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# travel advice Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Fiji
paulkelly 03:36 UTC 04 May 2009 | hey, Me and my girlfriend are travelling to Fiji in two weeks time for 25days, flying in and out of Nadi. We have heard its very expensive which we were not expecting(thought it would be closer to SE asia prices). Its part of our RTW trip so the budget is a bit tight. Obviously we understand the more we travel around the pricier but we hope to see a few places (islands) at least. If anyone could give us any advice on where to go it would be much appreciated? Thinking of maybe spending one week in one place, any ideas??(snorkelling,sunbathing) Which are the cheaper islands? What sort of price are we looking at for accommodation (dorm is fine)? Thanks |
oldpro 13:31 UTC 04 May 2009 | First, please define "very expensive". I don't know what you've heard. Be more specific regarding your budget, not just "a bit tight". What do you want to spend per day? One last question: have you ever looked in a guidebook? That's what I did when slotting Fiji into my own RTW trip. Good preparation .. gave me prices, descriptions of places to visit, etc. | 1
schwabbie 03:12 UTC 05 May 2009 | Hi, If you are flying into Nadi and are looking at a budget holiday, then conduct a search of the Yasawa chain of islands. There are many backpacker places to stay, many with dormitory sleeping options or even tents. To assist you, do a search of: Waya Island Tavewa Island - I can recommend Otto and Fannys or David's Place Nacula Island - I can highly recommend Oarsmans Bay Lodge (dorm or tent) Metacawelau You will need to get the Yasawa Flyer seacat (ran by Awesome Adventures) out to the islands, but it is worth it. You can easily spend 2 weeks exploring this region. | 2
thebirchadventure 19:52 UTC 05 May 2009 | Let us know what your budget is and what time you arrive and depart. Fiji prices are not as low as Asia but with the recent devaluation of the dollar it can be done cheaply. Again it depends on your budget, transfers to Islands are expensive so look into that before making any decisions. | 3
drgreenthumb 21:03 UTC 05 May 2009 | head to the real yasawa not the mamanuca group (more party and more $$$). a dorm in one of those islands wil be around 15-20$USpp with meals. you can then island hop every 3-4 days to see as many places. the tours arent expensive either at 15-20pp/day tour. if your budget is in the single digits, the south pacific isnt for you. in french polynesia, a 50-70$US is "cheap" when we even camped and cooked our own meals. | 4
schwabbie 06:33 UTC 06 May 2009 | [b]So, here's the low down[/b] Budget option: 21 Day Bula Pass (unlimited island hopping) Check out: http://www.awesomefiji.com/bula.aspx [b]By boat to the Mamanuca Islands: [/b] [i]South Seas Cruises[/i] luxury high speed catamaran departs from Denarau Marina (15 mins from Nadi Airport). Departs Denarau at 9am, 12.15pm and 3.15pm to: Arrives/Departs South Sea Island at 9.30am, 12.45pm and 5.35pm Arrives/Departs Treasure Island at 9.45am, 1.00pm and 5.20pm Arrives/Departs Mana Island at 10.25am 1.30pm and 4.45pm Arrives/Departs Castaway Island at 10.50am, 1.50pm and 4.15pm Arrives/Departs Malolo/Lako Mai Island at 11.00am, 2.00pm and 4.05pm [i]Malolo Cat [/i]to Plantation Island and Musket Cove: Departs Musket Cove and Plantation Island at 9.00am, 12.30pm and 3.30pm Arrives Denarau Marina at 9.50am, 1.20pm and 4.20pm Departs Denarau Marina at 10.30am, 2.00pm and 5.00pm Arrives Musket Coke and Plantation Island at 11.20am, 2.50pm and 5.50pm [b]By boat to the Yasawas: http://www.bulafiji.com/sights.asp?ProdID=422&lang=EN&sub=0035[/b] The Yasawa Flyer departs everyday at 9.00am from Denarau Marina. One way to Nacula Island costs F$115. There is a courtesy pick-up bus that attends backpacker hotels. The Flyer trip takes 3.5 hours and provides for some very nice sightseeing. There are small boats from the resorts to pick-up passengers at every stop, cost F$10 each way. Tavewa