The Ultimate Fiji Travel Guide ~ Part 1
{You may access Part 2 here.}
Although Fiji is known for its beautiful beaches, there is more to Fiji than frolicking on the beach and taking in the myriad moods of the sea.
The town of Nadi, located on the western side of the main island of Viti Levu, is where the international airport is located and is the transit point for all travelling to Fiji. Tourists pass through here as they commence their Fijian escapades.
Points To Note Before Visiting Fiji
1. As I’ve already mentioned, the first thing that will cross your mind when you think of Fiji is the golden sandy beaches… But then, Fiji will surprise you with its mountainous backdrop, waterfalls, and scenic beauty. The main island of Viti Levu, the capital city and the largest island of the over 330 Fiji islands, takes your attention away from the beaches and pulls down a unique curtain of pastoral charm that will ignite your curiosity to explore the place and discover its hidden treasures.
2. Fiji is known for its friendly people who are simple, warm, and welcoming. They will pep you up with their joie de vivre and enthusiasm to sing and dance, bringing alive the stories, history, and legends that make these islands what they are. In my opinion, we can all do with a welcoming attitude and laughter to get us through our daily struggle {to make everything seem boundless and enjoyable}. Wouldn’t you agree?
3. The best time to visit Fiji is May to September which is the dry season or “winter”. When I say winter, I mean winter in the loosest sense possible. It rarely drops below 18ºC at the coldest time of year.
4. Indian Nationals do not require a visa to visit Fiji. Visa will be issued upon arrival at the airport or port of entry. Remember to get your travel health insurance before you travel to Fiji so that your trip is safe.
5. A prepaid Fijian SIM card is the best option to stay connected during your stay in Fiji. Available at Nadi International Airport, you can get a local number and avail the option of getting a 1 GB internet package on your smartphone by paying $5.
6. Make sure you have cash with you or get it in Nadi or on the main island, because most of the smaller islands do not have ATMs, and card readers are not very popular either.
7. Island life can be a different experience. Local buses in Fiji are cheap but do not expect them to have air conditioning; they ply with open windows. Coaches are available for long-distance travel. Although cabs are not too expensive, in case you are planning to cab it, be careful because there are a lot of fake taxi drivers around.
There are ferries that will take you if you plan to visit other islands in the archipelago such as Malolo Cat, Yasawa Flyer, South Sea Cruises, Ratu Kini cruises, Mamanuca Express, and Mana Flyer.
8. It is better to be a bit conservative in your choice of clothing as that makes it easier to merge with the locals when you are not visiting tourist places.
9. A sunscreen and insect repellent are a must while travelling in Fiji. If you intend to spend a lot of time either swimming, snorkelling, or diving, make sure the products you use are reef safe so that the exotic sea creatures and marine life do not get harmed by the chemicals from your skincare.
10. Fiji is, of course, famous for Fiji Water! But, it’s probably the most expensive bottled water you can find. There are more affordable options available, though they might not be as striking as the Fiji Water bottle. These are all healthy, safe, and of good quality, even though they do not have that international brand tag.
11. You cannot leave Fiji without picking up a souvenir, as they serve as reminders of the wonderful memories you had while visiting the beautiful country. I would say support the local Fijians wherever you can when it comes to buying souvenirs. If you are in Nadi, they have this wholesale bead and jewellery shop behind Jacks and Prouds where you can get bracelets, necklaces, and bags for a bargain.
And, if you’re a fan of Pure Fiji beauty products, then stock up in Fiji. They have some exotic fragrances and my personal favourite is their latest, Coconut Lime Blossom. It is exquisite!
12. A trip to Fiji is incomplete without being offered Kava {their national drink} to taste. This beverage, made out of Kava roots, is served at social gatherings and ceremonies within the local Fijian tribes. Many hotels serve Kava as well, but what makes it memorable is the ceremony attached to it, Yes, there is a unique way of having it; clap three times and drink the contents offered in a single gulp, and then clap three more times to show your appreciation for the drink. I’ll be honest, I didn’t like the taste very much, but the whole experience is a must!
13. It is always important to stay safe while travelling. I would ask you to not walk around {alone} too late at night unless you are in a resort. Your handbags and purses should be kept closed and hold them close to your body.
All in all, Fiji is tourist-friendly and you can hear the locals greeting you with “Bula!” which is the local salutation. So, be ready to flash your pearly whites while on your trip with a wave and a Bula!
