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fiji:
general info
· travel advisories
· getting there
· getting around
when to go
· fast facts
· history
· maps
· itinerary
· hostels
tours
· things to do
· diving
· forum
· trivia
· safety
· links
· read reviews
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Fiji is one of these paradise on earth islands in the Pacific. But the island has more to
offer than just beaches where you can bum, and water where you can snorkel.
Fiji itself is made up of 3 main Islands - Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni. They used to be known as the "Cannibal Isles"
and although Fiji has preserved a lot of its traditional customs and crafts such as kava drinking and fire-walking, cannibalism has
not continued here. Cruises on large schooners or yachts to the
different islands can be arranged, and tours around the main islands in comfortable coaches are also available. For
the hardier, hiking in the mountains with dramatic views of the islands is another option.
There are many scenic and historic attractions in Fiji. The capital, Suva, has many old shops and
markets with various foods, artifacts, handicrafts and especially seafood. Places of historic interest include the National
Museum, situated in the lush surrounds of Thurston Gardens next to Government House and the old Parliament Buildings. Other
sites of interest on Fiji include the Cultural Centre at Orchid Island, just outside of Suva, the mysterious earthworks at
Taveuni and the old colonial houses (situated around Fiji).
The ethnic variety of Fiji society can be seen mainly in the towns. There are powerfully built Fijians dressed in wrap-around
sulus, numerous Indians, men in Western clothes, women wearing colorful saris and a scattering of European, Chinese and other
Pacific Islanders. One tradition of both the Indians and Fijians is the practice of fire-walking. Fijian fire-walking has its
origin in legend, while Indian fire-walking is done for religious reasons; although tourists can pay to see these ceremonies,
the ritual remains a religious penance and not merely a tourist attraction.
There are approximately 52% indigenous Fijians and 48% Fijian Indians living in the country.
Indigenous Fijians are predominately
of Melanesian origins and most Fijians Indians are descendants of indentured laborers.
If you search around and glance over antique maps of Fiji you will notice that the islands were in fact originally named
"Feejee" as opposed to "Fiji". This apparently came about because Captain James Cook was having a yarn with the
Tongans who referred to the islands as "Viti", Cook must have had an ear infection as he thought they
said "Feejee" so hence the name was penned into his logbook and the maps depicted the Feejee Islands.
There's so much more to learn... Check out our Facts For The Visitor or read up on our reviews of everything about Fiji:
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