Suva, Viti Levu island (Fiji)
According to SIMPLYYELLOWPAGES, Suva is the capital of Fiji. The city is located on the southeast coast of Viti Levu (the largest island in the archipelago) on a small peninsula. Half of the country’s urban population lives here. It became the capital in 1882.
There are about 80 parks in Suva, among which the main attraction of the city is Sorston Botanical Gardens. Almost all representatives of the Pacific flora grow in this park. The Fiji Museum is also located here, where exhibits are presented that tell about the history of Fiji and about the indigenous population of the country. Victoria Parade Street is the business center of Suva. Along it are the main shops, banks, offices of large companies and travel agencies. Not far from this street is the Municipal Market, where Fijians, Polynesians, Chinese and Indians sell a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, fish and meat. The best restaurants in the city are located on Kummin Street.
There are several beaches in Suva, but they are municipal and always crowded with locals. The main beaches that are suitable for tourists are located on the coast of the Pacific Bay, west of the city along the coast. The beaches here are made of yellow sand and they are very wide, which fans of volleyball and walking will definitely appreciate. Orchid Island is located 10 km from the capital., where Orchid Island Polynesian Cultural Center is of interest. This center was created in order to acquaint tourists with the main handicrafts that are characteristic of the archipelago. Here in the Cultural Village, a variety of local products are presented, they can be purchased in numerous small souvenir shops. Also in the Cultural Center there is Alberta Park, where tourists can walk and relax. A 20-minute drive from Suva, the Kolo-i-Suva forest reserve is very interesting. In the reserve, among the tropical vegetation, 6 km of hiking trails have been laid.
From Suva you can go to Beka Island. It is home to the unique tradition of the Sawau tribe – walking on hot coals. Every day, colorful performances are held here with the participation of followers of this tradition. Beka is a great place for diving. Between it and Yanuca Island is the dive site Laguna Beka. This is a plateau that lies at a depth of 20 to 30 m. Around 50 rows of pointed rocks are scattered throughout the plateau, which are covered with various types of corals.
Of the nearby islands, Bau Island can also be distinguished. It is known for having the oldest church in the country.
Somosomo, Taveuni Island (Fiji)
The city of Somosomo is located on the northwestern coast of the island of Taveuni. Not far from Somosomo there is the International Date Line (180 meridian), on the site of which stands the cinema “Meridian”. But the whole island lives by the same time, for which the International Date Line was slightly shifted. Somosomo is popular among diving enthusiasts. One of the best dive sites in the country – the White Wall – is located in the Somosomo Strait. The currents in the strait can be strong, so diving here is done by those who have a certain level of training and the necessary diving experience. During diving, you can explore the small tunnels that cut through the reef everywhere. They are interesting because they are covered with rare soft blue corals.
The main beach resorts of Taveuni are located just north of Somosomo. But not only beaches and coral reefs attract tourists here. Not far from Somosomo is the city of Vaiyaevo, which stands at the foot of a mountain more than 1000 m high. On the slopes of the mountain there are the most unusual birds – Fijian goshawks, peregrine falcons, several types of pigeons, yellow- and red-masked parrots and a white kingfisher. Also on the island worth a visit Bouma Falls, which have been attracting tourists for a long time. Previously, the territories adjacent to the waterfalls were not equipped for tourism, and in 1993 hiking trails and special places for recreation and picnics were created here.
Bouma is a cascade of three waterfalls. They are located on forested mountain slopes in the central part of the island. The island’s most interesting hiking trails start from Lavena Beach on its south coast. They stretch for 4 km along the coast, and then go deep into the central part of the island to tropical forests with waterfalls.
Labasa, Vanua Levu island (Fiji)
Labasa is the largest city on the island of Vanua Levu. Its entire population works on the sugarcane plantations surrounding the city. Of the attractions of Labasa, one can single out the nearby island of Nukubati with white coral sand beaches and a colonial-style resort area; archaeological sites near Vasavul and nearby hilly areas with black volcanic formations near the village of Vunika. Nukubati Island is very small, local bungalows can accommodate no more than 14 people. Particularly sophisticated tourists are invited to rent the entire island and enjoy the secluded atmosphere, nature and beauty of the coastal coral reefs.
