From Ancient Roots to Island Escapes: 10 Must-Do Experiences in Fiji for Culture, Nature & Chill

The Bouma National Heritage Park protects an enormous tract of virgin rainforest on the island of Taveuni, one of the northern-most islands of the Fijian archipelago. The island will appeal to nature lovers and people wishing to discover the “real” Fiji far from the tourist throng. The park offers a variety of eco-friendly attractions starting with camping and snorkeling in the protected Waitabu Marine Park. Hikers can go on a guided hike through the Vidawa Rain Forest where you can see some ancient ruins or set off to explore the Tavoro Waterfall Trail, which leads you past three sets of cascades. The park offers exceptional bird watching and good wildlife viewing.

Bouma National Heritage Park, Bouma, Taveuni Island, Fiji

The Coral Coast is located along the Queen’s Road between Pacific Harbor and Korotogo and derives its name from the wide bank of offshore coral that protect it. This is a particularly scenic part of the coastline, and the dramatic scenery has ensured that the Coral Coast is dotted with many resorts catering for all budgets. Popular activities along the coast include diving in Beqa Lagoon, exploring the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, visiting Tavuni Hill Fort, or going on a tour or river cruise in the rugged and beautiful Namosi Highlands. The Coral Coast is also home to Pacific Harbour, the acknowledged adventure capital of Fiji.

Located in the historic Thurston Gardens in Suva, the Fiji Museum offers an in-depth look at the fascinating history of the Fiji Islands. The collections include archaeological material that is over 3,700 years old as well as cultural objects that trace the origins of indigenous islanders for over 200 years. There are several permanent galleries to explore as well as a temporary exhibition space and an art gallery, both of which feature rotating exhibitions of the museum’s large collection and artwork by local artists. The museum has a reference library, a gift shop and the Mimosa Café on the verandah where you can have a snack. The museum also hosts pottery demonstrations on most Thursdays and Fridays.

Fiji Museum, Thurston Gardens, Suva, Fiji Islands, Phone: 679-331-5944

Kadavu Island is a true island paradise located far from the tourist throngs where you can gain genuine insight into the culture of the Fiji islands. The island is surrounded by the Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, which offers unsurpassed reef diving and snorkeling, and the chance of coming face to face with a manta ray in its pristine natural environment. There is a good choice of accommodation of the island, including a few top-end resorts, all of which offer diving, snorkeling, sailing, fishing, and kayaking expeditions as well as hiking adventures through the untouched tropical rainforests of the interior.

The Kula Eco Park (aka Kula Wild Adventure Park) is located along Queens Road on the Coral Coast and beckons visitors to come and learn all about the fascinating flora and fauna of Fiji in the only wildlife park on the islands. Here you can see a variety of indigenous creatures including endangered Fijian iguanas, Kula birds (national bird of Fiji), parrots, and flying foxes as you take a self-guided walk through the park. Children can join a Junior Ranger program, which includes helping at feeding time, and everyone can enjoy hand-feeding the turtles. In addition to wildlife the park now offers some exciting activities like the Canopy Flier Zip-line and Splash Mountain Jungle Water Slide (and a smaller version for children).

Kula Wild Adventure Park, Sigatoka, Fiji

Vacationers hoping to escape the glitzy tourist resorts of the major Fijian islands should consider spending their vacation on the remote Lau Group of islands in the southern Pacific. They are still almost completely undeveloped and offer a genuine paradise-island experience. There are no roads, no restaurants, and an absence of large resorts, and the very small number of visitors makes these islands perfect for honeymooners who can stay at one of two rustic guesthouses on the beach. You can spend your days island hopping by boat, meet local villagers, swim, dive, and snorkel in the Quilaquila Marine Reserve on the island of Vanua Balavu or the Bay of Islands, or you can catch the perfect reef-break wave. Hiking in the interior is a great way of discovering the amazing tropical landscape.

The Lavena Coastal Walk is a delightful walking/hiking trail on Taveuni Island that leads visitors along a stunning stretch of coast and through some tropical rainforest to a beautiful hidden waterfall. The full trail (in and out) is about 10km in total, but if that sounds a bit too much like hard work you can arrange for a one-way motor boat transfer, which will reduce the hike to a manageable 5km. Although it is easy to follow the trail on your own, you should consider hiring a local guide who will be able to explain much of the flora and fauna you will encounter along the walk. At the end of the trail you can swim through a gorge right up to the base of the waterfall, and be rewarded for your efforts by discovering a second hidden waterfall that only swimmers can see.

Natadola Beach is widely considered to be the best beach on the main Fiji island of Viti Levu. You can expect to find an enormous bank of clean white sand that gently slopes to meet the tropical azure waters of the sea. This is one of the few beaches in Fiji where you can swim regardless of the tide, and there is also good news for surfers – the Natadola Inside Break provides ideal conditions for novice surfers, while at the entrance to the channel more experienced surfers will find a good wave. You can snorkel, body surf, kayak, or simply relax and enjoy the sunshine.

Natadola Beach, Sigatoka, Viti Levu, Fiji

For something completely different during your Fijian vacation you can exchange the pricey resort spas for an all-natural experience at the Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool in the foothills of the Sabeto Mountains near Nadi. The natural thermal springs at Sabeto are set in the heart of the tropical forest, and the waters of the spring are believed to contain therapeutic properties to rejuvenate both your body and spirits. First you rub yourself all over with the mud and then you slide into the wonderfully warm waters of the pool to wallow to your heart’s content. It’s all great fun and suitable for all ages. Local villagers offer inexpensive massages, and the scenic approach trip will lead you past several local villages.

Aqua Tours, Super Centre Complex, Waqadra, Nadi, Fiji, Phone: 679-672-4441, website

If you fancy going on a good hike then the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park may be just the place for you. The park can be found at the mouth of the Sigatoka River on the main Fijian island of Viti Levu and protects an enormous 650 hectares of sand dunes, which vary between 20m and 60m high. The park is an important archaeological site, and the remains of primitive inhabitants dating back 2600 years have been found on site. You can start your hike at the Visitor’s Information Center – choose from a one hour or two hour guided hike led by a local ranger, which will take you along the beach, through some inland forest and meadows and into the dunes.

Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, Queens Road, Yadua, Fiji, Phone: 679-652-0243, website