10 ultimate bucket list items for Fiji

I have visited Fiji only once and it was for a very short period of 4 days. As part of my first visit, I did the usual touristy things and missed out many things that I wanted to do. Ever since my last visit, I have been listing all the things I would like to do when I visit Fiji the next time and this post is the top 10 ultimate bucket list items for Fiji.

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About Fiji

With more than 300 countries, Fiji is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean. It is known for its spectacular beaches, palm trees, sugar can fields and coral reefs. The main islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu and the capital city is Suva.

Top 10 bucket list items for Fiji

Diving with the Bull sharks

One of the coolest things one can do in Fiji is scuba diving with the Bull sharks. The tour operated by Beqa Adventure Divers take the scuba divers to the dive sites in Beqa island where one can see Bull sharks up close.

• To get to Beqa Island, there is a choice of either flying into Nadi or Suva airports and then driving to the Pacific Harbour. The drive between Nadi airport and Pacific Harbour is around 2.5 hours and between Suva airport and Pacific Harbour is around 1.5 hours. From Pacific Harbour, Beqa Island is about 30 to 45 minutes boat ride.

This item is on top of my bucket list and I would love to dive with these amazing creatures in their habitat. I had booked my travel to Fiji last year for my birthday but unfortunately I had to cancel it because of the pandemic. I hope I can get there some day and stay on the island for a long period of time. Read my scuba diving bucket list for other scuba diving adventures I want to do.

Stay at an exotic island resort

Fiji is a luxurious and holiday destination. This means that the islands have stunning resorts with luxury and unique things to do. There is nothing better to ask for during a holiday than the views of the ocean and the plenty of activities to do at the islands. Staying at one of those exotic island resorts must definitely be on the bucket list for Fiji.

Learn the history of cannibalism

Fiji is definitely a very mysterious and amazing place with so much history. The stories from native Fijians and the Indians who were sent to Fiji to work on the fields by the British are really fascinating. One of the best stories I heard was about Fiji was about the history of cannibalism and how it existed in Fiji. I want to learn more about the history from the locals and how the legends or the stories have been passed on through the generations.

Visit the heart shape island

Tavarua Island Resort is an island resort in Fiji. The resort island is close to the main island Viti Levu and is in the shape of a heart. It is a 29 acres property surrounded by stunning coral reefs and is popular for surfing and snorkeling activities. Staying at this island is very expensive but is surely one of the best bucket list items to have.

Attend the kava ceremony

The Kava ceremony is a tradition in Fiji. It is a daily ritual where all family and friends gather and enjoy the kava. Kava is a local Fijian beverage served in a bowl (coconut shell) that is a huge part of Fijian culture. It is also called as Yaqona by the locals. There are protocols that need to be followed before drinking the kava.

Hiking Mount Tomanivi

Fiji is also famous for its rugged landscapes and has some of the best hiking trails. The trails are within the national parks and rainforests leading the trails to the pretty waterfalls. And even the walks along the coast are spectacular. The most famous hiking trail is climbing the Mount Tomanivi from the village of Navai. Referred as Mount Lomalagi by the locals, Mount Tomanivi is the highest mountain in Fiji with an elevation of 1324 metres. The hike to the summit is around 4.5 kilometres and is one of the challenging hikes because of its steep and slippery climb.

If you want to start hiking but are not sure where to start, then read my beginner’s guide to hiking and trekking.

Swimming with Manta Rays

During the months of May and October, one can swim with the Manta Rays in Fiji. The Manta Ray season is ideal to swim with these gentle and majestic creatures. There are plenty of places in Fiji where swimming with Manta Rays is possible. However, the Manta Ray Island is the most famous one.

Take a mud bath at Sabeto Thermal Mud pool

The Sabeto Thermal mud pool and hot springs, located in the Sabeto valley, is an awesome place to get immersed in the Fijian culture of taking a mud bath. The mud bath is very relaxing and is a very unique experience. Hot springs are heated by the natural phenomenon of underground volcanic activity.

Also, visit the village Viseisei where the first Fijians settled.

See the fire walking ceremony

The fire walking ceremony is one of the most interesting rituals in the Fijian culture. The celebration is a mixture of many activities involving music, dance and stunts. Fire walking is a tradition where men walk on the white hot wood fire stones. According to the legend, a Sawau warrior in Fiji saved the life of a spirit god who gifted him with the ability to walk on fire without any harm.

The fire walking ceremony can be found in many resorts such as Beqa Lagoon resort or Shangri-la Fijian resort. It can also be seen in the Arts village culture centre in Pacific Harbour.

Snorkeling with reef tip sharks

Fiji is rich in coral reefs and this in turn attract many marine animals including the reef tip sharks. There are two species of reef tip sharks in Fiji, the white reef tip and the black reef tip sharks. Fiji has many sites where one can snorkel with the reef tip sharks. The best place to inquire for the snorkeling tours are at the reception of tourism offices at the resorts.

Closing Notes

During my first visit to Fiji, I had an unpleasant experience and was cornered by one of the villagers. However, this is just one experience so I wish to go back to the beautiful country and experience the good side of what the country has to offer.

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