Yasawas or Ovalau/Leleuvia or Kadavu?

Hi there,

I'm planning a 2-week trip to Fiji with my boyfriend and am unsure as to whether we should go to the Yasawas or to the east, to Ovalau, Leleuvia, Lost island, or down to Kadavu.

We are budget travellers, and are looking more for a fantastic spot than for fantastic digs, though we'd prefer somewhere clean, that can cater for vegetarians.

We are looking for lovely beaches, great snorkelling, places to hike and possibly diving depending on the cost. While the eastern islands look lovely, I get the impression they are smaller and so there's less to explore - though they are definately cheaper!

Any comments gratefully received.

Also - if anyone has stayed at the Sunset Waya or the Bayside in the yasawas, I'd be grateful for a review!

Cheers

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<hr>While the eastern islands look lovely, I get the impression they are smaller and so there's less to explore - though they are definately cheaper!<hr></blockquote>This description would match the WESTERN Yasawa Islands more, except that they are not cheaper.

Both Ovalau and Kadavu are MUCH bigger and more diverse than any of the Yasawas and have cheaper accomodation/food.

A good info source of what you can do at the Eastern Island is www.levukafiji.com - and there is heaps to do!

Yes, Ovalau is a much bigger island, and a lot more to see and do. I was particularly attracted to the old colonial ambiance of Levuka, the main town. I have some photos of Ovalau and Leleuvia on my BLOG.

I stayed at Bayside on Waya island. I don't know if my review will help you much. When I was there I was the only visitor present, and the guy running the place was not in a rush to drum up business. For that reason it was as quiet as a person could ever want (except for the rooster). The two main bure's were fine, and Tim's wife was a better than average cook. It's not the best place for snorkeling, though, with no easy way to get off the beach to the reef. In fact, I walked down to Sunset whenever I wanted to snorkel (either along the shore at low tide or inland at high tide). I don't know what it would be like to stay at Sunset. My contact with the service was limited to a beer or two in the restaurant. Sunset was bigger (more accom) and busier than Bayside (if you consider 8 people as being 'busy').

I also have photos of Waya, Bayside etc on my BLOG.

It would be a good idea to make inquiries on the mainland (Nadi or Lautoka) to see how busy the Waya resorts are.

There's another 'backpacker' resort just outside Yalobi village, about 30 minutes' walk along the shore from Bayside. It's run by the sister of the guy running Bayside -- all one extended family.

Sunset is good for whar you're looking for, and if it's a bit rustic, book a couple of days at Octopus for a nice place in the "upper-backpacker" range.