 Naturally, most of the attractions on Fiji revolve around the sea and the sand. However, these islands also boast some unique and fascinating cultural explorations involving the indigenous Fijians and the Indo-Fijian community. For a taste of South Pacific culture, Fiji is one of the best stops and the locals will ensure that you have a good time whatever you do.
 Fiji Museum
This is one of the finest cultural museums in the whole South Pacific and well worth a visit when you’re in Suva. The marvellous collection of cannibal forks, war clubs, kava bowls, shell jewellery and other artefacts from traditional Fijian life offer a wonderful view of how things were before the arrival of the Europeans. Other interesting displays include relics from the legendary ship HMS Bounty that was burned and sunk at Pitcairn Island in 1789 by mutineers. The masi cloth and Indian art exhibits are also very nice. Phone: +679 331 5944.
 Kalevu South Pacific Cultural Centre
If you have any interest in learning more about the indigenous Fijian culture, then you should check out this well-organised and informative centre. Visitors can watch demonstrations of kava processing, handicraft production, fishing and cooking methods. The cultural exhibits also include items from Samoa, Kiribati and even New Zealand to offer a more rounded perspective on South Pacific life. A full day tour is available of the complex which includes a traditional meke feast cooked in an earthen oven.
 Lovoni
In the crater of Ovalau’s extinct volcano lies this picturesque little Fijian village. Once considered among the fiercest clans in the islands, these warriors were eventually lured into capture by Chief Cakobau, who deported them to other parts of Fiji. Today, the Lovonians have lost their fierceness and blithely welcome the visitors who trek into their village every year.
 Nadi
The third-largest town in Fiji sits against a lovely mountainous backdrop on Viti Levu’s western coast. Tourism is the name of the game in Nadi, making this the ideal base from which to plan your explorations of Viti Levu Island. Nearly all the outdoor activities are organised in this town by the numerous tour and guide outfitters. The high proportion of Indo-Fijians gives Nadi a slightly different feel from other towns in Fiji.
 Savusavu Hot Springs
The small town of Savusavu has only one street which runs along the shore for about one mile. Besides being a beautiful little hideaway, with a few modern shops, cafés and the Waitui Marina, the area has lots of volcanic hot springs. On the west end of town, steam rises from the rocky beach giving the whole area an eerie, surreal atmosphere. Other pockets of steam around the town create white clouds that float into the air. The Savusavu Hot Springs Hotel is a great place to stay, with its stunning views over the bay and the springs.
 Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park
This was Fiji’s first national park, designed to protect the high sandy dunes which extend for several miles along the coast. Two-thirds of the hills are covered in grass, and thus fairly stable. The rest of the dunes constantly shift and move thanks to the winds and pounding surf. Ancient Fijian burial grounds dating back to the 4th century BC have been found in the park. Pottery and other small artefacts are displayed in the visitor centre, where rangers are on duty every day to explain more about these historical sites. Guided tours of the dunes are available at the visitor centre. Phone: +679 652 0343.
 Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple
Located at the southern end of Nadi’s main street, this interesting Hindu temple welcomes visitors who want a glimpse of the religious side of the Indo-Fijian culture that permeates the islands.
 Suva
Tucked into a sweeping harbour on the big island of Viti Levu, the capital city of Fiji is the confluence of the many ethnicities and cultures which make up this diverse country. Nearly half the population of Fiji lives here, as well as the political heart of the islands, which seems in constant flux. Downtown is a mix of colonial buildings, a breezy esplanade and lots of great places to eat and shop. Suva is best experienced by wandering around the lively waterfront, exploring the colourful Suva Municipal Market and visiting the temples, mosques and cultural centres. A visit to the capital is essential to better-understanding this intriguing South Pacific nation.
Top Things to Do
 Bird watch at Kula Eco Park
This impressive little park is Fiji’s only protected wildlife area. Kula Eco Park is located in a tropical forest along the banks of a small river, giving visitors an excellent glimpse at what an original Fijian forest looks like. A large number of exotic colourful birds live in the trees, and the park’s aquarium is stocked with examples of the local sea life. This is one of the best sites in the South Pacific to experience its authentic natural environment. Phone: +679 650 0505.
