Fiji Travel Blog
Nadi
Bula! ("Hello" in Fijian)
I’m in FIJI! - Woohoo! :)
Landed this morning after a flight that felt like it took forever...
I haven’t been overseas since I was about 6, so naturally, I was very excited at duty free where all I saw were bright lights and signs screaming "CHEAP ALCOHOL." The savvy salesman behind the counter must’ve spotted the eager vodka connoisseur in me and pitched a "special deal 4 u" — bottles of vodka and gin for just $5. How could I say no? Like a couple of grannies on a mission, we snagged some vodka and gin and ogled the prices of Moët and Johnny Walker before heading off.
The flight crew was top-notch — super friendly. I wish I could say the same about the grumpy dude behind me! Every time I tried to recline my seat (it was 3am!), he’d shove it back up. Not cool. I moved seats, good thing too, as everyone else around him started griping about his not-so-subtle gas issues. Ugh, some people!
Flying into NADI was fabulous — I must’ve said "wow" at least 10 times as we saw all the islands. The wow-factor faded quickly at the terminal as I frantically searched for a place to ditch my jumper, scarf, stockings, jeans, and top. Despite a forecast of 24 degrees, it felt more like 35. Humidity is off the charts — I’ve changed clothes three times today already.
Our hostel is surprisingly lush for backpackers — our own room and bathroom! The place has been blasting music non-stop, mostly 80s hits and Culture Club. I’ve tried some Fijian beers, and they’re quite the variety — Fijian Bitter, Fijian GOLD (like Pure Blonde but low-calorie). Wallace, they’re as strong as Pale and only $3 Fijian Dollars during Happy Hour (5pm-7pm every night).
Lunch was meh, but dinner was a wicked olive/cheese/garlic pizza. With about six spoons of garlic! Might explain why no one’s using the computer next to me... I’ve gone veggie for now; meat just isn’t doing it for me anymore.
Everyone here is super friendly and laid-back. Everyone is wearing frangipanis!
Hit the beach today, baked in the sun, played with my camera, but my memory card is acting up again (thanks, Ted’s Cameras). Looks like I’ll be buying one duty-free. Snapped some photos of weird statues and a stunning sunset!
Running on about four hours of sleep since Saturday night — my body is utterly confused, even though we’re only two and a half hours ahead of Adelaide.
Yasawas
We decided to ditch civilization for the Yasawas islands. No phones, no signal, barely any electricity, and absolutely no internet. Sounds like a geeks paradise, right? Spoiler alert: it wasn't all coconuts and sunshine.
Alarm set for 6:30 AM; woke up, promptly fell back asleep, woke up again at 7:27 AM, realized the bus was coming in three minutes. Cue the mad scramble to pack (we thought we were smart by packing the night before, but freshly washed clothes had to fit in). We sprinted out the door, ran for the bus, and made it just in time. Half the bus was glaring at us, so Janine blamed the delay on me. Thanks, Janine. Not.
We got to the port, grabbed some breakfast, and boarded the boat. An hour into the trip, my $11 FJD breakfast made a dramatic reappearance. Felt like I had downed 12 cocktails and had a fever. After five queasy hours, we finally arrived at "Navita Lleiu" (or something like that). We were shown to our "room," which turned out to be a hut with sand for a floor. Lovely.
This is why you have input when planning a trip - this wasn’t the holiday I had in mind! Managed a couple of hours of sleep despite the heat and the mosquito net turning our hut into a sauna.
We had designated meal times—miss it, and you don’t get a meal. Breakfast was fruit and bread, lunch was an adventure in fish-based cuisine. Was supposed to go on a cave tour, but instead spent the morning becoming intimately acquainted with the bathroom. Still felt like I was on a boat, and the acid in the food wasn’t helping.
Showering was an experience—a shed with a cold water spurt. Not bad considering the heat, but stepping out onto sand every time was a joy. Yay, luxury!
Couldn't wait to leave the island, despite its beauty and "Blue Lagoon" fame. Enjoyed a dirt-tasting "KAVA" ceremony with some friendly locals.
After two nights, we moved to "Korovu" island. Upgrade! Tiled floors, swimming pool, and concrete! Swam with manta rays—or, more accurately, stayed in the boat looking at them. The attempt to haul my wet self back into the boat left me bruised. Not doing that again anytime soon. Jellyfish stings were the hot new trend, and I was glad to miss out.
Next stop was Kuata. Tried to call my dad for his birthday but no signal. The boat ride was a rollercoaster with choppy waters and overloading. People found it 'exciting'; I did not.
Met a British girl at the first resort (hut) who joined us for the rest of the trip. Janine and she got along famously, leaving me to mope in my sea-sickness. Also met a lovely Welsh/Australian couple in their 40s/50s, played card games with them and a crazy Belgian guy who kept popping up on different islands.
Last stop was Beachcomber, the party island. Activities galore and drinking games, but Janine and I were so tired we hit the sack at 9 PM to avoid missing breakfast. The buffet-style food and 24/7 electricity were a welcome change.
Kaye’s sickness tablets were a lifesaver on the boats, as were all the thoughtful gifts (money, torches, clothesline, washing liquid, passport holder, mask, puzzles, journals). Thanks again!
After all the heat, 'interesting food,' throwing up, boat rides, bugs, and bruises, I was more than ready for L.A.
Accommodation Recommendations (some of the places we stayed at are no longer available so I have included accommodation in the same area).
NADI
Backpacker and Hostel Accommodation
https://www.booking.com/hotel/fj/bamboo
https://www.booking.com/hotel/fj/smugglers-cove-beach-resort
Family Accommodation
https://www.booking.com/hotel/fj/crowne-plaza-fiji-nadi-bay-resort-spa
Luxury Accommodation
https://www.booking.com/hotel/fj/crowne-plaza-fiji-nadi-bay-resort-spa
YASAWAS AND MAMANUCA ISLANDS
Nanuya Lailia Island
https://www.booking.com/hotel/fj/voyager-retreat-homestay
Naviti Island
https://www.booking.com/hotel/fj/wai-makare-beach-homestay
Waya Island
https://www.booking.com/hotel/fj/waya-lailai-eco-haven-lautoka
Beach Comber Island
https://www.booking.com/hotel/fj/beachcomber-island-resort
Attractions