The Fiji Islands are lush, green and beautiful, watered by copious tropical rains. It’s warm all year round so with a good hire car and an umbrella you’ll be able to see all the islands’ attractions. Start with the charmingly named, Garden of the Sleeping Giant, created by the actor Raymond Burr and which features hundreds of the orchids for which Fiji is famed.
To find out more about the islands and their history visit the Fiji Museum which will take you on a journey from the times of tribal war and cannibalism, through Empire times, to the present day.
Suva Mini Guide
The Commercial and Political Centre of the Islands
Suva, located on the south east side of Viti Levu island is the capital city of Fiji. It is the main commercial and political centre and headquarters to many local and international companies. Excluding New Zealand, it is the largest and most sophisticated city in the South Pacific and in 2003 hosted the South Pacific Games for the third time.
Take an Umbrella!
The climate in Suva is that of a tropical rainforest and it has an extremely high precipitation compared to Nadi on the same island where you are like fly in and out of. The driest month is July and even then there is still 125mm of rainfall. The temperatures are very hot all the year round never usually dropping below 32 degrees Celsius in June, July and August and rising to 37 degrees Celsius in March.
The Old Colonials
There is no ancient history in Suva or the surrounding district, however, the area is rich in colonial history such as the Suva City Library and Government House, which is now the official residence of the President.
Celebrate With the Locals
There are a large number of festivals held annually in Suva – any excuse to celebrate!! Christian, Moslem and Hindu religions are represented there and there is also the Hibiscus Festival held in August – this is a big fair like festival with everything from horticulture and a pet show in the show ground and culminating in the crowning of Miss Hibiscus.
Exploring the Rainforest
If you're feeling energetic why not try hiking in the Suva Rainforest? The Colo-I-Suva Forest Park has bush walking trails which lead to waterfalls and forest pools – ideal for a picnic or barbeque. Bird watching is also a popular pastime there and there are many colourful tropical birds to be found, including the Blue Crested Broadbill, the Scarlet Robin and the Sulphur Breasted Musk Parrot.
Staying in the Centre of Town
Most of Suva's hotels are to be found in the downtown area, two of the most popular are the Tonoa Plaza and the Holiday Inn. Both of these hotels provide easy access to the city and all it's amenities, including banks, shops, the waterfront and the commercial centre.
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