Fiji

Home
Getting There
First Landing Resort
Vuda Marina
Lautoka
Koroyanitu Park
Mamanucas
Orchids
Viti Levu
Outrigger Reef
Crafts
Suva
Raintree Lodge
Taveuni
Vanua Balavu

Our Trip

Here is a quick overview.  We spent two weeks in Fiji in August 2003. 

bullet Getting There

 

bulletViti Levu
First Landing Resort Lautoka, Orchid Garden, Vuda Marina, Koroyanitu National Heritage Park
bulletThe Mamanucas
On Board Rhapsodie - Scurfing, A Sand Cay, Beachcomber Island, Treasure Island, Musket Cove, Malololailai
bulletTaveuni
Matei Point, Matei, Lavena Coastal Walk, The Bus Ride From Lavena To Matei, The West Side
bulletSuva
Raintree Lodge, Town and About
bulletVanua Balavu (Mbalavu)
Arriving, Nawanawa Estate (Brochure P1, P2), Daliconi, Lomaloma, Bay of Islands, Leaving
bulletSigatoka
Sigatoka Town, Valley, Natoro Village, Tavuni Hill Fort
bulletOutrigger Reef Fiji Resort

 

bulletComing Home
 

Map

Fiji is between Hawaii and Australia. The 180 degree meridian passes through Fiji so it's the opposite side of the world from Greenwich (London, UK).  Suva, the capital, is about 18 degrees south of the equator, The sea keeps the Fiji islands cooler than you might expect, given the latitude.

Below is our route map.  We flew to Nadi, then took a boat to the Mamanucas and flew from Malololailai to Nadi.  We then flew to Taveuni via Savusavu, then back to Suva via Savusavu.  Then from Suva to Vanua Balavu and back.  Underlying map, courtesy Fijian government.

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References

bulletThe South Pacific and Fiji guidebooks by David Stanley are well-researched and have great insights.
bulletThe Lonely Planet Guide to Fiji is excellent - make sure you get the 6th edition that came out June 2003.  Also look for updates on www.lonelyplanet.com
bulletIf you want to snorkel or dive you may like the Lonely Planet Diving and Snorkeling Fiji.

Transportation

International Flights

bulletAir Pacific is Fiji's international airline. It leases 747s from Singapore Airlines and provides excellent service (code-shared with American and Quantas) from Los Angeles (LAX) to Nadi (pronounced Nandi).

Internal Flights

bulletConsider getting an Air Fiji Airpass for your internal Fijian flights.  You have to buy it outside Fiji.  You can get one from the Fiji Travel Alliance in the US
(Phone: + 1 877 247 3454, email: info AT fiji-travelalliance.com).
bulletSunflower Airlines is another popular internal airline.
bulletIf you need a charter flight that can land on the sea or at an airport consider a seaplane from Pacific Island Seaplanes.

Taxis

bulletIn popular tourist areas taxis abound and it's usually cheaper to rent a car with a driver than to rent a car.  Taxi drivers seem quite happy to take you to sights and wait, particularly if there is a gift shop commission for them. Drivers carry fare sheets with them - make sure you agree on the price when you start out.

Boats

bulletThere are no bareboat charters in Fiji
bulletFor a cruise of the Yasawas see Blue Lagoon Cruises or Captain Cook Cruises.  We did not take these cruises, but met people who did and enjoyed them.
bulletThere are several catamarans from Denarau Marina or Lautoka to the Mamanucas and Yasawas.  To get between budget resorts in the Yasawas in a fast catamaran consider getting a 7 od 21 day Bula Pass for the Yasawa Flyer.

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