Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - FIJI Questions

I will be vacationing with my wife and two children (19 and 20 years of age) at the Sheraton Fiji for 6 nights in July 2009. I would appreciate any help with the following questions:

1. Do I need a rental car to get around? (I've heard of a bus system of some kind that may eliminate the need for a car-- true?)

2. Are there specific outer island day trips that are recommended? (I've heard that the "real" FIJI is to be found on some of the other islands.)

3. Anything specific recommended for activities or things to do/see with young adults?

Any/all advice will be appreciated!

You will be at Denarau Island. To get to other hotels or the port shopping center and restaurants you can take the blue Bula bus. To the two other Starwood properties you can use the brown Bula bus. No need for rental car if you do not go outside Denarau.
Real Fiji is indeed not Denarau. You will need three days at a minimum to enjoy such trip to outer islands. For day trips on Viti Levu see activities desk at the Sheraton.

Thanks for your comments. As to the need for 3 days for outer islands, do you have any suggestions as to which islands, hotels, etc? And BTW, how does one get to these islands? Boat, plane...?

Thanks for your comments. As to the need for 3 days for outer islands, do you have any suggestions as to which islands, hotels, etc? And BTW, how does one get to these islands? Boat, plane...?

Denarau and Nadi are on the main island Viti Levu. Day trips are offered for activities like kayaking, hiking, helicopter tours etc. Water sports are offered at the Sheraton Fiji.

If you want to see the North and the other main island, Vanua Levu, I would highly recommend Savusavu (1 hour from Nadi by plane) where I would chose either Namale Resort & Spa or Jean-Michel Costeau Resort. Savusavu has lush vegetation and is wonderful for diving, snorkeling, horseback riding etc.

There are 322 islands in Fiji so you have your choices. May I suggest you take a guidebook and read up to see what best suits your interests.

Thank you for the advice. I will look into the other island and the resorts you mentioned, as I would definitely like to experience the "real" Fiji.

I have a different definition of the "real fiji".Sure the Islands can make for a fantastic holiday and diving,snorkelling are great.But most Fijians strangely enough dont live on the smaller islands.
If by the "real Fiji" you mean seeing and experiencing how ordinary Fijians live then you need to be on the main island-those Fijians living on the smaller Islands are mainly engaged in the tourism business.
There are tours into the interior,horse riding,even a jetboat ride(though with the downturn in touriosm some things may well have shut down).Just talk to the staff-the Fijians are really friendly.We got to know many of the staff at the Sheraton in past years(last stays though at the Hilton).We have been taken to their homes and experienced many delightful times.
As to renting a car-maybe do this one day and drive down to the Coral coast or west to Lautoka.Not for great scenery but to see the "real Fiji".
At the Sheraton or at the Marina you can organise day trips to some nearby islands or day trips fishing,diving or snorkelling.
Good golf course at Denarau if you are into that.

I have a different definition of the "real fiji".Sure the Islands can make for a fantastic holiday and diving,snorkelling are great.But most Fijians strangely enough dont live on the smaller islands.
If by the "real Fiji" you mean seeing and experiencing how ordinary Fijians live then you need to be on the main island-those Fijians living on the smaller Islands are mainly engaged in the tourism business.
There are tours into the interior,horse riding,even a jetboat ride(though with the downturn in touriosm some things may well have shut down).Just talk to the staff-the Fijians are really friendly.We got to know many of the staff at the Sheraton in past years(last stays though at the Hilton).We have been taken to their homes and experienced many delightful times.
As to renting a car-maybe do this one day and drive down to the Coral coast or west to Lautoka.Not for great scenery but to see the "real Fiji".
At the Sheraton or at the Marina you can organise day trips to some nearby islands or day trips fishing,diving or snorkelling.
Good golf course at Denarau if you are into that.

I don't really think we disagree that much, except that I would under no circumstances call Denarau "real Fiji" no matter how many Fijians invited you to their homes.
Hence my suggestion for Savusavu, which as I am sure you know is on the other big island Vanua Levu and easy to reach by plane. There you both have a town and nearby local villages and good upscale resorts as mentioned.

