Fiji has a variety of public transport options, including buses, “share taxis”, and private taxis. Rates are very cheap: $1-2 from Colo-i-Suva to Suva bus station by bus, $17 from Nadi bus station to Suva by share-taxi (share-taxi’s are usually white mini-vans that congregate and set-off when they reach their capacity of 6-8), or approximately $80 from Suva airport to Sigatoka by private taxi. On the main road circling Viti Levu buses run every half hour and taxis are a substantial proportion of traffic, while on western Taveuni buses make only a few runs per day and very little traffic is present. If the taxi has a meter, ask the driver to switch it on – the ride will be lot cheaper than with the negotiated price.

The rate from resorts on Nadi beach to Nadi downtown is $8 per passenger, and $12 to the airport — you should be able to negotiate this price reasonably easily.

While there is rarely much traffic present, most vehicles run on diesel and pollution on major roadways can be severe. A national speed limit of 80 km/h is usually observed; village speed limits are all but entirely ignored, but drivers slow down for several speed humps distributed within each village. Seat belts are advised on taxis but are rarely evident and apparently never used.

Road travel tends to be more dangerous than many people are used to, and many embassies advise their citizens to avoid pretty much any form of road travel. Pot holes, washouts and dilapidated bridges are commonplace. Buses are the best, unless you are truly comfortable and capable of renting and driving a car on your own – most people are not even if they think they are. Avoid travel at night, especially outside of urban areas. Another option is hop-on, hop-off bus passes which allow you to tour Fiji at your own pace for a fixed price. These are a more expensive way to travel but feature inclusions like tours and activities. However, some like Feejee Experience are limited to Viti Levu and trips to Beachcomber island and don’t include the more remote islands.

Inter-island:

South Sea Cruises operates daily inter-island ferry transfers throughout Fiji’s Mamanuca Island resorts. Awesome Adventures Fiji provides daily ferry transfers out to the remote Yasawa Islands. Inter-island ferries are reasonably priced and the larger ones (especially those large enough to accommodate cars and trucks) have a good safety record, though they may be overcrowded at the beginning and end of school holiday periods. Ferries offer two or three classes (depending on the ship). Economy ($65 pp on Suva-Taveuni route) is the cheapest option, but requires you to sleep on chairs or on the floor. Sleeper ($104 pp, Suva-Taveuni) is dormitory-like accommodation. Cabin ($135 pp on MV Suiliven, $95 pp on SOFE, Suva-Taveuni) is not necessarily the best option, as the space is very limited, cabin can be shared (4 beds) and can have hordes of bugs.

Denarau Marina on Denarau Island is the gateway to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Island groups. This is where cruises and ferries servicing these islands operate from. Denarau island is connected to the mainland via a short bridge, and is 20 minutes from Nadi International Airport.

Do not attempt to take a car to another island unless you own it or have made clear special arrangements – most rental companies forbid it and they do prosecute tourists who violate this clause in the contract.

Bicycle:

Bicycles are becoming more popular in Fiji for locals and tourists alike. In many ways, Fiji is an ideal place for a rugged bike tour. However, the motor vehicle traffic can be intimidating on well-travelled roads, and there is a lack of accommodation along secondary roads. Cycling is a great way to see Fiji but make sure you carry all your own spares and supplies as bike shops are scarce. It is a good idea to carry plenty of water, a camelbak is great, as it is very hot and humid almost year round.

The main road around the largest island, Viti Levu, is sealed except for a 40-km section on the east side. A sturdy road, touring or hybrid bike is suitable.

Bike rental can be quite expensive comparing to other options: on Taveuni bike for full day costs $25. With two persons the cost is similar to renting a car.

Railway:

The extensive system of narrow gauge railways used to transport sugar cane to the refineries have also carried passengers for free or cheaply in the past, but the infrastructure is falling into disrepair and the opportunities are closing. Thus, the Coral Coast Railway offers a tourist train ride, but no further than Sigatoka as the railway river bridge there has collapsed. Its station is at 18°8’27″S 177°25’50″E (across the main road from The Gecko Lodge, by the turnoff to the Shangri-la Resort) and its westward excursions from that station are off, because of another unrepaired bridge collapse immediately west of the station. Mechanical failures may mean no offerings during the time of your visit.

There is talk (http://fijisun.com.fj/2017/04/27/nadi-tourist-trains-to-run-on-fsc-tracks/) of another tourist train scheme based in Nadi. As you leave the airport, you will cross the tracks.

EAT:

Locals eat in the cafes and small restaurants that are found in every town. The food is wholesome, cheap, and highly variable in quality. What you order from the menu is often better than what comes out of the glass display case, except for places that sell a lot of food quickly and keep putting it out fresh. Fish and Chips are usually a safe bet, and are widely available. Many cafes serve Chinese food of some sort along with Indian and sometimes Fiji-style fish, lamb, or pork dishes. Near the airport, a greater variety of food is found, including Japanese and Korean.

