EASY TRIPS
PHOTOGRAPHS: WIKIMEDIA, STEVETULK/FLICKR
2
3
Sun-drenched fun
in Fiji
Jeddah’s historic streets
and colourful culture
What’s summer without a beach
paradise destination? Right in
the heart of the South Pacific is
Fiji, a collective of 333 islands
that make up the tropical utopia.
Well-known as a honeymoon
destination, Fiji has a large pool
of luxurious private islands and
all-inclusive resorts that deliver
world-class romance to
newly-weds. But Fiji isn’t just for
couples – travellers of all ages
will find Fiji an ideal place to
holiday any time of the year.
For a taste of local aboriginal
culture, a trip must be made to
Navala Village in Nadi
(pronounced Nan-di), the last
authentic Fijian village nestled
deep in a mountainous
landscape. At your arrival, be
welcomed by a traditional kava
ceremony before touring the
picturesque village with its
grass-thatched huts. Take the
opportunity to mingle with
villagers too as they share tales
and legends of the island they
live on. Continue exploring Nadi
with a quick stop by the
open-air souvenir market that
sells handcrafted Fijian crockery
and historical replicas.
With Nadi as your starting
point, the other islands are all
within reach by a short boat
ride. Bird-watchers may want to
visit Mabualau Island (Bird
Island), home to a wide variety
of tropical colourful birds,
including crested terns,
red-footed boobies and noddys.
Swim in the surrounding watersfor closer encounters with other
Fijian wildlife too. The crystal
clear waters of Fiji teem with
dazzling technicolour fish and
vibrant corals.
Another place to visit is the
chain of 20 islands called the
Mamanucas. Take a helicopter
tour from Nadi International
Airport for a great view of the
undulating topography of the
islets just northwest of Viti Levu.
Hop across the islands and be
greeted by dolphins breaking
through cresting waves. Be sure
to land on Monuriki; the island
made its filming debut in Tom
Hanks’ Castaway.Plan your next trip around cultural
sights and traditional souks at the
underrated city of Jeddah in Saudi
Arabia. Known as the gateway to
Mecca, the Arabian city has long
been a favourite tourist
destination for Muslims making
the Hajj Pilgrimage at the end of
the Islamic calendar. Beat the next
wave of pilgrims by planning a trip
this summer.
Although today a modern
metropolitan, Jeddah has a long
and colourful history dating back to
522BC. Take a trip to Historic
Jeddah, a UNESCO World Heritage
Site to view the spectacular
architecture of ancient mosques,
living quarters and the Jeddah Wall
that was constructed by a Mumluk
sultan to protect the city from
Portuguese invaders.
Get an immediate taste of
Jeddah’s culture at the many
historical souqs, traditional
marketplaces that sell daily
necessities, such as spices, food,
and home wares. Souq Al Alawi will
be of particular interest just before
Hajj season with its multitude of
vendors peddling more
cosmopolitan offerings. At sunset,
the call to prayer fills the lanes with
praying devotees. Another place to
visit is the Fish Market west of
Corniche. The Arabian counter to
Japan’s Tsukiji, the Fish Market is as
chaotic in the early morning from
5am to 9am when fishermen sell
off daily catch to restaurateurs.
Jeddah is also well known for itsscuba diving because of its
location on the Red Sea. Its biggest
draws are the clear visibility of the
water and the virtually untouched
corals at diving sites. There is also a
wide variety of marine life native
to this area. Desert Sea Divers is
one of the oldest and most
established diving operators in
Jeddah. They offer Stay & Dive
packages with luxury
accommodation and equipment
from US$233 per pax per night
(desertseadivers.com).MAKE IT HAPPEN
Value carrier Scoot will
launch thrice-weekly
non-stop Singapore-Jeddah
flights from 2 May 2016.
Malaysia Airlines flies direct
from Kuala Lumpur daily.
Jeddah is served by the King
Abdelaziz International Airport.
Reach the city centre easily via
taxi (from US$27) or by shuttle
bus (from US$14).
Find most attractions and
the business district within easy
reach at Rosewood Jeddah, a
premier luxury hotel situated in
the heart of Jeddah’s Corniche
and along the shores of the Red
Sea. The 127-room hotel
combines the best of modern
design with the rich heritage
and culture of the city within its
architecture (from US$453 per
night; rosewoodhotels.com/
en/jeddah).MAKE IT HAPPEN
Fiji Airways recently launched
direct flights from Singapore
twice weekly. Passengers from
Kuala Lumpur will have to make
their way to Melbourne on other
carriers before continuing the
journey on Qantas Airways.
Most travellers will land in Nadi
International Airport on the main
island Viti Levu. If flying to other
islands, there are many modes of
air transport (seaplane, helicopter,
etc.) that will fly to domestic
airstrips on other major islands.
Instead of staying at a
commercial resort, rent out a
private island. Dolphin Island, 30
minutes from Nadi International
Airport, is a stunning 14-acre
luxury retreat with a whole host
of personalised activities (from
US$880 per pax per night;
dolphinislandfiji.com).The ancient city of Jeddah will
charm with its rich historyThere’s more to Fiji
than just sun, sand
and suft