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Fiji Time

By Betsy Wuebker 45 Comments

(Last Updated On: March 2, 2020)
fiji time

View from our Savusavu Rental

Visit Fiji and inevitably you’ll learn about “Fiji Time” – the national belief that life should be lived moment by moment, without stress or hurry.

When you get to Fiji, inevitably you’ll encounter Fiji Time. Usually this is a situation where people aren’t behaving or things aren’t happening in the way you want, as quickly as you expected, or even at all.

Perhaps your meal is slow to come, or the server forgets entirely that you wanted something. Maybe you’ll try to hire someone for work around the house and they never return your phone call, much less show up. Or you’ll email someone as promised, and you won’t hear back from them for several weeks. Or you’ll sit on a full bus with other passengers for half an hour while the driver has a snack on the depot bench. All these things happened to us in Fiji, and we attribute them to Fiji Time.

fiji time

Sunset dinner table on the Coral Coast

Simply explained, Fiji Time is the belief that there is no need to rush, things will happen when they do – or not, that life should be lived moment by moment. There is no need to stress, there is always tomorrow, life is filled with beauty, love and happiness.

fiji time

Pete gazing out to sea

fiji time

Viti Levu lagoon

There are two ways to react to Fiji Time. The effect it has on you will reveal your current frame of mind.

If you’re frustrated by lateness, unreturned phone calls or emails, or that you have to wait for service in a store or a restaurant, you’ve probably not yet let go of your busy life elsewhere. If instead, you feel a sense of relaxation and equanimity in the face of these situations, you’ve likely set yourself on the path to Fiji Time adaptation.

fiji time

No need to tether the foal

Fiji Time can either feel like those you rely upon are lazy or uncaring, or it can feel refreshing and insulated from the crazy rest of the world out there. One thing is for certain: you’re the one who will have to change by adjusting your expectations, or not. Fiji Time has been a way of life for Fijians forever. A few encounters with you aren’t going to change that, no matter how important you think you are or should be.

fiji time

Timeless Viti Levu highlands

Some think the reputation Fiji Time has is a serious determent to Fiji’s economic growth and foreign investment, particularly at the micro level. It can be frustrating for those from other cultures to adapt to Fiji traditions while at the same time observing the lower standards of living and wanting to raise overall prosperity to more acceptable, modern (read: Western) levels.

fiji time

Reef walkers in the distance

In “Fiji Time, it’s no laughing matter” the Australia-based Change Factory consultancy attempts to explain:

“Fiji culture tends to have low time consciousness, low stress and few rules. Decisions are made based on consensus, with emphasis being placed on solidarity and quality of work-life. One’s identity is based on one’s social network and work relationships are seen in moral terms like a family link with harmony being maintained and confrontation avoided. Subordinates expect to be told what to do and bosses are expected to be benevolent autocrats.”

fiji time

Walking home to Korotogo

The article goes on to suggest, rather condescendingly I thought, that improving outcomes requires working within these cultural norms. Project leaders and supervisors should think of establishing themselves as a “benevolent dictators,” using “consensus and moral attachment” to work, creating a “work family” in which commitments and expectations are managed by using indirect communication and egalitarian methods.

Resorts and other international businesses in Fiji routinely struggle with lack of consistency when working with Fijians. The large Indian minority on the islands has positioned itself to take up the slack, seizing entrepreneurial opportunities and building sustainable business models. The Fijian government has entered the fray with the Eleven Pillars People’s Charter, seeking to reduce corruption and ethnic discrimination against indigenous Fijians.

fiji time

Walking home at twilight

On a personal level, Fiji Time goes a little deeper than a relaxed (or frustrating, depending upon whom you ask) attitude. In Fijian culture, everybody is important, from the smallest family member to the eldest grandparent, from the man with the big house to the person who lives in what we’d call a shack.

fiji time
My bus seatmate and me
fiji time
At the bus stop

Fijians will greet you with a “Bula” and a smile whether they know you or not. They’ll stop work if you pass by to exchange pleasantries and have a leisurely little chat on Fiji Time. You don’t just say “Hello” in Fiji, or worse yet, nothing at all. You say, “Bula, how are you?” and then you listen to the answer, making eye contact.

fiji time

Sigatoka fresh market

We talked about this before ( “Fiji and the Pursuit of Happiness”):

“In Fiji, there is always an attempt to establish commonality, no matter how remote. Sometimes this can feel a little awkward, like a bit of a stretch. But, it isn’t mere curiosity, it’s connection. Culturally, this process signifies each of you has value. That’s a big deal. When the pursuit of happiness is studied, inevitably the concept of self-worth comes into play.”

