Getting Around Suva, Fiji Islands

Suva is the capital of Fiji and is a beautiful harbour city built on a peninsula reaching out into the sea. Its tall modern buildings are beautifully balanced by rich traditional colonial architecture.

The city is perched on a hilly peninsula between Laucala Bay and Suva Harbour in the southeast corner of Viti Levu. The mountains north and west catch the southeast trade winds, producing moist conditions year round.

An exciting multi-racial, Suva began as a late Victorian village with frame houses and stores along the beachfront. Much of of its past still survives, for there are many small, quaint wooden bungalows in the old section which sit in juxtaposition to the modern offices and shopping plazas. Suva is the only place in Fiji where you'll see buildings taller than palm trees.

Throughout the city are colourful flowering gardens and waving palm trees and on Sundays it's well worth attending church to hear the choral singing which is magnificent. Most churches have services in English, but none compare with the 1,000 strong Fijian service at Centenary Methodist Church on Stewart Street.

There are tours to landmarks such as the Thurston Gardens, next to Government House, the official residence of the President of the Republic of Fiji. The museum is recognised as one of the best of its type in the South Pacific and not to be missed is the sprawling complex of municipal markets near the waterfront, which comes to life on Fridays and Saturdays.

Here you'll find an assortment of artefacts and handicrafts for sale, made by Fijians throughout the island group.
 

There is Fiji's oldest cultural centre at Orchid Island near Suva where visitors get the chance to see some of Fiji's unique fauna and flora. And for those who like history there's Albert Park where Charles Kingsford-Smith landed the 'Southern Cross' on his trans-Pacific flight in 1928.

Some 50 kilometres west of Suva is Pacific Harbour. This joins the eastern most fringe of the Coral Coast. Her visitors can visit the Na Fijian Cultural Centre and Dance Theatre with its demonstrations of handicraft-making techniques. Not too far from here you can visit the legendary Beza Island, home of the Fijian fire walkers who often perform their fire-walking ceremonies at several major Fijian hotels and resorts.

TROPIC TOWERS APARTMENTS

For families, business people, tour groups or holiday-makers wishing to experience the cosmopolitan culture, shopping and tropical night life that Suva has to offer, Tropic Towers Apartments has a range of reasonably priced accommodation to suit all needs.

Located high on a hill overlooking the beautiful harbour and environs, the apartments are only a relaxing three minute walk from the thriving city centre.

There are thirty four spacious and fully serviced single, double and three bedroom apartments. All units are self-contained with full kitchen facilities including stove, refrigerator, kitchen utensils, radio, telephone and air-conditioning.

IDEALLY LOCATED

The complex has recently been expanded with new budget accommodation which is ideal for backpackers end provides serviced separate rooms with telephones and air-conditioning. However, the bathroom and kitchen facilities in the new wing are shared.

Additional facilities at Tropic Towers Apartments include a fresh water swimming pool, bar, video and television hire, guest laundry and irons in addition to a seven day laundry service. A mini grocery shop sells provisions for self-catering guess and a dial-meal service is also available.