Where to stay in Fiji?

Hey,

Just wondering if anyone could recommend any places to stay in Fiji? Im travelling for my first time on my own, and want some cheap accomodation but with a good backpacker scene so it is easier for me to meet people. I also love to know what there is to do on the island, and also if i have to be careful as a girl travelling alone, as my friend just got back and told me it was dangerous.

Thank You!!

Two words... Beachcomber Island.

Google the above.

Have fun.

How well travelled is your friend? Fiji is not a dangerous place, even on your own....

Backpackers party scene is more on the smaller islands so you will need to do a search to find the right place and spot for you.

Lots to do on the main Island.. (Viti Levu)

what sort of things interest you?

google for caqalai island.

a word of advise - all fijian man will try to find a single european girl (to take them overseas). they try it, however it depends very much on how you respond. a friendly but firm NO should do the job.

otherwise fiji is definetly less dangerous than any big city on the globe.

I am a young woman and I traveled alone in Fiji quite a bit with no problems. Just do not go into Suva City or Nadi town by yourself at night. I would highly recommend staying at The Uprising in Pacific Harbour on Viti Levu. www.uprisingbeachresort.com It is cheap, absolutely beautiful, great food, friendly staff and close to several dive operators and zip lining. Also remember that practically every price is negotiable so don't be afraid to bargain. They are especially understanding of young travelers/students on a budget.

If you're in the mood for something a little more rugged check out the island of Taveuni. It's absolutely stunning, tropical wilderness. I would recommend going to Lavena. You can stay in the village for very low cost and get a guided trek and kayak tour as well. Bibi's hideaway in Matei, Taveuni is also excellent. Diving on the rainbow reef is supposed to be exquisite but I didn't get the chance to check it out. Volivoli resort is also great, on Viti Levu., Very remote and the best deal in the country on PADI dive certification. I got certified there and had a great experience.

Hey Sara

when are you in Fiji?

im there sept 11th - 21st! then heading to sydney for 12 months!

ive never been before and i'm gonna be a lone female backpacker too xx

Thanks everyone!!

Um im interested in snorkling and kayacking and stuff, also want a chilled couple of weeks after a crazy time in oz and nz, love to meet lots more people!

As a backpacker its recommended to find a suitable Island designed for budget travellers and hang out for a few days. It will be a great way to meet others in the same situation as yourself. You never know, you may even meet someone just like yourself who would love some company sight seeing.. However, if sight seeing is what you want then after a few days of chilling out you may feel the need to get out and about and see some things... You will need to head back to Viti Levu. There is a lot of things to do but your interest in snorkling and kayaking can be done both on the islands and around Viti.

Its no secret on this forum that I am a hugh fan of the coral coast. If you did head that way here are some things you can do

1. Snorkling - Pick your spot,, ask locals but there is a MPA (Marine Protected Area) that is jaw dropping stunning and if you can find a local who is authorised they will take you out ... you need your own snorkling gear but that can be rented from resorts and offer them a few bucks for their trouble.
2. Kayaking. The beach house resort (backpackers) is a great place to meet young backpackers and its in a great spot,, they have kayaking for free www.fijibeachouse.com
3. Sigatoka Sand Dunes - Worth the effort as the climb isnt as easy as it looks but its a great view when at the top and lovely place to spend the afternoon... dont try the climb midday... too hot
4. Biausevu Village Waterfall - stunning and worth the effort - dont go on the expensive tours,,, just turn up at the village community hall.. first building in the village to your left,, pay your $10 and a local will explain how to get there. (To get to Biausevu, just turn down the dirt track heading inland at Korolevu, inbetween the BP service station and the old Korolevu airport, walking takes 40 mins or its a 5 min drive, you cant miss the village,, the road ends there)
5. Natadola Beach - Definately the best beach on Viti - There is nice shady trees along the beach providing a great spot for a picnic
6. Sigatoka - Ok so its not the prettiest of towns but its definately got Fijian character and has a nice little market that introduces westerners to Fijian fresh fruit and vegies... just take a walk around and see how the locals live and shop.
7. Hot Springs... located closer to Naviti Resort - there is a tour or two on offer,, nice to visit during the winter months,,
8. Make friends with locals and ask them to cook you a traditional lovo.... if you buy the food they will be more than happy to cook up a storm... dont forget to buy some Kava and get them to introduce you to the local drink.... make sure you have water handy,, you will be glad :-) tastes like dirty dish water.... but its still worth trying.
9. The pottery Village - follow the road from Sigatoka town along side the river towards the interior... its only a 5 min drive and there is signs,, or ask locals if you are concerned... once you arrive they will welcome you and show you around the village, present you with a mini tradtional show,, where women dance and sing. Then you indulge in kava and are shown how they make pottery peices and how they glaze them,, quite interesting and its free but you will be asked to make a donation and you can buy some pottery items there as well.

There is other things to see and do,,, thats just a few.... Pacific Harbour is worth the drive....

Getting around is easy and cheap if you catch local transport......

FIjians are the most friendliest people around so dont be afraid to ask when in doubt,,, they will go out of their way to help

Let us know how you go

Have fun :-)

I would recommend you looking on the awesome adventures website, it is a hotspot for backpackers, so you will definitely meet loads of people. This is what I did when I was in fiji as a solo female traveller.

Thanks guys!
Another question........im planning on staying in fiji for 10dys, and i want to get a 5day/4night 2 island pass, but also stay at maybe beachouse fiji for the other nights.....is this a really expensive way of doing it, could it work out cheaper if i booked everything myself?

xx

Erm... I would probably book the 5day/4night pass with awesome adventures (I think that's the only way you can do it) and then book your other nights separately.