Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cwemory]

Will travel to Fiji in mid August for two weeks. This will be my first trip to the Pacific islands and I am not really sure of what to expect. How does it compare to Southeast Asia, especially in terms of cost? It seems that with the overabundance of resorts, traveling on a budget will be a bit difficult.
My original itinerary was to begin in Nadi and do a loop of the Western Isles and Coral Coast (the Mamanuca and Yasawa groups). However, after doing a bit of research, it appears that this might be the most expensive part of Fiji in which to travel. Is it possible to do this on a budget? Or should I make alternate plans? If so, what itinerary would you suggest?
I am basically looking for beaches, snorkeling, and island culture(drinking kava, eating a lovo, witnessing fire walking). I will be traveling with my Korean girlfriend.
Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[cwemory]

~bump~

[Tiger Beer]

[Natalia]

Kava. Why would you think it is exclusive to Hawaii?!

I have been to Fiji a few times, but it's not really the kind of place to 'do' on a budget. And not many 'do' it the way people travel around South East Asia. It is the domain of package tourists. You will find most people base themselves in one place and do day trips. The mountains and rainforests and everything of Viti Levu are very easy to visit in day trips from the Coral Coast resorts.

You will find the majority of tourists are Australian, and most can afford those expensive resorts through good airfare/accommodation/meal deals. Nadi is a hole - people only go there because that's where the airport is.

Suva is of more interest.

Stay out of the Indian areas of the bigger towns - they are filthy and have nothing worth seeing. You can find some cheaper backpacker-style places along the Coral Coast, and between all of the bigger resorts are lots of little villages and farms where the locals are more than willing to show you around. Also, there are towns like Sigatoka that are closer to the heart of Coral Coast.

The Fijian people are incredible and very friendly. It is worth booking a few of the touristy tours into the mountain/rainforest villages, because you will really get in there with the locals, and you get access to things you can't see on your own. For example, one village I went to could only be accessed by travelling for an hour down a river on a canoe.

[cwemory]

Thanks for the advice.
I'll try to post pictures when I return.

[craigwalsh]

Fiji is excellent, i stayed at a place called Robinson Crusoe Island for 6 days which was out of this world its about $70 fiji dollars p/n but includes all your food, snorkelling, fishing, a big fire show etc... it has lovely staff and a clean island i then headed to Mana island which sucked in comparison, i really want to go back again whenever the chance comes, yes it was kinda expensive getting out there etc.. but wirth it just for the welcoming band at the airport!
Everyone i spoked to loved Robinson Crusoe in comparison to the other places they had come from.
So get in there like swimwear!
If you get chance to visit one of the schools, do so the children are so friendly!!
Craig

[Tiger Beer]

[craigwalsh]

All of Fiji has an Indian vibe, but chances are you wont stay long on the mainland as all the nice stuff is on the islands!

[Tiger Beer]

Are there any interesting public beaches, that are not for package tourists? Preferably with beach bars or just locals/tourists conversing or anything like that?

From viewing photos, Fiji has a bit of a Hawaii feel. However, I'm getting the feeling it might be quite a bit different.

Honolulu has Waikiki Beach...where everyone converges. Daytime city/tourist beach, and interesting events in the evenings. I get the feeling that that doesn't quite happen like that in Fiji?

Sounds like people to go to Fiji and try to get out of the cities as quickly as possible. Then just do rural-like beaches and inland treks and such, right? Do people mostly go there for the diving and less for the beaches?

[BoholDiver]

My cousin went to Fiji for her honeymoon. Actually she didn't like it.

She stayed on some island with black sand. I guess she didn't want black sand. She also complained about Fiji time. They ended up wasting a lot of time on tours because the driver showed up whenever he wants.

ON the good side, constant Coups keep prices in Fiji somewhat low.

[southernman]

I've spent about 3 months in Fiji. The Fijians consider themselves the Jamacans(sp) of the South Pacific if that's any help.

Theres a group of Islands called the Yasawas. A company offers trips where you can get on and off the boat and stay on an Island for as long (or short) as you want. There are different time frames available just google it.

Also Tavenui is a really nice island. It all depends what you're after, jsut look it up, as Boholdiver says with all the coups going on its always cheap and the Fijians themselves really appreciate tourists going there.

I haven't seen a beach with black sand there but then again I've never been there on a honeymoon package. Some of the beaches are awesome

[Tiger Beer]

[southernman]