[Post-Edit Note: All pictures and written content in this post was originally created in 2019.]
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Fiji is something straight out of a fairytale.
made up of 332 islands (more than 200 of which are uninhabited), this uncannily perfect archipelago is the result of centuries’ worth of volcanic spurts and grumblings; a natural phenomenon that has, over time, helped fashion a convoluted coastline most cherished for its simple pleasures and secluded atmosphere. in fact, the majority of Fiji’s islands that we see today were formed through volcanic activity traceable to as far back as 150 million years ago – and it shows. it shows in the raw, natural drama of Fiji’s landscape that is made up of tropical forests, mountains, waterfalls and shorelines of reefs and rocks… a setting that can be fantastic and fearsome in equal measures.
in an island perpetually alive with melody and song, the first thing that strikes you on a Fijiian island is, quite contrarily, the sound of silence. don’t count the rustle of palm trees, the murmurs of lapping waves, or even the whispers of trade winds – here, a sense of ultimate tropical barefoot luxury is characterized by a quiet idyll, and a week’s itinerary worth of island hopping can feel like the equivalent to several holidays in one short break.
so which island should one begin their Fijian journey on then? the answer is, it’s your choice, really. if you’re unsure, base yourself off of Viti Levu and opt for the tried-and-tested routes of the Mamanucas Islands, or the Yasawas. for a more remote coastal paradise, hop towards Vanua Levu, which sits just 64km north of Viti Levu. though second in size only to Viti Levu, Vanua Levu is spectacularly sunken and secretive in its decidedly offbeat isolation; a rugged, craggy, and jungle-clad experience especially for the intrepids looking for true escapism.
it’s hard to choose, but personally, my top three experiences in Fiji includes bumming out at Malamala Beach Club, a visit to Castaway Island, as well as a most beautiful evening spent at Robinson Crusoe Island.
i can’t explain why, or detail exactly what it was, but I just felt hopelessly pulled towards everywhere i went in Fiji, in the most inexplicable of ways. even Science cannot begin to adequately draw out the glorious combination of natural features and cultures on this archipelago that makes you yearn for it years even after you’ve left. as much as i love travelling, i typically start to get homesick right around day 7; but here.
here, i never wanted to leave.
Indeed, legends abound here.
I suppose there’s no real guidebook to lead the way on how to best enjoy yourself on this bewitching subtropical paradise. With the remoteness of Fiji comes an immense sense of place; somewhere you go to be rather than to do. The scale, the speed of life, even the the air tastes different here.
I could have stayed here forever.
Comments
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shaf.finah
Thank you Hannah! 😘 hahah, definitely satisfying my own wanderlust too going through the memories ✨
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Jamie Sharpe
Fiji is absolutely on my list! Hoping I can combine it with some other island trips in the area. Thanks for inspiring me!
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shaf.finah
Yes please do! One of the things I really wish I did differently was to go to the islands that were further out.. definitely should have spent more time there than I did 😅
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Taylor
Fiji is definitely on my bucket list. All of your photos are so beautiful from there. 🙂
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shaf.finah
Thank you Taylor! 🥰
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MagicandBliss
Stunning pictures! I love the charm of remote places and the slow pace of living. I hope I get to visit Fiji someday 🙂
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shaf.finah
Then you’ll love Fiji for sure – pencil it in! 🥰
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Ummi Nadrah
Omg! I’m not even that big a fan of beaches, but your beautiful photos make me want to visit Fiji so badly. I think I’m most interested in the culture. And the food!
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shaf.finah
Aw, thank you Ummi that’s so sweet! I’m sure you’ll love Fiji, it has so much to offer even without the beaches 😌
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shaf.finah
Thank you Laura – glad it made it to your list! 🥰
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Sarah
This is seriously such a MAJOR goal of mine – to get to Fiji! It looks so dreamy and peaceful. Your photos are spectacular. I wish I was there right now! I would love to island hop around there.
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shaf.finah
Thank you Sarah, and me too! Definitely wish I’d spent more time exploring the further islands! 🏝
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Lerato
Fiji looks so dreamy. I would love to visit this beeautiful destination one day. Love your guide and pictures! Really helpful
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shaf.finah
Thank you very much, and I hope you do – it remains one of my most memorable travels to date 🌴
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shaf.finah
They really are, I was so warmed by their awesome hospitality!
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kmf
I had no idea Fiji had so many islands. Your gorgeous photos capture the spirit of this idyllic destination, its beauty and its culture.
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shaf.finah
hahaha funny thing is… i never knew either! until i left and went, oh dang! i barely scratched the surface! 😅
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Natalie LaTurno
Absolutely stunning photos! I woudl love to go to Fiji someday. I didn’t know that Fiji’s islands were formed from volcanic activity.
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shaf.finah
me neither! but it piqued my curiosity and i went reading up on islands after – seems like it’s not uncommon that many of the islands we know today are actually just chunks of volcanic lava erupted from thousands or even millions of years ago 🤯
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shaf.finah
take me along with you! 😍
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shaf.finah
thank you Denise.. it really was! 🥰
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Julia
I LOVED my time in Fiji too. It does have an incredible draw as you described. I think the beauty of the islands and the friendliness of the people really make it the magical place that dreams are made of!
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shaf.finah
Right?? I could really just live there forever. 😍🌴
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Hannah
Oh my goodness! Fiji looks magical! Your photos are gorgeous…thanks for sharing them! You’re satisfying my wanderlust while I’m stuck in lockdown in England!