Book Description

If you want to travel to any of the 322 islands in the Fiji archipelago, Moon Handbooks Fiji has everything you need. From coverage of Fiji's top-rated resorts to the newest adventure tourism facilities and little-known backpacker areas, travelers of all interests will find the destination to suit them. This guidebook includes vivid descriptions of the islands' dazzling beaches, rainforests, and reefs, with a special focus on scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, rafting, kayaking, hiking, bicycling, and golf. Complete with practical essentials, including photographs, illustrations, and 53 easy-to-use maps and transportation tips for island hopping by sea or air, Moon Handbooks Fiji is the guide for a uniquely personal travel experience. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Fiji Handbook is a welcome travel companion
As president of Sea for Yourself snorkeling tours, it's my job to stay informed about the areas we visit with our groups. Although I've been to Fiji over twenty times, both leading our programs and doing personal travel, David Stanley's Fiji Handbook is always a welcome companion.

In preparation for a trip to Fiji, I will recommend that our clients read through David's Fiji Handbook. Although our participants don't have to deal with any of the logistics of travel (that's our job) because of the excellent background information on Fiji's culture, politics, and economics, as well as a concise overview of the marine environment, we always include this book on our list of suggested reading.

I know many parts of Fiji as well as I know my hometown, and can confirm the accuracy of much of David's information on accommodations, meals, transportation, and excursions. It's impossible for any guidebook to stay truly current, but David does better than most. For the absolute latest up-to-date info, simply turn to the website and email directories near the back of the book.

When I need a detailed reference for Fiji, I'll continue to use this 5th edition of the Fiji Handbook ... until David comes out with the next edition.

Fiji--looking good after all these years
Fiji by David Stanley continues to look good after all these years. As an island traveler who has knocked around various parts of Fiji over the years, I have come to admire Stanley's comprehensive work in gathering the material for his guidebook. This book is a must have for any aspiring Fiji traveler. The book is compact, easy to handle and use and is very reader friendly. It has a detailed table of contents, tons of clear easy to read and very visual maps, an extensive website directory of resources (worth the price of the book alone, because you don't have to surf the 'net looking for it all!), an Accommodations Index and a general index, all very helpful and useful. There are nice pictures and artwork throughout and a lively, informative text. It's all straightforward information, exactly what today's budget traveler needs in a rapidly changing travel world. You won't go wrong putting this book in your backpack and it's guaranteed you will use it. This book touches on every major area of Fiji and covers indepth a variety of subjects of interest to travelers.

Sixth Edition Fiji Handbook Review by Garry Hawkins
Feel the need to leave your trials and tribulations behind? Want to
forget the world and all its problems?

Then why not immerse yourself in Fiji? Get lost... in any one of 322
islands.

And what better way to be guided around this archipelago than with David
Stanley's 'Fiji Handbook'? Get the low down in this, the sixth, and
latest edition, containing all the know how you could possibly need for
island hopping . Getting there, getting around, on the road.
Accommodation, transport, food. Beaches, rainforests, coral
reefs.Diving, surfing, sailing. Culture, traditions, history. Whatever
your needs and wants, you'll find them all satisfied here.

If you like to get off the beaten track, avoid the tourist hordes and
get to know the real Fiji, then this is the book for you. Experience the
green garden island of Taveuni, relive the life of Somerset Maugham at
Levuka's Royal Hotel, suck up the atmosphere in Vanua Levu's
rainforests, enjoy jazz, country and western, Indian Curries or spicy
Sichuan in Suva or just laze on bleached white Yasawa Island beaches.

You won't find yourself surrounded by users of other travel guides I
could mention and you'll recoup the cover price before a Fijiian can say
"VINAKA". Get yourself to Fiji and don't forget to take the Fiji
Handbook with you!

Fijiguide review of Fiji Handbook
Travel writers come and go but one of the few people who you can count on, especially when it comes to the South Pacific, is David Stanley. A long time Fiji-fanatic, Stanley's latest Fiji Handbook is still the best on the market. And no wonder, he has been traveling to Fiji for over 20 years and that counts for a lot. (By comparison his rivals at LP had never set foot on Fiji until the publisher decided to send them there a few years ago.)

Packed with great maps it also has resources such as a comprehensive bibliography, and tips on local etiquette. More importantly, Stanley excels at getting accurate information on hotels, inexpensive restaurants and tourist sites.

