There you go folks, some first hand travel advice for you!
1.) GO TO FIJI! It might sounds too far and too expensive, and it is, but guys I promise you won't regret it. Unless you hate endless sandy beaches, lush rainforests, good food and friendly people. In this case, don't go.
2.) Fiji offers many places to visit, so do some research in advance. Do you like resort type accommodation, snorkeling, and chilling at the beach? Go to Western Islands (Mamanucas & Yasawas). Do you prefer adventure, unspoiled nature and true Fiji? Then Taveuni is for you. How about swimming, surfing, meeting friendly people and filling you day with fun activities? Coral Coast should be your choice. My personal favourite is Taveuni, but remember, the ferry only runs twice a week, so you might want to plan your trip around certain dates.
3.) Public transport in Fiji is loads better than Samoa. Seems like you can get a bus to just about anywhere in a short period of time. Just go stand at the side of the road and wave down the bus going in your direction. Average price for a bus from Nadi to Suva is 20 $FJD (10€), public transport in Nadi costs 1.15$FJD.
You will spend most of your transport budget on ferries and boats, if you plan to do some island hopping. Honestly it pays off to visit an island or two, because the overall experience is much different than Viti Levu. In my opinion it is pointless to go all the way up to the last island is the Yasawas, because you can have great time in the Mamanucas for half the price. I would still suggest you to make your way to Taveuni, even though this means two overnight journeys on a shitty boat.
4.) In 11 days I managed to see Mana Island in the Mamanucas, go to Taveuni for 3 nights and spend 2 nights at the Coral Coast. In Fiji, take your time. Trust me, you won't want to leave. I recommend 10-14 days minimum. Also expect some delays as everything works on Fiji time (no schedules, go with the flow approach).
5.) Things to do: SNORKELING! SCUBA DIVING! The coral reefs here are amazing! It is a true Fijian must! Fiji is also known for great surfing spots, but they are supposed to be more suitable for experienced surfers. Other things: waterfalls and rainforest hikes, swimming with manta rays or sharks, visiting villages, sand dunes, kava parties, food tastings...
6.) When to go: we had really nice weather at the end of March, but on our last day there we had rain, so expect some adversities. Best times are June, July, and August, but you can try your luck also between March and May or September and November.
7.) Budget: Fiji is surprisingly expensive for a Pacific Island. In some places prices are basically European, which means 7-10€ for dinner and 2€ for coffee. In the Western Islands also expect to pay compulsory food package. There are no common kitchens in the dorms anyway, so you are left without much choice. I spent about 600€ overall, plane tickets excluded. Dorms should cost between 10-40$FJD a night, the more expensive ones include breakfast, offer better location and extra activities. P.s.: Local currency is Fijian dollar and has about 2:1 conversion ratio (2$FJD = 1€).
8.) Accommodation: dorms are available at many places and most of them are nice and clean. But sometimes you will have to settle for basic. Often you will only have cold showers (in the Fijian hot climate this is an advantage), bed sheets are sometimes a little iffy (washed but stained) and you might see cockroaches at times. But relax. Nobody ever died of that. The more you relax and take it easy, the more you will enjoy Fiji. I can certainly recommend Bamboo Backpackers in Nadi, Maravu Lodge in Taveuni and The Beachhouse on Coral Coast. Ratu Kini on Mana island was on the basic side, but offered a fairly good value and had nice staff.
9.) Tours: I did the Northern Fiji Backpackers combo in Taveuni, which was a great choice. We were basically treated like royalty - the 450$FJD included all transfers, accommodation, food (with a three course dinner included) and many activities to fill a 4 day stay on the island. Highly recommended.
10.) Flights: you can reach Fiji from Australia with Jetstar, Fiji Airways or Virgin Airlines. I paid 570$AUD return from Sydney, but there is also a chance to fly in from Europe through Hong Kong with Fiji Airlines.
11.) Must-dos: try ALL the local fruits such as guavas, papayas, fresh coconuts and passion fruit. Traditional Fijian dish is fish marinated in coconut sauce, but I can't really tell you whether it is good or not (for obvious reasons). Attend a kava party! Kava is a root powder drink that looks and tastes like muddy puddle, but Fijians love it and this is the best way to spend time with the locals.
That's it. If you've got any questions or comments, use the comment section.
Yours truly,
Ajda