Island, Nalova Bay is the last stop. Be sure to ask which small boat is which as some are not marked. Return sailing from Tavewa Island is around 1.00pm (factoring in Bula time) and arriving back at Denarau Mariner at 5.30pmish. Yasawa Islands - Boat transfers Awesome Adventures’ Yasawa Flyer Toll free: 0800 675 0499 (within Fiji) Fax: (679) 675 0501 Email: awesomeadventure@connect.com.fj By seaplane: www.turtleairways.com or www.fijiseaplanes.com By Helicopter: www.helicopters.com.fj [b]Day trips[/b] Mainland [i]Hiking[/i] Check out: http://www.fiji-travel.com/hiking.html [i]River rafting[/i] Check out: http://www.riversfiji.com/index.htm (Highly recommended) [i]Nadi [/i] [i]The Garden of the Sleeping Giant [/i] The gardens specialise in Fiji's native plants as well as housing an impressive collection of orchids, some native. It is about a 30 minute drive north of Nadi. The attractive landscaped gardens were created in 1997 by famous American actor Raymond Burr (Perry Mason). [i]Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple[/i] This is the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere. The three-part Sri Siva-Subramaniya temple is dedicated to the deity Murugan whose statue, specially carved in India, is housed in the main temple. The second part of the complex is Ganesh temple, while the third section is the Meenakshi and Shiva Temple. [i]Suva[/i] [i]Fiji Museum[/i] In the heart of Suva's historical Thurston Gardens, the Fiji Museum holds a large collection of anthropological and historical material dating back over 3,500 years and cultural objects representing indigenous, Indo-Fijian and other communities that have settled in the island group over the past 200 years. [i]Yasawa Islands[/i] Waya Island (day trip) + all other bookings Book via Awesome Adventures Fiji Phone: (679) 675 0499 Fax: (679) 675 0501 Email: awesomeadventure@connect.com.fj [b]Yasawa Islands - Diving[/b] Westside Water Sports Tel/fax: (679) 666 1462 Email: Westside@connect.com.fj [b]Accommodations[/b] [i]- Mamanuca Group of Islands[/i] Accommodations in this group of islands are between 2 star to 5 star. The island most geared towards backpackers is Beachcomber Island , followed by Mana Island and Plantation Island. Family islands are Treasure Island and Castaway Island. A honeymoon Island is Tokoriki Island. www.beachcomberfiji.com www.manafiji.com www.plantationisland.com www.fiji-treasure.com www.castawayfiji.com www.tokoriki.com Budget resorts in the Mamanucas are: Bounty Island Resort Phone: (679) 651 1271 Fax: (679) 666 6955 Email: fiji-bounty@treasure.com.fj Web: http://www.fiji-bounty.com South Sea Island Toll free: 0800 675 0499 (for direct bookings made within Fiji) Phone: (679) 675 0499 Email: awesomeadventure@connect.com.fj Postal: PO Box 718, Nadi, Fiji [i]- Viti Levu / Mainland [/i] Nadi Bay Nadi Bay Hotel Phone: (679) 672 3599 Email: nadibay@connect.com.fj Web: www.fijinadibayhotel.com [i]- Coral Coast[/i] The Beachhouse Toll free: 0800 653 0530 (for direct bookings made within Fiji) Phone: (679) 653 0500 Email: info@fijibeachouse.com Postal: PO Box 68, Korolevu, Fiji Islands Web: www.fijibeachouse.com [i]- Yasawa Islands[/i] Safe Landing Resort (Nacula Island) Phone: (679) 672 2921 Email: nacula@hotmail.com Web: www.safelandingresort.com Octopus Resort (Waya Island) Phone: (679) 666 6337 Fax: (679) 666 6210 Email: reservations@octopusresort.com Web: http://www.octopusresort.com Postal: PO Box 1861, Lautoka, Fiji / 5 Marine Drive, Lautoka Botaira Beach Resort (Naviti Island) Phone: (679) 666 2266 Oarsman’s Bay Lodge (Nacula Island) Phone: (679) 672 2921 Email: nacula@hotmail.com Web: http://www.fijibudget.com/oarsmans-bay-lodge.htm Wayalailai Resort (Waya Island) Phone: (679) 666 9715 or 666 1572 Email: wayalailai@is.com.fj Web: www.bbr.ca/wayalailai Postal: PO Box 6353, Lautoka, Fiji Islands David’s Place (Tavewa Island) Phone: (679) 6722 921 Email: nacula@hotmail.com Web: http://www.fijibudget.com/davids-place.htm Otto & Fanny’s (Tavewa Island) Phone: (679) 