Things to See in Fiji

Opened in June 1992, Fiji's parliament complex must be one of the world's most striking political hubs. Designed in post-1987-atmosphere, the aim of maintaining indigenous-Fijian values is apparent through the open-air corridors, traditional arts and structures and masi cloths throughout.

In the heart of Thurston Gardens, this excellent museum captivates visitors with a journey into Fiji's archaeological, political, cultural and linguistic evolution. There's original musical instruments, cooking apparatus, and jewellery - including chiefs' whale-tooth necklaces, and a daunting array of Fijian war clubs and cannibal utensils.

If you are a keen walker or nature lover, the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park is definitely worth a visit. There are six villages within the park that cooperate as part of an ecotourism project. They maintain the landscape and tracks, and subsequently earn tourist dollars through village stays and manning the office.

This pocket-sized paradise is a must on any northern Viti Levu itinerary. Beautifully hilly, the 3.5-sq-km island is surrounded by scalloped bays, white-sand beaches and mangroves. A history of cattle grazing has cleared much of the dense vegetation and today rolling hills of grass dominate the interior.

This national park protects over 80% of Taveuni's total area, covering about 150 sq km (57 sq mi) of rainforest and coastal forest. The park has the three Tavoro Waterfalls near the falls' visitor centre, each with natural swimming pools. The first waterfall is about 24m (78ft) high and only 10 minutes' walk along a flat cultivated path.

One of Fiji's natural highlights, these impressive dunes are a ripple of peppery monoliths skirting the shoreline near the mouth of the Sigatoka River. Windblown and rugged, they stand around 5km (3.1mi) long, up to 1km (0.6mi) wide and on average about 20m (65ft) high, rising to about 60m (197ft) at the western end.

This lush rainforest park is a 2.5-sq-km oasis teeming with vivid and melodic birdlife and tropical flora. The 6.5km (4mi) of walking trails navigate clear natural pools and gorgeous vistas, with just a touch of Indiana Jones in the rope swings over water and stone steps across streams. It's a cool and peaceful respite from Suva's urban hubbub.

The Mamanucas are movie stars, Fiji's glittering jet set, forever photographed, and valued more for their natural beauty than any contribution they make to the national culture. Many of the 20-or-so islands take day-trippers from the mainland, who gorge themselves on buffets washed down with chilled Fiji Bitter, and sunbake on white sand beneath coconut palms.