Is Fiji just a holiday destination.

We all stay in hotels often, but how often do we read the compendium in the room and take the time if the information is there to understand the history and social context of the country we are visiting.

With The Mole in Fiji at the moment, thoughts are dominated by sun, sea and food – bet you thought I was going to say something else!

In any case, it is not often that the thousands of visitors to Fiji actually think about its history or the resort’s history or even the social context in which the report is located, except when they watch shows with tribal warriors or songs that clearly stem back into history, yet Fiji like every other destination would not be what it is without its history.

At Tokoriki [Pictured right] the GM, Gyan Pillay has taken the time to set the report in its historical context and here is what he says: –

In Fijian Tokoriki means ‘Stay here’

The history of Fiji begins about 1500 B.C. with the landing of giant war canoes of the prehistoric Lapita people.

Fijian legend speaks that when the early Fijians arrived, they settled on the beaches of Viseisei, about 13km (8 miles) from Nadi Airport on the island of Viti Levu.

Fiji is a group of 330 islands spread over 250,000 km of ocean and northwest of Tokoriki is a small group of islands, which include Camel Island (because of its shape) and the Sacred Islands so named because it is where the first Fijians are believed to have sailed through before arriving at Vuda Point on the main Island of Viti Levu.

The Mamanuca Islands were unknown to the outside world until the 1840’s when the United States Exploring Expedition, which circumnavigated the globe between 1838 and 1842, charted the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands under the command of Commandant Charles Wilkes. After an intensive period of surveying, the squadron amassed enough data to allow compilation of the first complete chart of the Fiji Islands, which would be published in 1845.

Wilke’s surveying mission to Fiji is also significant in that it was the first and only time that a foreign western power landed a military force on Fiji soil. Wilkes ordered his men to attack and destroy a village that had killed two crewmen of his sailing vessel.

Tokoriki Island is situated in the Mamanuca Islands, which are famous for their spectacular islands, pristine reefs and deserted beaches. Many of the Mamanuca villagers live a traditional subsistence living planting crops and fishing.

Tourism is very important to the villagers with the majority of them earning their living by working at the many resorts in the area.

The Mamanuca chain is situated well within the outer reef, which provides a protective barrier creating ideal conditions for boating and other water sports activities. Tokoriki lies in an area that boasts the highest sunshine hours in Fiji.

Tokoriki Island is 29 kilometres from Nadi International Airport on the North Western tip of the Mamanuca Islands. The island covers over 160 acres and is fringed by a protective barrier reef, resulting in a protective lagoon surrounding most of the island. The resort’s westerly aspect offers spectacular sunsets [Pictured right].

Until the resort opened on Tokoriki in 1990 the island was uninhabited. In the area of Tokoriki Island are 4 main villages on 4 different islands Yanua, Tavua, Yaro and Solevu. The Paramount Chief or Tui Lawa owned the Island of Tokoriki and used it for farming crops. These villages are quite far from the main island of Viti Levu and the villagers are known as fisherman and potters. Pottery is still made by the women in the village of Yanua applying the same basic methods of earliest time to make and fire the pottery. Yanua Island is to the Southwest and the village supplies the majority of our staff who commute each day by boat.

Fijians are a very friendly, open and hospitable people. They come from many small islands scattered over a large area of ocean. The local religion is predominately Methodist and Sunday is still a day of rest for Fijians. They have various beliefs and customs, which we hope you will enjoy and respect during your stay.

It is important to dress modestly when away from the immediate vicinity of the resort. Always carry a sulu (sarong, lavalava, pareu) to cover bathing suit or shorts and halter-tops. Women should always have their shoulders and knees covered when visiting the village. Do not wear a hat in a village as it is considered an insult to a chief and please remove your shoes when invited into people’s houses. Fijians do not point at one another with their hands, fingers or feet and it is offensive to Fijians to be touched on the head.

Entry to the local villages is by invitation only and Tokoriki Island Resort has regularly scheduled trips to our local village of Yanua. When visiting a village it is customary to present a gift of yaqona, which is also known as kava. Kava is a mild narcotic made from the root of a pepper plant (the botanical name is Piper Methysticum). The gift, called a sevusevu is a gesture of respect for the chief.

It is presented to the Turaga ni Koro, the executive head of the village. The presentation is usually in his house and will generally be attended by some of the older men who happen to be in the vicinity at the time. A kava ceremony can quickly turn into a social occasion. Pounded into powder, the yaqona will be mixed with water and served. Be prepared to shake hands and to answer many personal questions such as where you are from, are you married, how many children do you have. Fijians do not mean to be rude asking these questions, it is just their nature.

Tipping in Fiji is not customary nor is it expected. This is something that makes Fiji such a refreshing place to visit. The people are hospitable, helpful and friendly because that is their nature, not because they expect a gratuity. At Tokoriki, we ask that you assist us in preserving this natural charm by adhering to this policy at all times. If you have enjoyed the service that you have received from the staff during your stay with us, we ask that you leave a donation to the staff Christmas fund upon check out.

The consumption of alcohol by staff members on the island is not permitted under any circumstances. We request that you do not offer alcohol to any of the staff during your stay. Most Fijians consume kava or as it is commonly called ‘grog’.

You will find some villages more traditional than others, especially those distant from towns and urban centers. Remember, Fijians are not judgmental of other people and will rarely express a negative opinion. However, you will find that the more you respect their customs, the warmer your welcome will be.

Thank you Gyan and Tokoriki

A Special Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange Report by The Mole