Pacific Island Paradises

– 33 – www.paradises.com regulating the importation of any matter that may affect the country's plant and animal life. The sights On the road from Suva to Nadi are the Kula Bird Park and the Sigatoka Sand Dunes. In Suva, the national museum in the historical Thurston Gardens stands 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. 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 a tour of a working copra plantation while scenic drives are easily arranged. For an authentic cultural experience, Orchid Island is a natural river 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. Getting around In Fiji motorists drive on the left side of the road, and overseas or international driving permits are valid for six months. There are a number of rental car agencies, an extensive local bus service on each of the main islands and deluxe coach tours. Taxis are inexpensive and predominantly 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 — F i j i —

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