About City :
Suva is the capital of Fiji. It is the second most populated municipality of the country after Nasinu. It is both the political and the administrative center of Fiji. Besides, Suva is the largest cosmopolitan city in the South Pacific and has recently become an important regional center.
The history of Suva dates back to 1868, when 5,000 sq. km of land was granted to the Australian-based Polynesia Company by the United States in order to clear certain debts. The original intention was to establish a cotton farming industry, which however failed due to unsuitable climate. Subsequent to the annexation of the Fiji islands by Britain in 1874, the capital was shifted from Levuka to Suva three years later. Suva acquired municipal status in 1910 and was declared a city in 1952. The city hosted the South Pacific Games for the third time in 2003.
Suva boasts of a milieu of cultures and ethnicities and is currently home to approximately 89,000 residents. English and Fijian are the official languages of the island. The capital city has a mixed population of Protestants, Hindus and Roman Catholics.
Geography :
Suva lies on a rugged peninsula situated in between Laucala Bay and Suva Harbor on the south-east coast of the island Viti Levu. It covers an area of 2,048 sq. km, and is surrounded by mountains on both the north and the west that intercepts the southeast trade winds. The coast is lined with mangroves and the nearest beach in Suva is 25 km away at Pacific Harbor.
How to Reach (Transport) :
Suva can be reached either by the Nadi International Airport or the Nausori International Airport. These are served by several airlines like Air Pacific, Pacific Sun and Air Vanuato. Suva is located just 23 km from Nausori and can be reached by availing a taxi. Fiji Airways runs regular flights to and from Nadi.
Once in Suva, the best public transport options are taxis and local buses as they are affordable and easily available.
When to Visit :
Suva experiences a tropical rainforest climate with heavy rainfall throughout the year, especially from November to May. The slightly cooler months from June to October are also comparatively drier. The ideal time to visit the capital city is during July-August when the fire-walking festival is held and the weather is suitable as well.
Fairs and Festivals :
Fiji has a rich tradition of cultural fairs and festivals that attract tourists from all over the world.
- Vilavilairevo, or the fire-walking festival, held in July-August, takes place in the Mariamma Temple. Men walk over blazing pits of embers in a truly magnificent display of courage. The entire city gears up for this festival making colorful costumes and performing various ceremonies.
- The Hibiscus Festival is a much awaited event of the year held in August. Thousands of participants compete with each other for the Miss Hibiscus title. Music, dance, sports, food and local arts characterize this festival.
- The last Monday of May is observed as a national holiday in memory of the father of Modern Fiji, Ratu Sir Lala Sakuna. The week-long festival ends with a presidential speech on Fijian unity.
- The World Music Festival is held in Suva every year in June. Accomplished singers and bands from all over the world gather here to showcase their individual talents.
Besides these unique traditional events, the large population of Hindus and Christians celebrate their respective religious festivals all year round.
Points of Interest (Places to Visit) :
The following are the unique sites in Suva that one must not miss out when visiting the capital of Fiji:
- The Fiji Museum in Thurston Gardens houses the most exclusive collection of Fijian artifacts. It is also a research institute specializing in the preservation of Fiji’s oral tradition and culture.
- The Roman Catholic Cathedral and the Holy Trinity Cathedral are two important landmarks from the historic past.
- The Colo-i-Suva Forest Reserve is a 6 km stretch of land teeming with natural flora and fauna of the island. Tourists and locals come here to swim under the waterfalls.
- Suva has numerous parks, among which Apted Park at Suva Point is a popular spot for viewing sunrise and sunset.
In addition to these, the Municipal Market and the Municipal Handicraft Centre must also be visited by every traveler to get a glimpse of true Fijian local life.
Accommodation :
Accommodation is easily available in Suva in the various hotels and apartments present there. Holiday Inn Suva, Navotal Suva Lami Bay and Tanoa Plaza Hotel are the most famous 4-star hotels that provide excellent services to their occupants. Apartments like Nanette’s Accommodation, Suva Apartments and Colonial Lodge are available on rent for a longer stay in a peaceful surrounding. The Best Western Suva Motor Inn is a resort that offers world-class facilities.