Fiji is an island country in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean northeast of New Zealand's North Island. Its closest neighbours are Vanuatu to the west, France's New Caledonia to the southwest, New Zealand's Kermadec to the southeast, Tonga to the east, the Samoas, France's Wallis and Futuna to the northeast and Tuvalu to the north.
The majority of Fiji's islands were formed through volcanic activity starting around 150 million years ago. Today, some geothermal activity still occurs on the islands of Vanua Levu and Taveuni. Fiji has been inhabited since the second millennium BC. The country comprises an archipelago of more than 332 islands, of which 110 are permanently inhabited, and more than 500 islets, amounting to a total land area of circa 18,300 square kilometres. Fiji has been in the tourism business for decades and the Nadi and Denarau island-hopping-escape itinerary has proven to be a winning formula. Those that arrive with notions of cocktails on alabaster beaches are seldom disappointed.
Geography
Fiji is the hub of the South West Pacific, midway between Vanuatu and Tonga. The archipelago is located between 176° 53′ east and 178° 12′ west. The 180° meridian runs through Taveuni but the International Date Line is bent to give uniform time to all of the Fiji group. With the exception of Rotuma, the Fiji group lies between 15° 42′ and 20° 02′ south. Rotuma is located 220 nautical miles north of the group, 360 nautical miles from Suva, 12° 30′ south of the equator. Fiji consists of 322 islands (of which 106 are inhabited) and 522 smaller islets. The two most important islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, which account for approximately three-quarters of the total land area of the country. The islands are mountainous, with peaks up to 1,324 metres, and covered with thick tropical forests.
Climate
The climate in Fiji is tropical marine and warm most of the year round with minimal extremes. The warm season is from November till April and the cooler season May to October. Temperature in the cool season still averages 22 °C. Rainfall is variable, the warmer season experiences heavier rainfall, especially inland. Winds are moderate, though cyclones occur about once a year, 10–12 times per decade.
When to go
The best time to visit is during the so-called 'Fijian winter' or 'dry season', from May to October. This time of year is more pleasant with lower rainfall and humidity, milder temperatures and less risk of meteorological hazards such as cyclones. Consequently these six months make up the high season, when airfare and accommodation costs are at their highest. Expect costs to peak in June and July.
Culture
The Culture Of Fiji is a great combination of the Melanesians and the Polynesians and they are responsible for creating a highly developed society even before the arrival of the Europeans. The first Europeans to land in the Fiji were mostly the ship wrecked sailors. In 1683 the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman came to Fiji and English navigators did major explorations in the 18th century.
Cuisine
Traditional Fiji Food are Incredibly delicious and unique and they mainly consists of Rice,Sweet potatoes, Taro, Cassava, Coconut and Fish. International cuisine are available in Fiji but the popular Fiji food are mainly Local Fijian dishes along with Indian delicacies. The restaurants and hotels offer table services but the buffet-style food are also seen in most of the food outlets.
Nightlife in Fiji: Bars and pubs
1. Savusavu Yacht Club: It has a friendly pub feel about it, although it gets a bit rough around the edges on a Saturday night. With picnic tables by the waterside, the Yacht Club is a good place for a drink and to meet local expats.
2. Ed's Bar: Nadi's best watering hole draws local and visiting social animals and keeps them happy with cheap beer and friendly staff.
3. Planters' Club: This was traditionally a place for planters to come and drink when they brought in the copra, and some of their descendants can still be found clustered around the bar today.
4. Waitui Marina: There are classic South Pacific views from the balcony bar here: palm trees, yachts, an island beach and ethereal hot springs. The décor is suitably nautical, and merry yachties might find it hard to tell if they're at sea or on land.
5. Daily Planet: Surrounded by barbed wire fortifications, the Daily Planet looks as if it has been built to defend itself from attack, or to keep everyone inside.
6. Birdland: Birdland seems to have a policy of “we never close.” This tends to be the gathering place for the stayers after other clubs have closed but with the new extended licensing laws that could change.
7. Golden Dragon: Dragon still retains the atmosphere that prevailed when it first opened. Today, you can walk into Dragon, sit at any of the tables, order a drink off friendly waiters and feel nostalgic.
8. The Ranch: Targeted mainly by those in the older demographic. It's the place to go if you’re into live music (house band), country music or classics from the 70’s & 80’s.
9. 02’s: Is a club that caters to the younger end of the clubbing scene. A DJ spins the very latest music along the lines of hip-hop, rap and R&B
10. The Aussie Bar: This bar owned by an Aussie (surprise, surprise) has a no smoking policy and fits the bill of a typical sportsman’s bar with wide screen TV focusing on sports.
