{"id":26585,"date":"2018-07-02T14:56:25","date_gmt":"2018-07-02T14:56:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/?p=26585"},"modified":"2018-07-18T16:02:08","modified_gmt":"2018-07-18T16:02:08","slug":"9-reasons-to-visit-fiji-beyond-those-gorgeous-overwater-bungalows","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/9-reasons-to-visit-fiji-beyond-those-gorgeous-overwater-bungalows\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Reasons to Visit Fiji … Beyond Those Gorgeous Overwater Bungalows"},"content":{"rendered":"

We\u2019ve all seen those gorgeous images of turquoise South Pacific waters strung with luxury overwater bungalows<\/a>. Fiji is home to many of those boutique dream resorts, lending the impression that there\u2019s little else to do but lounge and sunbathe from sunrise to stunning sunset (not that there’s anything wrong with that). But rest assured that there are wondrous sites to see and \u201cnowhere-else\u201d experiences to be had when you visit Fiji. So before you sink too deeply into that hammock, set your sights beyond the horizon to the next island \u2026 and the next \u2026 and get ready to experience the magical Bula spirit of Fiji.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> Here’s more on those incredible overwater bungalows<\/a><\/p>\n

Find Nemo<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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One of many species of Clownfish found in Fiji | Photo courtesy of Kymri Wilt<\/p><\/div>\n

Did you know that Fiji<\/a> has its very own species of clownfish, with just one stripe? There is no shortage of beautiful reefs all over Fiji, and they are ideal hiding spots for colorful tropical fish like Nemo. You\u2019ll definitely want to gear up with snorkel, mask and fins in Fiji, and explore various reefs searching for clownfish. It won\u2019t take long to find a pair playing peek-a-boo among the corals \u2026 and with a bit of luck you might even find Dory, too.<\/p>\n

Dive with sharks<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Sharks at home in the waters of Fiji | Photo courtesy of Kymri Wilt<\/p><\/div>\n

Once you\u2019ve mastered hide and seek with the clownfish, perhaps you\u2019re ready for more excitement under the surface. Shark diving is a popular activity throughout Fiji, and there are several great spots, particularly for certified divers, to get face to face with bull sharks, hammerheads, white tips, silvertips, reef sharks and more. Beqa Lagoon and Pacific Harbour are the most accessible shark dive locations, while Barefoot Kuata Island offers a shark dive with a focus on conservation and protection.<\/p>\n

Sip Kava, Clap and Drink<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Ceremonial sharing of kava | Photo courtesy of Kymri Wilt<\/p><\/div>\n

The Sevusevu ceremony is a traditional Fijian ritual to mark many occasions, including welcoming visitors to a village. Don\u2019t arrive empty-handed: The customary gift is a package of yaqona (kava root) presented to the village elder and chiefs. Prepare to sit on a grass mat around a bowl as the kava is pounded into a powder and mixed with water. The result is a mildly narcotic drink that is then passed around in order of rank. Clap once before and three times after drinking a cup, and let the story-telling begin. Good luck telling your story, the kava will numb your lips and tongue!<\/p>\n

Go Set-Jetting (or Set-Boating, Rather!) <\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Monuriki Island, setting for the film “Castaway.” | Photo courtesy of Kymri Wilt<\/p><\/div>\n

Many previously unknown spots around the world have gained popularity after serving as TV or movie locations. This practice of set<\/em>–jetting<\/em>, or taking a “location vacation,” has definitely put <\/span>uninhabited Monuriki Island on the travel map, thanks to the Tom Hanks’ Castaway<\/em>. Here, you can befriend your own \u201cWilson\u201d coconut to keep you company, and resist the temptation to dismantle the rocks that spell out \u201cHELP ME!\u201d\u2014 because you really won\u2019t want rescuing!<\/p>\n

If you were that kid with Brooke Shields posters on your bedroom wall in the 1980s, then visiting the film set for The Blue Lagoon<\/em> is a must. Paddleboard around the tranquil lagoon and enjoy the scenery of Nanua Levu as you wrack your brain to remember the name of Brooke Shields’ co-star.<\/p>\n

