{"id":3320,"date":"2016-03-16T08:00:19","date_gmt":"2016-03-16T08:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/my-top-moments-in-fiji\/"},"modified":"2022-07-11T18:43:54","modified_gmt":"2022-07-11T18:43:54","slug":"my-top-moments-in-fiji","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/oceania\/my-top-moments-in-fiji\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel Diaries: My Top Moments in Fiji"},"content":{"rendered":"

I must admit I knew very little when I was flying in to Fiji.<\/p>\n

The only rough picture I had in my head was that some parts of Fiji<\/a> have amazing resorts with azure waters to rival the likes of Maldives and Seychelles. Such a picture of unspoiled paradise is a must on any traveller’s bucket list. Better yet if the destination is still uncrowded! So I leaped at the opportunity to explore a beautiful place that’s a little off the radar. Little preparation or expectations, I headed to Fiji with an open mind.<\/p>\n

I’m thrilled to say, Fiji did not disappoint. Just to give you an idea, I’m now back home in Singapore wearing a delicious healthy tan, a flower in my hair and smelling of\u00a0coconut lotion, with a bright smile on my face and a spring in my step. That’s the Fiji effect. Not only is it just as beautiful in reality as in the pictures, Fiji \u00a0is also one of those authentic places that lights something in you that stays with you long after you leave. The Fiji islands had a very real rejuvenating effect for me —\u00a0exactly what you want from a holiday \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

So here I’ll share my top moments in Fiji. Keep in mind, Fiji isn’t about checking off a list of must-see attractions. It’s about relaxing, taking in the amazing views\/nature and experiencing the amazingly warm hospitality of the local Fijian culture. So you might do completely different activities than I did, but you’ll surely find your own way to feeling<\/em> just like I do. All peace & love like a 60’s hippie.<\/p>\n

\"tropics\"<\/p>\n

My Highlights of Fiji<\/h2>\n

\"tropics\"<\/p>\n

1. The\u00a0Bula\u00a0Spirit<\/h2>\n

The fun begun the moment we stepped off the plane! Our guide from Rosie Holidays was there to greet us in full Fijian traditional wear, and behind him a group of Fijians singing a lively welcome to the island. Apparently, the singing welcome is for EVERY plane landing in Nadi International Airport \ud83d\ude42 \u00a0Instantly, you forget all worries and slip into island holiday mode. Bula!<\/p>\n

\"Fiji<\/p>\n

Btw, Bula is the local greeting – kinda like ‘Aloha’. Everyone and anyone on Fiji islands greets you with a big smile and a Bula! anytime\u00a0you walk by \ud83d\ude42 It’s all smiles and love. Most island resorts also have a huge welcome for anyone checking in, with songs, garlands, wet towels and coconuts or totally yummy tropical drinks. Awesome!<\/p>\n

\"bula-welcome-hideaway\"<\/p>\n

2. The View<\/h2>\n

Arriving at the first resort, I was gobsmacked by the view. I’m pretty sure whichever resort you choose to stay, you’ll be blown away by the super picturesque Fiji setting.<\/p>\n

Swaying palmtrees? Straw-roof huts? Blue waves? A zillion plants and colourful flowers? Check, check, check!<\/p>\n

\"OutriggerView from my balcony at\u00a0Outrigger Resort<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

3. Cloud 9<\/h2>\n

By\u00a0far the most outstanding moment for me.<\/p>\n

\"Cloud<\/p>\n

Cloud 9 is a\u00a0floating platform in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. With cocktails and the clearest water I have ever seen in my life. (Coming from Singapore where we’re used to seeing brown water, about 50 ships on the horizon and going fishing 10 times before catching 1 fish, this was jaw-dropping. You’re able to see fish swimming deep down in the water with your plain eyes, and above, turquoise waters meets the blue skies on the horizon. Be-yu-ti-ful).<\/p>\n

Just chilling on Cloud 9 is amazing enough but I have to say swimming in the middle of the ocean is a top moment in my entire life.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\"cocktails-on-cloud-9\"\u00a0\u00a0Cocktails on Cloud 9<\/em><\/span>\"cloud-9-swimming\"Best swim eva!<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\"Cloud\"cloud-9-bar\"The awesome bartenders who created a ‘Bex Special’ cocktail for me \ud83d\ude42<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

4. Fresh Lobster at Intercontinental<\/h2>\n

For my main course at Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa<\/a>, I had a serving of fresh lobster. It didn’t come with sides so I had a small portion of pork belly. Man… that was the best lobster I’ve ever tasted. Absolutely delicious. Fiji does fresh seafood to perfection!<\/p>\n

The pork belly was also super duper delicious. Tender and juicy and mmm-mmm.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"pork-belly\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

5. Kokoda<\/h2>\n

Kokoda is fresh fish cooked using a traditional Fijian recipe which, rather interestingly, doesn’t include a flame of any sort. Not steamed or panfried or baked.. Nada.\u00a0Instead, the fish is slow cooked by marinating in lemon juice for hours. The citrus then cooks the fish. That’s it! How\u00a0fascinating!<\/p>\n

The marinate includes a delicious mix of flavours, resulting in a very fresh serving of fish served in a sea of coconut and chilli. Surprisingly delicious and definitely a\u00a0new flavour for me.<\/p>\n

\"kokuda-Fiji-Fish\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

6. Kayaking in the Pacific Ocean<\/h2>\n

Early morning kayaking at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort<\/a> in the\u00a0Sigatoka area.\u00a0Energizing!<\/p>\n

\"solo-kayak-fiji\"\"kayaking-2\"<\/p>\n

7. Early Morning Swim at Intercontinental Fiji Resort<\/h2>\n

Pool, beach, horizon.\u00a0#picturesforreal #neverbluffone<\/p>\n

\"intercontinental-fiji-pool\"\u00a0\"fiji-resort-pool-intercontinental\"\"intercontinetnal-beach\"<\/p>\n

8. Cultural Performances<\/h2>\n

We had the privilege of witnessing several cultural performances in Fiji. I even got up to join one — at Musket Cove Resort.<\/p>\n

The Fijians sing beautifully and use simple instruments to create great tempos and melodies. I was impressed by all the warrior dances\u00a0that look manly and graceful at the same time. Here’s a clip of just one of the many performances. This one was after dinner at Outrigger Resort<\/a> along the Coral Coast.<\/p>\n