4 ParGolf MARCH 2017 74 Eden I n the heart of the South Pacific, Fiji’s 333 sun-kissed islands of palm-fringed golden beaches, thunderous waterfalls and jungle-clad mountains beckon, boasting an abundance of activities and accommodation options for the avid holidaymaker. And if you’re looking to indulge in some golf on your vacay, Fiji’s got you covered. Most ethnographers believe that the Fijian people migrated to the Pacific from Southeast Asia via the Malay Peninsula. The Melanesians (from Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu and Solomon Islands) and the Polynesians (from Tonga, Samoa and Hawaii) integrated to create their very own culture and society. Hence Fiji represents the melting point of the various South Pacific cultures. Evidence of this unique indigenous culture can been seen in Fijian food, language, traditions, practices and political Abounding in natural beauty, unique culture, outdoor adventures and the friendliest population on the planet (and some amazing golf), Fiji’s pristine, picture-perfect islands make for an ideal getaway unlike any other TEXT AND IMAGES BY FIJI AIRWAYS ParGolf MARCH 2017 74 on Earth FIJI
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Par Golf – March 2017
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Eden
In the heart of the South Pacific, Fiji’s 333 sun-kissed islands of palm-fringed golden beaches, thunderous waterfalls and
jungle-clad mountains beckon, boasting an abundance of activities and accommodation options for the avid holidaymaker. And if you’re looking to
indulge in some golf on your vacay, Fiji’s got you covered.
Most ethnographers believe that the Fijian people migrated to the Pacific from Southeast Asia via the Malay Peninsula. The Melanesians (from Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu and Solomon Islands) and the Polynesians
(from Tonga, Samoa and Hawaii) integrated to create their very own culture and society. Hence Fiji represents the melting point of the various South Pacific cultures. Evidence of this unique indigenous culture can been seen in Fijian food, language, traditions, practices and political
Abounding in natural beauty, unique culture, outdoor adventures and the friendliest population on the planet (and some amazing golf), Fiji’s pristine, picture-perfect
islands make for an ideal getaway unlike any otherTEXT AND IMAGES BY FIJI AIRWAYS
ParGolf MARCH 201774
on Earth
FIJI
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systems. Fijian Indians also make up a large portion of the current population, who first entered Fiji in the late 1800s when they were migrated to work in the island’s sugar plantations.
Fiji’s cornucopia of cultures mean there are three official Fijian languages on the islands – Fijian, Fiji Hindi and English. But that’s not all – beyond the lingua franca there are approximately 10 languages that are commonly heard in Fiji; examples include Pitcairn-Norfolk, Samoan, Tamil, Telugu and Tongan.
Located about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand, Fiji, the product of volcanic mountains and warm tropical waters, can be divided into nine
groups of islands. Viti Levu is the largest and most
important island of the country as the most economically developed. It’s also home to the capital, Suva.
Out of the 333 islands, only one-third are inhabited and the most private and pristine islands include Malolo, Yasawa, Taveuni, Dolphin Island and Matangi Island.
On Malolo you will also find Likuliku Lagoon Resort, the only resort in Fiji with over-water bure villas. Likuliku means ‘calm waters’ in the Malolo
dialect, and its location in a lagoon rich with marine and land biodiversity provides a refuge away from the world, an ultimate romantic escape.
Yasawa means ‘heaven’ in Fijian and it’s easy to see why the rugged, looming chain of 20 islands making up Fiji’s western border was named so. A popular day trip is Drawaqa Island, or Barefoot Manta Island, which is one of the best manta ray safaris.
Boasting some of Fiji’s most exotic flora and fauna, Taveuni is home to several heritage parks Waitabu Marine Park, Bouma National Heritage Park, Lavena Coastal Walk and Tavoro Falls. Get up close with the Tagimoucia flower, found nowhere else on earth. Also you can be the first in the world to see the sun rise as the International Date Line runs through Taveuni.
If you’re after rustic luxury and ultra exclusive romance, you can’t go past Dolphin Island. This all-inclusive escape literally becomes your home away from home, because bookings here are on an exclusive-use basis, which means you’re the only guests. Apart from the beachfront villas, you can also choose to spend the night and welcome the dawn in the Hilltop Sleep-out Bure.
Hilltop Sleep-out Bure @ Dolphin Island
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Matangi is a horseshoe-shaped island with untouched tropical rainforests and white sand beaches, named among the world’s must-sees in the book, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.
Unique CultureToday over 80 per cent of land in Fiji remains occupied by its indigenous people and many travellers are
surprised to see that most of Fiji’s landscape consists of village-towns. Often there is an appointed ‘ratu’ (village chief) or ‘turaga ni koro koro’ (village headman) who represents the village in provincial matters. These self-governed villages are also guardians of ancient Fijian traditions and folklores. For example, in Fijian villages it’s considered an insult for anyone other than the village chief to don hats or
sunglasses. It’s also considered impertinent to touch someone’s head as the top of the head is deemed sacred.
The Kava WelcomeThe ceremony of drinking ‘kava’ is to the Fijians what the formal tea ritual is to the Chinese and Japanese. Kava is a mildly narcotic drink made from mixing the powdered root of the pepper plant (piper methysticum) with water, which results in a numb feeling around the mouth, lips and tongue and a sense of relaxation. For many Fijians, it’s a link to their ancestral past and is the nation’s traditional and national drink, enjoyed on both important and social occasions including when accepting guests or visitors into a village.
