12 day Sept honeymoon in...Fiji? Bali? Malaysia? Here's what I want...

Hi everyone,

Yes, I know this is a commonly asked question, but it's really tough to figure out where to go! So many options! Here's the what my fiancee and I are looking for:
-great beaches...yes, a given :) (I hear Bali's beaches are not nice...but other nearby areas are great)
-hiking (we love to do 8-12 mile non-flat hikes)

-culture
-reasonable cost (tahiti looks way too expensive)
-good diving for me, good snorkeling for my fiancee
-approximately a 20 hour flight from San Francisco (ex: Micronesia seems too far; but Bali and Fiji might be doable)
-in general, we're not that into the all inclusive type things...but, we can do it for a day or two
-good weather (the trip will be from 9/14/2009-9/25/2009)

I've started looking at the following places:
Fiji
Bali
Malaysia
Philippines
Vanuatu (seems like some flights are 30 hours, some are 23 hours...23 hours is doable)

but, that's a lot to look at. Any suggestions would be greatly, greatly appreciated!

thanks!

AK

Vanuatu is about 3 hours from Brisbane, Time frame would depend on when your plane from San Francisco arrived and the Vanuatu plane left.

If you can get to LAX you can get a flight with Air Pacific to Nadi direct which is under 11hours. You could then look for a resort(or two) in the Yasawas where you will find the best beaches. Some of the larger islands offer the possibility of hikes(Waya Island comes to mind), culture(visiting local villages,kava ceremony etc.) and most will have opportunity for snorkeling/diving. You will, however, have to partake of a meal plan as these places have few opportunities for outside dining.

If Vanuatu interests you, take the same Air Pacific flight Lax-Nan and book a flight from there to Pt Vila with Air Vanuatu - under 2 hours. The beaches are not up to Fiji's(IMHO) but there is opportunity for snorkeling/diving. I am not as sure about the hiking but the islands would be nice for that - just haven't looked into it. Cultural things abound in Vanuatu, especially if you venture out to the other islands - Tanna in particular is great and the volcano trip is awesome. Staying in Pt. Vila will allow you to eat out as there are many restaurants around.
Depending on what level of accommodation you seek, I would not rule out Tahiti. We were on a tight budget but found that we were able to afford two weeks there, including use of Air Tahiti's Airpass. If you would like more info on our trip please PM me.
We visited all these places in Aug/Sept and found the weather to be fine.

HI,

I just returned from the Cook Islands. There is hiking, snorkeling, beauty beyond compare, Maori culture. Aitutaki is a must. You land in Rarotonga and it is a straight shot from LAX in 9.5 hours. Here are some photos I took, http://www.intheknowtraveler.com/3771</a>. The photos don't even do it justice and it is about 25% cheaper than Tahiti

I have also spent some time in Malaysia, loved it. Radang Island is also gorgeous.

Congrats and good luck.
devin

Cool gallery, devin.

Singapore Airlines is offering some pretty impressive airfares to Bali. You can find them directly on the website. Cathay Pacific also offers a deal of the month (currently Bali for just over $1,000 from SF). If you do go, you'll have to tell all of us about it.

Tahiti may not be as expensive as you think. You can usually get there for less than $1,000 from LA. Tourism is down so there are bound to be very good deals. Look at smaller properties. I've visited the Hotel Kaveka which is at the entrance to Cook's Bay in Moorea. It's real easy to get to from Tahiti. The views are amazing. Rates start under $200, but I'd bet that if you call the hotel's toll free number you may get the owner (Greg). It's worth bargaining. FYI everyone there was oogling my notebook computer so bringing one may give you some leverage. Of the places that I've visited Moorea has the most spectacular scenery. The terrain offers plenty of hikes and other thinks like horeseback riding.

Fiji has some of the best diving I've seen. Bear in mind that there are lots of islands to choose from. The Mamanucas and Yasawa islands are popular. I'd probably look closer at Taveuni which will have great hiking, waterfalls and diving.