Bula Fiji

The 333 islands of Fiji can sizzle with excitement or murmur with the quiet calm of pristine nature. Where else can you swim with huge, harmless manta rays congregating by the shore, snorkel over giant rainbow gardens of soft coral, or scuba dive the White Wall and famous Astrolabe Reef. Fiji is where the Cloud Breaker, the incredible six-metre wave found offshore at Tavarua, draws surfers from around the world.

It is also where you can float in the calm, quiet waters of a turquoise lagoon at sunset or walk alone through lush rainforest. It is where the sun shines almost everyday and when it does rain, people rush outside for a rainbath in the warm, brief downpour of a tropical shower which ends as quickly as it began. This is where life is lived for the joy of it all, where rushing is rude, and the name of a new friend is never forgotten. Fiji is where people wear flowers tucked in their hair, not to impress visitors, but because they like to.

Almost everyone in Fiji speaks English - as it is the official language, but the Fijian language is preserved and widely spoken in many different dialects. Almost everyone is bilingual and many Fijian terms are included in everyday English usage. It is handy to know some of the more common words and phrases, and the Fijians will be delighted to know you picked up some of their language.

Fijian pronunciation is similar to English, but with a few changes to the phonetic alphabet. Below is a brief guide which will bring you close to the correct pronunciations. The best way to learn, since there are many subtleties, is to have a Fijian instruct you and then listen closely.

Pronunciation

"a" is "ah" as in father, but shorter. The correct pronunciation of Nadi, is closer to "Nahn-di" than "Nan-di".

"b" is "mb" as in bamboo. you'll hear "bula" or "hello" many times. You may notice the slight humming "m", almost silent at the beginning. When something precedes the "b", then the "m" sound becomes more pronounced. The formal "hello", Ni Sa Bula, is pronounced "ni sahm" boola".

"c" is "th" as in "this". So "moce" meaning goodbye is pronounced "moe-they".

"d" is "nd" as in candy.
"g" is "ng" as in singer.
"i" is"i" as in sit or "ee" as in routine.
"o" is "ngg" as in finger.
The island of Beqa is pronounced "Mbeng-gah".
"u" is"oo" as in bamboo or "u" as in put.

English / Fijian

good morning / ni sa yadra (ni sah yan dra)

hello! / bula(mbula)

goodbye / ni sa moce (ni sa mothey)

please / yalo vinaka (yalo vee naka)

excuse me / tulou (too low)

yes / io(ee-o)

thank you / vinaka (vee naka)

no / seqa (senga)

eat / kana (kana)

village / koro

lady / marama

mister / turaga (tu rang ah)

little / vaka lailai (vaka lie lie)

plenty / vaka levu (vaka ley vu)

quickly / vaka totolo (vaka toe toe lo)

house / vale/bure (valey/mburey)

toilet / vale lailai (vale lie lie)

come / lako mai (la ko my

go / lako tani (la ko tanee)

bring / kauta mai (ka ou tah my)

one more / dua tale (ndua ta lay)

one / dua (ndua)

two / rua

what is this / na cava oqo (na thava on go)

drink / gunu (goo noo)

coconut / niu (new)

I want / au vinakata (aoo vina kahta)

church / vale ni lotu (vahle nee lohtoo)

shop / sitoa (seetoah)

The Yasawa Islands is one of Fiji's most popular destinations for the travellers looking for the white sandy beaches and tropical island resorts. These islands are located just off the north western side of Viti Levu and are easily accessed by boat transfers and cruise ships from Denarau Marina and Loutoka. Awesome Adventures also operate the Yasawa Flyer, a catamaran that travels daily to the islands in the Group. The Yasawa's have a number of luxury resorts and backpacking accommodation with one thing in common, some of the most beautiful beaches and reefs in the world. Come and explore our web site for more facts about the islands, resorts, and people of this fantastic region in Fiji.

Below are a list of the many islands in the Yasawa Group ...

* Yasawa Island
* Naviti Island
* Tavewa Island
* Waya Island
* Waya Laitai Island
* Waya Sewa Island
* Tiliva Island
* Kuata Island
* Yaqeta Island
* Yawini Island
* Nanuya-i-Ra Island

Yasawa Islands Resort Fiji

If variety is the spice of life, then Fiji is scuba diving's red hot chilli pepper.

Trying to sum up the special appeal of these waters is like packing a bag for an epic journey through four seasons - or editing years of underwater video into just 30 minutes of tape!

Of course, most people know Fiji as the soft coral capital of the world and that's true! But soft corals are only a symbol of Fiji's complete story: the soft corals vibrant colours and giant size, the diversity of fish and invertebrates that live among their branches, the dramatic changes they undergo in an ancient rhythm of survival with the tides and currents, and the many types of underwater environments in which they thrive.