6722 921 Email: nacula@hotmail.com Web: http://www.fijibudget.com/otto-and-fannys.htm Kingfisher Lodge (Tavewa Island) Phone: (679) 6722 921 Email: nacula@hotmail.com Web: http://www.fijibudget.com/kingfisher-lodge.htm Melbravo (Nacula Island) Phone: (679) 6722 921 Email: nacula@hotmail.com Web: http://www.fijibudget.com/melbravo.htm Nabua Lodge (Nacula Island) Phone: (679) 6722 921 Email: nacula@hotmail.com Web: http://www.fijibudget.com/nabua-lodge.htm Sunrise Lagoon Resort (Nanuya Lailai Island) Phone: (679) 6722 921 Email: nacula@hotmail.com Web: http://www.fijibudget.com/sunrise.htm Seaspray (Nanuya Lailai Island) Phone: (679) 6722 921 Email: nacula@hotmail.com Web: http://www.fijibudget.com/seaspray.htm Long Beach (Matacawalevu Island ) Phone: (679) 6722 921 Email: nacula@hotmail.com Web: http://www.fijibudget.com/long-beach.htm Qereqere Cross (Naviti Island) Phone: (679) 6722 921 Email: nacula@hotmail.com Web: http://www.fijibudget.com/qereqere-cross.htm [i]- Suva[/i] Raintree Lodge Phone: (679) 6620 562 Fax: (679) 3320 113 Email: raintreelodge@connect.com.fj Web: www.raintreelodge.com [i]- Vanua Levi - Savu Savu[/i] Savusavu Hot Springs Hotel Phone: (679) 885 0195 Fax: (679) 885 0430 Email: hotspringshotel@connect.com.fj Web: www.savusavufiji.com Postal: PO Box 208, Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji Islands [b]Fijian travel agent[/b] I book my travels through Sun Vacations Ltd. Their office is located at Nadi Airport in the domestic terminal. The staff are very helpful. Both Lynne and Jone, the owners, ensure you are well taken care of. Their details are: Webpage: http://www.sunvacationsfiji.com Email (direct) if you want a quote: info@sunvacationsfiji.com [b]Travel hint:[/b] If you are travelling to the outer islands, in particular to the Yasawa region, purchase some water, beer, spirits, snacks etc prior to leaving. While prices are not over the top - you will get them cheaper from the mainland. [b]Weather in Fiji[/b] The rainy season is from November to March, the weather is extremely hot and humid during these months. Happy travels Schwabbie | 5
jennirw 05:01 UTC 07 May 2009 | Hi, Myself and my fiance went to Fiji for three weeks last September... we were on a year long RTW ticket and so had to minimise costs. We don't really love dorm-ing it, so mostly stayed in double rooms/huts. Our budget was £30 per day each (including all transport) We found the best cheapy places were Leleuvia Island (off the East coast of Viti Levu) ($60 per person per night inc meals) and Flying Fish (www.fijiorganicvillage.con). Leleuvia Island is a bit of a trek is you are just planning to stay in the Nadi region, but if you are visiting Suva it isn't too much further. We got there via bus then ferry to Levuka and then their boat transfer from Levuka. We chose Leleuvia over Caqalai (which is way more highly rated in the LP Fiji book) as we tended to find places that are raved about in the LP tended to up their prices. Also to note they have built a brand new toilet block, so they are in no way dingy as it states in the LP book. We found it to be so relaxing, excellent food, and much quieter than Caqalai. It was FJ$50 per person per night including 3 yummy meals. You can take a shortcut back to Viti Levu by going straight across the water on their transfer boat rather than going back via Levuka. Our absolute fave was Flying Fish on Matacawalevu in the Yasawas. It is run by local villagers and it only just getting up and going, but it was so relaxing and the people were so friendly - they put on loads of free activities for you and couldn't do enough to make you have a great stay (they kept bringing us papaya and banana afternoon snacks when we were lounging in the hammock!) Again, for a hut on the beach is was FJ$60 per person per night including 3 meals. They were building a dorm while we were there. We went for the 7 day bula pass, but found that you would be better picking a cheap island and then buying a return ticket, as it is way more cost effective (unless