Any body been to Fiji?

bill12 · Guru

Any body been to Fiji?

Kantiki · Senior Member

Hi Bill. we have been several times and always enjoyed it. Fiji people are so freindly and look after you so well. If you do go on a package type trip, stay one night in Nandi and then start your package aftter that. The plane gets in very late and the resorts are a distance from the airport. So if you go straight there you effectively lose the first day of your holiday. Have fun.

Desert Dweller · Senior Member

Haven't been to Fiji but we have researched it as well as the Cook Islands & Vanuatu. As well as the cyclone devastation, like many of these small Pacific island countries there is civil unrest. Infrastructure is still recovering slowly though you will be told that everything is fine just to get you there as they rely heavily on tourism. We've been to Norfolk Island 3 times, it's great as is Lord Howe Island. They both have the advantage of being Australian territories. Have you been to either of those? Packages as low as $900-$1200 per person including airfares, beautiful accommodation & free hire car on Norfolk are available. We're going again next year! Here are 2 links: http://oxleytravel.com.au/ & http://www.norfolkislandescapes.com.au/

-- Edited by Desert Dweller on Friday 27th of May 2016 04:39:58 PM

-- Edited by Desert Dweller on Friday 27th of May 2016 04:41:35 PM

Bruce and Bev · Guru

Like Kantiki - we have also been there several times, but not since their recent cyclone. The capital city is very dirty and few native Fijians there. We always stay in one of the many island resorts - just a short plane flight.

If you walk anywhere on the mainland, nearly all the motorists will wave at you. Don't wave back because if you do, they suddenly turn their 30 year old bombs into taxis and harass you.

If you can make sure you go to Raymond Burr tourist centre. He is long dead but was in many TV series here like Ironside and Perry Mason. While he was alive, he developed huge gardens there with many rare and beautiful orchards. Hopefully it hasn't been destroyed by the weather - it was a half day walk around

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Margaret and I volunteered in Fiji for 2 years mid 2010 to mid 2012.
We lived in Lautoka, a short distance north of Nadi for that time. and we did lots of tourist stuff while we were there.
I would recommend Fiji as a holiday destination, but choosing where you stay and what you do is important if you are to get the experience you want.
Some of our best experiences were on local cruises. http://www.bluelagooncruises.com/ We also stayed in a wide variety of accommodation from back packers to 5 star.

Right now is a good time to go. There are some bargains to be had.

Happy to answer specific questions....

Cheers,

Peter

bill12 · Guru

The package I am looking at is a hotel in Nadi, and I want to hire a car or scooter and explore. Also I am a mad fisherman, so a trip off shore is on the cards. At least they speak English . My last trip was to Bali, and the usual madness put me off. Thanks for the views. Bill

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Personally, I would not stay in Nadi. It is "tourist trap central", not a particularly nice town and not on the coast. It is good for half a day to buy expensive souvenirs.
I would also avoid Denarau, Suva and the Coral Coast for accommodation. OK to visit, but not to stay.
Most of the best general tourist places are in the Yasawa Islands.

I went on 3 fishing charters while we lived there. One of those was from Denarau, where most of the ferries to the islands leave from. We caught one fish all day. The best by far was from Volivoli Resort at the most northerly tip of Viti Levu (the main island). They troll out into the deep water between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. This resort is also known for its diving sites.

Also, I would advise against driving yourself. Especially a scooter. Taxis are cheap and local busses are even cheaper. We did 2 trips right around Viti Levu, one by local busses with 2 overnight stops along the way and one by taxi with another couple from Suva back to Lautoka the long way.

Cheers,
Peter

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Fishing video and pics from Volivoli. Unfortunately, cyclone damage will keep them closed until November.
volivoli.com/news-from-volivoli-fiji/recent-fishing-news/
This is the place to fish.
We used to go to Volivoli from Lautoka for the day by local bus, have lunch and a swim and take the bus back to Lautoka.

Cheers,
Peter

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

We stayed at Tambua Sands resort . Every second day we ordered a FIJIAN taxi ( much better to bargain with ) and he took us around all the popular spots .. Btw they are VERY slow drivers compared to Asian countries . Can have lunch or dinner in other resorts if you want . Woman should NOT wear shorts or dresses above knee, dress modestly .. They get very offended .. Bulla bulla