Pacific Island Paradises

FIJI the historical Thurston Gardens stand right next to Government House with its colourful guards dressed in red tunics and white sulus. Founded much earlier than other Pacific island museums, the national museum is unrivalled in the islands for the extent of its collection of anthropological and historical material. For those who like to explore, there is a central highland bush trek through the province following the track which the missionaries took in 1849. A striking feature in Nadi is the Hindu temple at the southern end of town. This is the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere and the traditional Dravidian architecture is rarely seen outside of India. Natadola Beach is one of the most outstanding beaches in Fiji and only a half hour drive south of Nadi. Savusavu is home to the unusual attractions of the Nakama thermal springs and Namale blowholes. A unique experience is the tour of a working copra plantation and scenic drives are easily arranged. For an authentic cultural experience, Orchid Island is a natural river 34  www.paradisesonline.com formation that has been cultivated into a realistic microcosm of Fiji. Offering a human scale historical adventure, one of the unique features is the 16-metre high pagan temple, Bure Kalou. Where to stay Accommodation is prolific and there's something for every budget from luxury hotels, resorts and villas, to Fijian bures with modern facilities, cottages, lodges, townhouses and apartments. Bures, based on traditional village thatched roof houses, are very popular with tourists as they provide an authentic Fijian atmosphere. The Fijian design incorporated into most hotels helps to maintain the exotic ambience of this paradise in the South Pacific. Campsites are available on Seashell Cove Resort, Rukuruku, Colo I Suva and Nukulau. Getting around In Fiji cars drive on the left side of the road, and overseas or international driving permits are valid for six months. There's a variety of rental car agencies, an extensive local bus service on each of the main islands, and deluxe coach tours. Taxis are inexpensive and metered. Ferries, helicopters and seaplanes provide transportation between an extensive network of docks and airfields throughout the islands and resorts. Food and entertainment Most nightclubs, restaurants and cinemas are located in the city centres, with most of the larger hotels and resorts providing their own entertainment in the form of Fijian nights which include a lovo (food cooked in an underground oven), sometimes the yaqona ceremony (kava drinking) and always a meke (song and dance). There's a good selection of restaurants in the major centres featuring Chinese, Japanese, Indian, French, and European foods. A number of places offer Fijian cuisine which is most often seafood, cooked in coconut milk, and steamed or boiled rather than fried. Activities Fiji is renowned for the variety of activities

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