Always explore and discover a place like a local. You might be deprived of a true Fijian experience if you opt to go directly to the resort from the airport or choose to spend all of your time within the confines of your luxurious resort. Vikram and I went around Nadi town and drank in the sights, sounds, culture, customs, food, and essence of the place! Let me take you to experience the magic of this land… From mud baths to its kava drink, here are the not-to-be-missed things to do in Nadi and Fiji. Without further ado, here’s my Ultimate Fiji Travel Guide!
Take a drive around the main island of Viti Levu in a rental car to experience the real Fiji ~ its magic and enchantment, and get to know the local Fijians better.
A Beautiful & Spiritual Place ~ Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple
I have always discovered my spiritual side while travelling and our trip to Fiji was no different. Visiting the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple set on the edge of the Nadi River in Fiji {dedicated to Lord Murugan, the God of Nature} was special that way.
Not many people are aware of Fiji’s Indian culture and heritage, and if you’re looking for cultural things to do in Nadi then visit the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere. It is believed that eight craftsmen were brought from India to build this impressive temple which has three parts; the first is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the second is the Ganesha Temple, and the third is the Meenakshi and Siva temple.
Built-in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is colourful and has impressive architectural work and wooden carvings of deities. Vikram and I strolled through the temple area breathing in the calmness and tranquillity of the place. You can pick up a spot to meditate, contemplate, or sit and admire this stamp of Indian culture and heritage in Fiji.
Details: You’ll need to adhere to a modest dress code; men are not allowed to enter in shorts and women are expected to cover their shoulders and not wear short skirts. Sarongs are available at the venue should you need it. And, you cannot wear shoes inside the temple.
Photography is allowed in the temple grounds but not inside the temple. There is an entry fee of 5 FJD for tourists. If you enter as a pilgrimage with flowers and fruits, then entry is free.
The temple is at the opposite end of Nadi town from the Denarau side, and it is only a 15-minute walk across town to reach the temple. You can take any local bus to reach the temple, and it is within walking distance from the terminal where the local bus drops you off.
In Tandem With A Healthy Earth ~ Garden of the Sleeping Giant
One of the must-do activities in Nadi is a visit to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, created by Raymond Burr. Spread out on 20 hectares, this exquisite place is home to a large collection of mesmerising Asian orchids and Cattleya hybrids. There is something unique and special about the charm and beauty of orchids; they have always held a special place in my heart from the time I could remember. The fragility and delicate beauty of these flowers have always ignited fantastical illusions in me.
The Garden on the whole is enchanting with manicured lawns and pathways. The little wooden bridges that run over the lily ponds bring alive Monet’s famous painting ‘The Water Lily Pond’. Then there are flowers creeping and crawling on wooden archways, lending their splendid hues and adding a dash of colour to them. There are trees, trees, and more trees that try to reach up to the skies and do their bit to add life and radiance to the lush stillness of the surroundings.
You need a couple of hours to languidly saunter and take in the beauty of this Garden and enjoy the plant life and its vibrant colours. I came out filled with profound respect and love for nature, which has given Planet Earth its life and vitality.
Details: The Garden of the Sleeping Giant is on Wailoko Road {6.5 km north of Nadi airport} and it is not far from the Nadi hotels. Any cab driver can take you there. If you are planning to take a bus, there are four buses daily from the Lautoka Nadi bus station to Wailoko Road. You can get off at the end of Wailoko Road and walk from there.
The Gardens are open from 9 am to 5 pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and on Sundays from 9 am to 12 pm. The entry fee is ~ Adult: 18 FJD with a complimentary drink after a guided tour. Children {6-15}: 9 FJD and Families: 45 FJD.
Get Ready To Be Dirty! Sabeto Hot Springs Mud Bath
This is a memorable experience of a lifetime ~ I promise you! You feel like you have been taken back in time to those days when playing in the mud was fun ~ i.e. feeling squishy earth beneath your feet and jumping on it! Covering ourselves head to toe with beautifying mud at this hot spring was the best game we ever played! The Mud Bath brought back memories of childhood and Vikram, and I cherished our muddy experience that day.
To note: The grey mud is not the usual gritty brown mud you get to see after a downpour but is therapeutic with healing properties; more like the mud/clay masks that are slathered on during a facial.
