First submitted to TripZilla.

Fiji might be one of the world’s most up-and-coming travel destinations but how much do you really know about it? Before you start planning your trip to this exotic island paradise, manage your expectations by taking note of these common stereotypes. Some might even give you a pleasant surprise!

Expectation: Fiji is somewhere in The Caribbean

Ask anyone where Fiji is and your question would probably be met with a blank stare or noncommittal shrug. Some might even go as far as to confuse it with Mt. Fuji in Japan. So where is Fiji, really?

Reality: It’s actually off the coast of Australia!

Fiji is actually off the coast of Australia, comprising a total of 333 islands in the South Pacific Ocean. There are about 900,000 people in Fiji, 50% of which are made out of the Itaukei (indigenous people), around 40-45% Indians and the rest comprise a mix of other races (Japanese, Koreans and the like).

Expectation: Fiji is just another typical beach destination

Fiji is undisputedly one of the world's finest beach destinations. It's home to sparkling turquoise waters, pristine stretches of water and diverse marine life. It's basically perfect for any beach bum!

Reality: There's more to do than just laze on the shores!

Contrary to popular belief, there’s so much more to do in Fiji! You’ll have the chance to float down rivers on bamboo rafts, splash in waterfalls, go on off-road cave safaris, zipline amidst forest canopies, ride a railbike along abandoned railway tracks and more!

Expectation: There will be a language barrier

Fijian is the national language of Fiji, leading many to believe that there’ll be a language barrier. However, that’s far from reality!

Reality: English is actually widely spoken in Fiji

In fact, English is spoken by most locals, making communication incredibly easy. However, many locals do appreciate it when you try to speak their language. Here are some key words to remember: Bula means “hello”, Vinaka means “thank you” and Moce means “goodbye”.

Expectation: Fiji can be visited all year round

Fiji has a warm tropical climate, with temperatures ranging between 26 degrees celsius to 31-32 degrees celsius. Many would think that this makes Fiji a destination that’s ideal to visit during any month of the year.

Reality: It's best to avoid the wet season

However, Fiji is home to two seasons – the wet season and the dry season. During the wet season, the area sees heavy rainfall with the occasional cyclone occurrence. It’s hence best to avoid visiting during the months of November to April and plan your visit during the dry season instead, which runs from late April to the start of November.

Expectation: Fiji will burn a giant hole in your wallet

Due to its exotic nature, Fiji often boasts the reputation of being rather expensive to visit. Its shores are home to luxurious hotels – The Westin, Hilton, Shangri-la and the like – which leads to the perception of Fiji being an island playground for the affluent. Besides accommodation, food and drink are rumoured to be on the costly side as well.

Reality: Visiting on a budget is possible!

In actual fact, visiting Fiji doesn’t have to be that expensive after all! There is plenty of accommodation available (think: backpacker hostels and boutique hotels) that are easier on your wallet as well.

Expectation: ALL food in Fiji is imported

Fiji is often likened to the Maldives, which largely (or even entirely) imports most of its food.

Reality: Fiji grows its own fresh local produce!

However, it couldn’t be more the opposite! Fiji grows its own local produce and takes pride in offering farm-to-table experiences. There is even a region called the ‘Salad Bowl of Fiji’, so named for containing numerous farmlands that produce a high percentage of Fiji’s fruits, spices and vegetables.

Expectation: Artisanal Fiji water is largely overpriced

Here in Singapore, many recognise Fiji water by its artistically designed bottle. It’s also known for its volcanic mineral properties. However, not many have tasted it, especially due to its significantly hefty price tag.

Reality: It's really cheap and can be found anywhere

In Fiji, however, Fiji water is sold at very cheap rates and can be found everywhere! After all, where better to sample Fiji water than in Fiji?

Expectation: There’s not much of a culture scene here

There is little known about Fijian culture, the knowledge of most nary extending beyond the islands’ wide stretches of sand.

Reality: Local culture is incredibly rich and intriguing!

How’s this for size: Fiji was once known as the ‘Cannibal Isles’, with the last known record of cannibalism being in the 1860s. Learn more at the Fiji Museum in Suva, which offers great insight into the history of Fiji. In addition, don’t miss out on the chance to sample Lovo (traditional way of cooking in an ‘underground oven’) and Kava (the locals’ ‘happy drink’) during a village visit.

Expectation: It’s difficult to get around the island without a car

Being a cluster of islands, it’s natural to think that public transportation in Fiji is scarce. If you are not equipped with a car rental, it might be hard to move around.

Reality: There are plenty of buses/taxis that make great transport options!

Indeed, public transportation routes are pretty well-supported. There are buses that circle Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, Fiji’s two main islands. Furthermore, it only takes about four and a half hours to travel from Nadi to Suva, with the ride costing around FJD20 (~SGD12). It’s also fairly easy to flag down taxis along the streets.

Expectation: Beachwear is the usual attire here in Fiji

Being a beach destination, it should be common to see people dressed in shorts, singlets or summer dresses right?

Reality: Travellers are required to cover up for village visits

While casual summer wear is seen everywhere on the islands, travellers are reminded to be respectful of local customs. Should you be visiting a local village, you are advised to cover up at all times. This means no revealing tops, with bottoms covered by a sarong. This is especially pertinent for when you attend religious ceremonies conducted by the local village people.

Expectation: It's not convenient to travel to Fiji

Let’s face it, Fiji basically looks like it’s in the middle of nowhere. Flights to the destination must be long-drawn and expensive, to say the least.

Reality: You can fly there directly from Singapore!

That might have been the case previously but with Fiji Airways flying directly to Fiji from Singapore, it couldn’t be easier to pay a visit. The best part? The duration of the flight is not more than ten hours on a full-service aircraft, which means food and baggage all-in. 

Quell all your misconceptions of Fiji and make an informed decision before you start planning your holiday to paradise!