Even though Fiji cruises might be perfect for lazily lounging in the sun and admiring the beautiful islands, it’s also a great occasion to visit some cultural attractions in one of the many cities and villages you will visit. There’s a lot of good in visiting cultural attractions and learning more about the people who are welcoming to their islands. Here are our top 5 cultural attractions in Fiji.

1.  Arts Village at Pacific Harbour Arts & Crafts

This new resort development in Pacific Harbour on Viti Levu is the best place to stay if you’re interested in the traditional life of Fiji Islanders. Set on the Coral Coast (well known for its white sandy beaches and its clear, calm waters), the resort is next to a village that you can visit by foot or by boat, hosts daily shows of traditional dancing and singing and even has a craft market filled with traditional Fiji crafts. It’s perfect for family vacations and has everything you need in one 25-acre resort.

2.  Suva Municipal Market

This amazing open-air market in Fiji’s capital will entice you through its choice variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, traditional Fiji cooking and tourist gifts. This is where locals do their shopping, and tourists are also welcome to drop by and haggle on the price of fresh papayas and pineapples. Try some local cuisine or buy yourself or your loved ones souvenirs from your amazing trip to Fiji. We promise you won’t leave empty-handed!

3. Fiji Parliament, Suva

The Parliament buildings in Suva are a fascinating mix of modern and traditional architecture. Your first look on the orange-roofed complex will deeply impress you; knowing that these buildings are modeled after traditional Fiji huts will definitely intrigue you. The complex is open to visitor on most days, and there are guided visits where you can learn about the buildings themselves, Fiji history and Fiji government. A must for anyone interested in colonial history, international politics or just curious!

4.  Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple, Nadi

Believe it or not, this is the biggest Hindu temple in the Southern hemisphere. Indians brought over to work on British plantations in the 19^th century built this temple according to traditional Indian architecture and there are very few like it outside of India itself. Fiji shares a lot of history with its Indians immigrants, and this beautiful temple is a testimony to the importance of Indian culture in the history of Fiji.

5. Fiji Museum, Suva

The national archeological museum of Fiji, located in the country’s capital, is home to thousands of findings going back 3500 years. This is the oldest museum in the South Pacific and it is dedicated to retrieving, interpreting and teaching the history of Fiji for locals and tourists alike. Take a day off the beach and come visit this top-notch museum, you won’t regret it.

Whether you’re staying in Malaysia hotels or taking a cruise through the South Pacific, it’s important to get to know the people you are visiting. Take a moment to learn a bit of history or discuss arts and crafts with local people and you’ll discover a wealth of knowledge and wisdom that you can take back home with you.

Thanks to auntiem for the photo from Flickr!