Fiji at a glance
Fiji consists of precisely 333 islands, out of which only a third are inhabited. Amid such an idyllic backdrop, it's hard to believe that this paradise was once dominated by cannibalistic tribes for a mind-boggling 2,500 years!
The most infamous among them was Chief Udre Udre, who resided on Viti Levu and supposedly devoured a staggering 999 of his fellow countrymen, as confirmed by the Guinness World Records. Thankfully, in present times, there is absolutely no risk of becoming someone's dinner. Instead, our comprehensive travel guide to Fiji navigates you from one heavenly island to another, where you can luxuriate in some well-deserved rest and relaxation. You can also enjoy exhilarating diving in the soft coral capital of the world, alongside tiger sharks and bull sharks; immerse yourself in the vibrant fire walker festivals of the capital Suva; or even ride the challenging left-hand Mamanuca break (one for professional surfers, although there are plenty of other accessible breaks available). Venturing deeper into the heart of Viti Levu (the biggest island), indulge in a mildly narcotic drink during a customary kava ceremony within the village of Navala. Alternatively, embark on jungle treks along scenic paths where you can marvel at stunning orchids and vibrant bird species thriving in the lush forests. As you journey further inland, immerse yourself in a verdant paradise, bathed in hues of emerald green, but once you head to the sea, be prepared for a kaleidoscope of colour. Beneath the surface, revel in the awe-inspiring spectacle of healthy corals, vibrant with colour. Vanua Levu, a rustic and remote island, boasts stunning hotels and a plethora of dive sites within the Namena Marine Reserve, where reef walls and coral-covered pinnacles teem with life. Explore the Somosomo Strait, just off Taveuni, for epic soft coral dives (including the famous Great White Wall dive site), and don't be surprised when manta rays, hammerheads, reef sharks and possibly even whale sharks cruise by. Beqa (pronounced Benga) Lagoon, home to one of the most exciting shark dives in the world, pulls divers from far and wide to share the wild blue, with black tip reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, silvertips, tawny nurse sharks, sicklefin lemon sharks, bulls and maybe even a tiger shark or two. All in the same place at the same time; that's enough to get any diver's heart racing! And, to keep that blood pumping, head to Fiji's Bligh Water, the channel between Vanua Levu and Viti Levu where incredibly nutrient-rich water and strong currents usher in a torrent of life up and down the food chain.
