Discover Nausori: Fiji's Hidden Gem

• HelloBula
  [boo-lah]
• GoodbyeMoce
  [moh-they]
• YesIo
  [ee-oh]
• NoSega
  [seh-ngah]
• Please/You're welcomeVinaka
  [vee-nah-kah]
• Thank youVinaka vakalevu
  [vee-nah-kah vah-kah-ley-voo]
• Excuse me/SorryTulou
  [too-low]
• How are you?Sa yawa?
  [sah yah-wah]
• Fine. And you?Vinaka. Iko?
  [vee-nah-kah ee-koh]
• Do you speak English?Ko i Vakaviti vei iko vosa vakalagi?
  [koh ee vah-kah-vee-tee veh-ee ee-koh voh-sah vah-kah-lah-gee]
• I don't understandAu sega ni kila
  [ow seh-ngah nee kee-lah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAu vinakata me'u rairai na menu
  [ow vee-nah-kah-tah meh-oo righ-rye nah meh-noo]
• I don't eat meatAu sega ni kana vucesa
  [ow seh-ngah nee kah-nah voo-thay-sah]
• Cheers!Bula vinaka!
  [boo-lah vee-nah-kah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAu vinakata me'u saumi, me'u saumi ga
  [ow vee-nah-kah-tah meh-oo sah-oo-mee meh-oo sah-oo-mee ngah]

• Help!Vukea!
  [voo-kay-ah]
• Go away!Lako tani!
  [lah-koh tah-nee]
• Call the Police!Kaciva na Pulis!
  [kah-thee-vah nah poo-lees]
• Call a doctor!Kaciva na dokita!
  [kah-thee-vah nah doh-kee-tah]
• I'm lostAu vakabulai
  [ow vah-kah-boo-lah-ee]
• I'm illAu rarawa
  [ow rah-rah-wah]

• I'd like to buy...Au vinakata me'u volitaki...
  [ow vee-nah-kah-tah meh-oo voh-lee-tah-kee]
• I'm just lookingAu raica tiko ga
  [ow rye-thah tee-koh ngah]
• How much is it?E vica?
  [eh vee-thah]
• That's too expensiveLevaka sara
  [ley-vah-kah sah-rah]
• Can you lower the price?Vakamatei na i vola?
  [vah-kah-mah-teh-ee nah ee voh-lah]

• What time is it?Ei kena gauna?
  [eh-ee keh-nah gah-oo-nah]
• It's one o'clockE dua ga
  [eh doo-ah gah]
• Half past (10)Na mataka e vitu
  [nah mah-tah-kah eh vee-too]
• MorningNi sautu
  [nee sah-oo-too]
• AfternoonNi siga
  [nee see-ngah]
• EveningNi yakavi
  [nee yah-kah-vee]
• YesterdayNakua noqu siga
  [nah-koo-ah noh-ngoo see-ngah]
• TodayNa siga oqo
  [nah see-ngah oh-ngoh]
• TomorrowE na siga ni mataka
  [eh nah see-ngah nee mah-tah-kah]
• 1Dua
  [doo-ah]
• 2Rua
  [roo-ah]
• 3Tolu
  [toh-loo]
• 4Va
  [vah]
• 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
• 6Ono
  [oh-noh]
• 7Vitu
  [vee-too]
• 8Walu
  [wah-loo]
• 9Ciwa
  [thee-wah]
• 10Tini
  [tee-nee]

• Where's a/the...?Evei na...
  [eh-veh-ee nah]
• What's the address?Ei na veisiga?
  [eh-ee nah vey-see-ngah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Vakayagataka mai au (e na lolo)?
  [vah-kah-yah-gah-tah-kah mah-ee ow (eh nah loh-loh)]
• When's the next (bus)?E na siga ni taukei e muri?
  [eh nah see-ngah nee tau-kay ee moo-ree]
• A ticket (to ....)E dua na tiketi (ki ....)
  [eh doo-ah nah tee-keh-thee (kee)]

Nausori, located on the southeastern coast of Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island, has a rich history dating back to the early settlement by the indigenous Fijian people. Nausori's fertile land and strategic location along the Rewa River made it an ideal place for early communities to thrive. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was inhabited long before European contact, with traditional Fijian villages dotting the landscape.

In the late 19th century, Fiji became a British colony, and Nausori played a significant role in the development of the sugar industry. The Colonial Sugar Refining Company established sugarcane plantations and built a sugar mill in 1881. This brought an influx of Indian laborers under the indenture system, which significantly influenced the demographic and cultural landscape of the region. The remnants of the old sugar mill still stand today as a testament to this transformative period in Nausori's history.

In the mid-20th century, Nausori gained further prominence with the construction of Nausori Airport. Completed in 1951, it became Fiji's main international gateway until the opening of Nadi International Airport. The airport not only facilitated air travel but also contributed to the economic and social development of the region by connecting Nausori to the rest of Fiji and the world.

Nausori is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, reflecting its historical roots. The town's population is a mix of indigenous Fijians, Indo-Fijians, and other ethnic communities. This cultural diversity is celebrated through various festivals and events, such as the Hindu festival of Diwali, the Fijian traditional meke dance performances, and the annual Hibiscus Festival. These events offer a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry that makes Nausori a unique and dynamic place.

In recent years, Nausori has undergone significant modernization. The redevelopment of Nausori Airport and the construction of new infrastructure, such as the Rewa Bridge, have enhanced connectivity and spurred economic growth. The town is also home to several educational institutions and healthcare facilities, contributing to its development as a regional hub. Despite these modern advancements, Nausori retains its historical charm and cultural heritage, making it a fascinating destination for travelers.

Nausori is located on the southeastern coast of Viti Levu, the largest island in Fiji. The nearest international airport is Nausori International Airport (also known as Suva Airport), which is approximately 20 kilometers from Suva, Fiji's capital. Direct flights to Nausori International Airport are available from several major cities in the Pacific region, including Auckland, Sydney, and Nadi. Alternatively, you can fly into Nadi International Airport and take a domestic flight to Nausori.

Nausori offers a variety of transportation options. Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. Public buses operate on scheduled routes and are an economical way to get around. For a more flexible option, consider renting a car. However, be aware that driving is on the left side of the road in Fiji. Bicycles can also be rented for short trips around town.

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

Nausori is generally a safe destination, but it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Nausori does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant. Areas around the market and bus station can get crowded, so be mindful of your belongings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Nausori has a local police station and medical facilities, including Nausori Health Centre. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering temples and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Bula' (hello) and a smile. A handshake is also appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Nausori like a local, visit the Nausori Market, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Fijian goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Rewa Bridge, which offers scenic views of the Rewa River. For a unique experience, attend a local rugby match or a cultural event at the community center.