Looking for ideas to ozbargain Fiji. Going with our 2yr old in about s months time. Any ideas from other families who went recently to do and not do? We are staying in airbnb to save the costs but keen to enjoy what resorts type of living has to offer without the premium.
Staying in part Denarau and coral coast down south.
Thanks in advance.
Yeah I couldnt find resorts that I wanted within the budget but I am still open to buy day passes if it is worth it. Open to ideas.
Cheap-skating in Fiji by staying in an airBnB doesnt go very far
You certainly miss out on nearly all those Fiji experiences including great pools, nice buffet breakfasts and fantastic night show entertainment.
YOU NEED TO HAVE A POOL IN FIJI OR YOU WILL SUFFER BABY!
Unfortunately there are No "accessible" beaches that I know of on the Coral Coast that are outside resorts.
But you could check around the tour desks/operators
The beaches in and around Denarau are filthy and ugly as they are next to the harbour.
Thats why Denerau resorts have such lovely pools.
Try Wailoaloa Beach in Nadi.
Also do an island hopping cruise and the Seaspray Full day sailing adventure.
A day trip to Sigatoka also goes down well
Next time look out for the Jetstar Holiday specials
These heavily discounted flight and hotel combos present by far the best value
Good luck
There's a ship heading to tivua island and that was nice.
Tho I didn't like Fiji overall. ($$$ for remarkably slow and low quality service)
Heard about it but didn't expect them to exercise it in a 5 star resorts diner, meal served after 45 minutes where 3-4 out of 20+ tables occupied.
Any whatsoever room service need to call 4-5 times at least and the line often just hung up after long wait as it gets too busy. (due to too many complains I guess)
Did last minute so basically rushed. My bad but next time with more time to research
We have some Fijian friends and whenever they say they will pick up their child from our place we know to add at least an hour to that time.
Did last minute so basically rushed. My bad but next time with more time to research
Yes Fiji has gone way up in price!
Also you used to get around F$1.65 for A$1. Now its only F$1.44
Its not a good look when the AUD slips so much against a small pacific island currency!!!!
Hence Fiji is no longer good value
Ive found Phuket, Thailand offers much better value these days.
Do you reckon it is better to buy currency in Oz or in Fiji?
Kava is cheap there.
I am not sure if it is good idea while tripping with the fam.
I think that's the perfect time.
tripping with the fam.
exactly…
For the 2 year old to put them to sleep?
Where are you staying?
Close to Denarau, fantasy island.
Beaches are shit in that area. It's basically a swamp converted to land to build accommodation.
Yeah I have heard. We are not in to beach but we want to enjoy other parts of Nadi if possible where it is not going to break the bank.
Not seen such bad language from you Muzeeb.
Im shocked!
But yes, agree 100%
Hey mate, few ideas.
I quite like Nadi, although outside of the resorts, keep in mind it is a local's town - a bit dirtier and wilder than you might imagine!
Local restaurants that's are great:
- Tata's for curry
- Used to be the farmer's club, now it's Legends Sports Bar. Haven't been back since they changed but used to do great curries and it's on a nice spot by the river where kids will be diving for clams etc.
- Sweet Laisa's Kitchen, not an appealing spot visually on the side of the road but super local fijian style food which can be hard to find in restaurants.
Local stuff that's fun in my opinion:
- Nadi markets are great, lots of local produce and you can get snacks, coconuts to drink etc.
- Sri Siva Swami Temple is a pretty building you can check out
- Garden of the Sleeping Giant is a really beautiful spot, I imagine you could get a bus up there.
Touristy stuff you can do around Denarau
- There's often free dancing shows and things like that in Port Denarau which might be nice for the kid
- Some of the restaurants along there aren't bad, the marina is pretty at night. More expensive than outside Denarau of course.
- A boat day trip out to the Mamanucas or beyond is very worthwhile in my opinion. Ideally one where you can swim, or get off the boat for a while - just sitting on a ferry isn't so amazing lol.
- Wailoaloa Beach is a bit rough but still nicer than the beaches on Denarau. Lots of the backpackers places are around there so it's a bit busier but very laid back. There are horse rides for kids etc. Good place for a beer.
My strong recommendation for budget travellers to Fiji, with or without kids, is to book a room at Fiji Beachhouse down the coral coast. It's an easy bus ride to get there, a beautiful spot on the beach, reasonably priced, the food is not bad. You can just chill by the great beach and pool, or there are lots of organised activities - from fishing, surfing, walking tours to the nearby village, etc etc.
Another option depending on your budget would be to head out to the Yasawas. If the weather is good, and it usually is, all of these islands are beautiful. There are all-inclusive packs with a group like Awesome Adventures, and most of the resorts along the way have child minders and stuff like that too.
Thanks really helpful. I am keen if anyone has done day pass to resorts for any resort activity?
Some very good suggestions
OP should head over to the nearest tourist shop and see what takes thier fantasy
Fiji is expensive for what it is. Better value can be found in Vanuatu.
Did last minute so basically rushed. My bad but next time with more time to research I hope get a better location.
Not so sure on Vanuatu for value. Everything is imported including milk (in cartons) I'm so over the South Pacific.
Thats the only downside. If you go and want coke instead of juice or water, youll pay triple Aussie prices. Plus theres a monopoly on the western supermarkets (by the French).
If you go, you have to go local. And if you must drink, drink the Kiwi beer 😉
+1 for Boracay - but wait at the airport and fly straight to Boracay Airport. ie Don't go into Manila.
My advice? Land in Nadi and hightail to the outer islands.
Better go to Bali/Lombok rather than Fiji
Just got back from Intercontinental Fiji. It's on coral coast. Beautiful beach. It's rated as top beach on Fiji main island. There is public access to the beach as well. It's expensive, there are adjacent resorts as well.
You can day visit to the resort and parking is free and can access resort facilities etc if you spend a minimum amount in the restaurants etc, I think it's only $50 or something. The details will be buried in the website somewhere.
Thanks. Do you reckon it is the case with other resorts too? What kind of facilities they had for under 3 you remember? Thanks
You want resort living without living at a resort?
Just go to the beach