Sightseeing

1. Na Thurston Botanical Garden

   Na Tor-ston Bo-tan-i-kal Gar-den

   Thurston Botanical Garden, Suva

   Usage

   Beautiful botanical garden in Suva. Features Fijian and Pacific flora. Established in the 19th century.

   Grammar Note

   The English name is used directly. A must-see attraction during a Suva visit.

2. Na Fiji Museum

   Na Fi-ji Myu-zi-am

   Fiji Museum, Suva

   Usage

   National museum showcasing Fijian history, culture, and nature. Features canoes, pottery, and historical artifacts.

   Grammar Note

   Fiji has three official languages: English, Fijian, and Hindustani. Museum exhibits have extensive English labeling.

3. Na Sri Siva Subramaniya temple

   Na Sri Si-va Su-bra-ma-ni-ya tem-pol

   Sri Siva Subramaniya temple (largest Hindu temple in the South Pacific)

   Usage

   The largest Hindu temple in the South Pacific, located in Nadi. A cultural symbol of Fiji's Indo-Fijian community.

   Grammar Note

   About 37% of Fiji's population is Indo-Fijian. Their ancestors were brought as indentured laborers for sugar cane plantations in the 19th century.

4. Na kerekere ni tikina ni koro

   Na ke-re-ke-re ni ti-ki-na ni ko-ro

   Traditional village visit (request permission)

   Usage

   When visiting a traditional Fijian village, always seek permission first and bring a tabua (whale's tooth) as a formal gift.

   Grammar Note

   "Kerekere" is a traditional Fijian concept of communal sharing. When visiting villages, greeting the chief and seeking permission is essential.

5. Na vilavilairevo i Beqa

   Na vi-la-vi-la-i-re-vo i Mbe-nga

   Fire walking ceremony (on Beqa island)

   Usage

   Traditional fire walking performed by the Sawau clan of Beqa island. Walking barefoot over heated stones is their unique cultural tradition.

   Grammar Note

   "b"="mb" so "Beqa"="Mbeqa". Fire walking tradition is said to originate from a covenant between the Sawau clan and a spirit. The ceremony has its own Fijian name, vilavilairevo.

6. Na snorkeling ena Cakaulevu

   Na snor-ke-ling e-na Tha-kau-le-vu

   Snorkeling the Great Sea Reef

   Usage

   Snorkeling Fiji's Great Sea Reef — the world's third largest coral reef, located in northern Fijian waters.

   Grammar Note

   The Fijian name of the Great Sea Reef is "Cakaulevu", literally "the big reef", and that is what it is called locally ("cakau" = reef). c = [ð]. It is one of Fiji's most important natural heritage assets.

7. Na guided tour e vica?

   Na gaind-id tor e vi-tha

   How much is the guided village tour?

   Usage

   Checking guided tour prices. Village visits, hiking, and cultural experience tours are widely available.

   Grammar Note

   English is standard in Fijian tourism. "c"="th" so "vica"="vi-tha".

8. E rawa na photography?

   E ra-wa na fo-to-gra-fi

   Is photography allowed?

   Usage

   Checking photography permission. Always ask before photographing at temples and villages in Fiji.

   Grammar Note

   "E rawa" is a handy expression for checking permission or possibility. English "photography" is used as-is.

9. E vica na aua ni dolava?

   E vi-tha na au-a ni ndo-la-va

   What are the opening hours?

   Usage

   Checking opening hours. Many Fijian attractions close or have reduced hours on Sundays.

   Grammar Note

   "Duru" is the knee, not opening. To open is "dolava". "d"="nd", so it sounds like "n-dolava". "Vica na aua" (how many hours) asks the time.

10. E yaga na student discount?

    E ya-nga na styu-dent dis-kount

    Is there a student discount?

    Usage

    Asking about student discounts. Some Fijian tourist attractions offer student pricing.

    Grammar Note

    "g"="ng" so "yaga"="ya-nga". "E yaga" means "there is / it is valid / available".

11. E vica na aua ni meke show?

    E vi-tha na au-a ni me-ke sho

    When is the next meke show?

    Usage

    Asking when the traditional meke dance show starts. A staple of resort evening entertainment.

    Grammar Note

    "c"="th" so "vica"="vi-tha". "Meke show" blends Fijian "meke" with English "show" — typical of Fiji's linguistic mixing.

12. E vakacava na noda lako ki kea?

    E va-ka-tha-va na no-nda la-ko ki ke-a

    How do we get there?

    Usage

    Asking for directions. Main transport in Fiji: taxi, bus, ferry, and seaplane.

    Grammar Note

    "Duri" means "to sit up, or raise one's self when lying", not to travel. To go is "lako". The manner question is "E vakacava"; "E vei" asks about place. English "How do I get to...?" works throughout Fiji.

13. E vica na yawa?

    E vi-tha na ya-wa

    How far is it?

    Usage

    Asking the distance. Fiji uses kilometers for distances.

    Grammar Note

    "Kalavo" means rat, not distance. Distance is "yawa" (also "vakayawa"). "c" = [ð]. In practice English "How far is it?" also works throughout Fiji.

14. E vica na isau ni tikiti?

    E vi-tha na i-sau ni ti-ki-ti

    How much is the entrance fee / ticket?

    Usage

    Asking for the ticket price. National parks and tourist attractions in Fiji charge entry fees.

    Grammar Note

    "c"="th" so "vica"="vi-tha". "Tikiti" is Fijianized from English "ticket".

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