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Suva Travel Guide
Fiji Islands
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Most sights in Suva City are in a small area known as downtown Suva. The extent of this area goes from the bus stand and market, along Victoria Parade to Albert Park and the Fiji museum in Thurston gardens. Most of the pavements are covered by shop awnings or pillared balconies, which is just as well, for if its not raining, then the sun will be hot on the head. Taxis are plentiful and cheap and will take you anywhere your legs won't go.
The following is a summary of some of the best sights of Suva City:
Parliament
A short pleasant ride from the city centre to Nasese takes you to the rather impressive new Parliament buildings that opened in 1992. The buildings were designed in the style of a traditional Fijian bure, with plenty of magimagi and tapa, painted orange and landscaped. Visitors are free to visit the complex and can arrange to sit in on cession by calling 305811.
Government House
Adjacent to Thurston gardens is the official residence of Fiji's president. This grand whitewashed colonial building with majestic gardens is guarded round the clock by sulu clad soldiers. Every hour the soldiers perform a changing of the guard ceremony at the gates for anyone to photograph. The building can be seen from the road but is not open to the public. The Fiji flag in front of the mansion, when flying, signifies the presence of the President.
Thurston Gardens
These cool tropical gardens are well landscaped and never crowded. Open all year round, with labelled fauna from Fiji and the South Pacific, the gardens are a lovely place to wander. Children will even enjoy the park with its colourfully painted sugar train, a relic from the times when sugar was harvested and crushed in Suva.
Fiji Museum
Within the grounds of Thurston gardens, this excellent museum takes you right through Fiji's history with artefacts from the past and pieces of memorabilia. Simple in its layout, the museum is informative and has some wonderful pieces such as cannibal forks, war clubs and even a piece of Reverend Bakers shoe which is said to have been devoured along with his body! The museum is open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 4.30pm and Saturday 9.00am to 4.30am. Admission is F$ 3.30 and worth every penny.
Old Parliament & Clock Tower
Alongside Albert Park, the weathered stone buildings with an impressive clock tower housed Parliament from 1939 to 1987. Statues of Fiji's two most important chiefs sit in front of the building and the famous clock tower can be seen and heard from the nearby vicinity.
Government Handcraft Centre
Some lovely traditional handcrafts can be found in this peaceful centre that is hidden on the corner of Carnavon Street and Victoria Parade. If you'd rather a haggle and a bargain and want to sift through the tourist trinkets, go to the Municipal Handicraft Centre between the Post Office and the sea wall.
Cumming Street
What used to be the sight of the town market is now a narrow pillar lined street with small Indian owned shops. Here you can buy camera equipment, clothes and jewellery.
Flea Market
Recently opened opposite the bus stand, this indoor market has a fun atmosphere with cheap goods and food.
Municipal Market
Always colourful with local characters, fruits, vegetables, fish and seafood, the market is busiest Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. Chaotic at times with people chatting more than they are buying, the market is well worth a visit and the best place to buy and sample the local food.
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Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:
Cook Islands Travel Guide
Samoa Travel Guide
Tonga Travel Guide
Tahiti Travel Guide
Hawaii Travel Guide
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