Pacific Island Paradises

– 28 – www.paradises.com 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 are located in the city centres with most of the larger hotels and resorts providing their own entertainment in the form of Fijian nights that 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 that is most often seafood, cooked in coconut milk and steamed or boiled rather than fried. Activities Fiji is renowned for the variety of activities available. Water-based activities abound including snorkelling on shallow reefs, scuba diving, game fishing, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, cruising and yacht charters. On land, choose from golf, horse riding, squash, rugby and trekking through tropical rainforests. There are crystal clear rivers to swim in, jet boats to ride in, sacred caves to visit and rapids to raft through. Numerous island tours are on offer with sailing excursions and safaris into the rugged peaks and remote villages of the highlands. — F i j i —

• Cover