Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Fiji - arrive Nadi 5am - leave Nadi 14:00, What to do in that time frame ?

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Fiji

I'm arriving in Nadi at 5am, and leave at 14:00 the same day. I'd like to get out of the airport, and see something so I can add Fiji to my list of places I've seen.

A beach/island would be good, and I don't mind to putz around the town for a little bit, but I'm open to any suggestions !
I'm on a tight budget, so nothing too expensive.

Thanks in advance for any/all suggestions !!
Geo

It appears that the layover is long enough to you to venture out, but I don't personally think it's worth going into Nadi town. The closest OK beach/island are at Denarau but that's a bit too far for the time you have.

I would check-into one of the nearby airport hotels for the day and relax by the pool....They are relatively quite inexpensive (of course depending of the season).

Mind you since you probably will need to get back to the airport at around noon to go through immigration and security, perhaps you can book the hotel for the night before to guarantee a check-in at 5am, and you can check out at 12.

1

Actually, Nadi is only a twenty minute ride away from the airport, so you do have plenty of time to visit.
Denarau is 3-4 miles further and is where the best resort hotels are located on the beach. The beaches here
are grey sand and don't have that swimming-pool turquise water so be prepared. There is a Hindu temple at
the south end of Nadi that makes an interesting visit, and the store "Jack's Handicrafts" has some interesting merchandise from around the South Pacific.

2

If you had just an hour longer- you could take South Seas Cruises offshore to Bounty Island or similar
for just a couple hours(US$50) before the boat would return you to Denarau at noon. I'm sure it's not advisable
for your tight schedule- but I'm putting this info up in case your flight time stretches out a bit.
Ssc.com.fj

3

Raffles Gateway hotel across the road from the airport gates are happy for tourists to use their facilities without checking in and booking a room - I checked that with them when I was there in October. They have a good pool (with waterslide) and you can use the showers by the pool, lovely gardens to walk around, and reasonable outdoor restaurant.

4

why not get a Nadi half day tour..driver will meet you at the airport and drop you back at the airport

http://www.fijitraveltips.com/index.php/things-to-do/nadi-sightseeing-tour-fiji

it is only 4 hours and you will see quite a few things around Nadi and surrounding area

5

"Jack's Handicrafts" has some interesting merchandise from China.
FTFY

Don't bother with Denearu if you are on a tight budget.

If a backpacker type scene is more your style head to Wailoaloa beach, just 15 minutes from the airport. There are a few hotel/hostels right on the beach where you can hang out in the sun and grab a bit to eat.

To be honest you don't really have time to see a whole lot, you'll need to be back at the airport at a reasonable time for your next flight. Think about just picking a spot and relaxing for the morning.

6

Get a cab to take you out to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. It is an orchid garden created by Raymond Burr and there is a jungle walk as well. Good way to spend a couple of hours.

7

I second Garden of the Sleeping Giant if you are looking to stretch your legs and see pretty flowers.

8