Must-visit attraction in Fiji – "Beqa Island": Watch fire-walking rituals and feed sharks up close

▲Fiji differs from other island-based destinations, offering highly diverse cultural traditions. (Photo / Provided by the Fiji Trade and Tourism Office in Taiwan)

By Reporter Li Wei / Special Report

The holiday destination of Fiji is a country made up of more than 300 islands. Its main tourist resources are concentrated in more accessible areas such as Viti Levu, the Mamanuca Islands, and the Yasawa Islands. As most of these are volcanic islands surrounded by coral reefs, they not only boast rich marine resources but also stunning underwater landscapes, which have led to the thriving popularity of local tourism activities such as snorkeling, diving, and water sports.

Fiji’s cultural traditions are highly diverse. Wang Wen-long, head of the Economic and Trade Division at the Fiji Trade and Tourism Office in Taiwan, has pointed out that you can witness the uniqueness of traditional Southeast Asian indigenous cultures, the cultural influence brought by Indian immigrants, remnants from the period of British colonization, as well as a recent fusion of Western leisure styles due to investment in the tourism industry by corporations.

In addition to the largest main island, "Viti Levu", the surrounding Fijian islands are fairly spread out, requiring travel by boat or plane to reach. This inconvenience contributes to the absolute privacy of these islands, making them a popular holiday choice for many celebrities. Hollywood stars like Tom Cruise, music icon Madonna, and world’s richest person Bill Gates have all visited Fiji to enjoy private, relaxing getaways.

▲Gazing toward the horizon where sky meets sea, the view is incredibly beautiful and can be truly uplifting. (Photo / Provided by the Fiji Trade and Tourism Office in Taiwan)

Indigenous South Pacific customs: Witness the "fire-walking ceremony" on Beqa Island

Fiji has numerous small islands, each with its own distinct features and stories. Some offer views of beautiful blue corals, while others focus on eco-friendliness, using locally sourced materials for nearly everything. Zhou Yi-jun, product line controller at Pyramid Travel Agency who has planned Fiji tours and explored the area, recommends visiting Beqa Island in the southern part of the main island to see the "fire-walking ceremony."Zhou Yi-jun explains that according to legend, males born on the island are not afraid of fire. As a result, locals regularly hold ceremonies where men walk across burning coals to pray for good luck—somewhat similar to Taiwan’s deity-welcoming events. However, it has now largely evolved into a performance, with shows almost daily for tourists, making it a quite unique local activity.

A thrilling moment: Experience an up-close "shark-feeding show"

When it comes to Fiji, many people usually think of water activities such as snorkeling, diving to see coral reef landscapes and tropical fish, or trying surfing and parasailing. However, Zhou Yi-jun recommends experiencing the

"shark-feeding" activity on Beqa Island, where you can interact closely with these typically fearsome creatures.First-time participants need not worry, Zhou Yi-jun notes. Before feeding the sharks, there is usually a training session conducted by instructors. Once in the water, instructors will accompany and supervise you, and there are also safety measures in place.

▲Fiji’s tourism industry is highly diverse. Aside from romantic honeymoons, it’s also great for families or backpackers

. (Photo /Fiji Trade and Tourism Office in Taiwan)Fewer Taiwanese visitors: Fiji tourism moves toward "customized itineraries"

For Taiwan, travel usually involves destinations like Japan, Korea, China, or Southeast Asia. The number of travelers wanting

to visit Fiji is relatively small, so travel agencies mostly only offer sales for flight-plus-hotel self-guided tours, with fewer package toursavailable. Zhou Yi-jun points out that while package tours were promoted in the past, they proved less effective, leading to a gradual shift toward flight-plus-hotel options or "customized" plans. These are created by discussing with clients to plan the entire itinerary.Coordinating with Fiji Airways flights departing from Hong Kong on Thursdays and Saturdays, Fiji trips are typically planned for 6 to 8 days. Including accommodation, meals, flights, and basic itineraries, a 6-day trip costs around NT$75,000, while an 8-day trip is about NT$95,000, averaging roughly NT$12,000 per day.Additionally, Zhou Yi-jun suggests that those planning to visit should first gather information online to understand their needs before discussing with a travel agency, which makes it easier to plan a satisfying trip.

【Travel Agency Itineraries】

1. Pyramid Travel Agency / Fiji Holidays – South Pacific Pearl Charm 6 Days (Golf Fun), South Pacific Pearl Charm 6 Days (Eco-Experience Tour), South Pacific Pearl Charm 6 Days (Island-Hopping Tour), Fiji Experience 8 Days (Golf Fun), Fiji Experience 8 Days (Eco-Experience Tour)
2. Northwest Travel Network / Fiji Mana Island and Sonaisali Island 6-Day 4-Night Tour, Fiji Mana Island 8-Day Tour, Fiji Romantic Tour 8 Days, Fiji and Sydney Free & Easy
3. Lion Travel / Fiji Laucala Private Island Luxury Retreat 8-Day Tour
3. U Travel / Fiji Laucala Private Island Ultimate Getaway 8-Day Tour

【Fiji Travel Information】
● Population: 849,000
● Climate: Tropical maritime climate, warm from November to April and cool from May to October.
● Flights: Via Fiji Airways with a transfer in Hong Kong
Via Korean Air with a transfer in South Korea
● Visa: Visa-free
● Time difference: 4 hours ahead of Taipei time (5 hours ahead during daylight saving time)
● Exchange rate: Approximately 1 Fijian dollar = 16.5 New Taiwan dollars.

【Fiji – Beqa Island Geographic Location】

View larger map

【Beqa Island Shark Feeding Video】

(Video / Sourced from YouTube, please excuse if removed)