Interesting Local CuisineFiji’s blended heritage has led to a variety of exotic fusion food. Traditional Fijian meals include three elements, namely relishes, starches and a beverage. Called “real food” by Fijians, the starchy component can be sweet potatoes, yams or taro. Seafood, meat, leafy vegetables and fish are the “relishes” and water is typically the beverage of choice. The traditional Fijian cooking style – ‘lovo’ – is the Fijian name for a feast cooked in the
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The Kava ritual
The Tagimoucia flower
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earth. Lovo often gives the food a smokey flavour and is an efficient way to cook large quantities of food. Over the years, the influx of Indian immigrants has led to even greater mingling of cuisines, with Indian curries and rotis also popular in the country.
Golfing Mecca of the Pacific The tropical climate, turquoise waters, world-class hospitality and idyllic lifestyle make Pacific nation Fiji one of the world’s top golfing destinations.
Quality of courses range in difficulty from beginners to championship, promising something for every player. Here are some of the top 18-hole courses you can experience in this Pacific paradise.
Natadola Bay Golf CourseDesigned by ‘Big Fijian’ Vijay Singh, the Natadola Bay golf course blends world-class golf architecture with dramatic landscapes from rolling pastures to absolute beachfront. There
are exquisite views of the ocean for 15 of the 18 holes, coastal holes on the lagoon, and great elevation changes on the inland holes. The 544-yard 6th is one of the most memorable holes, with a magnificent tee box at the top of a cliff with views across the Pacific, while the 4th hole is one of the hardest and most scenic par threes on the course.
Denarau Golf & Racquet ClubThe Denarau Golf & Racquet Club is located in the heart of resort island
Denarau Golf & Racquet Club
Natadola Bay Golf Course
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FAST FACTSGetting ThereAs of April 2016, Fiji Airways began twice-weekly direct flights from Singapore to Fiji; flight time is approximately 10 hours. Fiji Airways is a full-service airline, o ering Economy and Business Class, with service delivered by a 100 per cent Fijian cabin crew.
When To GoFiji enjoys an ideal South Seas tropical climate with warm, pleasant temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 24°C to 36°C in summer (December to February), and from 21°C to 26°C during winter (June to August).
Getting AroundPublic transport is cheap in Fiji. Rental cars are also available (driving is on the left side of the road in right-hand drive vehicles), along with reasonably fared taxis. To venture out to the islands, hop on a plane, seaplane or helicopter; there are also a number of water-based transfer options.
Useful Linkswww.fijiairways.comwww.fiji.travel
Denarau, walking distance from many hotels. Designed by Eiichi Motobashi, the beautiful 18-hole golf course has a unique Pacific theme framed by giant coconut palms and bunkers in the shape of marine creatures. With a par of 72, the 6,538-metre course offers tee positions for all levels of players, including four water carry par threes, four challenging par fives, and 10 par fours.
The Pearl Championship Golf & Country ClubOpened in 1978 and designed by Robert ‘Bobby’ Trent Jones Jr, the Pearl is an 18-hole, par 72 golf course remains as one of Fiji’s most adventurous. Players of all levels will be challenged by the 6,285-metre course comprising adjacent rivers, deep bunkers and picturesque fresh water
lily ponds, testing your skills against water hazards on no fewer than 12 of the 18 holes. The course is also located next to the beautiful Pearl Resort in Pacific Harbour, halfway between Nadi and Suva on Fiji’s main island.
Laucala IslandThere’s nothing quite like golfing on Laucala Island, a private island with an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Scotsman David McLay Kidd. Surrounded by volcanic mountains, the course has been integrated well into the environment to minimise impact on the island’s old coconut plantation area. Challenging greens and undulating fairways will challenge experienced golfers and offer fun for novices, especially with the signature hole par five 12th that extends to the beach. PG
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Pearl Championship Golf Course
Elegantly snug interiors of Fiji Airways
Laucana Island's 18-hole course
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Top Must-See Spots in FijiUPPER NAVUA RIVER, NAVUALocated in the remote highlands of Viti Levu, the Upper Navua River slices through the island o�ering travellers incredible views of towering volcanic walls fringed by tropical fauna. Indulge in some white water rafting in the majestic river, which some call the ‘Garden of Eden’.
BEQA LAGOONBoasting flourishing soft coral forests amidst colourful aquatic life, Beqa Lagoon is one of Fiji’s most popular dive sites. The lagoon home to one of the world’s largest barrier reefs, and is the only dive spot to o�er shark diving.
SAWA- I LAU CAVES, YASAWA ISLANDS Locals will tell you Sawa-i-Lau Island is the heart of Yasawa. The island, a distinctive, majestic limestone mass rising 1,000 feet above sea level, is the object of Fijian mythology – shrouded in mysticism reportedly as old as time itself. Legends have it that a young chief once safely settled his lover in the cave after her family threatened to marry her o� to a rival chief. Every day he would swim into the Sawa-i-Lau caves with food and water for the girl until they eventually escaped to another island to live happily ever after. When the tide is high, you must dive under a rocky curtain and swim through an underwater tunnel.
SRI SIVA SUBRAMANIYA TEMPLE, NADIMany visitors to Fiji are surprised to learn that the country is home to the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere – even outstripping the temples found in India. The sprawling Sri Siva Subramaniya temple in Nadi boasts impressive Dravidian architecture and was hand-painted by talented artists who travelled from India to Fiji.
INTERNATIONAL DATE LINEWhat if you could time-travel? Fiji is located on the International Date Line which is the imaginary line in the Pacific Ocean that splits consecutive calendar days. There is a marker in the island of Taveuni where visitors can have one foot on today and the other on yesterday!
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Clockwise from top: Suva Navua River whitewater rafting, shark-diving at Beqa Lagoon, limestone wonders of Sawa-I-Lau Caves, Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple in Nadi and the International Date Line
