Fiji straddles the 180 degree longitude line (which crosses land on a remote tip of Vanua Levu and again near the center of Taveuni), so the international date line jogs east, placing Fiji all in one time zone and, "ahead" of most of the rest of the world.
Internal political events in the recent past resulted in a reduction in tourism. The Fiji tourism industry has responded by lowering prices and increasing promotion of the main resort areas that are far removed from the politics in and around the capital, Suva.
Mostly mountains of volcanic origin
In most of the interior of the main islands there are some roads and always trails, and an amazing number of remote villages. Buses and open or canvas topped "carriers" traverse the mountains of Vanua Levu several times a day and the interior mountains of Viti Levu many times weekly (The Tacirua Transport "hydromaster" bus which leaves from Nausori in the morning and runs past the hydroelectric resevoir and mount Tomanivi to arrive the same day in Vatoukola and Tavua is the best and the scenery is truly spectacular in good weather!)
Exercise caution when making bookings with the travel agents at the airport. Fiji tourism is laden with 15-20% 'deposits' (commissions) that encourage agents to book with the resorts that provide the best commission, rather than the best holiday experience.
You can enter Fiji by boat from Australia through the Astrala shore connection.
The current going rate from resorts on Nadi beach to Nadi downtown is $6 per passenger, and $10 to the airport -- you should be able negotiate this price reasonably easily.
While there is rarely much traffic present, most vehicles run on diesel and pollution on major roadways can be severe. A national speed limit of 80 km/h is usually observed; village speed limits are all but entirely ignored, but drivers slow down for several speed humps distributed within each village. Seat belts are advised on taxis but are rarely evident and apparently never used.
Road travel tends to be more dangerous than many people are used to, and many embassies advise their citizens to avoid pretty much any form of road travel. Pot holes, washouts and dilapidated bridges are commonplace. Buses are the best, unless you are truly comfortable and capable of renting and driving a car on your own - most people are not even if they think they are. Avoid travel at night, especially outside of urban areas. Another option is hop-on, hop-off bus passes which allow you to tour Fiji at your own pace for a fixed price. These are a more expensive way to travel but feature inclusions like tours and activities. However, some like [http://www.feejeeexperience.com/ Feejee Experience] are limited to Viti Levu and trips to Beachcomber island and don't include the more remote islands.
[http://www.ssc.com.fj/ South Sea Cruises] operates daily inter-island ferry transfers throughout Fiji's Mamanuca Island resorts. [http://www.awesomefiji.com/ Awesome Adventures Fiji] provides daily ferry transfers out to the remote Yasawa Islands. Inter-island ferries are reasonably priced and the larger ones (especially those large enough to accommodate cars and trucks) have a good safety record, though they may be overcrowded at the beginning and end of school holiday periods.
Do not attempt to take a car to another island unless you own it or have made clear special arrangements - most rental companies forbid it and they do prosecute tourists who violate this clause in the contract.
Bicycles are becoming more popular in Fiji in recent years for locals and tourists alike. In many ways, Fiji is an ideal place for a rugged bike tour. However, the motor vehicle traffic can be intimidating on well-travelled roads, and there is a lack of accommodation along secondary roads. Cycling is a great way to see Fiji but make sure you carry all your own spares and supplies as bike shops are scarce. It is a good idea to carry plenty of water, a camelbak is great, as it is very hot and humid almost year round.
The main Road around the largest island, Viti Levu, is sealed except for a 40km section on the eastern side. A sturdy road, touring or hybrid bike is suitable.
''Note for cycling enthusiasts: If you are coming in Suva, contact Dom Sansom velocityfijiATgmailDOTcom of the Velocity Cycling Club to link up other cyclists. There are some very nice cycling routes up the mountains behind Suva and Nadi. The sealed roads are smooth and do not have much traffic. The route takes you past waterfalls and you can arrange to drop in at Netani Kuila's farm, at Batiki for a local breakfast.
Local delicacies to try include fresh tropical fruits (they can be found at the farmer's market in any town when in season), paulsami (baked taro leaves marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk often with some meat or fish filling and a bit of onion or garlic), kokoda (fish or other seafood marinated in lemon and coconut milk), and anything cooked in a ''lovo'' or pit oven. ''Vutu'' is a local variety of nut mainly grown on the island of Beqa, but also available in Suva and other towns around January and February. A great deal of food is cooked in coconut milk, take note that everyone reacts different to increased fat levels in their diet.
A very popular drink in Fiji is ''yaqona'' ("yang-go-na"), also known as "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kava kava]" and sometimes referred to as "grog" by locals. Kava is a peppery, earthy tasting drink made from the root of the pepper plant (piper methysticum). Its effects include a numbed tongue and lips (usually lasting only about 5-10 minutes) and relaxed muscles. Kava is mildly intoxicating, especially when consumed in large quantities or on a regular basis and one should avoid taxi and other drivers who have recently partaken.
Kava drinking in Fiji became popular during the fall of cannibalism, and originated as a way to resolve conflict and facilitate peaceful negotiations between villages. It should not be consumed alongside alcohol.
