Early Arrival in Fiji

Hi everyone,

My partner and I will be arriving in Nadi, Fiji at about 5am on a flight from LA... As we will be arriving so early we are really unsure of what we are meant to do and where we are meant to go. I would really like to hear some of your experiences and advice as I have heard that Nadi is not a great place to stay for more than a night or so, which is fine, but does anyone know of any hostels/hotels which would take you in at 5am? I gather this flight from LA is a common flight into the island, so I am sure there is no reason for me to panic!

Thanks for taking the time to read this and any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I gather this flight from LA is a common flight into the island, so I am sure there is no reason for me to panic!

Correct! Those 5am flights are what's normal for Nadi. I was also curious about what I'd find as the plane lowered towards the runway in the dark. What I found was a couple of guys with guitars singing a welcome for the people coming through immigration. And, given the time difference involved, I was wide awake.

So I went to a coffee shop in the terminal building and had a snack, relaxed, and unwound from the flight. Many of the travel agents at arrivals will be opening up at that time, priming to receive the first incoming tourists. I also thought I'd have to stay in Nadi for the first day, even though I wanted to move on to Suva. I visited one of the travel agents to find a nearby hotel, mentioned my plan about Suva. Within a half hour I arranged a bus ticket to and accom in Suva. Left the airport at 7:30am. I didn't stay in Nadi at all.

So, depending on where you want to go next, you may have more than enough time to arrange your next jump and go there direct from the airport. For example, if one of the Yasawa resorts was your next stop, you'd likely have enough time to get a ticket on the Yasawa Flyer get to the port and be on an island of choice by noon.

If for any reason you do want to stay in/near Nadi for the first day, you could always walk over to Raffles, across the road from the airport entrance (about 500m from the terminal). The walk-in room rates will likely be a lot lower than advertized rates and not too bad for a mild splurge, even if you're travelling low budget. If for any reason you couldn't check in immediately, go sit by the pool.

That's great advice, thank you!

Out of interest (and just in case you know) we do want to go to the yasawa islands and also the coral coast... what would you suggest we did first?

I think we will be taking your advice and once we have decided on where we will go first, just head straight there after landing!

thank you!

Is there any particular reason you want to go to the Coral Coast? Do you have any idea what you want to do in Fiji? - and how long do you have in the country? If you are hoping for white sand beaches and good snorkelling, then go to the Yasawas - the Coral Coast will be a disappointment.

we do want to go to the yasawa islands and also the coral coast... what would you suggest we did first?

I admit I did have a similar reaction to your choice of the coral coast. However, it is a popular destination for some people. It's up to you.

As to which first: I suppose it depends somewhat on where precisely you will be going. In some ways the coral coast is easier to get to. You'd likely take the same 7:30 bus which goes to Suva from airport .. it stops at resorts along the south coast. So you could go there first, and then to the Yasawas. Best for last: the small islands will give you more of a feeling for being in an exotic location.

The first boat with the Yasawa Flyer is at 8.30am from Denarau.

You can get either a ticket for where you wish to go or if you plan is to do several islands in 7days, 14days, you can get a pass which will last the time of your holiday. And even better, you can get the Island hoping pass combined with your accommodations.

Have a great time

If going on the Flyer to Yasawas you probably should pre-book and theyll collect you from the airport.

If staying the first night in Nadi, you could do worse than stay at the Raffles Gateway - right opposite the Terminal.

The Coral Coast is Ok - we usually stay at the Fijian Shangri La. Very nice sandy beach and does have snorkelling.
1hour or so into the Yasawas is Octopus Resort on Waya Is. Very nice resort with great snorkelling of the beach and reasonable cost of around FJD$240 pp/day incl all meals in a ensuite bure

I think there is a bus you can take in Fiji if you wanted to hit up the capital of Suva. I read about the experience at page59.com, a hilarious travel blog....but you gotta wait a few hours if you land at 5 a.m.

http://page59.com/post/310422556/r