The Enchanting Coral Coast of Fiji

• HelloBula
  [Boo-lah]
• GoodbyeMoce
  [Moe-they]
• YesIo
  [Ee-oh]
• NoSega
  [Sing-ah]
• Please/You're welcomeVinaka
  [Vee-nah-kah]
• Thank youVinaka vakalevu
  [Vee-nah-kah vah-kah-lay-voo]
• Excuse me/SorryTulou
  [Too-low]
• How are you?Yadra vinaka?
  [Yahn-drah vee-nah-kah]
• Fine. And you?Vinaka. Iko?
  [Vee-nah-kah. Ee-koh?]
• Do you speak English?Ko sa vosa vakaviti?
  [Koh sah voh-sah vah-kah-vee-tee]
• I don't understandAu sega ni kila
  [Ow sing-ah nee kee-lah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAu vinakata mada me mai vakavo
  [Ow vee-nah-kah-tah mah-dah may my vah-kah-voh]
• I don't eat meatAu sega ni kana isau
  [Ow sing-ah nee kah-nah ee-sow]
• Cheers!Bula!
  [Boo-lah!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAu vinakata mada me saumi
  [Ow vee-nah-kah-tah mah-dah may sah-oo-me]

• Help!Veivuke!
  [Veh-ee-voo-kay]
• Go away!Lako yani!
  [Lah-koh yah-nee]
• Call the Police!Vocia na Police!
  [Voh-thee-ah nah Police]
• Call a doctor!Vocia e dua na dokita!
  [Voh-thee-ah ay doo-ah nah doh-key-tah]
• I'm lostAu sa loku
  [Ow sah low-koo]
• I'm illAu sa rarawa
  [Ow sah rah-rah-wah]

• I'd like to buy...Au vinakata me voli...
  [Ow vee-nah-kah-tah may voh-lee]
• I'm just lookingAu raica ga
  [Ow rye-thah ngah]
• How much is it?E vica ga?
  [Ay vee-thah ngah]
• That's too expensiveE levu ga
  [Ay lay-voo ngah]
• Can you lower the price?O rawa beka me vaka lailai?
  [Oh rahn-wah beh-kah may vah-kah lie-lie]

• What time is it?Ei cava na gauna?
  [Ay thah-vah nah gah-oo-nah]
• It's one o'clockE dua ga
  [Ay doo-ah ngah]
• Half past (10)Vei lailai na toka
  [Vay lie-lie nah toh-kah]
• MorningYabaki
  [Yah-bah-kee]
• AfternoonYasovi
  [Yah-soh-vee]
• EveningYalomalua
  [Yah-loh-mah-loo-ah]
• YesterdayNakabukabu
  [Nah-kah-boo-kah-boo]
• TodayNaudua
  [Now-doo-ah]
• TomorrowNi sa mai
  [Nee sah my]
• 1Dua
  [Doo-ah]
• 2Rua
  [Roo-ah]
• 3Tolu
  [Toh-loo]
• 4Va
  [Vah]
• 5Lima
  [Lee-mah]
• 6Ono
  [O-noh]
• 7Vitu
  [Vee-too]
• 8Walubu
  [Wah-loo-boo]
• 9Ciwa
  [Thee-wah]
• 10Sikeni
  [See-keh-nee]

• Where's a/the...?E vei na...
  [Ay vay nah]
• What's the address?E vei na ituvatu?
  [Ay vay nah ee-too-vah-too]
• Can you show me (on the map)?O rawa beka me vakaraitaka...
  [Oh rahn-wah beh-kah may vah-kah-rye-tah-kah]
• When's the next (bus)?E vei na mataka...
  [Ay vay nah mah-tah-kah]
• A ticket (to ....)E dua na tikiti (ki ...)
  [Ay doo-ah nah tee-kee-tee kee]

The Coral Coast has been inhabited for over 3,500 years, with the arrival of the first Polynesian settlers. These early inhabitants established communities and thrived on the rich marine and terrestrial resources of the area.

In the late 18th century, European explorers, including Captain James Cook, began arriving in Fiji. Their encounters with the indigenous Fijians marked the beginning of significant cultural and societal changes. This period also saw the introduction of new goods and ideas that would influence the region for decades to come.

The early 19th century brought the arrival of Christian missionaries to the Coral Coast. They played a pivotal role in the region, converting many locals to Christianity and establishing schools and churches. This period marked a dramatic shift in the social and cultural landscape of the Coral Coast.

Fiji became a British colony in 1874, and the Coral Coast was no exception to the sweeping changes that followed. The colonial administration introduced new agricultural practices, infrastructure developments, and economic policies that shaped the modern identity of the region.

During World War II, the Coral Coast played a strategic role due to its geographical location. The area saw the construction of military installations and airstrips, which brought both challenges and opportunities for the local population. The wartime infrastructure developments laid the groundwork for post-war tourism.

The mid-20th century marked the beginning of the Coral Coast's transformation into a premier tourist destination. The establishment of resorts and tourist facilities capitalized on the area's natural beauty and historical sites, attracting visitors from around the world. This period saw significant economic growth and cultural exchange.

In recent decades, there has been a renewed focus on preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Coral Coast. Efforts have been made to promote traditional Fijian arts, crafts, and customs, ensuring that the unique cultural identity of the region is maintained alongside its tourism industry.

The Coral Coast is located on the southern coast of Viti Levu, the largest island in Fiji. The nearest international airport is Nadi International Airport, which is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from the Coral Coast. You can reach the Coral Coast by hiring a taxi, booking a private transfer, or renting a car at the airport. There are also several shuttle bus services that operate between the airport and major resorts on the Coral Coast.

Getting around the Coral Coast is relatively easy. Many resorts offer shuttle services to nearby attractions. Taxis are readily available and can be booked through your hotel or hailed on the street. For a more flexible option, consider renting a car. Public buses are also an affordable means of transportation, with routes connecting major towns and attractions along the coast. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also rent bicycles to explore the area at a leisurely pace.

The official currency in Fiji is the Fijian Dollar (FJD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in most towns along the Coral Coast, but it's a good idea to withdraw enough cash before heading to more remote areas. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and some hotels.

The Coral Coast is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night and safeguarding your belongings. While the Coral Coast does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, always remain vigilant. Use hotel safes for valuables and be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded places.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Hospitals and medical facilities are available in nearby towns such as Sigatoka. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in most towns where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Your hotel can also assist in arranging medical help if needed.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting villages and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your hat and shoes when entering a Fijian home or a religious site. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient when using public transport. Don't eat or drink on buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Bula!' (hello). A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience the Coral Coast like a local, visit the vibrant Sigatoka Market where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Fijian goods. Engage with locals, who are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Don't miss visiting the Kula Eco Park, where you can learn about Fiji's native wildlife. For a unique experience, participate in a Kava ceremony, a traditional Fijian social ritual. Also, consider exploring the area's marine life through snorkeling or diving excursions.