My Fiji trip was back in '06 on a UA-award via NZ and an "illegal" routing that went AKL-RAR-Fiji-AKL. The base was a guesthouse 2 or 3 miles out of Nadi town and on the beach, which was OK but not great. There was infrequent local bus service into and out of town, mostly in morning and late afternoon.

Nadi town looks shabby in places and doesn't figure into any brochures, but you can see both the native and Indian influences.

On one day I took a daylong boat tour that included a stop at "South Sea Island" (a really small island) and seeing pick-ups and drop-offs at several other islands in the Mamanucas. Those are the Gilligan's Island-sized islands off the west coast where people go to get away from everything. Pleasant, but not very cultural; in fact, in a way it's as isolating as a Jamaican all-inclusive built to wall off people from the problems on the island. Many backpacker types at the boat terminal were headed to the Yasawas, but I didn't get to those.

Took the intercity bus one day to Suva. There was beautiful countryside, the sugar-cane trains and the Polynesian village we passed by (traditional huts, etc.) Dunno how touristy the last one was. Suva has the national museum and some colonial architecture, as well as other architecture that seems frozen in time from the early 70s.

Getting to farther-flung areas will probably produce better results. OTOH, it's hard to see Fiji beating out western Samoa for scenic beauty or either of the two main Cook Islands for overall experience.

I don't really think we disagree that much, except that I would under no circumstances call Denarau "real Fiji" no matter how many Fijians invited you to their homes.
Hence my suggestion for Savusavu, which as I am sure you know is on the other big island Vanua Levu and easy to reach by plane. There you both have a town and nearby local villages and good upscale resorts as mentioned.
I agree except there are basically no Fijians living on Denarau.It is just for the resorts.The homes we went to were around Nadi and one was in the mountains behind.

I will be vacationing with my wife and two children (19 and 20 years of age) at the Sheraton Fiji for 6 nights in July 2009. I would appreciate any help with the following questions:

1. Do I need a rental car to get around? (I've heard of a bus system of some kind that may eliminate the need for a car-- true?)

2. Are there specific outer island day trips that are recommended? (I've heard that the "real" FIJI is to be found on some of the other islands.)

3. Anything specific recommended for activities or things to do/see with young adults?

Any/all advice will be appreciated!

I have been to Fiji two times with the family (2 elementary school age kids), the most recent in 2007. Both times we stayed at the Sheraton Villas in a 2-bedroom condominium style room with kitchen and living room (together with the Sheraton Hotel and the Westin, one of the three SPG properties that are right next to each other only a few minutes walk apart). My sister came along in 2007 and she stayed at the Sheraton Hotel in a great room overlooking the ocean.

Denarau Island is an island that is solely for the resort hotels, vacation homes, small shopping center (with a grocery store) and a golf course. It is separated from the main island by a 20 meter bridge that has a guard station. As mentioned before, THERE ARE NO NATIVE FIJIANS LIVING ON DENARAU.

...

1. Do I need a rental car to get around? (I've heard of a bus system of some kind that may eliminate the need for a car-- true?)


Depending on what you are looking to do, if you are only spending 6 nights, there isn't really a need for a rental car. As mentioned earlier, to get between the SPG properties, you can take the SPG shuttle bus (it is really only a few minutes walk between the SPG properties as the Villas do not have their own lobby or restaurant so you use either the Sheraton or Westin facilities). To get to the other hotels on Denarau island (Sofitel, Hilton, Westmark, etc.), you can take the Bula Bus which is a free shuttle that goes in a circular route around the island. If you want to go into Nadi for shopping or dinner, you need to know that only Denarau taxis are legally allowed to pick up passengers from the resort hotels to take you into Nadi, but they will charge you around 10-15 FJ$. Taxis from outside of Denarau are only supposed to drop off passengers at the resort. If you want to save $$, wait outside the resort on the main road (in front of the little snack/coffee shops between the Sheraton and the Villas there are a bunch of boulders that have been painted white along the side of the road) and the non-Denarau taxis heading back to town will ask you if you want a ride to town. Bargain for whatever fare you are comfortable with...a trip to Nadi should cost you about $5FJ. If you really want to hang with the locals, you can pile in with the workers and share a taxi as they head home for 1$FJ. If it matters to you, make sure you ask if the taxi has air-conditioning that is working!

