THE ISLANDS OF FIJI By. Elana Feingold, Mary Vong, and Meusima Ergut

Geographical Location, Time Zone, Climate, and Features §Geographical Location: The Fiji Islands are located in the tropics of the southern hemisphere. It lies on 180 Meridian. §Time Zone: Fiji is -12 GMT §Climate:The climate is hot and humid. §Features: Over 300 islands make up the Fiji Islands. Only 100 of them are inhabited by humans.

Medical Information §Fiji is free from malaria, yellow fever and major tropical diseases. It is also free of all the serious plant and animal pests and diseases. You need only to get shot if you come from an infected area.

Required Travel Documentation §You need a valid passport for a least three months after your trip. Also you need your return ticket. Entry visas are granted on arrival for a stay of 4 months for Canada, United States, and other nations.

Currency and Exchange Rates §The currency in the Fiji Islands is called the Fijian Dollar (FJD) and the exchange rate is 1 Canadian dollar (CAD) equals 1.46 Fijian Dollar.

Form of Government §The form of government of the Fiji Islands is Martial Law and if is under the leadership of Commodore Bainimarama. It was declared martial law and a curfew was instituted. Commodore Bainimarama is now waiting for the islands’ chiefs to determine if the law will be accepted in their area.

Travel Advisories §Warning: In May 2000 Fiji has become dangerous for travelers because of the curfew in urban areas. §When you should go: The islands are a mild tropical climate that can be enjoyed all year round. The best time to go is May to October because less risk of tropical cyclones.

How to get there, Arrival Point, and Ground Transportation §Getting there: Fiji is one of the main airline hubs of the region and well serviced by international carriers. §Arrival Point: Nadi International Airport is where most people arrive, it is also the second largest airport in Fiji. §Ground Transportation: Plane, buses (local/express), ferries, local boats, and taxis.

Accommodation and Meals §Accommodations: l Per-night/per room Budget Beds: US$5-10 –Example: hostel Mid-range hotel: US$ (double) –Example: motel/low- end hotel Top-end hotel: US$ –Example: high class Hyatt §Meals: l Per-meal Budget meals: US$3-5 –Example: The Corner Moderate restaurant meals: US$ –Example: The Edge Top-end restaurant meals: US$20 and up –Valentino’s

Attractions §Taveuni (Northern Fiji) l World famous scuba-diving l Fiji Fruit Bat l Taveuni silktail bird l Taveuni Forest Preserve l The Ravilevu Nature Preserve l Lake Tagimaucia l Bouma Falls l Fiji’s Great Council of Chiefs l 19th-century Catholic mission l Soqulu Plantation §Northern Viti Levu l Cane fields l Wainibuka River l Ba & Tavua §Pacific Harbour (Viti Levu) l Golf courses l Beqa Lagoon l The Cultural Center & Market Place of Fiji

Attractions §The Coral Coast l Lagoons l Sigatoka Valley l Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park §Savusavu (Northern Fiji) l Buca Bay l Hibisus Highway l Koro Sea l Lesiaceva Point l Volcanic Mountains l Natewa Bay §Levuka (Ovalau) l Korolevu Hill Fort l Sacred Heart Catholic Church §Suva (Viti Levu) l Capital l Fiji Museum l Suva Mnicipal Market §Nadi (Viti Levu) l The Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple l Blue Laggon Cruises l Native Forest

Local Customs and Festivals §Customs: Fijians and Fiji Indians are very traditional-focused people who have kept almost all their ancestral customs alive. You must observe their customs and respect them as well. They do fire walking and observe holy festivals like Holi and Diwali. §Public Holidays and Festivals: Bula Festival Nadi in July, Hibiscus Festival Suva in July or August, Sugar Festival Lautoka in September, Back to Levuka Festival in early October.

Bibliography § §www. travelcity.com § § § § § §Goodwin Bill,Frommer’s 6th Edition, South Pacific Macmillan, USA, 1998

THE END This was produced by the TGL 200 group. We hope you liked it...