If the Survivor<\/em> series is more your speed, spend some time tracking the challenge courses on Vanua Levu, or rent the entire Exile Island<\/em> for a real test of survival.<\/p>\n

Immerse Yourself in Mud<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Natural mud pool at Sabeto Hot Water Springs & Mud Pools on Viti Levu | Photo courtesy of Kymri Wilt<\/p><\/div>\n

Venture into a natural mud pit and get slimy and dirty with the locals who swear by the healing properties. Rejuvenate both body and mind by glooping mud all over yourself, and then baking dry in the sun (it\u2019s a natural sunscreen). Finally, rinse off in a geothermal hot spring, and if that\u2019s not enough, add on a massage \u2014 all for less than the price of any hotel spa. The mud baths on Viti Levu are owned by a local Fijian family, so it counts as a \u201cfully immersive\u201d Fijian experience.<\/p>\n

Surf World-Class Reef Breaks<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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The Malolo Reef surf breaks on the horizon, accessible only by boat | Photo courtesy of Kymri Wilt<\/p><\/div>\n

Fiji boasts legendary surfing spots, and if you didn\u2019t pack your board, you\u2019ll find plenty of outfitters ready to provide you with one. You\u2019ll need more than a board though \u2014most of the best waves are reef breaks and to access them, you\u2019ll need a ride out by boat. Numerous resorts near Malolo Reef<\/a> put you in the heart of Fiji\u2019s surf scene, accessing famous breaks such as Restaurants, Namotu Lefts, and Cloudbreak; but if you\u2019re looking for a more remote wave, check out Maqai Eco Surf Resort on Taveuni<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Climb a Sand Dune<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Sigatoka Sand Dunes, Fiji’s first National Park | Photo courtesy of Kymri Wilt<\/p><\/div>\n

Sand doesn\u2019t just sit on beaches in Fiji. At the Sigatoka Sand Dunes on Viti Levu, it gets swept up from the winds to form mountainous peaks and shifting valleys. The dunes are home to some of Fiji\u2019s most diverse wildlife. The sand gets hot, so leave your flip-flops back at the pool and wear good closed-toed hiking shoes. When you reach the water, go barefoot and cool your toes in the waves.<\/p>\n

Swim in a Cave Grotto<\/strong> <\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Sawa-I-Lau Cave| Photo courtesy of Kymri Wilt<\/p><\/div>\n

The Sawa-I-Lau Cave, in the volcanic Yasawa islands, is formed by deep underwater limestone that rises almost 50 feet above the surface. Shafts of sunlight illuminate the grotto, where you can search the walls for ancient cave paintings and inscriptions. The very bravest can venture to an adjoining cave by way of an underwater tunnel, with the help of a local cave guide, and a very deep breath.<\/p>\n

Go Island Hopping on an All-Inclusive Cruise<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Captain Cook Cruises “Reef Endeavor” | Photo courtesy of Kymri Wilt<\/p><\/div>\n

If you prefer to see as many islands as possible without packing, moving and unpacking every other day, then you\u2019ll want to check out Captain Cook Cruises<\/a>. Pick from 3,4, 7 or 11-day itineraries, all of which depart round-trip from Port Denarau, stopping at various spots in the Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands. Every day includes a different snorkeling spot and beach activities, plus cultural experiences like visiting a local school or village. And every evening, a new sunset view.<\/p>\n

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Photo courtesy of Kymri Wilt<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We love those stilted bungalows as much as anyone\u2014but there’s more!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":125,"featured_media":26668,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[159],"tags":[20,1020,285,45,911,448,117],"class_list":["post-26585","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-beach","tag-beach","tag-beach-activities","tag-cruise","tag-diving","tag-fiji","tag-island","tag-snorkeling"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n9 Reasons to Visit Fiji ... Beyond Those Gorgeous Overwater Bungalows | Travelocity<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Is Fiji on your bucket list? Join the club! 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