Backpacker in Fiji July 09 - Any tips??

Hi,

I am looking to spend a week in Fiji towards the end of July this year. I am finding it quite hard to find information on travelling around to the different islands. I will be 22 and looking for a fairly peaceful yet enjoyable time, with a few activities during the day and some new faces to socialise with in the evnings.

Is it easy to travel over to the Yasawa islands, and what is the general cost to get a boat over there from Nadi? Also would it be easy to find accomodation when arrive on the islands, or is it best to have something arranged. If so can anybody help woth recommendations.

I will be on a fairly tight budget so would be staying in low budget hostels and not treating it like a honeymoon where expect the best Fiji has to offer.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

I suggest that you read the FAQs and previous post on this as there have been many.

In a nutshell, yes, travelling the Yasawas is easy including getting accom, especially if you use the Yasawa Flyer - see http://www.awesomefiji.com/

Yeah check out the previous posts, but the places which always seem to get mentioned are Octopus, Oarsmans Bay, Beachcomber and Mantaray. I've done them all and would highly recommend Octopus and Oarsmans.

The others are really good too but I'd say Beachcomber is expensive and the beach at Mantaray is below average (but brilliant snorkeling).

Don't bother with Nadi, unless you want to pick up souvenirs, get out to the islands as soon as you can, you'll comfortably get 2 islands into a week, might stretch it to 3. The flyer is the best way to get out there but its not cheap, $115 FJD one way to Octopus from memory. leaves like clockwork every day at 7:30 from Denarau.

Arrange at least your first island before you head out, its possible to book from the flyer. The resorts will be able to book your next destination when you check out.

A dorm bed and meal package at the above mentioned places will run about $80 - $ 90 FJD, the food is usually very good.

If you want something different, try Flying Fish resort on Matacawalevu, more of a village stay kind of set up, but close to the Blue Lagoon.

mik_peka - the Flyer used to leave at 8.30 - has that changed recently?

I agree with Mik-peka abut booking the first stop as some places are quite small or so popular that they are boked out months ahead (eg Octopus, and to a lesser extent, Oarsman)

Ok thats great - Cheers for the help!! I will look into booking up my first stop before I leave. I agree that I do not want to stay in Nadi for long.

Thanks!