BULA (Hello/Welcome) !!! We are off on our first trip to Fiji.
A word you will hear every day because the Fijians are very welcoming and friendly.
Day 1: We are staying at a timeshare place called 'Fiji Palms' about a 2 hour minivan drive from Nadi Airport and 45 minutes from the capital Suva.
When we arrive the kids head straight for the pool.
And relax in the spa.
Day 2 : We took a walk along the beach, and next door at the 'The Pearl South Pacific Resort', we decided we liked their pool better. Apparently we are allowed to use their facilities.
At lunchtime the resort staff sing some local songs.
Kids trying to play Pool.
The resort has a few activities you can try, today we are trying the canoes.
Every girl who travels to Fiji seems to get their hair braided.
Along the main road are locals selling fresh produce that they have grown themselves. Healthy and cheap.
Day 3: Today we are off to the capital Suva to do some shopping. There are some lovely old buildings but also some new shopping centres. We found ourselves a few bargains and souvenirs to take home.
Back at our resort it was Lovo night.
That's me trying the Kava. I'd prefer a softdrink anyday. But i'm now one of the locals.
They prepared traditional Fijian food for dinner.
The staff are all friendly just like the rest of the Fijians.
After dinner, traditional dances.
Day 4 : Going on a Yanuca Island trip by boat. Upon arriving the locals warmly greet us with some welcoming songs.
The island has some coral and fish so we go and put our snorkelling gear on.
My daughter has made a new friend.
My son tries his hand with the guitar - Looks harder than it is.
Also, with any gathering their is a Kava ceremony. More numbing of my gums. Not sure whose sock is being used to strain the Kava.
My wife is given fresh coconut cut down from the trees around the resort.
Further down from our resort is a local shopping arcade, where you can by some groceries and eat at some restaurants. Seems the kids have a new friend from the resort.
Some of the local produce being sold on the side of the road.
Day 5 : Today we are doing the 'Navua River Inland Tour'. We start the trip on a long-boat ride to a traditional Fijian village.
Traditional Kava ceremony.
We visited their school classroom.
The ladies showed how they made bags.
Fijian lovo is being prepared.
We are back on the long-boat for a trip to the waterfall for a swim.
We've transferred to the bamboo raft for a trip down the Navua river. Doesn't look safe. Hopefully no rapids.
Day 6: last day in Fiji Travelled to Nadi and had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe.
Tips
- not too many restaurants around the resort, so the price of food is a little bit expensive. There is a grocery store across the road from the resort, so stock up on basics like bread and water and whatever you might like for lunch or snacks to eat during the day or going on trips.
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Fly to nadi airport in Fiji
Bus ride to Resort
Day 2 :
Laze about in resort pool
Day 3 :
Trip to island for snorkelling
Day 4 :
Day trip to Suva
Day 5 :
Navua Inland River day trip
Day 6 :
Fly back to Sydney
Costs
Yanuca Island trip : $103 per person. Boat leaves 'The Pearl South Pacific Resort' jetty
Navua Inland River day trip : AUD$113 per adult (12+years), AUD$56 per child. Prices increase depending on where you are being picked up from.