However there is another reason why his guide is valuable. Stanley does not simply list the properties in alphabetical order and expect the reader to determine what's best. Based on personal visits and feedback from visitors, He will actually offer you an opinion and the straight facts. For example, on Taveuni he correctly pegs Todrasiga's, a new and little known campground, as the best on the island. Or, he'll warn you if there are potential problems. When planning to travel to Tavewa island, a poplar budget destination in the Yasawas, he tells the reader to be certain that their reservation doesn't get bumped because a guest on the island decided to stay longer. If this happens says Stanley, "insist that it is they who must move into the dormitory and not you."

David also makes sure that the reader is aware of the local political scene and he never whitewashes or glosses over problems. His analysis of the "Fiji Crisis"-the coup of 2001 is trenchant and well informed. Naturally it's only as up to date as the book's publication date but at least the reader is provided a reasonable snapshot of history. One thing for sure, when traveling to Fiji, you're in good hands with Fiji Handbook.

Fiji fits in your pocket!
Fiji Handbook, 6th Edition... As president of Sea for Yourself snorkeling tours, it's my professional obligation to stay informed about the regions we visit. We have operated tours to Fiji every year since my first visit in 1985, and David Stanley's Fiji Handbook (now in it's 6th Edition) has been with me each time.

Over the years, I have found David's Fiji Handbook so useful that I strongly recommend it to all our Fiji program participants. Although our clients don't need to worry about travel logistics (that's our job), the introductory chapters offer excellent background information on Fiji's cultural, political, and natural history.

Because our programs focus on tropical marine biology, I was especially impressed by David's concise and clear explanation of coral reefs. And in the section dedicated to fauna, David gives marine creatures as much attention as terrestrial animals. I was also pleased with the many tips encouraging environmental sensitivity, both above and below the water.

The introductory overview is complemented by accurate and extensive descriptions of each island group. These sections include the expected (and appreciated) regional maps, listings of where to stay, where to eat, where to hike, where to dive, plus how to get there (and back).

This new edition of the Fiji Handbook contains many updates, but it's impossible for any guidebook to remain totally current. David knows this. So for the absolute latest information, simply turn to the website and email directories near the end of the book.

When I need a detailed reference for Fiji, I'll continue to use this 6th edition of the Fiji Handbook ... until David comes out with the next edition. ... Read more

Book Description

35 Maps ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Lonely Planet does it right again!
Get this guide if you're goin' 2 Fiji! If you're thinking of the Mamanucas go to Tokoriki!

I loved it!
It was very helpful and easy to follow. Not having travelled to Fiji before. This book prepared me in so many ways, from accomodation to places to visit and also giving me some idea on how much money I should take there. I would have been totally lost without this book. I recommend that you get it if you're planning to visit Fiji.

A must for the fiji traveler
I loved this book, and it came in handy for me. I just recently went to Fiji and this book covered what I needed to know for my trip. Fiji is a wonderful paradise, but you need to do your research before you go...and this is the book to do it with.

along the backpacker trail
A good book, though it sticks to the beaten tourist/backpacker track more than it should. In places like Vanua Balavu (which has three or four places to stay and lots to see), this book is sketchy. The writers have 'nice' things about places they obviously intend to visit again, but I got the feeling they were holding back on the criticism. They seem to have deliberately left out hotels they didn't like, probably because they felt those places were bad (dirty, dodgy, frequented by prostitutes, etc). I'd prefer to be allowed to make up my own mind, after reading their input, of course. Like all the other guides to Fiji, this book was written before the Speight coup and is out of date in that regard. It's also the most commonly used guide to Fiji, which means a lot of people trying to do the same thing. On its back cover, Lonely Planet Fiji claims to include 43 maps, but only 32 are named in their map list in the front of the book. What happened to the others?

A must for those going to FIJI
I just went to Fiji for the month of Septembre 2000. I used the LP guide to Fiji and found it very useful in my travels around Viti Levu. I found the people to be warm and friendly and anxious to get back to normal after the political problems they had this summer. LP covers the basic do's and don'ts to the culture. And the insights to different areas through out Fiji are accurate and direct. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Countless reefs, walls and pinnacles painted in a patchwork of soft corals earned Fiji its reputation as the soft-coral capital of the world. The 332-island archipelago offers remote, pristine sites, thrilling drift dives and more than 1,000 tropical fish species. Feed hungry reef sharks at the Supermarket, pay a dental visit to cleaner shrimp or seek sanctuary in the sun-dappled Alacrity Rocks. From the snowy slopes of Great White Wall to the teeming depths of the E6 seamount, this book highlights 74 of Fiji's best sites, with full-color photos throughout. You'll get specific information on:

• Dive site topography and depth range
• Typical diving conditions
• Common and hazardous marine life
• Topside information, from dive resorts and live-aboards to Fijian culture and customs
• 16 easy-to-read maps

Reviews (6)

Forget Snorkeling Info
I bought this book primarily because I am going to Fiji in two months and wanted info on snorkeling. Boy was I surprised to find only half a page devoted to snorkeling. The rest of the book is a brief description of various dive sites.