If you are feeling really adventurous and want to see how the locals live, you can take the local tansportation bus that stops on the main road directly front of the Sheraton and it will take you to Nadi. The bus costs 0.50$FJ and is quite the enjoyable ride and takes about 20 minutes or so into town, vs. about 10 minutes by taxi.. The bus comes every hour or so, but IIRC, the 10 am and 2 pm bus will take a longer route that will detour through the villages in the outlying areas surrounding Nadi. The trip through the village will take an extra 15 minutes but is a great way to see something other than Denarau. During the prime rush hours, the bus is packed with locas as well as tourists from the hotels so on your return trip, make sure you are in the front of the boarding line if you want to get a seat. Don't be shy, pack in, sit next to a local and strike up a conversation.

If you don't want to wait for the bus to return to Denarau, you can always take a taxi back to the Sheraton. There are plenty of taxis and the drivers will walk up and down the street asking if you need a taxi back to Denarau. If you tell them that you are still shopping but in 1/2 hour, they will ask you where you want them to pick you up and they will be there dutifully waiting for you. If you took a taxi from Denarau into Nadi, you can tell the driver to meet you for a trip back to the resort. He will be waiting for you, ready to carry your belongings to the taxi. Not that the drivers are unscrupulous, but make sure you negotiate and understand the price so there are no misundrstandings. A trip back to Denarau should only cost about 5-7$FJ. Again, confirm air-conditioning.

I'll add more to my post in a bit. PM if you have any questions.

Onedog

From March 1st 2009 the Bula Bus is no longer free.

Two things that you could do on Vita Levu:
- Hire a car for a few hours ... there are some small towns on the main road around the island, a British fort with cannons, etc.

- Take an organized tour to the interior of the island ... there is a village near the middle of the interior where you can spend an hour or two, participate in the kava ceremony, etc. The journey there and the village are scenic, and the locals are very hospitable.

- There are daytrips to some of the outlying islands (alas, I slept too late and missed this when I went to Fiji)

None of these would require renting a car or overnighting elsewhere in Fiji.

Seeing that you are alreay on Denaru Island you should the boat that island hops to many of the outer islands. Head down to Denaru Marina and get onto the South Sea Cruises boat. You can do day trips snorkelling or diving etc or head out there and stay at one of the many resort islands. I've personally stayed at Amanuka, Liku Liku and Castaway Islands.

Out of those 3 you probably won't want to stay overnight at Liku Liku as it's a non-friendly resort for children (it's aimed at couples exclusively).

Fiji is a great place so I'm sure no matter where you end up you'll have a great time with the kids - Castaway Island was my first overseas holiday with my family when I was 7 years old!

I don't want to start a new thread for my Fiji getaway so if you don't mind I'll piggyback my post onto your thread.


I'll be taking a flight from Sydney to Nadi...

Haven't booked an accomodation yet as I literally just booked the flight special a few minutes ago.


Any suggestions for staying on a budget?


What are best things to do around Nadi?

Should I take a boat to other islands or stay in Nadi?


thanks!

--Russ

PS. as an American do I need any special visa's or anything else I should know about?

I don't want to start a new thread for my Fiji getaway so if you don't mind I'll piggyback my post onto your thread.


I'll be taking a flight from Sydney to Nadi...

Haven't booked an accomodation yet as I literally just booked the flight special a few minutes ago.


Any suggestions for staying on a budget?


What are best things to do around Nadi?

Should I take a boat to other islands or stay in Nadi?


thanks!

--Russ

PS. as an American do I need any special visa's or anything else I should know about?

Get out of Nadi would be my first suggestion. Head to the outer islands by boat of Denaru Island.

