Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# First time in Fiji Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Fiji
clotho23 06:25 UTC 18 Jun 2008 | I will be going with 3 others to Fiji, first timers, for one week. I have read many of the Q&A, but its overwhelming. I would like to know what are must do and can't miss activities/places in Fiji. Some recommendation for lodging, preferable less than $100. Thanks in advance. |
raro 05:46 UTC 19 Jun 2008 | Well, the main suggestion is a negative one, avoid Nadi town! If you want to spend a day or two in a city, to the market, etc., go to Suva, maybe Lautoka. Then pick an island or two to visit for a few days each. | 1
ozziegiraffe 13:14 UTC 19 Jun 2008 | Raro, If I go to Fiji with my friend from Nadi, we would have to stay some of the time in the area. Any suggestions? | 2
raro 21:53 UTC 19 Jun 2008 | Sorry, it's been a while. But there is a place right across the road from the airport, used to be the Fiji Gateway. Very convenient, esp. for odd-hour flights. Also, I stayed at what was called the Sandalwood Inn, a few kms towards town, was OK, modest rate. Fiji Mocambo (I think it has a new name) was very nice, but could be higher than your budget allows. Lots of people stay around Lautoka instead of Nadi, if time permits. It's not really that far. Tai Marilyn and other TTers would have the latest suggestions re Nadi area. | 3
oldpro 06:58 UTC 22 Jun 2008 | Ozzie, I'd recommend staying in Lautoka. It's a much more interesting town than Nadi and no less convenient for getting to the Yasawas, other parts of Viti Levu, and/or the airport. In fact, I used to commute by minibus to Nadi on some days just to use the faster internet connections. Raffles Hotel right across the street from the airport entrance, and about 500m from the arrivals bldg., is pretty convenient. Their walk-in rates can be half the so-called rack rates. But, a lot of hotels in the area have shuttles going to the airport. Even the main buses between Lautoka-Nadi stop off at arrivals. OP, if all you have is a week, then there's no point in thinking about the "must see" places on Fiji. Do as Raro suggests: pick an area/island, and spend your week there. Give a bit of thought to what you might like regarding atmosphere. To be blunt about it, first-timers with only a week will probably enjoy just about anything -- you'll have nothing to compare your experience with! Stay longer, and a person might be able to pick and choose favourite place. | 4