Fiji Islands Backpacker Travel

Fiji Islands Backpacker Travel Baffling Beaches

ALTHOUGH the main island is something that shouldn’t be missed, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Fiji is the paradise beaches. There are decent beaches on Viti Levu (especially Natadola Beach, a short hop from Nadi), but for those white-sanded, coconut strewn havens so beloved of marketing men, you could do a lot worse than visiting the Mamanucas and Yasawas island groups.

Fiji Islands Backpacker Travel

On first arrival on Bounty Island we agreed that it could easily be a setting for one of those photos that you would have on a poster on your wall. It truly is what we would define as paradise. Top complete this tropical scene, we’re sure that you can find some bikini-clad beauty to hand feed you tropical fruit for the right price.  The islands of Mamanucas are too numerous to go through, but it is definitely worth a look at Beachcomber, which has the reputation of being the wild-child, party island of the group.

It’s bloody great to pretend that you’re an island hopper when your travelling through this area. When you encounter places with names like Bounty Island, Treasure Island, and Castaway Island (where the Tom Hanks film of the same name was shot), you might actually start acting like some sort of cross between Johnny Depp and Keith Richards.
If you’re looking for something even more natural then you have to go to the Yasawas, which are not nearly as developed as the Mamanucas. These islands will give you a true sampling of Pacific island life and you’ll be rewarded by some of the best beaches you’ve ever seen – the best of them being Oarsmans Bay on Nacula. It is a strange experience to stay in a place where there’s not a convenient store right around the corner, but this is certain to be something that you will not regret.

Ovalau (Lomaiviti Islands)

IF we told you that you could take short 15-minute flight from Suva to Ovalau and see two places that seem worlds apart you might think we were completely crackers. Well we’ve never denied being mental here at BBM, but we are definitely not joking with you here. Ovalau is drier, sunnier and more laid-back than Viti Levu and also contains the 19th century capital of Fiji – Levuka. This is one of the most picturesque towns of the archipelago and many visitors claim it looks just like a Wild West film set. I suppose it’s not too surprising if you take just a few minutes to consider the port town’s history which involves more drunken tomfoolery than you’re last weekend. While here you can also visit some of the fine historic buildings, like the Old Town Hall and Ovalau Club – a result of Britain’s colonization of Fiji in 1874. And while you’re at it, why not take a guided walk around the staggering volcano crater that’s encompasses the entire area. Walks leave from Levuka and are available daily.

Viti Levu Highlands

THE Koroyanitu National Heritage Park is an excellent excursion for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. The park is located on the Viti Levu island and if you’re looking for walks through the native forests and grasslands then you’ve come to the right place. You will also find great opportunities to take part in the great sport of bird watching here too (we use the term ‘sport’ loosely). Hikers will find access to archaeological sites as well as brilliant waterfalls and swimming for those brave enough to take the plunge. The National Heritage Park is one of several ecotourism projects in Fiji, so you’ll feel good knowing that you’re not killing the environment while here. Within this habitat there are six villages help cultivate the trails and landscape and admission to the park is only F$5. If you really want to get adventurous then you should try the four-hour hike from Nase Lodge to the summit of Castle Rock. Considering that we here at BBM start every morning with a gruelling 10km hike, it was nothing for us. However, not everyone can be as fit as our staff so be prepared a tiring day. The walk is easily navigated though and well marked so dumb tourists like us will find it very difficult to get lost. Throughout your hike you’ll get incredible views of the Mamanucas and the Yasawas islands and you can continue on for another hike that leads to an amazing waterfall. There are also the Tunutunu terraced gardens and the Navuratu village so there’s potentially more stuff to see than you’ll even have time for. Hire a local guide for either a half or a full day hike and bring your camera.

Colo-I-Suva Forest Park

FIJI can easily be considered a hikers paradise and if you need any further proof take a few minutes to read about Colo-i-Suva Forest Park. The park contains 245 hectares of rainforest and 6.5km of walking trails. This scenery of this place is perfect for anyone who wishes to act out there favourite scenes from Indiana Jones or Tarzan movies (whip and loincloth not provided). The park is even equipped with rope swings and stepping-stones to cross the streams so, so you’ll feel just like your favourite jungle adventure heroes. Be sure to check out the three natural swimming holes when you need to cool down too. There are also tonnes of wildlife to be found here including 14 different species of birds (Fiji’s claim to fame apparently). For those seeking shelter and the comforts of home, there are picnic areas, shelters and change rooms available so you won’t be roughing it too much. It is advisable to wear good hiking footwear, as the park receives four days of rainfall a week and the trails can become quite slippery.

Village Customs

IF YOU happen to find yourself along the route of an indigenous village, shy away from it whenever possible if uninvited. However, if you do decide to explore the village for the sake of almighty tourism, bear in mind that you will be expected to respect their beliefs and customs. Most of the indigenous people are friendly but you must be careful -so that means no shouting: “look at this weirdo’s crazy clothes!”.

Climate and Packing Essentials

THE coolest months of Fiji are July and August, with the wet season from November to April (the cyclone season) and the dry season from May to October, which is considered the best time to visit. The climate is classified as mild tropical maritime, and the islands experience high levels in humidity. Lightweight clothes are recommended, in addition to walking sandals for the coastlines and walking boots for hikes. As always, be prepared for rain.

Pacific Harbour

ONE of Fiji’s most popular destinations is the Pacific Harbor, but strangely enough it has a Disneyland feel to it. Okay, so you won’t find princesses and weird guys in mouse costumes roaming around, but you will see rugged hills and vegetation that give way to a giant playground full of fabulous fun and frolics. You could literally step outside each day and as yourself – which unforgettable adventure should I embark on today? This is hands down the adventure capital of Fiji and it’s only a two hour drive away from the Capital. The town actually started as a neatly planned housing and tourism area and some parts look more like the perfectly manicured lawns from that slaggy housewives show than what you’d imagine Fiji to look like. However, this scenery does separate this place from the rest of the islands here.

Right across from Pacific Harbour’s lengthy sandy beach is the Bega Passage where there’s more diving sites that you can handle. The smaller island of Yancuna also provides a great surfing spot for visitors who want to catch some waves. Inland from the harbour you’ll find some exciting opportunities to try both white-water rafting and kayaking on the rivers. There are also some of the safest beaches in this area too. I don’t know what it is exactly, but water that doesn’t contain creatures that can kill you seems to make things even more beautiful. The Bega Lagoon is close by and great for any kind of underwater exploration that you want to do. If golfing is more your style, then you can also check out the Robert Trent Jones Junior 18-hole course for a fantastic time. Oh, and we forgot to mention that you can explore lush rivers, waterfalls, native villages and go game fishing, reef fishing, jet skiing, sailing, kite boarding and shopping at traditional market places while your staying here. But the entertainment is great here too and you can see some Fijian singing, dancing and firewalking. So quit complaining about your boredom because you have a wealth of options right at your fingertips. They say that Pacific Harbour offers it all, and we have to concur.