If I was going to Fiji for a holiday I would to this:

Arrive into Nadi and head directly to Denaru Island and stay somewhere there. All the big names are there so choose what you like ie: Sofitel, Sheraton, etc. Overnight there.
Then head out to the islands via boat from Denaru and stay on any of the islands. Castaway, Liku Liku, Amanuka I have stayed at and are very nice.

Nadi really doesn't interest me, it's out on the islands where you can really relax IMHO.

I'm entertaining the possibility of spending the final night in Labasa, on the North Island of Fiji.... but I'm worried that the 1:15pm return to Nadi on Air Pacific for a 3:05pm Pacific Blue flight back to Sydney might be cutting it too close for comfort...


Any opinions?

From March 1st 2009 the Bula Bus is no longer free.

Really? WOW :eek:

I'm entertaining the possibility of spending the final night in Labasa, on the North Island of Fiji.... but I'm worried that the 1:15pm return to Nadi on Air Pacific for a 3:05pm Pacific Blue flight back to Sydney might be cutting it too close for comfort...


Any opinions?

That flight is normally always 30-45 min late ("Fiji Time").
Staying over in Labasa really sucks. I think the Northpole Hotel may have some renovated rooms but it is still nothing special. It has an OK coffee shop.
What you could do is take the morning flight via Suva. That will give you ample time in Nadi.

thanks for that information... I think I'll scrap this idea, as the disadvantage of flying via Suva is I'll spend most of the day at the airports instead of out and about.


I think I'll book another all day island cruise instead, visit another island off the coast of Nadi, and make my flight back in time...


the silly part is I got a French class at the Uni of Sydney at 6:30pm... my flight gets in SYD at 6:05pm... wonder how late i'll be on this 10km journey in rush hour traffic.


--Russ :)

thanks for that information... I think I'll scrap this idea, as the disadvantage of flying via Suva is I'll spend most of the day at the airports instead of out and about.


I think I'll book another all day island cruise instead, visit another island off the coast of Nadi, and make my flight back in time...


the silly part is I got a French class at the Uni of Sydney at 6:30pm... my flight gets in SYD at 6:05pm... wonder how late i'll be on this 10km journey in rush hour traffic.


--Russ :)

Just for the record, flying LBS through SUV will only give you 15-20 min on the ground in SUV, so that is not really a problem. It's the same plane you use on both legs. You just jave to get out in SUV go to the terminal, do security again and then get back on.

cool...

thanks!

I'm glad I skipped Labasa... as I was waiting for my flight to board back to Sydney... the Labasa flight was running late... phew!!!


For people traveling to Fiji and planning to stay in Nadi... try to stay at Denerau Island... I had the most fun there... between Club Fiji and Fiji Resort and Spa by Hilton... the Hilton wins... hands down!!! Well worth the extra money.


For anyone wishing to tour the countryside... check out the my taxi driver... although I had 3 different taxi drivers during my stay, the last one was the best... for the cost of a transfer from the Hilton to the Airport I got a two and a half hour tour of the island... and a stop to try some Indian Food near the temple... Great guy and unlike the others wasn't trying to rip me off or insist on a tip!


Driver's name: Pravin Singh Car #: LH 612 Mobile #: 925 8462

He's based out of Denarau Island I believe, but you can arrange a pick up anywhere around Nadi... driving a Toyota minivan seating up to 7, and is fully air conditioned (unlike others again) Plus I think you'll find the decorations inside the cab funny, but definitely island feel to it. lol


Great trip to Fiji!

--Russ

Anyone wishing to get off the mainland and check out real Fijian hospitality and take a step back in time - Levuka, Ovalau is a MUST. Short 10 min flight from Suva (leaves 3 times a day and is notorious for being late). The place to stay is Levuka Homestay -absolutely awesome value for money. http://www.levukahomestay.com/
I lived here for about 5 years a while back and have just started traveling here for business again - and realized all over again what a gem of a tiny town this is. You wont find the white sandy beaches that Fiji is famous for, but you will see the real Fiji and enjoy peace, tranquility and the ability to get away from it all!