Needless to say, this infectious practice quickly has you feeling like you’re the most important person in the world, and you begin to treat others in this way as well. As such, you begin to think about where someone might be from, what their family is like, where their village is, who are they related to that you know. Other things are relegated to the recesses of your mind, and if a deadline has passed with little incident, life goes on.

fiji time

On the hunt for sea urchins

fiji time

Vanua Levu village child

fiji time

Savusavu kindergartener

Many of the sights we’ve seen and experiences we’ve had have been happening in Fiji for hundreds, if not thousands of years. If you spend the evening with your family on the reef collecting sea urchins, washing them with sea water and eating them raw from the bucket just as your ancestors have done before you and your children will do after you, it may not seem important in the bigger scheme of things that an email gets sent. The lawn can be cut or the car repaired tomorrow.

fiji time

Walking the reef for sea urchins

fiji time

Sereanna cleaning sea urchins

For those who are weary of busy-ness, whose personal energy is depleted by the lifestyle treadmill, or who may be seeking a simplified life with a different focus, Fiji Time will have a seductive pull.

“What happened to a world in which we can sit with the people we love so much and have slow conversations about the state of our heart and soul, conversations that slowly unfold, conversations with pregnant pauses and silences that we are in no rush to fill?” – from The Disease of Being Busy

 

fiji time

Coral Coast lagoon

fiji time

Sunset at Wailoaloa

fiji time

The reef catches fire at sunset on the Coral Coast

Fiji Time isn’t really time at all. Fiji itself is timeless, and that is the difference.

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Filed Under: Fiji Islands, Oceania, Travel Tagged With: Fiji, fiji islands, Viti Levu

Comments

  1. Suzanne Fluhr says

    November 24, 2014 at 8:44 pm

    That last photo of the sunset on the Coral Coast is simply awe inspiring. I would definitely stop whatever “important” think I was doing to enjoy it. When we were in South Africa recently, many annoyances (to us) were dismissed with a shrug of the shoulders and someone saying , “You know, South African time.” I think it might take me some time to adjust to Fiji time. 😉

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      November 24, 2014 at 9:09 pm

      Bula Suzanne – We had an easier transition after living on Kaua’i. It’s “Island Time,” there. I’m not minding Fiji Time at all, except for once. When our housesit was ending and the homeowners were expected in a few days, Pete couldn’t get the lawn mower started. There was no way we were leaving the lawns the way they were, and I started to get upset. We called around trying to hire someone and no one responded. Finally, Pete asked our friend Pravina (the one who taught him how to make curry, etc.) what to do and boom! her husband came that same day after he finished work. Fiji Time really doesn’t affect our online work, where we self-impose deadlines, etc. We’re less stressed, definitely.

      Reply
  2. Anita @ No Particular Place To Go says

    November 25, 2014 at 2:20 am

    Your post was lovely and the photos of Fiji were breathtaking; as I was reading I could feel my mind slow down as I pictured “Fiji Time”. Since we have retired and begun traveling long term we’ve struggled to live this way but it’s very difficult after living in the US all our lives! (I think we need a few more years of travel!) I may have to make a mantra out of your words, ” No need to rush, things will happen when they do – or not, that life should be lived moment by moment…”

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      November 25, 2014 at 5:17 am

      Bula Anita – Thank you. Fiji Time reminds me of the zen mix of detachment and presence. I used to say time felt elastic on Kaua’i in an attempt to describe the transformation. It certainly does here in Fiji, too. We’ve definitely slowed down because of travel.

      Reply
  3. Donna Janke says

    November 25, 2014 at 3:34 am

    Beautiful post. I am a list maker and busy most of the time. It may take me some time to adapt to Fiji time, but it sounds as if it would be worth it. Our western sense of priorities and definition of success is often a little off. Great photos.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      November 25, 2014 at 5:23 am

      Bula Donna – I remember the days when my Filofax (long, long ago!) was filled with entries to the point of illegibility. Thankfully, no longer! You’re right about our Western sense of priorities and success.

      Reply
  4. Juergen | dare2go.com says

    November 25, 2014 at 3:40 am

    When I started to read your article I thought to myself “That sounds typical for all tropics”, but reading on showed that obviously it’s going further and deeper than I’m used to from other places (Philippines came straight to mind, where every day at least once we heard “Oh, so sorry, I forgot…”), being part of the culture on Fiji more than just a mentality.
    And I know the conflict of living in such environment as somebody with “western values” and upbringing. Already, where we live in Australia, it can be similar with trades people: if the surf is good they show for work at 11 or 12, if the surf is bad they ring you out of bed before 7 – LOL.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      November 25, 2014 at 5:27 am

      Bula Juergen – Yes, there are definitely similarities! I’m starting to wonder though, if South Africans, surfers, Polynesians, Filipinos and others might really have the right idea.

