fIJI
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. 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
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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
