Fiji impulse

Hi - on an impulse I have just bought (15 minutes ago) a ticket to Fiji leaving next Saturday for only 7 days. It is just an excuse to celebrate my birthday and I arrive in Nadi at 2pm on that day.

My first question is: would you recommend staying in Nadi or Lautoka for my birthday on the first night? I am not interested in celebrating in a bar or nightclub. I love backpacking and cheap hostels suit me fine. Being around a bunch of backpackers talking travel in a hostel kitchen is enough fun or me!

Secondly, perhaps surprising for even choosing Fiji, I am also not interested in beaches/resorts or really even the islands. I think I would be more interested in getting into the hill country or the National Parks.

According to the map their seems to be three main parks - one near Nadi, another near Suva and the third around Sigitoka. Can anyone recommend one of these for seeing some natural landscape and perhaps a little wildlife? Is it easy to organise some walks/treks?

I plan to move around with local transport, and if I can spare a day on the main island to scuba dive, can anyone suggest the best place and dive company?

I welcome all suggestions!
Thanks.

"My first question is: would you recommend staying in Nadi or Lautoka for my birthday on the first night?"
Given that the airport is in Nadi - that is where I would choose. In particular here - http://www.rafflesgateway.com/

Lautoka is about 45 minutes by local bus from the airport. Cost about F$2.50.
We live in Lautoka. It is NOT a tourist town and that makes it a great place to live.
Lautoka has the best local produce market in Fiji, 6 days a week and especially on Saturday.
Places to stay (top down) are the Tenoa Waterfront Hotel, The Lautoka Hotel and the Sea Breeze Hotel. Any would be OK, but they will all be very quiet.

Don't know much about getting inland yet. It is not too easy except by 4x4 or organised tour.
Best diving from Lautoka by local bus would be http://www.volivoli.com/ Bus to Rakiraki then a 15min cab ride (F$15) to Volivoli. Not a bad drive along the coast.

If you come this way give us a shout on +679 9923399.

Cheers,
Peter

Edited by: Peter_n_Margaret

Edited by: Peter_n_Margaret

Thanks for the replies - I've basically worked out my itinerary.

I've taken Peter_n_Margaret's advice and will head straight from the airport to Volivoli. I can be there by 7pm. Then go diving the following day.

The day after bus it to Suva for 2 nights to have a squizz around town and also to head up to Colo i Suva Forest Park to do some trail walking.

Then bus across to a cheapish 'resort' for 2 nights near Sigtoka where I will join the Sigatoka Valley Cave tour.

The following day sees me back at Nadi for the afternoon, and I leave 3pm the next day.

So hopefully it will show me a bit of nature and scenery, some underwater excitement and some easy walking, having circumnavigated the main island. And all in a week without rushing!!

Taxi in Rakiraki - Mren 8365135.

Cheers,
Peter

Do you know how to get to Colo I Suva Forest Park?
I believe is a Sawani Bus that gets you there - not sure of the times

If you had time I'd suggest getting over to the Lavena Coastal Walk if you like nature.

But sounds like you have a great itinerary already. Enjoy the birthday celebration!