There was a time in the 1840’s when certain towns were known for the wild life of their inhabitants – Papeete in Tahiti, Nuku’alofa in Tonga, Lahaina in Hawaii, Rusell in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand and Levuka in Fiji. These were the favorite haunts of beachcombers, whalers, black-birders, adventurers, runaway convicts and speculators of all kinds.

They were places for the quick and the dead. All of them have since been overcome by civilization and progress which has seen the quaintness of the original buildings and the resonance of the past give way to new developments… all except Levuka.

SUVA – THE “NEW CAPITAL”

Suva was declared the Capital City of the Fiji Islands in 1882, after 26 years of having the old capital at Levuka, on the island of Ovalau. The city is located on the eastern division of Viti Levu, the largest island of 10,429 square kilometers. In 1879, Suva’s population was 200 while today it is more than 200,000 multi-racial people.

This vibrant city life; known as the ‘harbour city’ rests on a large peninsula overlooking the stunning views of the southeastern region.

Suva offers a wide selection of restaurants, bars, and entertainment and is home to the Government of the day, foreign embassies and consulates and educational as well as financial institutions, including the University of the South Pacific, Fiji Institute of Technology, ANZ Banking Group, Westpac Banking Corporation, and Colonial National Bank. The downtown area features modern shops, up-market restaurants and numerous nightspots, which springs to life entertainment for all types of people.
Suva has a very vigorous nightlife with hotels which have their own bars and open to tourists as well as the public.

Transport around Suva is easy; you can either catch the local buses from the main bus terminal, which will take you all over Suva as well as across Viti Levu. Taxis are easy to locate, with the flag rate starting at FJ$1.00 and FJ$1.50 for taxi service after 10pm.

Suva has hosted the South Pacific Games on three occasions [1963, 1979 and 2003]. This major sporting event is held every four years and includes competitions in individual as well as team sports such as archery, athletics, netball, hockey, swimming, rugby, outrigger canoeing and many more.

Another interesting aspect of the tourist industry exhibiting great potential for profitable business enterprise is secondary tourism initiatives, or eco-tourism. Eco-tourism has emerged as an exciting complement to mainstream tourism and is seen as an amalgam of the whole range of criteria with the ultimate outcome for the guests being great tourism experiences, whilst safeguarding the welfare of the future generations. There are several established attractions of this kind which have succeeded in tapping into the tourism market.

Tavuni Hill Fort

Built in 1788 by a clan of Tongans (led by Chief Maile Latemai) as a defensive fortification, the site has been restored and is well maintained. It boasts original grave sites, terraced barricades, ceremonial grounds and even a head-chopping stone from days long ago. The site is equally renowned for its enormous beautiful trees and spectacular views.

Momi Gun Bay

The now silent Gun Battery is nestled among the sugar cane fields of Momi and is a remnant of World War II. Built in 1941 to ward off possible Japanese attacks, the site remains relatively intact, accessible and a monument that is well worth the visit.

Sigatoka Sand Dunes

The historical Lapita people played an important role in Fiji’s early history. Proof of their existence has been found in the form of pottery fragments and human skeletons, buried in the Sigatoka Sand Dunes. Good trekking opportunities, great views and nearby offshore surf breaks. This is the sight of Fiji’s first national heritage partk and covering 650 hectares, it is an important archaeological and ecological area.

Garden of the Sleeping Giant

Just 10 minutes north of Nadi Airport, the garden was established by US actor Raymond Burr and have fantastic tropical gardens and orchids.

Bouma National Heritage Park

This protects more than 80% of the island including 150 sq km of pristine rain and coastal forest. The triple cascades of the Bouma (Tavoro) waterfalls and their natural swimming holes are a highlight.

Viseisei Village

Located in Vuda and is known as the birth place of Fijians. Legends have it that the Fijian chiefly voyager named Degei is said to have ruled over the creedal village. In those traditions, a giant canoe named the Kaunitoni, carrying the god chiefs, Lutunasobasoba and Degei sailed from the ancient homeland and landed on the north-west coast of Viti Levu. The chiefs built their first village at Viseisei but abandoned it moving inland along a mountainous ridge which stretches from Vuda to Nakauvadra.

Naiserelagi Catholic Mission

This historic 1917 mission south-east of Rakiraki enjoys a scenic location overlooking Viti Levu Bay. It is famous for its mural of a black Christ, painted by Jean Charlot in 1962.

Sri Siva Subrahmaniya Swami Temple

This is the largest and finest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere and located at the end of the main road through Nadi. The foundation for the temple had been laid at the old site in 1976 during the Golden Jubilee Celebrations by His Excellence the High Commissioner for the Government of India in Fiji. You may visit during the day, but shoes must be removed. No smoking or photography is permitted.

Cultural Centres
Unique, spectacular and fun cultural centres are one of the pleasant discoveries you’ll make during your visit to Fiji. A brilliant blend of culture, tradition and the history of Fiji. You will discover and take part in ceremonies, including the welcoming “Kava” ceremony, hear tales of local folklore, witness firewalking on bed of white hot rocks and savour sumptouse “Lovo” feasts.
Visit the Arts Village at Pacific Harbour, which is Fijian culture “alive and strong” -25 acres of tours, shows, demonstrations, shopping and restraints. Ancient Fiji comes to life “Disneyland style” as you explore a village by boat or on foot. Take a seat in the grandstand to experience our live action-packed show with dancing, stunts, “Meke” traditional song and dance performance, mock battle and the famous “Beqa Firewalkers”.

Fiji Museum
The Fiji Museum was founded in 1904 and houses some of the best kept collections of Fijian artifacts that trace back history to more than 100 years. The Museum is located in the unique Thurston Gardens. Open six days a week from 09:30am to 4:30pm – Monday to Saturdays.

NATIONAL PARKS
The National Trust of Fiji administers six national parks and designated as areas of outstanding national beauty.
Koroyanitu National Heritage Park
If you are a keen walker or nature lover, the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park is definitely worth a visit. There are six villages within the park that cooperate as part of an ecotourism project. They maintain the landscape and tracks, and subsequently earn tourist dollars through village stays and manning the office. From here, you will have the spectacular views of the Nadi Bay and the Mamanuca Islands. A knowledgeable tour guide will take you around. Village etiquette must be observed at all times.

Singatoka Sandunes National Park, Viti Levu
This 4-mile stretch of large windswept sand dunes along the coast is a protected environment administered by the National Trust of Fiji. The park has a very informative visitor centre for details about the history and ecology of the region. There are several official trails to explore the sand dunes which often expose ancient pottery shards.

Colo-i-Suva Forest Reserve
Offers 6 square km of trails through rainforest less than a 20 minute drive from Suva. The area has several small waterfalls, indigenous flora, bird and scenic lookouts.

Bouma National Park. Taveuni, Northern Islands
On the beautiful Garden Island of Taveuni this park offers three separate day hikes- Tavoro Waterfalls, Lavena Coastal Walk and Vidawa Rainforest Hike. There is also a rough trail to Lake Tagimoucia, home of the rare Tagimoucia flower that comes out in abundance between September and December.

Nausori Highlands
This inland rural area is an impressive collection of rolling hills, river valleys and volcanic peeks. The highlands also offer fantastic views over the Mamanuca and southern Yasawa islands to the west. Experience these sights in air-conditioned comfort.

Lovoni Trail, Ovalau, Lomaiviti Group
The tropical mountains behind Levuka on Ovalau have some excellent trails, waterfalls and swimming pools to explore. The beauty here is that they can all be reached from the road a short walk from the historic town of Levuka.