travel in Fiji

cougar7516:35 UTC01 Sep 2008

We recently returned from 2 weeks in Fiji and want to share some of our experiences.

After landing in Nadi we made our way to Levuka (on Ovalau,) a great little town. Couldn't believe we were the only ones staying at New Mavida Hotel, as it's a nice place w/good breakfast included. We completed our open water scuba certification at Ovalau Watersports... Andrea was our dive master and did a great job, both teaching and showing us all kinds of ocean life. Kim's restaurant was our favorite in Levuka. Whale's Tail was fine, but Kim's food and atmosphere were as good or better, and cheaper. Some of my fondest memories of Levuka are the kids, in their school uniforms, usually laughing, always smiling. A few boys joined us in throwing our football around (American football,) which we all enjoyed.

Then it was on to Caqalai, a short boat ride away. I just wish I would've realized to take some soap and some food w/us to Caqalai. Soap was not available there, the only extra food to buy was chips and cookies. Three meals were included in the price of the stay, but that's not enough for this active person... we ended up eating cookies sometimes, to fill up. But the great part of Caqalai: steps from your bure is the wonderful beach and the clear, life-filled ocean, great for snorkeling. I spent hours snorkeling there and loved every minute. Diving is also available there, which we did w/dive master Sharon... another great experience. Another enjoyable aspect of Caqalai is the large dining area, used not only for eating, but also socializing. We met people from all over the world and this area provided a comfortable place to chat. Most nights, the guys from the resort also provided entertainment there.

On to Naigani, about a 50 minute boat ride from Caqalai. At Naigani Island Resort you are also captive... it's the only place on the island besides the village on the other side. The facilitities were nice... it was slow there, so they upgrade our room to a 2 bedroom villa, steps from the beach. The food was good, but twice as expensive as what was available in Levuka, and again, we hadn't brought any extras with us. We went diving and snorkeling there, also.... both great. This resort is much more 'upscale' than Caqalai, and the guests were nice, just not the variety and open friendliness as those we met at the 'backpacker resort' on Caqalai.

Next was Nananu-I-Ra. After several hours, two boat rides, rides in a police truck, an inter-city bus, and taxi we arrived on Nananu-I-Ra. (I'm not complaining about the several rides - it gave us more of a look at local life; my behind was tired after the bus ride, though.) We ended up staying at Safari Lodge - great place! The husband and wife owners(and their small staff) are very accomodating, the food is great, and here again we met people from several countries, many different walks of life. The front yard with hammocks and picnic table, the huge dining table, and the large front porch w/small cantina all provided areas to get to know your hosts and fellow guests. Again, I spent hours snorkeling right out front... the beach was beautiful and the sea life was everything I was getting used to seeing... awesome! Safari Lodge has all kinds of 'toys', some free for guests, some for a small fee. We used the double kayak for a nice long paddle. Also avail. were single kayaks, snorkel, windsurfing, kite boarding.

What I want to let people know, is that the smaller islands to the east are great places to go: the accomodations, the beaches and snorkeling and diving, and most especially the people you meet... the Fijians are truly friendly and welcoming people.

greggig22:28 UTC06 Sep 2008

Thanks for your useful report. We're planning a 10 days trip to Fiji and Ovalau is on the list.

kaikoso00:15 UTC08 Sep 2008

Further the above, please check these links:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g297568-d639780-Reviews-Safari_Island_Lodge-Rakiraki_Viti_Levu.html</a>

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1422423&start=0&tstart=0</a>

raro05:27 UTC08 Sep 2008

Yes, all TT readers should be aware that there have been many suspicious posts about Safari Lodge. Let the traveler beware!!

travel in Fiji Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Fiji
cougar7516:35 UTC01 Sep 2008	We recently returned from 2 weeks in Fiji and want to share some of our experiences. After landing in Nadi we made our way to Levuka (on Ovalau,) a great little town. Couldn't believe we were the only ones staying at New Mavida Hotel, as it's a nice place w/good breakfast included. We completed our open water scuba certification at Ovalau Watersports... Andrea was our dive master and did a great job, both teaching and showing us all kinds of ocean life. Kim's restaurant was our favorite in Levuka. Whale's Tail was fine, but Kim's food and atmosphere were as good or better, and cheaper. Some of my fondest memories of Levuka are the kids, in their school uniforms, usually laughing, always smiling. A few boys joined us in throwing our football around (American football,) which we all enjoyed. Then it was on to Caqalai, a short boat ride away. I just wish I would've realized to take some soap and some food w/us to Caqalai. Soap was not available there, the only extra food to buy was chips and cookies. Three meals were included in the price of the stay, but that's not enough for this active person... we ended up eating cookies sometimes, to fill up. But the great part of Caqalai: steps from your bure is the wonderful beach and the clear, life-filled ocean, great for snorkeling. I spent hours snorkeling there and loved every minute. Diving is also available there, which we did w/dive master Sharon... another great experience. Another enjoyable aspect of Caqalai is the large dining area, used not only for eating, but also socializing. We met people from all over the world and this area provided a comfortable place to chat. Most nights, the guys from the resort also provided entertainment there. On to Naigani, about a 50 minute boat ride from Caqalai. At Naigani Island Resort you are also captive... it's the only place on the island besides the village on the other side. The facilitities were nice... it was slow there, so they upgrade our room to a 2 bedroom villa, steps from the beach. The food was good, but twice as expensive as what was available in Levuka, and again, we hadn't brought any extras with us. We went diving and snorkeling there, also.... both great. This resort is much more 'upscale' than Caqalai, and the guests were nice, just not the variety and open friendliness as those we met at the 'backpacker resort' on Caqalai. Next was Nananu-I-Ra. After several hours, two boat rides, rides in a police truck, an inter-city bus, and taxi we arrived on Nananu-I-Ra. (I'm not complaining about the several rides - it gave us more of a look at local life; my behind was tired after the bus ride, though.) We ended up staying at Safari Lodge - great place! The husband and wife owners(and their small staff) are very accomodating, the food is great, and here again we met people from several countries, many different walks of life. The front yard with hammocks and picnic table, the huge dining table, and the large front porch w/small cantina all provided areas to get to know your hosts and fellow guests. Again, I spent hours snorkeling right out front... the beach was beautiful and the sea life was everything I was getting used to seeing... awesome! Safari Lodge has all kinds of 'toys', some free for guests, some for a small fee. We used the double kayak for a nice long paddle. Also avail. were single kayaks, snorkel, windsurfing, kite boarding. What I want to let people know, is that the smaller islands to the east are great places to go: the accomodations, the beaches and snorkeling and diving, and most especially the people you meet... the Fijians are truly friendly and welcoming people.
greggig22:28 UTC06 Sep 2008	Thanks for your useful report. We're planning a 10 days trip to Fiji and Ovalau is on the list.	1
kaikoso00:15 UTC08 Sep 2008	Further the above, please check these links: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g297568-d639780-Reviews-Safari_Island_Lodge-Rakiraki_Viti_Levu.html</a> http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1422423&start=0&tstart=0</a>	2
raro05:27 UTC08 Sep 2008	Yes, all TT readers should be aware that there have been many suspicious posts about Safari Lodge. Let the traveler beware!!	3