Five Weeks in Fiji

We're in Fiji for 5 weeks (Dec-Jan) and have 3 weeks taken care of. Those 3 weeks consist of Savusavu, Taveuni, and the Yasawas. Wondering if you can suggest a new location for us for the remaining 2 weeks. Generally we want good beaches/snorkelling - likely budget accommodation but can handle $200Fijian a night too.

Also - Raro, Silvanocat etc. how come you've never given advice on my Daku Resort question? Perhaps you've never been there I guess. Was hoping to get some solid opinions as it seems to have no reviews here or on Trip Advisor.

Thanks
Mike and Lindsay

Hi Mike and Lindsay--sorry, haven't heard of it. where is it?

I guess you want current info on Daku, can't help there. But we stayed there a few years back and liked it. Nice garden setting, small but OK pool, pleasant restaurant surroundings. Small beach across the road that all but disappeared at high tide - not really the kind to sit around on. Took around 20 minutes to stroll into town along the beachfront. Best snorkelling was from a boat - we used Eco-Divers then. We hired kayaks to cruise around the bay, but a friend who was recently there in a yacht said she didn't see them.

Raro - Daku Resort is in Savusavu (www.dakuresort.com) used to be called Beachcombers I think. TaiMarilyn - thanks for your note, makes me feel a bit better. Trip Advisor had a post that wondered why this resort was so cheap/looked so good and I was wondering the same thing but feel better with your note unless you would recommend hotsprings hotel instead. Either way, I think we're just going to stay with Daku.

As mentioned in previous posts, we'll have our parents and in-laws with us and Daku Resort is the only spot we haven't stayed. Everywhere else such as Coconut Grove(Taveuni), Nadi Bay Hotel and the Yasawas we've been to/know what to expect. Last time in Savusavu we stayed in the apartment above Copra Shed but unfortunately it's not roomy enough to fit 7 of us.

Sorry, never been there.

" Wondering if you can suggest a new location for us for the remaining 2 weeks"

http://www.waisalimafiji.com/<BR><BR>http://www.matava.com/<BR><BR>One week at each should do it.

Failing that maybe http://www.keniafijiresort.com/ as well/instead.

• or how about Ovalau - a stay at the Royal hotel has no equal!

Ovalau cannot help with good beaches - but the offshore islands Leleuvia and Caqalai, however if going out with a boat, snorkellling off leuka is superb. And I also think Levuka Homestay might suit this party better.

Couple of other places you might consider:

Kandavu. Regular flights from Nadi and Nausori. Quite a good range of accom options. Haven't been there for a while but had a ball when I was there.

Levuka as suggested is reasonable

5 Day Tui Tai from Savusavu stopping at Kioa, Rabi Taveuni and other spots around Natewa bay (vanua levu) is excellent.

If you're game, hang out at any of the markets (for preference Vanua Levu where the impact of tourism is much less marked and you are less likely to get ripped off) and have a bowl of yaqona, go to church, travel by local bus and talk to the locals. Take some photos from home as a conversation opener. Who knows you may be invited to stay in a village with a family. LP Fiji has excellent info on what to take and what to expect etc. It certainly wont be five star but the overwhelming hospitality will more than make up for it. I have been staying with friends in villages in Fiji on a more or less annual basis for twenty years now and the experience still is fresh, charming and moving. It isn't for everybody but as long as you're reasonably tolerant, show an interest in their way of life and are willing to join in, you will have an experience that could well be a highlight of your trip.

BTW Five weeks is a good lenth of time for your trip. Far too many people think they can 'do' this fascinating country in one or two weeks only to find that once they arrive that there's a tantelising array of options and they just haven't given themselves enough time.

Hope this is of some use.

Andrew

If you are a diver, BAD, Beqa Adventure Divers do an awesome shark feed dive in Pacific Harbour. I saw 6 species of shark while there. Really worth it.

Hi
I spent one week in fiji travelling around...a fun trip. If you are up to good snorkelling, lovely beaches and amazing walks i recommend to check out nananu island (north east of viti levu, 15min boat trip from ellington wharf). Stayed there at a resort called Safari Lodge for 3 nights, they have different accommodation options, dorms, private rooms, beachfront bures....and the food is lovely!!

I was also one night on the caqulai island , very basic but nice place.

If you want to see some fijian culture as well, spend some time on the mainland of viti levu. The markets in suva are great, defently worth the visit...but don't plan to stay there for too long as it's raining every day...Don't stay overnight in suva, stay in a resort on the coral coast, beaches are nice there too.

Enjoy your 5 weeks in fiji
Dave