The book does have nice pictures and basic information regarding the more popular dive sites in Fiji. But as a snorkeling reference, it is worthless.

For Scuba Divers Only
This is an attractive book which the scuba diver will want to order. It maps and describes 74 of Fiji's top dive sites and the color photography is excellent. Despite the title, however, those interested in beach-based snorkeling will find little of use here as almost all of the sites included are accessible by boat only. Even the new Waitabu Marine Park off Taveuni is mentioned only in passing. There's virtually no practical resort or restaurant information, and the first quarter of the book is devoted to brochure-style hype you can read on almost any Fiji website. Critical reviews of dive facilities are strikingly absent, so this book is of no help in selecting a specific scuba operator. Five pages of listings in the back of the book provide basic contact information, but even this is out of date as all Fiji telephone numbers have increased from six to seven digits since the book was published. Most of the email addresses are also wrong, so substitute @connect.com.fj whenever you see @is.com.fj. Nevertheless, when one considers the cost of a scuba tour to the South Pacific and the lack of any alternative Fiji dive guide, all of the above criticisms are mute and serious divers will click this title straight into their shopping carts.

Lacking basic information
This book is seemingly a compilation of dive locations frequented by dive resorts, with little independent research or reviews of specific dive outfitters. The book lacks basic information on water temperatures, currents, winds and seasonal influences. The independent traveller primarily interested in snorkeling will also be disappointed in the lack of practical information on the best sections of the main islands for shoreline snorkeling.

a must buy for Fiji
Simple no-nonsense guide to diving in Fiji

This is THE current book on Fiji diving (no pun intended...)
"Ni sa bula vinaka", as it is said in Fiji. As a master diver who has dived since 1956, and has visited many of Fiji's dive sites, I can heartily recommend this book to anyone contemplating diving Fiji. The Mahaney - Witte team- authors, photographers and dive tour guides well-known and respected in the diving community- are knowledgeable and credible. Mind you, NO book can ever catalogue ALL of Fiji's diverse and innumerable dive sites... but this book is well planned, has a very good selection of sites- rated for conditions and experience levels- and information for the would-be Fiji diver. The book has some maps, and a visual feast of photos. In summary- going to Fiji to dive? Be prepared for stiff currents, and a kaleidoscope of colorful fishes and soft corals... and BUY THIS BOOK! Dive well and safely. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The World In a Nutshell
Rob Kay provides far more than just a survival guide in this wonderous creation. This book will take the reader on the most magical journey into Fiji's history, geography, language and art, and much much more.

Upon opening this book, the reader will never be able to put it down as each detail expand's the limits of one's imagination. The reader will lap up and hang onto every word as the mind enjoys its feast.

If you never traveled to Fiji, you definitely will want to after reading,or even skimming this incredible book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great book to read if traveling to Fiji
This was a fun book to read while traveling in Fiji.It provides a great perspective of the history of the islands complete with interesting and sometimes entertaining antecdotes of the author's travels through Fiji.The text alternates between the author's personal travel experiences and a drier (but still interesting) history of Fijian native culture and colonial influences. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Limited and outdated information in a handy size.
As a master diver who has dived over 40 years and has visited many of Fiji's dive sites, I would advise any potential diving visitor to save their money here and buy the newer and much more complete Lonely Planet "Diving and Snorkeling Fiji" by renowned dive guides Casey Mahaney and Astrid Witte (also available on Amanzon). Just be aware- Fiji has so many and varied dive sites visited by day operations and liveaboards NO book can really do justice comprehensively. Nope, no connections with LP or Mahaney, I just want to save other divers the trouble... and if you love diving, you will LOVE Fiji diving!

Mediocre Basic Guide to Fiji Diving
This book gives limited information on approximately 20 dive sites in Fiji. The descriptions and photos are adequate, but are relatively brief. The book makes few recommendations, but provides a decent place to start rough planning of an independent dive vacation. ... Read more

Book Description

Creating Island Resorts uses two comparative case studies to highlight the differences and challenges facing tourism today in the developing and developed worlds.Going beyond the more commonly enountered marketing analyses of resort destinations, King examines social, cultural, environmental, organizational and political dimensions of tourism.While describing the uniqueness of tropical island resorts such as Fiji, the areas they occupy, the people who live and work there, and the tourists who visit them, King integrates discussion of the social, cultural, mythical, environmental, and political dimensions as well.