 Enjoy an offshore islands cruise
If you have the time, and enjoy getting out on the sea, an offshore islands cruise makes an incredible excursion. Just off the northwest coast of Viti Levu lies the Great Sea Reef, a stunning lagoon enclosing the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands. As the depth of the sea changes, the water turns from yellow to green to blue in a stunning display of natural beauty. The tiny Yasawa islands are particularly gorgeous, with small Fijian villages tucked into coconut groves along some of Fiji’s most sublime beaches. Cruises are available for the day or longer, depending on what you want to do and where you want to go. It’s a South Pacific adventure you won’t quickly forget.
 Escape the heat at Koroyanitu National Heritage Park
The interior of Viti Levu is the best area to experience traditional Fijian culture, with its numerous small, self-sufficient villages scattered throughout the hills. The Koroyanitu National Heritage Park and the neighbouring Nausori Highlands offer some of the best landscapes in Fiji and a cool respite from the tropical heat. Within the park there are six villages which make their income from ecotourism, giving visitors a conscientious way to explore traditional Fijian culture. One of the best villages is Abaca, which is located at the foot of Mount Koroyanitu. This area has amazing nature walks through native Dakua forests and grasslands, as well as waterfalls, swimming and archaeological sites. Those willing to make the one hour climb to the top of Castle Rock will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Yasawas and Mamanucas.
 Follow the nature trails at Bouma National Heritage Park
This amazing national park is a favourite attraction for visitors and locals alike. Located on Taveuni’s north-eastern tip, the village of Bouma has built trails to the three levels of the impressive Bouma Falls. From the visitors centre, it’s an easy 15-minute walk to the lower falls, which drop 180 metres into a large pool. From here, the trail climbs to a lookout point with stunning views of Qamea and the offshore islands. The trail then enters a rainforest area leading to a second set of falls. Also in the park is the popular Vidawa Forest Walk, a pleasant hike which leads to a historic hilltop fortification offering more outstanding views of the surrounding area. Phone: + 679 888 0390.
 Go native at Suva Municipal Market
At this lively and colourful public market, which is one of the largest in the South Seas, visitors can check out the vast array of tropical produce and other handicraft goods which are for sale. This is Suva’s main market and so offers an authentic view of working life in the capital city. The place absolutely teems with activity on Saturday mornings when most of the city comes down to do their weekly shopping. There are few slice-of-life pictures better than a Fijian carrying a bundle of taro roots in one hand and a bag full of colourful fruits in the other. If they aren’t too busy, the merchants always seem happy to answer questions about the unique produce on display.
 See the sights from a bamboo raft
In the old days, Fijians used to travel along the rivers on bilibilis, long and wobbly bamboo rafts, which they used to transport their produce downstream to market. Today, visitors can experience the fun of riding down the lovely Navua River on one of these traditional bamboo rafts. The river itself is wonderfully scenic and offers a great way to see some of the tropical countryside of Fiji, away from the influence of humanity. Some companies also include a stop at the Fijian village of Namuamua, where you can take part in a traditional yaqona ceremony. This is a great excursion if you have kids, since the river is slow and lazy. Also, taking part in a kava ceremony is a lot of fun and will certainly help relax you for the journey home.
 Step back in time and visit Levuka
Fiji’s first capital, Levuka, sits frozen in time on the lovely island of Ovalau. As you walk down the historic Beach Street, it seems as though life hasn’t changed since 1882, when the colonial administration moved the capital to Suva. The clapboard houses with their tin roofs, rundown dry-goods stores with false fronts and the Baroque tower of the Sacred Heart Church all give Levuka a distinct ambiance that is unique in Fiji and well worth a visit. The town is surrounded by 360 metre-high basalt walls which create one of the most dramatic tropical scenes on the planet. However, the town has no decent beach and little flat land, which has deterred tourism development. Still, if you want to see how the South Pacific looked a century ago, this is the place to go. Since it’s well off the beaten tourist track, you’ll find it pleasantly quiet. Air Fiji runs a morning flight to Ovalau Island and a late afternoon flight coming back, making it possible to see the town as a day trip.
 Visit a deserted island
The Mamanucas are a group of tiny islands off the coast from Nadi which are popular with travellers who want to experience the feeling of a tropical deserted island. Divers and snorkellers come here for the incredible soft coral reefs and abundant colourful sea life which surrounds the islands. Others come to surf the world-class breaks or simply lay on empty stretches of white, sandy beaches. Only a few of the islands such as Monu and Monuriki have any decent amount of native forest left, but visitors can check out the local birds and reptiles which live here. There are a handful of resorts on the islands if you want to stay for a while. Otherwise, the Mamanucas can be experienced as a day trip from Nadi.
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