Fiji

A South Pacific nation of more than three hundred islands, combining reef, volcanic peaks and living village custom.

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The sea, the coral, and the customs of the villages.

The resort island groupMamanuca IslandsThe western sea
Close enough to the main island for a day trip by boat. Shallow reef and white sand run through the group.
Further out and quieterYasawa IslandsThe northwestern sea
Further than the Mamanucas and simpler in facilities. A boat works its way along the chain once a day.
A deeply green volcanic islandTaveuniNortheast
Waterfalls and rainforest trails earned it the name Garden Island. A marker shows where the date line runs.
A channel covered in soft coralRainbow ReefNear Taveuni
Known among divers for vivid soft coral. Currents are strong enough to need experienced guiding.
A drink shared in the villageThe kava ceremonyThroughout
A welcome ritual built around a drink made from a pepper root. Visitors often bring a small gift when entering a village.
Hot mud poolsSabeto Mud PoolNear Nadi
Warm mud to sit in, then a hot spring to rinse off. Close to the airport, so it often fills the last day.

One old port town is listed.

An old colonial port in the PacificLevuka Historical Port TownOvalau Island
The former capital, keeping the timber shopfronts and wharves of a nineteenth-century trading port. Its low-built streets follow the island terrain.
The centre of a quiet islandLevuka townOvalau Island
Few visitors, so it has stayed much as it was. Reached from the main island by boat or small plane.

Two main islands, plus the outer groups.

NadiWhere the international airport isWestern Viti Levu
Almost every trip starts here. Boats to the islands leave from a nearby port.
SuvaThe capitalSoutheastern Viti Levu
The administrative centre, with a museum and markets. Far wetter than Nadi.
Coral CoastThe southern shore of the main islandSouthern Viti Levu
Resorts strung along the coast road between Nadi and Suva. Easy to stop at villages along the way.
Vanua LevuThe second main islandNortheast
Less developed and quieter. Savusavu is its main town.
KadavuThe Great Astrolabe ReefSouth
Visited for diving on a large barrier reef. Accommodation is small in scale.

Southern hemisphere: the dry season overlaps Korea’s summer.

Dry seasonMay to OctoberThroughout
Less rain and lower humidity make it the easiest time. This is high season.
Wet seasonNovember to AprilThroughout
Humid and wet, with the chance of tropical depressions. Prices come down.
CyclonesNovember to AprilThroughout
Flights and boats stop when one tracks over. Check what your insurance covers for weather disruption.
East and west differThe east is much wetterViti Levu
On the same island, windward Suva is wet while Nadi stays dry. Choose where to stay accordingly.

Village etiquette matters more than anything else here.

EntryVisa-free short stay for Korean passportsThroughout
Short tourist stays need no visa, though onward tickets and accommodation may be checked. Confirm current guidance before departure.
Village etiquetteRemove hats, cover shouldersIn villages
Take off hats and sunglasses and cover shoulders and knees inside a village. Visits should be arranged through a host or guide.
MoneyFijian dollar, cash on the islandsThroughout
Resorts take cards, but many small islands are cash only. Change money before you head out.
Getting aroundBoats and light aircraftThroughout
Scheduled ferries link the nearer islands; light aircraft serve the far ones. Boats are cancelled in poor weather.
WaterBottled water on the smaller islandsThe islands
Tap water is drinkable in parts of the main islands, but bottled is safer on small ones. Follow what your accommodation advises.
Emergency number911Throughout
Reaches police, ambulance and fire, and English is an official language. Evacuation from remote islands takes time.

Opening hours, fares and schedules change from year to year and by season. Check the official guidance for each site and operator before you travel.