of course you want to island hop a lot). We found ourselves moving on from a place quickly even though we wanted to stay longer just to get the most out of our Bula pass. Even if you went to a couple of islands is may work out cheaper to buy individual tickets. Oarsmans is mentioned a fair bit as a budget choice, and although the beach is amazing it seemed fairly overpriced to us (especially seeing as though we had to go in a dorm). We found Bounty Island to be a total rip off as it was marketed as a bit of a party island but there certainly wasn't anything going on when we were there and the food was pretty abysmal! We managed to get a room at less than half price at Resort Waya on Malolo Island, because we were heading to Funky Fish, but they couldn't pick us up from the boat as it was low tide, and Resort Waya had some spare chalets. Enjoy your trip! | 6
spymanjones 22:57 UTC 11 May 2009 | yeh, i was thinking of the ovalau group of islands the whole way down this thread-nice one jennirw ovalau is a big island off the east coast of viti levu & caqalai & leleuvia are between viti levu & ovalau caqalai & leleuvia are similar very small very paradise like islands, beautiful beaches all the way round, snowrkelling beuatiful nature & lifestyle. of course being such small & unspoilt islands, choice of accomodation is nill, but it will be a lovely week in paradise none the less. besides this means all the funky people will be in together! you can also, as part of a total (and quite cheap) cost, get another ferry further to ovalau. i didnt end up going here, but apparently it has a very interesting & historic capital, very interesting to look around, but elsewhere on the island are great beaches & snorkelling spots, and amazing mountain jungle areas & wild nature & amazing diving ive heard. there is also a trek to an old traditional village in an old volcano crater in the center of the island-apparently an amazing experience. to get here head along either the south or north coast of viti levu to suva & then a ferry-very easy both the south & north or viti levu are beautiful, but the south perhaps has more for the traveller/tourist/backpacker/general visitor also, i spent most of my time on taveuni island. this island is way less visited by foreigners, advantages & disadvantages, but every person was so lovely and friendly & eager to help you or to want you to enjoy your taste of fiji. its a very naturally fijian island, buildings are very simple & farming is the way of life... amazing place, atmosphere, people. it was expensive to get there, but i didnt regret it. the people were amazing, and the nature was unbeleivable. a random family encouraged me to stay a week with them in Vuna (south side), but the Vuna lagoon lodge is also a really nice place & the owner cooked me lunch one time after i went snorkelling there. also lavena is a beautiful area, great big strips of beach and two mind blowing & unbelievably casual treks; lavena coastal walk & vidawa waterfall/rainfoest trek my sister has been to the yasawas, ive heard they are beautiful, tropical paradise, but more expensive. look into all the places mentioned, but often, one tropical island is the same as the next (of course theyr beautiful paradise), but you could spend plenty of time on just one with a few funky people. so even if your overwhelemed by the choice (i definitly was) youl have an amazing time with any one of the places brought up here. i stopped for a month on an around the world ticket with very little funds, youll have an amazing time, soak up the vibe of the place & people, and if you run out of money, hope a friendly local offers you a place to sleep. | 7
spymanjones 23:01 UTC 11 May 2009 | oh also on the south side of viti levu, i was going to stay at 'the beachhouse' for a few days, then move on to suva & some islands, but met some really wicked people & stayed there for over a week, relaxing place & brilliant friendly staff from the neighbouring village, ill never play a better game of volleyball | 8