This post is written by our host blogger nomadiciv@.
Fiji is a real Pacific paradise. It is an island country in Melanesia, an archipelago of more than 330 islands. “Don´t hurry, don´t worry I am on Fiji time” doesn't surprisingly apply here because everything works quite on time.
Fiji is notorious for cannibalism, which is nowadays only a tourist attraction to get visitors into the inland part of the island. Anyway you can buy nice cannbial souvenirs here as for example traditional cannibal fork, knife and other proprieties.
You can also try the kava ceremony. Kava are the roots of the pepper plant infused in water with sedative, anesthetic, euphoriant, and entheogenic effects that tastes like a muddy water.
There is a big Indo-Fijian population, originally brought from India by English to work on cane fields. That's why you can visit Hindu temple and eat Indian samosa or curry in Fiji.
“The cats believed that one day 'the holy mother' (Lister) would return and lead them to Fuchal, the cat version of paradise." - Red Dwarf –
Do you want to know the prices in Fiji? Check out our Fiji budget guide.
Places from the photo journey on the map
A lovely scenery for an evening drink or a dinner. This beach is awesome for walks and enjoying the night life than swimming because of the shallow water. We discovered it just in the morning as we had arrived to the hostel at night.
A lovely colourful temple in the city centre near the souvenir market.
In order to enter the temple you need to take off your shoes and wear a pareo. As it is really hot your feet will burn. The best way to get there is to take a taxi.
Purchasing the Bula Pass is the best way how to discover Fiji. Originally made for backpackers, although it may fit to more picky travellers as well. Usually you buy the BULA pass for several days in a resort in one of the islands and then you can do the island hopping from resort to resort as long as your BULA pass is valid. You decide if you are gonna stay in a resort for just one day or the whole week. The BULA Pass includes food and afternoon tea. This is a Brittish tradition, but alcohol and other extra drinks are more expensive.
The first and the tiniest island on the way from Nadi – Mamanucas. We could not imagine to spend there more than a day, but the parties are pretty awesome here.
One of our more luxurios resort. The water is unbelievable clean here.
It works like this: The big catamaran ferry stops in the safe place and you are picked-up by a small boat from your resort. Sometimes it makes you jealous when you see the luxurious resorts.
Nacula island is the last from Yasawa islands. Nabua Lodge is one of the cheap ones that offer a place for a tent (not that common). You can choose from a many trips that are in offer: snorkelling in blue lagoon, visit of local village, and many other.
Everything is scheduled to catch your ferry to another resort. Some activities are included in BULA pass, but usually you have to pay extra for them. Afternoon volleyball is for free :)
I have probably never seen more kitchy sunset than here.
In all resort, we have stayed in, there was an evening programme. In Nebula lodge we played 3 games and the winner got a beer. There are fun activities and we have always enjoyed them.
This is actually a picture from the toilets :-D. As hibiscus and frangipani are blooming all around, they decorate all the spaces with these blossoms. I loved it.
All the islands are relatively hilly with coconut palm trees and other bushes.
Waiting for a transfer to another resort. The earlier lunch is arranged.
Although this resort also offer places for tent, there was no place in a shade, so we were offered a very friendly price for a double apartment. This resort is owned and run by nearby villagers. When you arrive you have to wash your feet in a small container with water to wash away the sand. The water lies on the sun all day, so it's crazy hot.
We got traditional food that we ate with our hands. There was also a performance by local people finished with kava ceremony.
They offer a wide range of activities. We chose a hike to the rock above to see the sun set (or a sun rise) with a local guide. We had a lovely chat with the guide there and learned a lot about Fiji, local people and traditions.
Our best experience from Fiji is shark snorkelling. We were surrounded by 6 half meter sharks. Our guide caught a fish and played with one shark – we could even touch them. You can also snorkell with mantas. Unfortunately there wasn't the season while we were there.
Beach cottages of the resort and the village on the right.
Our leaving was accompanied by a music and waving of locals. Almost as if they will really miss you.
If you have one day extra before leaving Fiji, choose a trip to the fresh water waterfall. On the road you can enjoy the inlands of Fiji, a bit different from the coast.
We enjoyed the change from the sea water to the fresh. The braver ones can jump in and play a game with a guide. The lazier ones just chill in water and shade.
Everything you can buy in resorts or in restaurants you can get here for a song.
Places from the photo journey on the map
