Tourist Attractions & Monuments Fiji

Timetable

Most temples and museums are open every day. As the sun sets quite early in Fiji, schedules often follow this rhythm, and it's customary to eat early around 6.30-7pm. As tourists are fairly evenly spread across the islands, and Fiji is still a destination untouched by mass tourism, you won't have to deal with long queues or long waiting times.

To be booked

Most full-day or half-day excursions should be booked at least the day before, as transfers are often included in the excursions, so you need to plan ahead as much as possible. The easiest way is often to ask your hotel to book these excursions for you.

Budget & Tips

Day trips, which include transport, can be quite costly. If you're resourceful, you can get to points of interest by bus whenever possible.

For children, discounts are often available on the various excursions.

Main events

Fiji is a country where three main religions coexist: Christianity (Easter and Christmas are the occasion for important family celebrations), Islam (the Prophet's birthday in October or November is a public holiday, depending on the year) and Hinduism (Holi Festival in March and Diwali in October or November are widely celebrated in Fiji).

Sailing enthusiasts should book well in advance (usually at the beginning of the year) for the Fiji Regatta Week, which takes place in September in the Mamanucas.

The festive season is celebrated throughout Fiji, culminating in the six-week Fara Festival in Rotuma.

Guided tours

Day trips by boat to the Mamanucas are a classic offered by various tour operators. There are also village visits, river trips in kayaks and local boats ( bilibili), dance performances(meke) and firewalkings.

Smokers

Smoking is prohibited in most public places. Fijians are sensitive to environmental issues, so don't throw cigarette butts into the street.

What's very local

The sevusevu. For excursions or visits, don't forget to ask beforehand whether asevusevu (gift) should be brought to the village chief (the ratu). The chief's influence is always very important, and he is in charge of the good management of his village, disciplinary sanctions and is also responsible for the waters bordering his village (fishing and related decisions are therefore his responsibility). It is customary to bring a kava root or food offerings.

Appropriatedress is essential when visiting villages or temples: long clothes (or sarong), no sunglasses.