Exploring the Less-Trodden Paths of the Enthralling Fijian

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Fiji is never just ‘Fiji.’ A nation composed of more than 330 islands, there are yet many things left unexplored. The palm-fringed beaches, perfect brochure beach-side images, the gleaming turquoise water beyond the white sandy shores – these are just the beginning of what Fiji has to offer.

While the popular Mamanucas chain of islands and Denarau are firmly set in every tourist’s map for Fijian island destinations, there are still others waiting for you to come and discover them.

Offering the dream holiday vacation of the popular Fijian islands and a lot more, go adrift and explore the less-trodden paths of the enthralling Fijian.

LOCATION

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With exactly 333 islands, the Fijian nation is seen on the map of the world dotting the vast ocean of the South Pacific.

Composed of dream beach-escapes, excellent cooking, top spas, booming luxury resorts and natural wonders, Fiji has become Oceania’s pride and a favorite holiday destination to many.

With New Zealand, Australia, and Hawaii just three, four, and five hours away by plane, most parts of Fiji are easily accessible.

CLIMATE

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Fiji’s climate can be described as very warm. With winter temperatures at an estimated 20-25 degrees Celsius and summer temperatures at an estimated 25-30 degrees Celsius the Fijian Island proudly stands for its name as a tropical paradise.

However, with other factors such as its geographic characteristic of being mountainous from the North to South of its three largest islands, rainfall is another major climate consideration.

It results in dry grasslands and lower humidity in some parts, particularly of Nadi and Mamanuca, while some parts experience lush vegetation and higher humidity.

During summer, which is from November to April, and the wet season, expect to be visited by tropical cyclones.

TRANSPORTATION

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Serving regular flights from Auckland, Christchurch, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Vancouver and Hong Kong among the world’s most popular destinations, it is not hard to gain access to Fiji. The main entry point for tourists is through the Nadi International Airport, which also conducts domestic flights to bring you to different parts of the country.

In mainland Fiji, buses are inexpensive and efficient. It usually costs 47 FJD from Suva to Nadi. There are also shared taxis in Fiji, which as the name suggests, works the same way as buses by collecting as many passengers as it can hold and charges roughly the same amount as buses. Going to different islands, however, requires boat trips or cruises.

ATTRACTIONS

If we’re simply talking about the attractions one can find in Fiji, then you’re probably already initiated to the most popular islands of the country and may have heard quite a number of islands to visit out of its long list of 333.

However, we’re talking about the less popular Fijian islands that also offer the luxury and comfort of its famed sisters, albeit less populated, cheaper, and more blissful.

To give you more options for your Fijian holiday destination, here are other islands that are less popular but equally charming.

Taveuni

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Perhaps the most popular in the list, Taveuni is considered the Garden Island of Fiji. With wildflowers and monster ferns thriving in its tropical rain forests, the island is the only home for rare a flora – tagimaucia.

While its diversity is a fantasy turned reality for nature lovers, it does not end within the forest. As an island in the tropics, it boasts a dazzling coastline and further beyond is a magical place under water – the Waitabu Marine Park and the Vuna Reef.

Taveuni is also the home for Bouma National Heritage Park. It offers hiking trails and an opportunity for bird-watching. The offer also includes waterfalls to cool off after a sweaty hike.

Kadavu

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Creeping slowly into the ranks of popular tourist spots in the Fijian Islands, Kedavu is half harsh, half paradise. A group of untamed islands against the seemingly unforgiving sea, this part of Fiji is stark in beauty.

Road-free, isolated among each other and hugged by tropical rain forests, there’s a sense of peaceful relief much like having finally reached paradise.

With such isolation, what do tourists do? One of the largest barrier reefs in the world, the Great Astrolabe, borders Kadavu and with such comes diving spots that give opportunities for swimming with manta rays and snorkeling its wonder-filled underwater tunnels.

Lau Group

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No hotels and no restaurants with only a few guesthouses in its two islands, the Lau group is open to tourism but only has few visitors. Perhaps the ultimate destination of Melanesian Fiji, you have to be brave enough for possibilities of getting stuck or getting lost.

Cargo ships come here, but are infrequent and domestic flights are even more infrequent. However, the sense of accomplishment should do you well once you’ve reach this group of islands.

Finally stepping on solid ground, be welcomed by Lau’s unspoiled beauty and the locals’ warm hospitality. Due to isolation, there is also a unique culture in Lau which one can experience only by visiting traditional villages.

Walking on its long, white empty shore could provide a calming experience. For activities, there is a chance to see pristine coral reefs through snorkeling and diving, particularly in the Bay of Islands. One can also play water sports like surfing on its vast and open sea.

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Images

(1.) http://www.worldfortravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Beautiful-Denarau-Island.jpg
(2.) http://www.fiji.travel/sites/default/files//styles/hero-full/public/worldmap-watercolour-lge.jpg?itok=GZtuwObC
(3.) http://fotoworkshops.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/photodune-2415457-tropical-beach-m.jpg
(4.) http://www.charterworld.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/A-Superyacht-in-the-enchanting-South-Pacific-yacht-holiday-location-Fiji-Photo-Ming-Nomchong-and-Luke-Henkel.jpg
(5.) https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim62pSbvLYl6HrCSgVkX6U_da48Gd7vLuD7HvHn0FqfItBNMlCQWw8ixk3vUuGD_46ji-cmWnTqCeg-0oMnmfvLeW3_Mm5MuvKpAx5ICW153phVB974HYi0jp1K7g1n-Z4c5XkGghGY0w/s1600/seafan.jpg
(6.) https://www.divein.com/wp-content/uploads/fiji-water-909×600.jpg
(7) http://avatarlogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/CBParker_D3S_20110912_BayIslands-516-Edit.jpg