy, Main Street, Nadi; tel:
+679 670 0064. Mon to Fri,
8am-7pm, Sat 8am-3.30pm, Sun
10am-12pm, holidays 10am-12pm.
Hakorlals Pharmacy Ltd.; 103 Vitogo Pde
Lautoka; tel: +679 666 4645.
Samabula Drug Store; 77 Ratu Mara Road,
Samabula (a suburb of Suva); tel: +679
338 5900. Mon to Fri, 8.30am-8pm, Sat
8am-8pm, Sun 5pm-8pm, public holidays
9am-12pm, 5pm-8pm
Telephone
Country code: +679
There are no area codes.
Electricity
240V / 50Hz
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DESTINATION: FIJI
PUBLISHING DATE: 2008-08-20
Lautoka
Suva
Somosomo
Savusavu
Labasa
Rakiraki
Sigatoka
Nadi
Ba
Vatukoula
Tavua
Korovou Vunindawa
Nadiodio
Lavena
Salialevu
Navakawau
Tavuki
Malau
Korovuli
Naqumu
Navidamu
Nabavatu
Banikea
Nakawakawa Dama
Vuya
Vusasivo
Drekeniwai
Bagasau
Nacavanadi
Naibalebale
Navakala
Wavu
Biaugunu
Lagalaga
Dakuniba
Loa
Napuka
Tabiang
Tabewa
Levuka
Lovu
Sawaleke
Vunisea
Ekubu
Dakuni
Rukua
Natawa
Bukuya
Nanoko
Vatumbalavu
Navai
Korovou
Abaca
Bavu
Vatukarasa
Nambukelevu
Ndongowali
Navua
Narukunmbua
Lami
Muana
Nausori
Longani
Ndelaiyandua
Nayavutoka
Namarai
Nanukuloa
Nakoroivau
Visa
Kumi
Sote
Natokalau
Nauluvatu
Vadra
Naroi
Navaga
Nasau
Nasau
Nakodu
South Pacific Ocean
Koro Sea
Bligh
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Vanua Levu
Viti Levu
Taveuni
Ovalau
Koro
Gau
Moala
Totoya
Matuku
Kadavu
Mamanuca-
I-Ra Group
Yasawa
Group
Yaqaga
Yadua
Cikobia
Kioa
Rabi
Qamea
Batiki
Nairai
Wakaya
Ono
Vatulele
Makogai
Beqa
80 km
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