Yes, Fiji's remarkable soft corals embody all the elements that make Fiji's reefs so exceptional. Drama and diversity, brilliant lavish panoramas, deep water rich with food and hiding places for the mysterious and rare Fiji's marine realm is as dynamic and splendid as nature can be.

With 333 islands surrounded by reefs and the entire spectrum of underwater terrain, from sharks, rays and 1000 species of fish to the vivid rainbow of soft corals, sea stars and myriad shrimp, one word does describe Fiji's extremely diverse diving: colour.

Fiji is the colour of our wildest dreams. Come to Fiji to escape the crowded freeways and your work day demands. But there is no avoiding the bustling crowds of fish, jampacked coral reef communities or Fiji's flair for living colour. Surrender to it and enjoy the view.

You can choose from modern international resorts or smaller more intimate islands because this tropical paradise has a resort just right for you. Some resorts will help you arrange your wedding either in traditional Fijian style or the white wedding of your dreams.

Whatever your plans, come and discover why Fijians are the world's best hosts and dive into Fiji for a wedding and honeymoon that you'll never forget.

You better believe it! In Fiji, everything has its very own pace with a relaxed, unhurried philosophy behind everything. Don't get annoyed...chill out and go with the flow. Aren't you stressing out with all your wedding plans? wouldn't it be great, once the hectic schedule of your wedding is over, to arrive at a place which is so mellow and unhurried that you probably don't even have to wear a watch anymore?

The Fiji people are so warm and friendly that no matter what resort you stay at, you will probably find yourself greeted with hugs, the female staff mothering you with genuine concern and hospitality so touching you'll be lost for words.

Fiji is an idyllic and relaxing tropical paradise, a haven for the about-to-be weds, newly weds and the romantic at heart. Getting hitched in Fiji has become quite a trend in this century, to the extent where many resorts, hotels and even cruises, are offering fabulous wedding and honeymoon packages to suit every couple's needs.

Choices range from luxurious private hideaways to the more modest options. Experience cliff top desk set amidst cascading waterfalls, enjoy lush tropical surroundings, feel the waves lapping beneath your feet, or even partake of a unique underwater ceremony.

7 magical reasons to say I DO in the Fiji Islands

© Remote settings and complete privacy
© Tropical ambiance in lush garden settings
© Your very own secluded beach
© Fijian choirs and warrior escorts
© Unique cultural ceremonies and adorned traditional costumes
© Variety of all-inclusive resort wedding packages
© Quaint wedding chapels and churches

Here are some fantastic reasons why getting married in the Fiji Islands makes so much sense.

PRESSURE FREE - Fiji provides an idyllic escape from the pressure of organising the wedding at home. Most resorts have a series of wedding packages from which to choose.

HAVE AN ENTIRE RESORT TO YOURSELF - In Fiji wedding parties are often able to take over whole resorts allowing total privacy.

CENTRAL LOCATION - Centrally located and providing easy access for friends and relatives Fiji provides a neutral zone for all those coming from around the world. Many families have extended families and what better place to have a reunion than the beautiful shores of Fiji.

ACCESSIBILITY - Given Fiji's popularity as a holiday destination many reasonable travel packages are available throughout the world.

FREQUENCIES OF FLIGHTS - There are frequent flights to and from Fiji with Air Pacific flying up to 12 times in a week.

GROUP TRAVEL DISCOUNT - Wedding parties will frequently qualify for group travel discounts. Your guests will be able to enjoy a holiday at a much better rate than they could buy on their own as this provides a fantastic excuse for your guests to indulge in a holiday break.

HASSLE FREE DOCUMENTATION - Any official documents you need are exactly the same as getting married in any part of the world.

SPEED OF OFFICIALDOM - With your marriage licence able to be processed in one day travel plans can easily be arranged.

KEEPING DOWN THE NUMBERS - Fiji can provide a great way to keep the intimacy of the occasion. Invitations for a wedding in Fiji can be readily made without necessarily being accepted. This reduces your overall costs.

A CHOICE OF BEAUTIFUL LOCATIONS - Without doubt the azure oceans and pristine beaches are the major attraction to plan your wedding around. Yet sparking waterfalls, tropical forests or even a resort provide a number of settings, each one as magnificent as the last. A mix of colonial and modern architecture provide wedding and reception options.

THE CULTURE -With its beautiful traditions of song and dance, Fijian culture can be a beautiful part of your ceremony from the marvel of fire walking to the beautiful voices of the people around you.

NO TRAVEL WORRIES - The stunning setting comes without travel worries. No dangerous animals or insects and free from diseases such as malaria, the beautiful scenery with its swaying palms add to the romance of your visit.

