The Fiji archipelago includes more than 300 islands scattered across some 230,000 sq. km (75,000 sq. miles) in the Southwest Pacific. The islands are primarily volcanic in origin with high rugged terrain.

The 2 main islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, comprising 85 percent of the total land mass.

Fiji is a country rich in tradition and culture, overflowing with lush tropical vegetation, surrounded by crystal clear water. Here, time moves very different it is slower and we often bend to accommodate peoples needs. No stress, no pressure, just total relaxation - isn't that just great ! Mountain treks to remote Fijian villages are a favourite adventure activity.

There are a couple of things you really must try during your visit to our beautiful islands. Drink Kava (Yaqona), eat Lovo, view Meke and Firewalking. Kava drinking is a common ceremonial and social custom, still important to Fijian lifestyle. It is made from the root of a pepper plant and served from a tanoa, a carved wooden bowl sitting on legs. You will be offered a bilo (cup) of this drink on several occasions during your Fiji visit. Lovo is an underground oven in which food (vegetables. fish and meat) is wrapped in banana leaves and cooked slowly over smouldering stones, providing a distinctive , fiantly smokey flavour. Many of the dishes are later prepared in coconut cream. The feast which follows is called the Magiti (mahng-eety). A meke is the Fijian song and dance performance which often follows the mangiti. The islanders from the island of Beqa also perform firewalking, an event not to be missed.

 

The Fijian Language:
Commonly Encountered Words

Fijian	Pronounced	English
Bula	Boo-lah	Hello
Ni Sa Yadra	Nee-sah-yandra	Good Morning
Io	Ee-o	Yes
Sega	Seng-ah	No
Vinaka	Vee-naakah	Thank You
Kere Kere	Carry-carry	Please
Moce	Mo-they	Goodbye
Turaga	Too-raan-gah	Sir/man
Marama	Mah-rah-mah	Madam/woman

 

More information on Fiji can be found at:

Fiji Online - The Official Fiji Islands Home Page
Bula Fiji - Fiji Visitors Bureau