FIJI help and advice, please?!

hi

im new to FIJI but not to travelling in these sorts of countries.

i know it is a holiday destination (and that its not SE Asia) but i think paying for one of these 1500NZdollar packages upfront, now, here in New Zealand is a bit out of order frankly! (and of course i am a bit of a budgeteer so hate to pay for stuff upfront)....

that was a Bula pass which incl 3meals and accom and the ferry to just about all the islands.

hopefully someone can advise on my situation
it is now high season there so that can bring further probs

but for now i hope to just rock up and wing it, haggle my way around for about 10-12 days to a few islands, and chill out.

cheers very much
alex

Edited by: adventurealex

Bula Alex! If you feel like winging it- that's the best way to go. For the most part, the pre-paid packages
to the Yasawas and Mamanucas are not saving much money anyway, and the tour operator is always free to
switch islands or resorts on you at the last minute- a nasty surprise if you have your heart set on
a particular island or resort; Even many of the best resorts have nice dormitories for about $30 per night
and some will even allow you to camp. So, there are ways to save bucks. Transport to the
the offshore islands is through the boat the Yasawa Flyer (awesomefiji.com) so you can book
transport easily for yourself and decide independently just where you want to stay, although you
do need to have a place reserved in advance. Try kayak.com for your airline tickets- just know that not all airlines are included on this website. Cheers!

excellent info , thanks very much, i appreciate the help. just been rubbing my head lately as i couldnt find more info on this stuff!

il have a closer look at it later when i get to christchurch and can chill for a bit.

so you have camped there? i was thinking the same thing actually, but heard its hard to get away with it there... laws and wot-not...

i already have flights in and out, but my dates are changeable

cheers

Edited by: adventurealex

While you can camp where it is allowed, some resorts such as the Wayalailai Resort on Wayaswea,
allow you to pitch a tent for F$55-- but a dorm bed is only a bit more at $70. The Naqalia Resort next door
is basically a campground in addition to a few cabins. In Fiji, you can't just camp anywhere you want.

Other than the resorts, you need to get permission from the village chief to stay on any land claimed by
a particular village. The pricing is such that it's about the same cost (and a lot less hassle) to stay in a
dormitory. Meal plans are usually compulsory. Check out octopusresort.com mantarayisland.com beachcomberfiji.com manalagoonbackpackers.com bluelagoonbeachresort.com to name a few with dorms or camping.

Forgot to put in the website for one of my favorites Wayalailairesort.com on Wayasewa Island.

Hi

I Just thought I would suggest The Beachouse http://www.fijibeachouse.com/ as an option it is still on the main island of Viti Levu but down near the coral coast, close to all the big resorts. This was a great, affordable place to stay with options ranging from dorms to basic bure style huts. The crowd was young and social when I stayed which was great as I was traveling on my own. It is right on a nice beach and the ran free or cheap activities daily.

I hope your trip goes well.