So it was Easter recently and going to Fiji just seemed like the right thing to do. To be honest I knew nothing about Fiji before then, except from the fact Fiji water comes from there.

Studying in Australia, Fiji seemed like such a desirable place to visit because the flight there is relatively short only 3 hours away.

Fiji Water

Fiji is a tropical paradise situated in the Southeast Pacific Ocean. For anyone out there who is feeling geographically challenged by that, let’s just say it’s close to Australia and New Zealand. You come to realize life is good when your biggest dilemma is what island to visit while there. Fiji has over 303 amazingly beautiful islands you could possibly go to. With vast lands of white sandy beaches, sparkling clear blue water and fresh coconuts springing from palm trees. You begin to understand why deciding your route can be a task.

Fiji is a place for relaxation, it is extremely stress free. Research has found that over 89 percent of the people who live there claim to be happy which makes them one of the happiest countries in the world. I have never met so much locals on any trip before like I did here. They are the warmest and most friendly people (who actually take time out to gist with you).

Below are my top 5 reasons why you should visit Fiji.

Fiji Time

“Fiji time” an expression I came across very often while there meaning “whenever”. You don’t need a watch in Fiji or need to know the time. Every one there is super relaxed I mean why hurry. When things don’t go according to plan don’t panic seat back relax and drink some kava. Essentially there is a belief there that what will be will be.

Traditional Dancers

Kava

Ok so that brings me to the drink called Kava. Kava is a ceremonial drink which is very popular in Fiji. It is made out of roots from a Kava plant. Now I am not sure if it is a drug but it does make you really calm and has a numbing effect on your tongue that is if you drink too much.  It’s not illegal and is drank on a daily basis by the villagers in Fiji. To me it tastes a bit like tea and looks like muddy water its effects are nothing similar to alcohol.

Kava

Food

If you want to eat healthy come to Fiji. Everything I ate there was freely provided by nature. The fish we ate was caught the same day from the ocean and the coconuts and fruits had just recently fallen from the tree.

Kokoda- pronounced CORE-CONDAA

An opportunity to give back

The first island I stayed at was called Navotua village they offer hospitable homestays. Now being Nigerian I was a bit hesitant to go and live in a village when there are so many in my country I have not visited.  That wasn’t just my idea of a holiday but I was truly shocked by the amazing experience.

You get to meet so many locals who treat you like family and you also get to taste traditional Fijian food because you are hosted for lunch and dinner by a different family in the village every day.

It’s a holiday with a positive cause. The money you spend there goes to the children of that village to provide them with better education. The children there are pretty much the brightest kids I have met and leaving them was so hard. You can also volunteer to teach the children if you’re interested.

It’s for Adventure seekers and lovers of the earth.

Lol now there were so many opportunities to die on this trip but we thank God ha ha. Fiji is by far the best place to get your adrenaline pumping.  From climbing tall slippery mountains, to swimming in the middle of the ocean with sharks and feeding them. Now warning this sharks are not caged you are essentially in their territory and they are swimming around and below you.  Snorkeling in Fiji is to die for it has one of the most beautiful diverse marine life on the planet. Amazing colored fish and beautiful corals.

Shark feeding

Starfish

If you really like nature, Fiji has beautiful untouched caves you could swim in, grand waterfalls and breathe taking landscapes.

Ibi is currently on Placement in Australia and she’s using the opportunity to explore neighboring countries.

Photo source: Kokoda- Naisoso Island , Kava-surfsimply