      Reply
  5. Kay dougherty says

    November 25, 2014 at 8:56 am

    Oddly we didn’t experience much Fiji time when we were there. Mainly we were on a Captain Cook cruise and they operate everything very much on time. But at a resort we went to I don’t think it was Fiji time so much as lousy service that annoyed us. When you pay to stay at a 5 star resort and the staff just talks to each other and doesn’t wait on you at all that doesn’t seem like a charming approach to life! I can see how it has hurt Fijians economically. The people are lovely though when you’re chatting with them – it’s just hard for an east coast Type A person so adjust to a “whenever” attitude! It obviously didn’t bother us too much though as we’re going back again in April!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      November 26, 2014 at 2:56 pm

      Bula Kay – I would characterize it as a difference in expectations on the part of the server in Fiji. In the U.S., I think we tend to characterize “good” service as intuitive and ahead of our needs. Pete and I don’t want to have to ask for initial attention after we’re seated, more water or a soup spoon, we want it to just happen. Yesterday, we were in two restaurants – one Chinese-owned in Labasa, and one in a high-end resort owned by an American couple. In the Chinese restaurant, we were done with our meal for quite some time, yet needed to ask for our bill, whereupon the darling little waitress stopped chatting with her peers and filled it out (she’d not written anything down prior to that). However, she did bring a pitcher of ice water and two glasses without us asking. It was very warm and their A/C wasn’t the best. At the American-owned resort, we still had to ask for drinks after the first one (instead of being asked if we’d like another, and yes, we’re those people who have more than one cocktail), and for the check as well, even though the presentation and setups for our delicious meal were really exceptional. The Australian article I cited talks about subordinates expecting to be directed. I think this is the basic difference.

      Reply
  6. Tom says

    November 24, 2014 at 10:30 pm

    This sounds just like a place I might have to move to. Good attitude, things will take care of themselves. Love it.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      November 25, 2014 at 5:04 am

      Bula Tom – We could definitely live here in Fiji, and it’s tempting to consider it as a snowbird lifestyle with Minnesota and Kaua’i in the mix.

      Reply
  7. Karen Warren says

    November 25, 2014 at 10:31 pm

    That’s a very different way of approaching life. I think I would find it frustrating but I can see that it would be liberating if you allowed yourself to embrace it.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      November 26, 2014 at 3:04 pm

      Bula Karen – Your intuition is correct. Embracing Fiji Time does wonders for your blood pressure. 🙂

      Reply
  8. Patti says

    November 25, 2014 at 6:19 am

    I love the photo of the little boy sitting in the water looking for sea urchins and I agree with Suzanne, that last photo – of the sunset – is just amazing!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      November 26, 2014 at 3:03 pm

      Bula Patti – Thank you, that is one of my favorite shots, too. The boy’s name is Uate (pronounced Wah-tay), and he is the son of Sereanna, such a little charmer. The reef sunset was just amazing on what was one of our last nights on the Coral Coast. I have about 30 photos of that sunset; it changed every few seconds. Just when you think you’ve seen the most beautiful Fijian sunset ever yesterday, today’s comes along.

      Reply
  9. Carole Terwilliger Meyers says

    November 26, 2014 at 2:25 pm

    I love Fiji and its people and the easy-going lifestyle. Your sunset images are spectacular!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      November 26, 2014 at 3:10 pm

      Bula Carole – Thanks, we do, too! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Leigh says

    November 26, 2014 at 2:57 am

    Betsy, This is a fantastic post and you have done a great job of capturing what is meaningful to Fijians. On one of my trips to Africa, I knew within hours of arrival in Tanzania that I would have to re-frame my expectations and get onto African time. It can be liberating – if you don’t have a deadline to meet. And it takes some getting used to, as we are all so intensely aware of the clock.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      November 26, 2014 at 3:07 pm

      Bula Leigh – You’re right about being governed by the clock. The nice thing we found is that we could reassign priorities; we were needlessly stressing about a lot of things that didn’t require the emphasis we self-imposed. It’s very liberating indeed.

      Reply
  11. Sue Reddel says

    November 26, 2014 at 5:51 am

    Another terrific post Betsy. I adored your photos and would love to be able to say I would get used to the slow pace but I think it would be difficult.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      November 26, 2014 at 3:09 pm

      Bula Sue – The pace definitely takes getting used to. But it’s also one of the reasons Fiji is a popular vacation destination. I think deep down people crave it, particularly when they can’t control their daily circumstances. Commuting, over-scheduling, competing deadlines, etc.

