Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# What to do for Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea
swanseagirl99 07:51 UTC 04 Oct 2013 | H all We are travelling to Fiji for 10 days in December with 1 year old twins!!! We,re on a shoestring budget after being in Haapai for 4 months then on to Australia and Florida. We,d like to know on the Main Street in Nadi where is a good place to stay? Can I do clothes shopping? We would like to go to the mud baths, what's the cheapest way to do it?? Then to do some shark diving, where's the best place to do it and the closest to stay?? Then we have looked at staying on the island of Mamanucas but wow that is just way too expensive, so is there any other islands that are inexpensive we can stay but not in a dorm?? Is it worth going to Suava?? Any other info would be much appreciated Thanks any replies much appreciated xxx |
tch7 01:12 UTC 05 Oct 2013 | Nadi is not a place you want to stay more than the night you arrive or the night before you depart. You can shop there, but there isn't really a main street, nor anything appealing about the place. I stayed in Bluewater Lodge a couple years ago and recommend it, but more recently the reviews it receives aren't as positive. Public buses are remarkably good and affordable. However, with young kids, a taxi is probably more practical for getting to the mud pools. Shark diving is at Beqa Lagoon. Beqa Lagoon Resort gets good reviews. There are lots of budget-friendly places in the Yasawas that have bures available, such as Wayalailai. | 1
vfernandez00 13:39 UTC 10 Oct 2013 | Agree 100% with tch7.. Not much to do or see in Nadi. Ok for a day or 2, but that's about it... You can literally walk the main street (Nadi Town) in about 10 mins... Shopping options aren't great (unless you want souvenirs). I've done the mud baths, heaps of fun! Local bus is only a few FJ$ otherwise you can get a taxi for about FJ$30 each way from Nadi Town (you can negotiate price with taxi driver). The mud baths are far from the main road so it's best to have the taxi wait for you. Note: there are no laws in Fiji for child car seats/booster seats, so you will not find any in taxis for your twins. If this is an issue for you, you will need to bring them with you or hire a car with car seats. I think Suva is worth a visit (many people disagree)... But being so far from Nadi I would only recommend if you are in the area (unless you're up for a 4hr bus trip from Nadi. Otherwise flying to Suva is an option). Shopping is heaps better in Suva, lots of shops & options! As Suva is not so touristy, it is cheaper than Nadi as well. Note: shops are closed on Sundays If you're out Suva way, Leleuvia Island is an awesome place to stay!!! My favourite island resort!!! Much less touristy than Mamanucas, so more private. FJ$250 (+20% taxes) bure per night for 2 adults & kids (includes meals for all of you!). Boat transfers are cheap too FJ$70 return p/p. Only downfall is shared toilet & shower facilities. But a small downfall as the island is beautiful!! Crystal clear water, clean sand, great snorkelling etc. Looks like the postcards! Have a look at www.leleuvia.com Otherwise Beachouse on the Coral Coast (mainland) is also good & affordable. Also easier to get to from Nadi/less travel involved - www.fijibeachouse.com I would suggest a school visit and/or orphanage visit while in Fiji. Definately an eye opener! Take some donations with you as they are much needed (if you do visit). Wherever you decide to stay I'm sure you'll have a great time! :) | 2