Creating Island Resorts is the second title in the Routledge Advances in Tourism series. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Not What I Expected
This is nice little book, but it is not at all what the description led me to believe it was and it is certainly not worth the cost. This is not a true guidebook at all. Rather, it is a very brief (only 128 pages total, with wide margins on all 4 sides of the page) account of the Hostrop's personal travel experiences with little tidbits of advice tossed in.

I have visited Australia twice and am planning a third trip, which is why I purchased this book. It will not be of use to me in planning my next trip, nor do I believe it would have been especially useful in planning my previous trips, even though my last trip was made in part in a campervan.

I also found the repeated urgings to make use of Newmans (a travel agency) a bit disconcerting. Was the Hostrops' trip underwritten by Newmans?

My advice: spend your money on the Frommer's and Lonely Planet guides. They will be much more useful.

A "Must Book" for Adventurous Travelers
Though my wife and I had a general guide to Australia and New Zealand, surprisingly, we felt that the Hostrops' book gave all the sightseeing information needed as most sites also had their own detailed literature. We appreciated the emphasized suggested itinerary given which took us to the most important sites and to the excellent recommended lodgings and campgrounds. We also appreciated the excellent information on the "free" stopover islands. On the way over, we stopped in the Cook Islands and on the way back we stopped in Tahiti. This a gem of a book which goes to the heart of what independent travelers need for a most enjoyable journey to Australia and New Zealand. Highly recommended for independent travelers.

Australia and New Zealand by Campervan And/or Car With Stopo
I bought this book before our trip to New Zealand to provide detailed/specifc information about using a Campervan to see New Zealand. We took the book with us and referred to it several times during our vacation there and found it to be neither helpful or accurate. Using a campervan to visit New Zealand had many serious considerations that I do not feel were adequately detailed in this very small, non detailed book. One of the funny things was that the book mentioned how patiently and how detailed the instructions would be by the campervan company. To the contrary was our experience, there was minimal information provided, just "You refuel here, the spare tire is here, you turn it on there. Any questions? No?, Well have a good day mate." Once out of the parking lot, the fun begain with trying to drive a stick shift situated on the "wrong" side of the vehicle and driving on the "wrong" side of the road. Had the book specified some of the problems associated with this, and the dangers, we would have had more realistic expectations. Since this book was a "Campervan" book, my expectations would be that the book would spend much more time on how to deal with such a "beast", as we came to consider our campervan.

In addition, the book gushed about the great roads, which were not great once outside of Auckland, and the lack of graffetti and trash, which we saw much of in Auckland and even in the rural settings. Many other details mentioned in the book we found not be be the case. The various sites to see were not discussed in enough detail to be either intriging or edifying.

This is not to discourage anyone from going to NZ, but I felt that the book did not cover the reality that a traveler meets. One would do much better with getting a general travel book of New Zealand, which be did, and use that for planning and executing his or her trip.

Alternative Travel Directory 2000
"Provides complete information on how to reserve campervan/car in U.S. and on camps and scenic sights in 'Down Under.'" ... Read more

Download Description

Strategic and practical information on government, national security, army, foreign and domestic politics, conflicts, relations with the US, international activity, economy, technology, mineral resources, culture, traditions, government and business conta ... Read more

Book Description

An amazing autobiographical account of the life of Govind Prasad, "From Cane Fields to Battlefields" explores the exemplary life of one man’s journey around the world and the experiences he has lived to tell.

Born on the island Fiji, he worked in the sugar cane fields of his family’s farm before graduating and joining the Fiji Civil Service.After transferring to the U.K. Civil Service and relocating to London for four years, Prasad immigrated to the United States and retired from civil service.

After working in the business world for six years, he accepted a position with the United Nations, where he stayed until retirement in 1994.Prasad’s peacekeeping missions with the U.N. took him all over the world, often to dangerous and troubled lands.

Join Prasad on his incredible journey and experience his tale, told with rich description and an ever-present human touch. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A thrilling biography agreeable to read
A biography of a man making his way from a difficult start to a satisfying life, not pretentious and well written. Interesting and thrilling to follow his way round the world .Well worth reading

The adventure of a lifetime
The life of Govind Prasad sets an example of how hard work, determination and devotion to family brought one man from very humble beginnings to a distinguished life of service. When reading this book, one cannot help but think of the many blessings that we as Americans simply accept as part of everyday life. The story is written in a very personal tone that demonstrates a true sense of reality to every situation described, and also conveys a lighthearted sense of humor that will leave you chuckling at times.

Once in a while, you'll come across a story that gives you a perspective of the world that you never had before. From Cane Fields to Battlefields is a book that I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone. ... Read more