Backpacker in Fiji

Hi there

I am going to Fiji as part of my NZ and Oz trip in Dec. I only have 14 nights there so would be grateful if someone would be so kind to share any good ideas of what to see and do there. I have ordered a copy of the lonely planet guide but just could not wait for it to arrive.

Need ideas of decent cheap accommodation, good beach, good out door activities, how to get around, what to see and do and of course what not to do and where not to go.

I know that in some of the pacific islands you need to prebook all accommodation, is that the case for Fiji too?

Also, as I have never been in this part of the world before, is it safe-ish (I mean where can anyone say it is completely safe these days?) to be a girl on her own?

Really, any info at all is soooo welcome!!!

Edited by: Sussie

Hi, I'm a 23 yo Australian who's been living in Lautoka, Fiji for the last 6 months.

you don't need to pre book your accommodation, though places do fill up so at least have your first night sorted out. You'll fly into Nadi airport, if you want to stay in Nadi that night I can recommend Smuggler's cove, the dorm is crowded but its a new place and the facilities are good, plus its right on an ok stretch of beach. If you are pinching pennies the place next door (the Capricorn) is on the same beach and is heaps cheaper but the service sucks. You walk over to Smugglers for meals and drinks though.

heres some picks from what we have done so far:

We did the kayaking the Navua river in the Namosi highlands, pacific harbour on the south coast of the main island, and it was great fun. Its relatively pricey though at about $230 FJD. Rivers Fiji.

Best water activities: Safari Lodge, Nananu-i-ra - wakeboarding, snorkelling, fishing, windsurfing, kayaking, diving

Best island resort: octopus resort waya island, beautiful beach, classy joint, not too pricey

Best mainland resort: uprising resort, pacific harbour - good dorms, cheap, on the beach

Off the beaten track: Abaca village Koroyanito - village homestay (very basic), hiking, waterfalls, real fijian village, beautiful scenery

heres some stuff we still want to do:

blue lagoon and caves, northern yasawas

savusavu bay, vanua levu

old capital Levuka, Ovalau island

In terms of safety travelling by yourself, you'll definately be pretty safe at the resorts, its the tourists you'll have to watch out for there. Travelling during the day is fine too. If you go out at night in the cities you will want to be with a group, keep an eye on the taxi drivers, and dont get too messy. When we first came we were warned about walking around in Suva by ourselves even during the day but we haven't had much trouble (one mugging and a pickpocket between 20 people in 6 months). I'd advise against travelling at night if you can help it.

Watch out for scams, usually 'presents' that it turns out require a 'donation'. A bit annoying but nothing like you'd get in SE Asia or India.

Getting around is easy, there is the official bus system which goes everywhere for next to nothing, but it can take some patience. There is also the slightly less official minivan system, they are faster and leave more regularly (whenever they get a full load) and the prices are fixed (similar price to the bus) but they have been known to end up upside down occasionally due to over enthusiastic driving, this is usually how we get around though. Just ask your taxi driver where they leave from, usually near the bus station.

I second all of #1's ideas.

Fiji is a safe place, but observe all the ususl cautions about travelling alone at night, especially in the cities.

The small resort islands off Ovalau -- Leleuvia and Caqalai -- would be less expensive than Yasawa resorts and just as good. If you head for Ovalau/Levuka anyway (a very good option), it will make a great combination.

General safely is probably 80% common sense most places on the planet, certainly for Fiji.

My time in Fiji was the months of August and September. Reservations long in advance were never necessary. However, I found it useful to phone ahead a day or two in advance to make a reservation with a specific guesthouse or hotel or resort, just to make sure I could get a room or bure. Some locations do not have much budget-level accom, and may be full by the end of any given day, even though there is a lot of turnover.

It's pretty safe compared to most places. But if you ar ein Suva, be very careful after 11pm or so, and avoid the back-street areas where the bars are.

Irony: the day after I wrote how safe it is in Fiji our house in Lautoka was broken into!

In Suva you will be ok if you stick to the main streets and the popular pubs. All our mates usually go to O'Riley's, Bad Dog Cafe and Traps Bar, all near each other and always busy.

The bouncers (security) are brutally efficient too, good news as long as you are not the one causing trouble. If there is a fight DO NOT try to help, as with bouncers everywhere they are more about the punching and less about the thinking.

I have heard really good things about Calaqai, I'll be in an village up a volcano on Ovalau for christmas, looking forward to it heaps.

:-) well, there's theft everywhere. That's the point. No worse but probably a fair bit better than average on Fiji, certainly for a traveller/visitor. Just have some common sense.

I'm curious #5, you mean Lovoni village on Ovalau? How are you arranging a stay at that place?

I dont think its Lovoni (the village in the crater?), its another village further south. One of my friends in the office is married to that village and he has invited me to stay with his family for about a week over Christmas. I think I will have to work on my kava drinking and lovo eating skills before I go but it should be great fun.

OK, thanks for replying. I figured you'd have had to know someone..should be a great experience.

I'm 23 year old male also backpacking through NZ, Australia, and Fiji from November 22-Feb 10th in that order. I'll be in NZ for 24 days, Australia for 40, and Fiji for 12. Let me know if anyone is traveling around the same time. This is my first ever extended backpacking trip. I've never been to this part of the world, so any advice helps. Let me know if we will be in the same area, the more the merrier!

Bula,

You might consider camping on the beach in Taveuni. Click on Beverly's Campground to view a recent video taken in Taveuni.