Ahhhh, Fiji! I don’t think there is a country where I had such a precise & ingrained preconceived image and idea before I arrived. Fiji has always been an island chain with incredible turquoise waters, white powdery beaches, perfect palm trees, lush green forests, and friendly locals with a heartwarming accent. Only a couple of other countries could come close to competing with Fiji’s perfection. Whatever agency(ies) have been in charge of advertising Fiji has been on high tilt for years.
Then, we arrived in Fiji, and I felt confused for the first three days. Until I could reconcile in my head, I had been tricked into thinking all of Fiji was absolute perfection. With that said, I wouldn’t trade my Fiji experience for anything. I had a great time and would recommend Fiji to any traveler, but I want each traveler to know Fiji is more than just the gorgeous photos you see in ads.
What I found incredibly interesting about Fiji were its history and diversity. The archipelago has over 330 islands and over 500 islets. It is believed Fiji originated in 3500 -1000 BC. Initially, the Fijian people were warriors and cannibals. Fighting and cannibalism were an everyday occurrence, and Fijians took pride in their reputation as cannibals. That alone makes one so curious because nowadays, Fijians are some of the friendliest people in the world.
I am not a historian, nor do I want to play one, but I highly suggest reading more on the history of Fiji. It was utterly fascinating and put more of the real Fiji into perspective.
Things to Know Before Arriving
How to Get There
99 times out of 100, you will be flying into Fiji. There are two international airports, Nadi and Nausori, with Nadi being the most popular. While Nausori is located only a few miles from Suva, the capital, most boats heading into the archipelago depart from Nadi.
How to Get Around
Taxi/Shared Taxi/Local Carrier: Taxis are pretty straightforward. All taxis in Fiji are supposed to use their meter, but this doesn’t always happen. It would be best to communicate with the taxi driver before getting into the vehicle; some refuse to use the meter and offer a flat fare. A Shared Taxi is one of the best options; the only issue is they don’t necessarily go everywhere. You head to a taxi stand, wait for the car to fill, and then pay 1/4 of the total fare. Local Carriers are pretty much smaller pickup trucks with camper shells and benches. They will take you anywhere but are considered unsafe, mainly if you get in an accident. Use at your own risk.
Bus: Like most places, there are Express Buses and Local Buses. Express buses stop less and cost more; local buses stop for everyone and cost less.
Boat: Boats and ferries in Fiji are crazy expensive. You can take a bus across the main island for about $F5, but a ferry ride out into the archipelago can be upwards of $F100 per person one-way. So it is essential to know where you need to go and when you need to travel. For this reason, I would book my hotel first, as some lodges include a boat transfer, and will then help you with this. I would also strongly advise against flying on one of the days when you take some of the longer boat journeys as they are often very late. Fiji Budget Vacations has an excellent article on the various ferries and boats.
Lodging Insight
This is one of the things about Fiji that you need to put the most research into. You need to know two vital things about your hotel before you book. If you don’t pay attention to these two essential items, you can stand to lose a lot of money and valuable time.
- Meal Plans: Many hotels have a mandatory meal program. This cost will not be included in the room and will likely only be found in small print somewhere. Meal plans can easily be 100 FJD per day per person, so you need to read everything thoroughly before booking.
- Transfers: If your hotel is on one of the many smaller islands, a boat will be the only way of getting there. Thus, you must find out if your hotel includes the transfer to the island. Some islands will only have one boat per day, which the hotel may run only. So before you book those dates, be sure how and when you can get to your hotel.
What to Bring
- Passport
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray – Along with sunscreen (& most everything else), purchasing products on the islands is very expensive. Bring more than you think you will need.
- Swimming Gear
- Hat
- Camera with charger and extra battery
- Underwater Camera
- Hiking or walking shoes
- Umbrella/Light Jacket
- Clothes Pins to hang water garments to dry
- Plastic bags/Waterproof bags to carry wet items
- Snorkel gear if you have it (If not, there are plenty of places to rent equipment)
- Modest clothing is necessary if you are not staying at a resort or planning to visit a village. Think loose-fitting clothing that covers shoulders and knees for both men and women.
- Your favorite snacks- food choices are limited and expensive on the islands. Bring your favorite dry or packaged foods. Fruits, vegetables, plant stems, and seeds will most likely be confiscated at your entry point.
Top Sights on Fiji’s Viti Levu
Day Sailing Trips
This was our favorite activity. We had a fantastic time heading out in the mesmerizing blue waters of Fiji. We visited a local village, meet some amazing people and went swimming off the boat. They served us a delicious lunch and we even visited Monuriki Island where “Cast Away” was filmed. It was a great day.
Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park
Venture into the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park to explore the impressive dune landscapes formed over thousands of years. This park offers a glimpse into Fiji’s archaeological history with ancient pottery shards and even human remains discovered among the dunes. Hiking through this protected area not only provides stunning vistas but also supports the preservation of Fiji’s natural heritage.
Garden of the Sleeping Giant
Nestled in the foothills of the Nausori Highlands, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant is home to Fiji’s largest orchid collection. This lush garden was originally the private collection of the late actor Raymond Burr, and it’s a perfect spot for a leisurely walk surrounded by vibrant blooms and tranquil lily ponds, ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool
For a unique wellness experience, visit the Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool. Here, you can indulge in a therapeutic natural mud bath followed by a soak in the soothing thermal waters. This local favorite offers a fun and relaxing day out and is believed to have healing properties that rejuvenate the skin and body.
Nadi Town
Explore the bustling town of Nadi, known for its colorful Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple, a landmark of Hindu architecture outside India. Wander through the local markets to shop for Fijian crafts, fabrics, and fresh produce. Nadi’s friendly atmosphere and cultural diversity make it a great place to experience the local lifestyle and cuisine.
Coral Coast
The Coral Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline known for its crystal-clear waters and extensive coral reefs, making it a prime spot for snorkeling and diving. The area also boasts numerous beachside resorts where you can relax or enjoy a romantic sunset. The Coral Coast is not only about the beach; it’s also where you can visit traditional Fijian villages and learn about the local customs and way of life.
Suva Municipal Market
Visit the Suva Municipal Market to immerse yourself in Fiji’s vibrant culture and culinary scene. This bustling market is where locals come to sell various goods, including exotic fruits, vegetables, seafood, and spices. It’s an excellent opportunity to try local delicacies, interact with friendly vendors, and experience the energetic atmosphere of Fiji’s capital.
Colo-i-Suva Forest Park
Colo-i-Suva Forest Park is a rainforest eco-resort offering spectacular walking trails, swimming in natural pools, and the chance to observe various bird species. Just a short drive from Suva, this park is a cool and lush retreat from the tropical heat, featuring well-maintained paths and scenic lookouts, perfect for those who love outdoor activities and nature exploration.
While in Fiji
Understand that there are two different Fijis to experience: Resort Fiji and Real Fiji.
The most well-known Fiji is what I refer to as Resort Fiji. This is the Fiji found in all the ads and the incredible photos shared worldwide. We spent one day immersed in “Resort Fiji,” Visually, it was what I would equate to a supernatural high, but mentally it was draining. Most of the top resorts on Viti Levu Island are located in the same place, Danarua Island. The island is a manufactured playground catering to vacationing tourists from all around the world. My complaint is nothing about it felt authentic Fijian. If authenticity is not necessary to you, don’t worry about it, but if you want to have more, look further than the resorts.
The other Fiji is what I call the Real Fiji. We spent the most time experiencing the real Fiji and liked it quite a bit once we overcame our confusion.
I am sure most of you resort people won’t want to get out of the resort. Spend at least a night or two on either homestay or venture out into the country and find a smaller city and hotel. The resorts are over the top amazing, and they have claimed a stake in most of the best beaches around Fiji, but the real Fiji is worth the effort.
Travel Basics
Visas: Fiji is a pretty easy spot to visit. Their list of Visa Exempt Countries is relatively extensive, including most of North and South America and Europe. As such, when it comes to Visas, you always want to double-check before you go.
Weather: Temperatures stay pretty constant throughout the year, with highs resting in the 80s; however, from November to April, you might have to contend with some tropical storms. Peak season occurs between July and September when the weather is dry and sunny.
Language: English is the official language, and Fijian and Hindustani are also widely spoken.
Tipping: This is not expected, but please feel free to do so if you want to tip.
Be aware of
When visiting villages or non-tourist areas of Fiji, please be extra respectful of the locals and their beliefs. Modest clothing covering knees and shoulders should be worn for both men and women. Before entering any village, please remove your hat. It is insulting to enter a town dressed in a hat. Do not touch anyone’s head; it isn’t very respectful. It is customary to present an inexpensive gift to the tribe head when visiting a village.
You will be taxed. 9% VAT on all goods and services, plus a 10% Hotel Turnover Tax and a 6% Environment Levy, will be charged for hotel and resort guests.
Travelationship Rating
3 out of 5 Travelationship High Fives. The non-resort Fiji is nothing like its well-advertised reputation. There are two types of Fiji – The RESORT Fiji and the REAL Fiji. The real Fiji is a fine place to visit as long as you know to alter your expectations ahead of time. For the travelers who like – adventure, romance, cultural, historical, bucket lister, photography addicts, sea life, snorkeling/diving, water activities, partier.
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