When In Manila, you can dream of tropical islands, golden beaches, and deep blue lagoons. All this, and much much more, can be found in the remote islands of Fiji. I say islands, as there are over 330 discrete land masses, many of which are uninhabited, and over 500 islets.
The amazing deep blue of the Pacific Ocean, broken up by the golden sands of the many islands.
Bounty Island in the distance.
Fiji is a major holiday destination, buried deep in the Pacific Ocean, and many tourists opt to head straight out to one of the many small islands for complete isolation, and a return to nature. A number of large resorts have sprung up around the two main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu with Nadi, on the western side of Viti Levu, having a fair share of them.
Diving around the coral reef is the best way to explore Fiji
Of note is the island of Denarau , which is connected to the main island by a bridge, and on which can be found a cluster of resorts. It is at these resorts that the tourists from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa congregate, as the facilities are first class and everything is catered for family holidays. Most resorts offer babysitting services, kids clubs, an enormous number of restaurants, and a wide range of water-sport activities.
Fiji Time on the Beach at Sunset
One of the newest hotels on Denarau is the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, a five star resort that caters to the wealthier clientele. Staff appear to outnumber guests by a wide margin, and it is a popular destination for weddings as it has a massive ballroom, which is used to screen rugby matches when no functions are on. It is worth noting that rugby is a religion in Fiji, and the significant local talent produces some of the world’s best Rugby Sevens Players, a sport that is fast, furious, and very physical. The physical size of Fijians makes them well suited to the sport, and rugby is played by absolutely everyone.
Looking across the huge swimming pool at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
Your intrepid When In Manila Reporter in the main reception of the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
You cannot go far in Fiji without hearing the beautiful welcome of Bula, which is a mix of hi, how are you, and welcome. The people of Fiji are kind and happy with life. Their humor is infectious, and they are the perfect hosts. Don’t expect things to run to time though, as “Fiji Time” distorts everything; the pace of life is deliberately slow, and if you are in a rush, you are in the wrong place. After a few days of being in Fiji, you will be attuned to Fiji Time, and will have slowed down enough to not care how long that cold beer takes to reach you across the pool. The noise of cities, the stress of life, and all cares melt away once you take a deep breath, and accept the joys of Fiji Time.
Bula Bula – Welcome Home!
Head over to the Fiji Museum in Suva to read about the varied and exciting history of Fiji, and to find out more about the people of this beautiful set of islands, and to track the origins of Bula.
No visit to Fiji is complete without an actual trip to see the many islands, stopping along the way to see turtles, copious fish, including the Clownfish of Finding Nemo fame, and the Pacific Regal Blue Tang, better known as Dory. These fish live in the many coral reefs around the islands, and can easily be found if snorkeling around the shores. The water around the islands is so blue, it is like being in a postcard. The incredible golden sand beaches can be seen for miles before you arrive at an island as they reflect the bright sun, and the lush green coconut trees spring out of the beaches.
The waters are teeming with fish
There are many boat trips that can be arranged at the Denarau Marina, and a choice of long or short trips to the many islands. A private boat is incredibly expensive, but offers a tailored trip of a lifetime. There are large catamaran boats, that are reasonably priced, that will take large numbers of backpackers and travelers to their island hideaways, and offer a great way to spend a day.
Turtle POWER!
If, When In Manila, you need to escape the bustle of everyday life, use the time distortion of Fiji, get onto Fiji Time, and the world will literally slow down in front of your eyes.
Softitel Fiji Resort & Spa: Best Place to Stay When In Fiji
