When one imagines a white sandy beach lined with coconut trees and turquoise waters, they’re likely picturing the breathtaking shores of Fiji, a nation made up of 322 islands in the South Pacific.
For most, these coveted islands remain a distant dream, but my wife and I managed to make it a reality as part of our ambitious honeymoon. Upon our arrival on this magical island, we were greeted with remarkable hospitality. The locals welcomed us with songs, dances and infectious joy, and, to our surprise, expressed enthusiastic support for Israel. One local even told me he learned about the Six-Day War in school.
Despite the vast distance between us, the people of Fiji displayed a surprising familiarity with Israel, showing curiosity and genuine interest.
Before gaining independence in 1970, Fiji was a British colony, which explains why most of the local population speaks English. With a population of less than a million, Fiji is small but rich in natural beauty. The islands are mostly mountainous, boasting lush tropical forests alongside clear beaches teeming with vibrant marine life.
The majority of the population is of Polynesian and Melanesian descent, with a significant number of Indian agricultural workers brought over by the British between 1879 and 1916, who have also influenced Fiji’s demographics.
Getting to Fiji isn’t easy; most travelers will need at least two connecting flights, typically passing through Australia or New Zealand. From there, it’s just a three-and-a-half-hour journey to paradise.
The local currency is the Fijian dollar, which, at the time of writing, is worth a little over one and a half Israeli shekels. This makes Fiji an expensive destination, especially when considering flight prices. Hotels aren’t cheap either, and it’s important to read the fine print, as some hotels may require guests to opt for full-board packages, which can be costly.
Suva, the capital of Fiji, is located on the island of Viti Levu, which is packed with luxurious resorts. However, in my view, it doesn’t represent the true essence of Fiji. If you’ve come all this way, I’d recommend venturing out to the more remote and untouched islands to experience postcard-perfect resorts and scenes straight out of an old movie. You can reach these islands via a short flight or by boat.
We chose to explore the Yasawa Islands. One of the most unique and challenging aspects of this trip is the journey to these islands. A single ferry departs in the morning and returns in the evening, meaning that if you miss the ferry, you’ll lose a night at your hotel, as there are few alternative, affordable ways to reach the islands. Another option is to visit one of the closer islands for a full day, returning in the early evening. You can also choose to fly to the islands by helicopter, saving time but at a high cost.
Upon arrival by boat at your chosen accommodation, the locals will greet you with sweet and pleasant songs, featuring their traditional welcome song. In Fiji, as I learned, no song is complete without shouting "Bula!" at the end. In fact, "Bula" seems to be the only word you need during your stay on the islands—it serves as "hello," "goodbye," "thank you," "good morning," "good evening," and any other use you can think of.
The singing and dancing don’t stop at the welcoming ceremony. Often, the local staff spontaneously break into melodic songs throughout the day, sometimes to celebrate a guest’s special occasion, sometimes as a farewell to departing guests and sometimes for no apparent reason.
One thing is certain: hearing these songs always enhances the serene, sweet local atmosphere. Imagine how wholesome it feels when the shift manager gathers all available staff, grabs a small ukulele, and sings a song in honor of your honeymoon. My wife and I were absolutely delighted.
So, what is there to do in Fiji? Mostly, you relax and soak in the tranquility and the stunning turquoise sea. That’s not to say there’s nothing to do—colorful fish and coral reefs invite you to dive and participate in other water activities like sailing or surfing. You can also take a snorkeling tour.
Some islands feature stunning, colorful reefs right off the shore, and on one of our days, I even spotted a tiny stingray near the water's edge without needing a snorkel. In the evenings, you can indulge in watching some of the world’s most beautiful sunsets, paired with a fresh fish dinner and a local drink. All of this guarantees a restful vacation that will be incredibly hard to leave.