How does Fiji compare?

My wife and I (late 20's) are considering flying to Fiji in early January. We may travel around Indonesia, Australia, or elsewhere from there, or we may stay in Fiji for a while.

We love tropical places, and we've been to Panama, Costa Rica, Brazil (Floripa so maybe sub-tropical), Mexico, Hawaii, and Australia (no further north than the Whitsundays though so not really tropical). How does Fiji compare to these places as far as the vibe from the people, the beach, the jungle, and the ocean?

I read on the Lonely Planet Fiji page that the political situation could become troublesome?

Is it a good season?

"Is it a good season? " - its cyclone season, though no serious ones of late. ts also rainy season - some flooding.

"I read on the Lonely Planet Fiji page that the political situation could become troublesome?" - no , the coups over the years have not harmed tourists at all.

Im told that Costa Rica compares with Thailand but not Fiji from a "vibe" point of view. Its less populated than hawaii, more tropical than most of Australia, safer than Panama, dunno about Brazil, but I presume much quiter.

Ive been to Fiji 5 times and love the plce, but each totheir own.I love the beaches, the people and the "vibe"

I support mandja comments.

Fiji compared to Asia is very very laid back,, therefore the vibe is awesome. You need to stay away from resorts to see the real fiji

Your question:
How does Fiji compare to these places as far as the vibe from the people, the beach, the jungle, and the ocean.

I have been visiting the South Pacific for 20 years..and fell in love with Fiji a long time ago, due to it's friendly, and gracious people. The beaches are great, the marine life abuandant, and the prices very reasonable. Their is not much jungle, but you can do a 3 day trek, which includes horse riding, hiking, up river on bambo rafts, an sleeping in Fijian villages. I've done it!
If I can assist you in any way, write back. Deb

Would you go to Fiji in February/March? It sounds like Mamanuca and Yasawa are drier places that might be smart to visit during that time.

What about the nasty jellyfish that inhabit the north of Australia? Do they hang around Fiji too?

The Western islands are definitely drier. And absolutely no jellyfish! No jungle though, but wonderful beaches and snorkelling .

If no jungle, what is the terrain like? Dry mountains? Grassland?

What do you think are our chances of getting caught in a hurricane?

So the waters are safe to swim in year-round, unlike northern Australia?

In the Yasawas - Waya is a high island with rocky outcrops, scrubby bush and grassland. Further north eg Nacula the hills are lower and mostly grassy.
Hurricanes - they have had one late December which was quite fierce, but Yasawas are not usually hit with cyclones. The chances of another one this year are slim, but cannot be discounted.
Water is safe to swim in all year round. The worst I have experienced is small sea lice which can give a nip, but in 15 years have only come across them once.

Which island in the Yasawas or Mamanucas would you recommend, or even a particular lodge?

It would be nice to have surf, but not at the expense of too many other luxuries, i.e. nice beaches, good snorkeling, etc.

Have never stayed in the Mamanucas which tend to have bigger, more "touristy" accommodation. Yasawas - My favourite - Octopus on Waya - I've been going there for a long time. But they have just opened a sister resort on Nacula which is lovely, have only stayed there for a night before they started the development but promises to be great - have a look at www.bluelagoonbeachresort.com.fj. It has just opened.

Differences - Octopus is well established, has a small pool, busier but you can still find a quiet spot and not be one (or two) of a crowd if you want. Swimming off the beach is really only possible at half-tide or above due to the coral shelf, but you can swim out through the boat channel at low tide. BL is smaller, and has all-tide swimming straight off the beach. Both have good snorkelling straight off the beach.. Beach at BL is more sheltered so chances are the water could be calmer. Not sure about the possibility of surf at BL but have often seen surfers off the point at Octopus. Food is great at Octopus, and as BL is managed by ex-Octopus managers I'm sure will be the same there - I'm looking forward to my first holiday at BL in September.
If you'd like to see photos PM me with an email address and I'll send a link to mine.

Captain Cook Cruises or Awesome Adventures will take you on a cruise around the Yasawas, you can go 3, 4 or 7 nights from memory, good way to see the islands, depending on your budget of course. I have been in Fiji during 2 x coups and didn't even know ;-/ West is drier. I stay at Nadi Bay Resort Hotel and then check with the tour desk on what is on offer and of course, I can work out from base how the weather is and what it is predicted to do. Enjoy!