"Fiji 2003" Top 5 Page for this destination Fiji by geanster

Fiji Travel Guide: 1,168 reviews and 2,610 photos

Fiji

http://www.geocities.com/fijitrips
I finally made it to Fiji at the end of March. I'd wanted to go for years as one of my college roommates was from there and her family always told me I had a home in Fiji. Another good friend of mine lives there as well and if I wanted to stick around, I'd have a job and home waiting for me. However, it's SO hot and humid! 98% humidity while I was there.
I had a good taste of the local life in Suva and then a nice bit of the touristy side with awesome island resorts, snorkeling etc. Amazing country with great people!

More traditional Village

Let's see...tips
Suva is on the East of the island and a 3 hour drive (national speed limit is 80 km and for the most part, it's only 2 lanes and many potholes) from Nadi which is on the West coast and where the main airport is. It gets quite a few sudden rain showers but noone wears raincoats, just the random umbrella. It's more lush and busier then the tourist area of Nadi. And also more humid. The beaches aren't the picturesque ones you see on Fiji postcards, those are in Nadi and on the islands.

If at all possible, get Local prices. I was lucky enough to have friends there who made the reservations and who were with me, I was still able to pay with my credit card. A local price can make the difference of paying like 60$USD a night versus like 250$USD a night for the same great resorts.

Roughly half the residents of Fiji are descended from Indian laborers, brought by the British during the colonial period. Most of them are Hindu, and so there are quite a few Hindu temples in Fiji.

I didn't try out the backpackers, but apparently Fiji does cater to the backpacker lifestyle. I believe there is even a certain island that is for backpackers only.
The restaurant service there can be unbelievably slow. We waited about 1 1/2 hours for food at least three times.
For internet access, I preferred Connect as they didn't have a minimum price as another one I tried did.
One place I regret not having the opportunity to check out is Teveuni, if you're thinking of going, I'd look into it.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Paradise equivelent beaches, water, and islands...Amazingly hospitable people...great money conversion making it incredibly economical once you're there.
Cons:humid
In a nutshell:The Blue Lagoon baby!

Last visit to Fiji: Apr 2003
Intro Updated Jun 27, 2003
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Reviews (26)

Treasure Island - a.k.a. Paradise - Fiji

Treasure Island - a.k.a. Paradise Hotels (6)

We only spent a couple of days on this island and had such an amazing time. The water was crystal clear and perfect. The... more travel advice

Lovo Feast Local Customs (6)

Lovo is the traditional way of cooking a meal, often in celebration. The preparation consists of digging a hole and... more travel advice

Resort in Sigatoka Hotels (6)

We spent a few days at the Outrigger. It has a beautiful view and the option of bure's to stay in. They have a massive... more travel advice

A much more detailed description of Fire-walking - Fiji

A much more detailed description of... Local Customs (6)

In accordance with the legendary tradition of the Sawau tribe of the island of Beqa, the firewalking ceremony is still... more travel advice

Things to Do (5)
See All Traditional Cannibal Fork
Transportation (1)
"Air-conditioned" buses
Restaurants (2)
See All Nice atmosphere, Slow service...

Travelogues (5)

1 - 4 of 5

Comments (27)

IreneMcKay Oct 1, 2010 at 7:27 AM Report Abuse

Your page brought back happy memories. we visited the Outrigger, but did not stay there. Great hotel.
Jim_Eliason May 7, 2008 at 8:32 PM Report Abuse

Great page
y2ketan2007 Nov 10, 2007 at 11:07 AM Report Abuse

Fiji comes alive here on your pages.Good work !
RickinDutch May 14, 2007 at 4:56 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for the sunny Fiji photos on this snowy Alaskan day! Happy Birthday!
kemptonkid2 Nov 7, 2006 at 11:12 AM Report Abuse

i'm 75 and a lousy swimmer. can i have fun snorkeling fiji?
sirenna Aug 16, 2006 at 7:14 AM Report Abuse

What a fascinating place - great tips and beautiful photos. I especially enjoyed reading about the local customs. Thanks for the tour. :)
madamx Dec 21, 2005 at 6:37 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for the great tips! Fiji looks like the perfect paradise, I especially enjoyed your travelogue pics :o)
FelixB Apr 11, 2005 at 2:15 PM Report Abuse

Nice photos and excellent information. thanks!
Jehcekah May 5, 2004 at 11:56 AM Report Abuse

Wow! Fiji. I NEED to go here now! Excellent tips and photos!!! I am adding Fiji to my "dream destinations" list right away!!
pedersdottir Apr 28, 2004 at 6:04 PM Report Abuse

Enjoyed the in- depth info and lovely pictures of Fiji. Looks like it would fulfill my dream of a vacation in paradise. Thank you!