      Reply
  12. A Cook Not Mad (Nat) says

    November 27, 2014 at 6:03 am

    Great post, we know a few places that seem to run on Fiji Time 😉

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      November 28, 2014 at 3:05 pm

      Bula Nat – Thanks, yes, it seems to defuse annoyance when you call it Fiji Time, too. 🙂

      Reply
  13. Irene S Levine says

    November 27, 2014 at 7:47 am

    Great post! Of course, there are also regional differences in time perception in the U.S. as well but I imagine this is even more laid back than that!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      November 28, 2014 at 3:06 pm

      Bula Irene – Yes, Fiji is definitely more laid back than any other place we’ve lived or visited.

      Reply
  14. Johanna says

    November 26, 2014 at 7:06 pm

    I could definitely do with embracing Fiji time right now. Oh it all looks so gorgeous and it would be lovely to kick back and relax, particularly in view of those sunsets on the Coral Coast 😉

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      November 28, 2014 at 3:04 pm

      Bula Jo – Fiji makes it very easy to relax, to be sure. 🙂

      Reply
  15. Michelle da Silva Richmond says

    November 28, 2014 at 3:25 am

    Fiji time reminds of of Mexico’s “manana time,” which I eventually got used to while living there for nearly 20 years. I’ve never been to Fiji, however and you’ve inspired me to go!
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      November 28, 2014 at 3:09 pm

      Bula Michelle – I’m so glad we could inspire you! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Suzanne Stavert says

    November 27, 2014 at 9:43 am

    Oh boy does my husband need to read this. I am afraid that it would take him a great long time to fit in with those living on Fiji time. I love the idea. I love that they make you feel so important, look you in the eye instead of their phone. I wish the rest of the world lived a little bit slower. You photos are breathtaking. I love them all. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      November 28, 2014 at 3:08 pm

      Bula Suzanne – It’s funny that many of those who are super high energy in their “other life” are the biggest adopters of Fiji Time once they’ve been here a while. I do prefer slower living now. Time to appreciate is time well spent. Thanks.

      Reply
  17. Nancie says

    November 27, 2014 at 7:01 pm

    Bula, Betsy! Having spent the past 15 years traveling in SEA I have kind of gotten used to
    ________ time (fill in the blank with almost any SEA city or country), so I might adjust to Fiji time quite quickly. Although, I know it would still take me a while. I do love the concept 🙂

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      November 28, 2014 at 3:09 pm

      Bula Nancie – I think you might be surprised by how quickly you adapt. 🙂

      Reply
  18. Michelle says

    November 30, 2014 at 11:05 am

    Fiji sounds like the place for me because I am probably one of the laziest people on earth ;). Photos are amazing! I have an opportunity to visit in April and I think you may have me convinced to go. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      December 2, 2014 at 6:07 pm

      Bula Michelle – You won’t regret visiting whatsoever, I’m sure. 🙂

      Reply
  19. Cate says

    December 13, 2014 at 6:59 am

    Having grown up in the US and lived in Germany I have a hard time adjusting to a more relaxed take on time! When I’m traveling or on vacation I really enjoy it and just adopt an attitude of “whatever happens, happens” but I struggle if I’m there for work. I find cultural differences around time so fascinating, so I really enjoyed reading this. And now I really want to go to Fiji.

    Thanks for participating in the #MyGlobalLife Link-Up!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      December 14, 2014 at 4:55 pm

      Hi Cate – I think the reason many people enjoy travel so much is it gives them a chance to step into the relaxed state of mind you mention. In Fiji, that’s the norm. 🙂

      Reply
  20. Wanda says

    December 30, 2014 at 8:33 pm

    Thanks so much Betsy for this timely post. It’s now December 30, and I’ve read your beautiful prose and seen the stunning images. This is the perfect time of year to reflect on the speed of our lives, and what could be improved by slowing down a little (or a lot). You communicate the possibilities beautifully. Here’s to less rushing in 2015!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      December 30, 2014 at 9:22 pm

      Hi Wanda – thank you so much. You’re right, we could all do with a little more of the best aspects of “Fiji time.”

      Reply
  21. Cory Lee says

    January 2, 2015 at 10:23 pm

    I have never heard of Fiji Time before this, but it really sounds great. I usually like to rush and squeeze in as much as possible, but it’s also nice to relax and just go with the flow sometimes.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      January 3, 2015 at 8:46 am

      Bula Cory – You’re so right. Traveling is temporary and we can put the pressure on ourselves with limited time in a place. It’s ironic, because part of the reason for travel is to smell different roses, right?

      Reply

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Aloha! We’re Betsy and Pete Wuebker. We traveled the world full time for close to four years and have visited almost 50 countries. If you’re a curious and thoughtful traveler, you’re in the right place. No matter if you’re new to travel or an old hand, we can help you refine your bucket list!

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