FANTASTIC FOOD - Don't forget the wonderful food! Local specialities combined with a mix of international flavours provide first class cuisine. Once again your choice from formal dinners to casual dining or even a picnic by the beach.

FANTASTIC PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES - With heavenly sunsets and scenery out of a movie Fiji provides an amazing backdrop for wedding photos.

THE WEATHER - Enjoy an ideal South Sea environment and have your wedding under sparking skies. Some areas of Fiji can go for six months without a drop of rain.

A RANGE OF ACTIVITIES - If lying in the sun all day doesn't appeal, a whole range of activities are available, particularly in the water.

ARRIVE IN TRADITIONAL FIJIAN STYLE - Have a group of Fijian warriors carry you above their heads in the traditional Fijian way on a platform to the ceremony.

ON SITE BEAUTY ADVICE - With a beauty clinic at major resorts book yourself in for that pre-wedding pampering.

A CHOICE OF ACCOMMODATION - A range of accommodation choices to suit everyoneÍs budget from fabulous first class resorts to more family or budget orientated accommodation.

LOW COST - The biggest surprise is cost - many Fijian wedding packages are cheaper, with optional extras to suit your budget.

Couples can choose to have everything from a simple ceremony to a complete island feast.

NO RECEPTION ROOM HIRE FEE - None of the resorts charge for venue hire lowering your costs significantly. All you pay for is the food and drinks you consume.

THE FRIENDLY PEOPLE - With a genuine friendliness the hospitality of the Fijian people is renowned. Their warm welcome adds something special as weddings are celebrated with great joy.

EVERYTHING ORGANISED FOR YOU - Resorts will happily organise all details including arranging all legal requirements and all the resorts in this guide have a wedding coordinator Ü you just relax.

A CHOICE OF CEREMONIES - With option of integrating traditional ceremonies for something unique the many cultural influences that make up Fiji allow ceremonies to be blended for your choice of ceremony.

NOT HAVING TO TRAVEL FOR YOUR HONEYMOON - what better way to start your honeymoon than simply walking up the beach.

A CHOICE OF ISLANDS - with over 330 different islands you can choose how remote or busy you want your wedding location to be.

Are the ACCOMMODATIONS primitive?
No, accommodations range from budget to luxury and 5-star with the amenities you would expect for a room costing anywhere from F$65.00 to F$500 twin share.

How LONG is the flight?
Coming west from Canada and Europe, you'll stop in Los Angeles, and some flights out of Los Angeles and Canada stop in Honolulu. Air Pacific has four non-stops and Air New Zealand has one out of Los Angeles. Flight time from LA to Fiji is 10 hrs, Auckland to Fiji 3hrs, Sydney to Fiji 3hrs 50min.

Is FIJI safe?
Yes, Fiji has one of the world's lowest crime rates, but prudence dictates that if carrying valuables, you check them in hotel/resort room safes or safe deposit boxes.

Is the water SAFE to drink?
Yes, fresh water reticulated in Nadi, Suva, Lautoka and other major towns has been treated and is safe to drink from the tap. It tastes good too!

Is THERE AIR conditioning?
Yes, office buildings, banks, major retail outlets, boutiques, restaurants and major hotels offer air conditioning. Smaller mainland resorts and private island resorts offer either air conditioning or ceiling fans or a combination of both.

Is TIPPING required?
No. Actually, tipping is not encouraged in Fiji and it is left to the individual to determine whether to make a gratuity. In lieu of daily tipping, some resorts operate a staff Christmas fund where "tips" are shared.

What "SHOTS" do we need?
Yellow fever and cholera vaccinations are only required if coming from an infected area as designated by the World Health Organisation. Fiji is free from malaria and other major tropical diseases that are endemic to most tropical countries.

What CLOTHING should I bring?
Dress is casual and informal throughout the islands. Visitors should bring a light tropical wardrobe including golf shirts, shortsleeve shirts, T-shirts, shorts and slacks for evenings. For women, summer dresses and lightweight skirts, slacks and blouses. The wraparound "sulu" (sarong) is Fiji's most distinctive form of dress for women and men.

What is A BURE?
A bure is a thatched roof resort villa reflecting the style of a traditional Fijian village accommodation.

What LANGUAGE do the locals speak?
Fiji is an English speaking country.

What our WEATHER is like?
Fiji enjoys an ideal South Sea tropical climate and can get hot in the summer but seldom reaches above 35 Deg C (96 Deg F). Trade winds from the east southeast bring year long cooling breezes late afternoon and early evening.

When is THE RAINY season?
The season for our tropical rains is from December through February coinciding with our warmest summer months.