Lautoka: The Sugar City of Fiji

• HelloBula
  [Boo-lah]
• GoodbyeMoce
  [Moh-they]
• YesIo
  [Ee-oh]
• NoSega
  [Seng-ah]
• Please/You're welcomeVinaka
  [Vee-nah-kah]
• Thank youVinaka vakalevu
  [Vee-nah-kah vah-kah-leh-voo]
• Excuse me/SorryTulou
  [Too-loh]
• How are you?O cei?
  [Oh they]
• Fine. And you?Vinaka. Ia ko?
  [Vee-nah-kah. Ee-ah koh]
• Do you speak English?Sa vosa vaka-Ingilisi?
  [Sah voh-sah vah-kah-eeng-gee-lee-see]
• I don't understandAu sega ni kila
  [Ow seng-ah nee kee-lah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAu vinaka me baleta na menu, vakalevu
  [Ow vee-nah-kah meh bah-leh-tah nah meh-noo, vah-kah-leh-voo]
• I don't eat meatAu sega ni kana bilo
  [Ow seng-ah nee kah-nah bee-loh]
• Cheers!Bula!
  [Boo-lah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAu vinaka me vola, vakalevu
  [Ow vee-nah-kah meh voh-lah, vah-kah-leh-voo]

• Help!Ni vinaka!
  [Nee vee-nah-kah!]
• Go away!Lako yani!
  [Lah-koh yah-nee!]
• Call the Police!Qito na Pulisitaki!
  [Nghee-toh nah Poo-lee-see-tah-kee!]
• Call a doctor!Qito e dua na dokita!
  [Nghee-toh eh doo-ah nah doh-kee-tah!]
• I'm lostAu sa luvu
  [Ow sah loo-voo]
• I'm illAu sa bibi
  [Ow sah bee-bee]

• I'd like to buy...Au vinaka me voli...
  [Ow vee-nah-kah meh voh-lee...]
• I'm just lookingAu raica tiko
  [Ow rye-thah tee-koh]
• How much is it?E dua na ka e vica?
  [Eh doo-ah nah kah eh vee-cah?]
• That's too expensiveSa levu sara
  [Sah leh-voo sah-rah]
• Can you lower the price?Vaka levu mo bureitaka na cakacaka?
  [Vah-kah leh-voo moh boo-ray-tah-kah nah thah-kah-thah-kah?]

• What time is it?Ei na gauna oqo?
  [A-ee nah ngah-oo-nah oh-ngo?]
• It's one o'clockE dua na siga
  [Eh doo-ah nah see-ngah]
• Half past (10)E lima na gauna
  [Eh lee-mah nah ngah-oo-nah]
• MorningMataka
  [Mah-tah-kah]
• AfternoonYasawa
  [Yah-sah-wah]
• EveningVakarau
  [Vah-kah-rah-oo]
• YesterdayNikua
  [Nee-koo-ah]
• TodayNiu
  [Nee-oo]
• TomorrowMataka
  [Mah-tah-kah]
• 1Dua
  [Doo-ah]
• 2Rua
  [Roo-ah]
• 3Tolu
  [Toh-loo]
• 4Va
  [Vah]
• 5Lima
  [Lee-mah]
• 6Ono
  [Oh-no]
• 7Vitu
  [Vee-too]
• 8Walutu
  [Wah-loo-too]
• 9Ciwa
  [Thee-wah]
• 10Tini
  [Tee-nee]

• Where's a/the...?E vei na...
  [A-vey nah...]
• What's the address?Sa kena vakamacala?
  [Sah keh-nah vah-kah-mah-thah-lah?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Vaka rawa mo vakaraitaka vei au (e na lomadrau)?
  [Vah-kah rah-wah moh vah-kah-rye-tah-kah vay-ee ow (eh nah loh-mah-drau)?]
• When's the next (bus)?E na gauna oqo na mataka (basu)?
  [A-ee nah ngah-oo-nah oh-ngo nah mah-tah-kah (bah-soo)?]
• A ticket (to ....)E dua na tiketi (ki ...)
  [Eh doo-ah nah tee-keh-tee (kee ...)]

