Fiji is known as a luxury holiday destination, and when you stay in a resort on the islands of Mamanuca, it is. Many of the nation’s local prices are not high, though: low-cost buses, family-run guesthouses, market lunches, and free beaches. The best places to visit in Fiji are the ones that tourists don’t go to when they’re heading to the resort.
The guide includes information on where to stay, what to do, and approximately how much to expect to pay. All prices are in Fijian dollars (FJD), are only estimates, and are subject to seasonal and provider variation.
Start on the Coral Coast, Not an Island
The Coral Coast is situated on the southern side of Viti Levu about 1.5 hours by road from Nadi Airport. It offers Fiji’s best budget accommodation, and you don’t need to pay much for the boat transfer.
On the mainland, dorm beds usually cost FJD 35 to 70 per night, while a simple private room costs FJD 80 to 150 per night. One of the popular beachfront facilities is the Beachouse Hostel, which offers dorms from FJD 45 – 55.
Local activities, many of which are free or affordable:
The Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park. A short beach trail through vast dunes; the entry fee is negligible for any tour.
- Sigatoka town market. Fresh food, low prices and no resort profit!
- Kula Eco Park. A low-cost half-day spent with a small wildlife park that specialises in native species.
- Local snorkelling. The reef is within wading distance of many Coral Coast beaches. Before entering, consult with your host to learn about tides and safe areas.
Nadi’s Quieter Side
99.9% of people sleep in Nadi before a boat. It’s worth a day. One of the largest Hindu temples in the Southern Hemisphere is Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple, and a good place to eat cheaply is Nadi Market. Just a short drive from town is the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, an orchid garden at an affordable price for a resort excursion.
One of the more popular budget bases is Bamboo Backpackers, where dorm beds are priced around FJD 45 – 60.
Levuka, Ovalau
The colonial capital of Levuka is Fiji’s first and is now on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its wooden waterfront. It is like a small town in the 1800s and is hardly visited by tourists compared to the Nadi side of the country.
The entire town can be visited in a couple of hours on foot. The island offers guesthouses which are simple and cheap, and the island can be hiked, and the villages visited. The journey is part of the fun; it requires a domestic flight or ferry/road trip from Suva – be sure to check schedules before booking. It is more suited to a low-speed versus a short vacation.
Suva
Suva may not be glamorous, but that’s the actual capital: markets, inexpensive curries, Fiji Museum and a bustling waterfront. Rooms and food were much cheaper than on the coast of the resort. Don’t use it as a beach base; it is only a stop on the way to the north and Levuka.
The islands of Savusavu and Vanua Levu
Savusavu is a relaxed harbour town on Vanua Levu, famous for its diving, pearl farms and hot springs. Guesthouses and small hotels offer good value for money at around USD 40 per night, but with significant variation in prices depending on the season.
The journey here is by domestic flight or inter-island ferry. This is not necessarily cheap, as domestic flights from Nadi to Savusavu run at FJD 350-500. It’s worthwhile if you’re going to be around for a week or longer.
Taveuniv
The Garden Island is exactly what it sounds like; Taveuni has a beautiful green landscape. The Bouma National Heritage Park features waterfalls and swimming holes, and the Tavoro Waterfalls trail begins at the visitor centre. Here you can find more walking than on almost any island, and the surrounding reefs are some of the finest in Fiji for snorkelling and diving.
The cost of flights from Nadi is approximately FJD 400 to 600 (the bulk of the expense). There you’ll find hostels and guest houses that will keep your daily expenses down. One popular choice mentioned is Camp Taveuni.
The Yasawas, Done Cheaply
The majority of people think that the Yasawa Islands are only a resort area. There are budget stays available, but they are not quite as affordable as the mainland and usually cost between FJD 100-200 per night, including meals, on islands like Tavewa. Coral View Island Resort is known to be an affordable resort.
Ferry tickets are the hidden cost. The one-way fare to Mamanucas ranges from FJD 120 to 190 per person, and the Yasawas are more expensive. If you’re visiting multiple islands, you can find the price lowered with pass tickets.
Here are some ideas about how to save money that really do help you save!
- Travel during the shoulder season. The low season for accommodations in this area is April-May and October-November, and the weather is still nice.
- Use local buses. On Viti Levu, they’re very cheap. They’re slow and can be overcrowded, but they’re the best means of travelling the country on a small budget.
- Try to eat like the locals. The prices of market food and small cafes are much less than those of resort restaurants. A local brew such as Fiji Gold is easy to come by at a bar, but much harder to find in a resort.
- If it makes sense, rent a car; otherwise, don’t. Fuel and rent are costly. One or two days is sufficient on the Coral Coast.
- Pay in FJD. If a card terminal or ATM asks you to pay in your home currency, say no! Some of the guesthouses charge a card fee of approximately 3.5%, so bring some cash with you.
Respect village etiquette. When going to a village, take a small gift (kava roots), dress modestly, and ask permission before taking photos. You should do it out of politeness, and the hosts will keep it in mind.
A Simple Route Of Budgeting
A viable idea if you have approximately 10 days is: Coral Coast for a couple of days, a day in Suva, and then flying north to Savusavu or Taveuni for the remainder of the time. Short flights are minimized, and a blend of beaches, city, and rainforest is provided.
FAQs
Can Fiji be done on a budget?
Yes, for those who live on the main island and travel by local transport, use hostel food and drinks in the market. If you add on to that island ferries, flights or resort meals, the prices start to add up fast.
Where is the most economical hotel?
The cheapest places to stay are the hostels and small guest houses on the Coral Coast and around Nadi, and the dorm beds range from about FJD 35 to 70.
What are the best time of year to visit?
The weather is nice, and the price is more reasonable during April to May or October to November.
Too pricey for the outer islands?
Not always. The flights to get to Taveuni and Savusavu are the high cost, but the stays there are relatively inexpensive. After adding ferries, the Yasawas and Mamanucas are more expensive.
Is it possible to go sightseeing without a tour in Fiji?
Mostly, yes. There are free or low-cost beaches, local markets, temples, and many to walk. Always book trips that are not activities you could do on your own, such as diving and some reef trips.
Is it safe to travel on local buses?
Generally yes. Keep valuables nearby and expect slow, crowded rides to be expected.
Is there a need to make reservations?
Yes, particularly during peak travel times in ferries and flights. Hostels and guesthouses require booking; however, there may be a room available on arrival in a quiet time.
Final Thoughts
Big budget is not required to discover the hidden gems of Fiji. Avoid the postcard resorts and spend more time on the main island and choose 1,2 outer destinations rather than 3 or 4. Find out the current prices and timetables before you make your reservation, and you will make the most of your trip.