[http://nomadshostels.com/hostels/fiji A list of Fiji Budget Accommodation]
Many smaller and simpler accommodations have "local rates" and can give discounts that are simply huge if you can book a room in person (or have a local do it for you) and give a legitimate local address and phone number. In the Suva area, the Raffles Tradewinds is nice and quiet and about a dollar by frequently running buses from central down town. Sometimes upon arrival at the airport in Nadi, you can stop at the Raffles Gateway across from the airport entrance and book a room at the Tradewinds at a good local rate if business is slow.
[http://www.turtlefiji.com Turtle Island] is an island resort in the Yasawa islands that is gaining notoriety for its celebrity honeymooners (most recently Britney Spears).
Another exclusive private island resort is the [http://www.poseidonresorts.com Poseidon Resort], which is the world first and only underwater hotel, which also have exclusive beach bungalows with each one having a private beach (as well as as private golf course and an interesting cave system being avaliable to guest). Guest will also have access to a private submarine to explore the reefs and aquatic life. Packages are two days in the underwater resort and 5 days above the water in the private bungalows. Guests are flown in via private plane.
Fijian Resort [http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/yanucaisland/fijianresort Shangri-La's] is located at Yanuca island in Sigatoka.
[http://www.tanoaplaza-fiji.com/accommodations.php Suva] has become a desirable destination for conventions, meetings and events. With so many exciting off-site activities so close to the hotel, options for a unique and rewarding event are endless.
Namaka, Nadi is the perfect place for either the first or last stop of your [http://www.tourismfiji.com/ Fiji holiday] or for the adventurous traveller, a great base from which to explore Fiji. If you are looking for great Fiji diving spots,[http://nomadshostels.com/hostels/fiji/nadi-skylodge Nomads Skylodge] Resort is also the perfect place to begin your diving adventures and provides hotel rooms in addition to backpacker accommodation.
Nadi is the hub of tourism for the [http://www.tanoa-international-fiji.com/location.php Fiji Islands]. You can get all the resources you need to explore your lodging options, [http://www.tanoa-international-fiji.com/accommodations.php hotels and resorts], activities and trips and tours. Nadi is a thriving community with many things to explore and experience. There is also a number of local activities and places to see when you are in Nadi as well.
Lautoka is Fiji's second largest city. The real charm of this dry western side of the island is the mountain ranges inland from Nadi and Lautoka. Koroyanitu National Park offers hiker overnight adventure through the semi-rainforest,waterfalls and small villages. Tours to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant are also very popular for the different ornamental orchids together with forest walks through botanical wonders. While in Lautoka, you can stay at the [http://www.tanoawaterfront-fiji.com/ Tanoa Waterfront Hotel], just a twenty-five minute drive from Nadi Airport.
[http://www.tanoarakiraki.com/ Tanoa Rakiraki ] is a colonial township that captivates visitors with its old world charm and serenity. The hotel is two minutes from town.It is the half way point between Nadi and Suva, and presents a different Fiji, one that many visitors never see.
If you'd care to sample outer island life, [http://www.moanasguesthouses.com/ Moanas Guest House] on Vanua Balavu in the remote Lau Group is worth considering. Vanua Balavu only receives one Air Fiji flight a week from Suva. There's hiking, snorkeling, caving, and fishing to keep you entertained.
Muggings are often carried out by large groups of men so being in a group won't necessarily be a deterrent. Police forces sometimes have difficult responding to crime, potentially for reasons as mundane as being unable to pay for petrol.
Fijian culture encourages sharing and sometimes small things like shoes will be "borrowed". Often by speaking with the village chief it can be arranged to get things returned.
Also, be aware that homosexual sex may be a crime in Fiji. While Fiji claims to welcome gay travelers, there has been a recent case where a visitor to the country was initially jailed for 2 years for paying a local for homosexual sex. He was later freed on appeal.
Fiji is still run by a military government, following a coup in December 2006. Although its effect has not been prominent in the resort areas of Nadi, it has led to economic decline, and a decrease in the rule of law. Journalists may be blacklisted for political reasons. Those whose employment involves reporting controversial political activities should take extra care to ensure that their visas are in order before visiting Fiji.
Drownings are common, and automobile and other motor vehicle accidents (often involving animals or pedestrians) are very common. Local emergency medical care is very good on the basics in urban areas. Expect long waits in government-run clinics and hospitals. Treatment for serious conditions often requires an evacuation to New Zealand or Australia. Even the most basic medical care is usually not available outside of urban areas.
Fiji, like most of the South Pacific, can have intense solar radiation that can cause severe skin-burns in a short amount of time. Be sure to use hats, sunglasses and liberal amounts of high-SPF value sunblock on ALL exposed skin (including ears, noses and tops-of-feet) when out in the sun. On top of that tropical boils are a common inconvenience in Fiji, this can be avoided by giving those sweaty sections of the body a soapy scrub more than once a day.
Also, dress modestly and appropriately. While Fiji is a tropical country, beach-wear should be confined to the beach. Take your cues from the locals as to what they consider appropriate dress for the occasion. When visiting towns and villages, you should be sure to cover your shoulders and wear shorts or ''sulus'' (sarongs) that cover your knees (both genders). This is especially true for visiting a church, although locals will often lend you a ''sulu'' for a church visit.
A Fijian considers his head sacred. '''Never''' touch a Fijian's head with your hand or ''any'' object for ''any'' reason.