Lautoka, located on the western side of Fiji's main island Viti Levu, has a rich history that begins with the early settlement by indigenous Fijians. These early settlers were part of the Lapita culture, known for their distinctive pottery. Archaeological evidence suggests that these communities thrived on the island as early as 1500 BCE, relying on fishing, agriculture, and trade.

The arrival of European explorers marked a significant chapter in Lautoka's history. In the late 18th century, Captain William Bligh, after the infamous mutiny on the HMS Bounty, sailed through the Fijian islands, including the waters near Lautoka. This began a period of increased European interest and subsequent interaction with the local population.

Lautoka's modern history is closely tied to the sugarcane industry. In the late 19th century, the British colonial government established sugar plantations in the area, transforming Lautoka into a significant economic hub. The establishment of the Lautoka Sugar Mill in 1903 by the Colonial Sugar Refining Company (CSR) further solidified the town's status. The sugarcane industry attracted a diverse workforce, including indentured laborers from India, which has had a lasting impact on the cultural fabric of Lautoka.

During World War II, Lautoka's strategic location made it an important site for Allied military operations in the Pacific. The town served as a base for both American and New Zealand forces, who established military installations and airfields. This period brought significant infrastructural development to the area, including roads and communication networks, which contributed to Lautoka's post-war growth.

Fiji gained independence from British colonial rule in 1970, and Lautoka continued to grow as a commercial and industrial center. The port of Lautoka became a crucial gateway for exports, particularly sugar and timber. The town expanded its infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and recreational facilities, to support the growing population. Today, Lautoka is known as the 'Sugar City' and remains a vital part of Fiji's economy.

Lautoka is a vibrant cultural melting pot, thanks to its diverse population. The town is home to various ethnic communities, including indigenous Fijians, Indo-Fijians, Chinese, and Europeans. This diversity is reflected in Lautoka's cultural events, festivals, and culinary scene. The annual Sugar Festival, a week-long celebration featuring parades, music, dance, and food, is one of the highlights of Lautoka's cultural calendar.

Lautoka has also faced its share of natural disasters, including cyclones and floods. Notably, Cyclone Winston in 2016 caused significant damage to the town and surrounding areas. The resilience and community spirit of Lautoka's residents have been evident in their recovery efforts, showcasing their ability to rebuild and adapt to challenges posed by nature.

Lautoka is located on the western side of the island of Viti Levu in Fiji. The nearest international airport is Nadi International Airport, approximately 25 kilometers away. From Nadi, you can take a taxi, which typically takes around 30 minutes, or use a shuttle service provided by many resorts and hotels. Public buses also operate between Nadi and Lautoka, offering a more budget-friendly option for travelers.

Lautoka offers various transportation options for getting around the city. Local buses are an affordable way to explore, with routes covering most areas of the city. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. For those looking to explore at their own pace, car rentals are available, but driving can be challenging due to local traffic and road conditions. Walking is also a viable option for short distances, especially in the city center.

The official currency in Fiji is the Fijian Dollar (FJD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout Lautoka, and currency exchange services can be found at the airport, banks, and some hotels.

Lautoka is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Areas such as Lautoka Market can be busy and may attract pickpockets, so stay vigilant. While violent crime is rare, it's best to stay aware of your surroundings and use common sense.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Lautoka has a local police station and medical facilities, including Lautoka Hospital, which provides emergency services. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering someone's home or a religious site. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Bula!' (hello). A handshake is also appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and accept invitations to share meals, as Fijians are known for their hospitality. Don’t refuse food or drink offerings, as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Lautoka like a local, visit the Lautoka Market to buy fresh produce and traditional Fijian goods. Engage with the locals, who are known for their friendliness and willingness to share stories about their culture and history. Don’t miss a visit to the Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool for a unique and relaxing experience. Additionally, taking a stroll along the Lautoka Waterfront offers beautiful views and a chance to see local fishermen at work.