Post the mud pit, Vikram and I were immersed in two hot pools and we could feel the toxins being washed away and our muscles beginning to relax in the 40º pool. The mud bath and the geothermal pool certainly had their effects; our skin felt supple and smooth. All in all, it was an invigorating and rejuvenating experience.
Hot springs might sound like an odd activity to do on a tropical island, but the Sabeto Hot Springs is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, making it as much a social experience as it is a relaxing retreat.
Details: You need swimwear to enter the muddy pool so make sure that you carry one. The entry fee is 30 FJD per adult and 15 FJD per child. You can either drive yourself if you have a vehicle or taxis will take you to the Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Bath. You can also catch a local bus from behind the Nadi market which will take you to the entrance.
The ‘Heap’ at Namaka Market
Produce markets in the South Pacific are a colourful and communal affair and are not to be missed. The Namaka Market and Nadi Market are the best markets in Nadi, and what is special about these markets is that they serve as a window into an important part of the daily lives of local Fijians.
The many colours and varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables gave a sort of whimsical vibe to the mundane and routine ingredients of daily life as I walked through the rows of the market. We saw bananas, papayas, pineapples, jackfruit, green coconuts, cabbage, the smaller ladyfingers {lingli marama}, and everything seemed to be sold in a ‘heap’.
Visiting here is a good way to experience the sights, sounds, and aroma ~ enjoying your journey by engaging all your senses. The locals are tourist-friendly and it is easy to strike up a conversation with the stallholders and get chatting about their farming and life while shopping.
To note: I would suggest that you be there early morning so that you get to see a good selection of fresh produce.
Details: The market is right across the Nadi bus terminal and if you are coming from Denarau you can take the yellow Westbus which stops at the Nadi Bus Depot. The fare is 1 FJD, and if you are staying in a resort you can ask at the reception or the concierge to give you directions to the bus stop.
The market is open from 7 am to 6 pm daily. Sundays are holidays.
Culinary Heritage of Fijian Delicacies and Cuisine
Being an archipelago, the sea influences and plays an important part in Fijian cuisine. Although Fiji may be best known for its seafood, the diversity of food here is larger than most places in the world, and there are a delectable variety of dishes to choose from.
We had an authentic Fijian experience while dining at Tu’s Place, a Polynesian restaurant. The food was excellent and we were told that the chefs only use local ingredients and flavours to create tasty authentic dishes.
Most Fijian delicacies are made with the freshest seafood and a mix of vegetables. I would recommend you try the traditional and popular kokoda where raw fish is marinated in lemon juice and served with coconut milk. For dessert, relish on vakalavalava {baked cassava pudding}. By the way, the chefs at this popular restaurant aren’t shy when it comes to portion control!
What I noticed in Fiji was that no matter which restaurant we chose to dine at, the interaction of staff with customers and the hospitality was commendable ~ we were always made to feel welcome. You really are well taken care of, and for travellers like me, that makes all the difference.
Details: Tu’s is located in the shopping area at Queens Road, Martintar, and is halfway between Nadi Airport and Nadi Town. It is about a 20 FJD ride each way from Denarau.
The Exquisite Sunsets of Wailoaloa Beach
If you are looking for a conventional Fijian beach with white sand, then you are in for a surprise. The sand of Wailoaloa Beach is darker tilting more towards a shade of grey. and you would not want to swim because the water does not look inviting. But what is breathtaking here is the gorgeous sunset. The sun sets right over the water, leaving it in fiery shades of orange, yellow, and red and you can see these hues lingering and kissing the sand.
The resorts here organise several activities such as day trips to the islands and diving excursions. There is also horse riding on the beach at sunset, and the fire dancers later in the night will leave you enthralled.
Details: Wialoala Beach is in Nadi and is located midway between the airport and Denarau. The beachfront is 15 minutes away from the Nadi International Airport and stretches for 3 km in the heart of Nadi Bay.
To conclude: It was such a wonderful feeling soaking in the essence of the place and exploring the diverse attractions {apart from the beaches Fiji is known for}. Whether it was the orchid garden or the mud bath or visiting the farmer’s market or watching the spectacular sunsets ~ Fiji left us spellbound!
Do read part 2 which covers our adventure activities, cruises, and much more!!
Have you been to Fiji, or are you planning a trip to Fiji soon? Share with us in the comments below!