AmyHuang
Five alternative activities to do in Fiji
White sandy beaches, beautiful corals, comfortable luxury resorts and the friendly Bula! are what we know of Fiji from the travel agents. Few visitors venture beyond the walls of their resort to explore what are known to the locals as alternative and unusual Fijian experiences. Here are five of my personal favourites:
1. Visit the Namosi highlands we traveled by long boat up the Navua River, slowly going deep into the Namosi highlands through rainforests and small villages. As we pass by children run along the river bank waving hello. We stopped at an inland waterfall and had a refreshing swim before the tour guide took us to the Namuamua village to experience some local cuisine. The villagers gathered together and performed a meke dance, and before I knew it, I was among the group trying out my own dance steps. We travelled with Sun Vacations and the tour cost from FJD$132 per person. Sun Vacations Fiji
2. Get on the Zip Line located just a little inland from Pacific Coast is the craziest activity to do in Fiji! I arrived at Zip Line expecting just another course of tree top flying fox, but was treated to a speeding adventure while being able to view the beautiful rainforests and surrounds. For a group pick up from surrounding hotels, prices start at FJD$135. Zip Fiji
3. Visit the Naihehe Caves right in the heart of the Sigatoka valley on the Coral Coast is the Naihehe Caves. We were picked up by our driver early in the morning and were transported to the mouth of the Sigatoka River for a bamboo raft ride into the valley. Just a short walk from the river in the valley we entered the sacred Naihehe Caves which is the last fortress of the pagan Fijians. The guide pointed out some of the reminder of their past lives including a priest chamber, and a cannibal oven! This was one of the highlights of my trip. We travelled with Adventured in Paradise Fiji, and the tour cost FJD$99 from our Coral Coast hotel. Adventures In Paradise Fiji
4. Trek and learn the warring past from Tavuni Hill Fort also in the Sigatoka Valley and rarely visited, is the Tavuni Fort. The fort was settled by Tongan Chief Maile Latamai around 1800 AD and is located high up the hill in Sigatoka Valley where you can view a breathtaking view of the surrounding highlands. The Tavuni Fort was used to defend against the invading troops from other Pacific Island tribes. We were introduced to the fort by our local driver which we hired for the day, and there is a national park fee around FJD$20 per person including a local guide to take you around the fort and tell the stories of the lives of these warriors. At the same time, visit the Naroro village at the foot of the hill, the traditional guardians of the fort. Naroro Village
5. Shop for a Sari Fiji has the most multiracial culture in the South Pacific, and one of the largest ethnic culture groups are the Indo-Fijians, descendants of the Indian labourers brought in by the Europeans. Therefore, it makes all the sense that shopping for a beautiful Sari made by these Indo-Fijians is on the top of a visitors list. Coming from Australia and still saving for a trip to India, this is the closest to the India culture until I plan my Indian trip!
1. Visit the Namosi highlands we traveled by long boat up the Navua River, slowly going deep into the Namosi highlands through rainforests and small villages. As we pass by children run along the river bank waving hello. We stopped at an inland waterfall and had a refreshing swim before the tour guide took us to the Namuamua village to experience some local cuisine. The villagers gathered together and performed a meke dance, and before I knew it, I was among the group trying out my own dance steps. We travelled with Sun Vacations and the tour cost from FJD$132 per person. Sun Vacations Fiji
2. Get on the Zip Line located just a little inland from Pacific Coast is the craziest activity to do in Fiji! I arrived at Zip Line expecting just another course of tree top flying fox, but was treated to a speeding adventure while being able to view the beautiful rainforests and surrounds. For a group pick up from surrounding hotels, prices start at FJD$135. Zip Fiji
3. Visit the Naihehe Caves right in the heart of the Sigatoka valley on the Coral Coast is the Naihehe Caves. We were picked up by our driver early in the morning and were transported to the mouth of the Sigatoka River for a bamboo raft ride into the valley. Just a short walk from the river in the valley we entered the sacred Naihehe Caves which is the last fortress of the pagan Fijians. The guide pointed out some of the reminder of their past lives including a priest chamber, and a cannibal oven! This was one of the highlights of my trip. We travelled with Adventured in Paradise Fiji, and the tour cost FJD$99 from our Coral Coast hotel. Adventures In Paradise Fiji
4. Trek and learn the warring past from Tavuni Hill Fort also in the Sigatoka Valley and rarely visited, is the Tavuni Fort. The fort was settled by Tongan Chief Maile Latamai around 1800 AD and is located high up the hill in Sigatoka Valley where you can view a breathtaking view of the surrounding highlands. The Tavuni Fort was used to defend against the invading troops from other Pacific Island tribes. We were introduced to the fort by our local driver which we hired for the day, and there is a national park fee around FJD$20 per person including a local guide to take you around the fort and tell the stories of the lives of these warriors. At the same time, visit the Naroro village at the foot of the hill, the traditional guardians of the fort. Naroro Village
5. Shop for a Sari Fiji has the most multiracial culture in the South Pacific, and one of the largest ethnic culture groups are the Indo-Fijians, descendants of the Indian labourers brought in by the Europeans. Therefore, it makes all the sense that shopping for a beautiful Sari made by these Indo-Fijians is on the top of a visitors list. Coming from Australia and still saving for a trip to India, this is the closest to the India culture until I plan my Indian trip!