Local delicacies include fresh tropical fruits (they can be found at the farmer’s market in any town when in season), paulsami (baked taro leaves marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk often with some meat or fish filling and a bit of onion or garlic), kokoda (fish or other seafood marinated in lemon and coconut milk), and anything cooked in a lovo or pit oven. Vutu is a local variety of nut mainly grown on the island of Beqa, but also available in Suva and other towns around January and February. A great deal of food is cooked in coconut milk, take note that everyone reacts different to increased fat levels in their diet.

Take care when ordering chicken meals. Very often the chicken will come cut into one-bite pieces, but with all the bones left, so it’s quite easy to choke on sharp bone. When uncertain, always ask for boneless chicken meal.

A customary dish in Fiji includes a starch, relishes and drink. Starches common in Fijian meals include taro, yams, sweet potatoes, or manioc but can include breadfruit, bananas, and nuts. The relishes include meat, fish, seafood, and vegetables. Drinks include coconut milk but water is most prevalent.

DRINK:

A very popular drink in Fiji is yaqona (“yang-go-na”), also known as “kava ” and sometimes referred to as “grog” by locals. Kava is a peppery, earthy tasting drink made from the root of the pepper plant (piper methysticum). Its effects include a numbed tongue and lips (usually lasting only about 5-10 minutes) and relaxed muscles. Kava is mildly intoxicating, especially when consumed in large quantities or on a regular basis and one should avoid taxi and other drivers who have recently partaken.

Kava drinking in Fiji became popular during the fall of cannibalism, and originated as a way to resolve conflict and facilitate peaceful negotiations between villages. It should not be consumed alongside alcohol.

Most Fiji travel agents will take a ‘deposit’ along with your booking, which is a commission usually between 15 and 20%. Since this is an up-front payment, it is often beneficial to only book one night initially, and then you may be able to negotiate a lesser rate for subsequent nights (if space is available).

Many smaller and simpler accommodations have “local rates” and can give discounts that are simply huge if you can book a room in person (or have a local do it for you) and give a legitimate local address and phone number. In the Suva area, the Raffles Tradewinds is nice and quiet and about a dollar by frequently running buses from central down town. Sometimes upon arrival at the airport in Nadi, you can stop at the Raffles Gateway across from the airport entrance and book a room at the Tradewinds at a good local rate if business is slow.

Suva has become a desirable destination for conventions, meetings and events. With so many exciting off-site activities so close to the hotel, options for a unique and rewarding event are endless.

Nadi is the hub of tourism for the Fiji Islands. You can get all the resources you need to explore your lodging options, hotels and resorts, activities and trips and tours. Nadi is a thriving community with many things to explore and experience. There is also a number of local activities and places to see when you are in Nadi as well.

Lautoka is Fiji’s second largest city. The real charm of this dry western side of the island is the mountain ranges inland from Nadi and Lautoka. Koroyanitu National Park offers hiker overnight adventure through the semi-rainforest,waterfalls and small villages. Tours to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant are also very popular for the different ornamental orchids together with forest walks through botanical wonders.

• Outrigger on the Lagoon, P.O. Box 173, Sigatoka, +679-650-0044. The Outrigger on the Lagoon is a five-star hotel located on Coral Coast of Viti Levu Island. The Outrigger on the Lagoon is family friendly, supports weddings and honeymoons. Kids eat for free, can enjoy the swimming pool and the conference facilities are appropriate for business meetings. $250.
  
• The Naviti Resort, Queen’s Road, PO Box 29, Korolevu, Viti Levu, Fiji, +679 653 0444. The Naviti Resort has 220 rooms to accommodate guests to the island of Viet Levu. The Naviti Resort has a club called the “Rugg Rats Club” which is for kids only so parents can relax. The resort is also available for honeymoons and weddings. It is a 90-minute drive from Nadi International Airport.
  
• The Remote Resort, Rainbow Reef (via Taveuni). Island-chic villas with spectacular ocean views. A divers and food-lovers paradise.
  
• Village Stays, Throughout Fiji. Finding details is very difficult. Villages vary, as do amenities (including electricity), ensure you have an idea of what is included, any additional costs, what activities are available, before arriving. Unlike resorts, villages require shoulders to be covered at all times, and sometimes sulu (sarong) to be worn, for all genders. Your hosts will be more than happy to explain cultural requirements. Price varies – ensure you bring kava for sevusevu.
  
• Vuna Lagoon Lodge, Southern end of Taveuni island next to Vuna village, +679 949-6646. Your host is a traditional owner, daughter of the late Tui (Two-ee, means King or Paramount Chief) Vuna, Adi (pronounced An-dee, means Noble Lady) Salote Samanunu. The accommodation is right on a large lagoon, and it takes some time to get to the reef from the water’s edge. Electricity is only for 3hrs in the evening. The surrounds are amazingly beautiful, and a small boutique 4star resort, Paradise Taveuni, is a short drive which offers snorkeling/diving equipment and other facilities at a reasonable cost. Otherwise activities include swimming, a blow-hole tour, snorkelling (bring own gear), and reef fishing (bring own gear), village tours, farm tours, horse riding. May need to ring a few times to get hold of owner, who is an excellent at fishing. From $25 per person per night (dorm), $50 (single), $75 (double). Food: either bring your own and cook in communal kitchen or from $24 per person per night.

TBC.