Five ways to see Fiji on a shoestring

By Zoe Samios

A tropical island holiday doesn’t have to break the bank to be memorable.

And with Fiji one of the closest and most accessible destinations for Aussies, here are five ways you can get more bang for your buck while enjoying the holiday of a lifetime.

Go Snorkelling, Swimming or Diving

For a life changing experience that won’t cost a fortune, look underneath the clear turquoise waters and find the colourful coral reefs and dramatic underwater landscapes. Snorkelling and diving are year-round activities in Fiji and are offered across the islands.

For those staying on the main island of Viti Levu, the Coral Coast boasts some of the finest snorkelling and swimming areas thanks the the shallow waters held in by the reef. Most guest can simply swim out or be taken out by boat to the ridge to admire the dizzy array of sea creatures. There is no need to bring your own snorkel gear as most resorts will sell or rent it out for a reasonable price.

Budget-friendly accommodation

For those who want to experience tropical paradise without breaking the bank, Beachcomber Island Resort is your holy grail. Situated on a marine sanctuary in the Mamanuca Islands, is literally a seclude island paradise, seriously, look at those photos! The Beachcomber Island Resort offers a range of accommodation options from affordable dorms to private lodges and beachfront bures, depending on your requirements and budget.

Sound perfect? We thought so to, until we stumbled across Mango Bay Resort, and equally enviable tropical haven Nestled within the Tadrawai Valley on the Coral Coast. This private beachfront resort offers bures and villas for all budgets adjacent to the beach. When you have time to spare between coconut sipping on the beach, Mango Bay Resort also offers some great cultural activities including coconut jewellery and basket making lessons, as well as Fijian cooking classes.

Beachcomber Island Resort, Mamanuca Islands. Image credit: Fiji Airways

Hike Bouma National Heritage Park

Compared to other adventure activities offered the island, Bouma National Heritage Park is the best value for money. For only a 12 FJD (around $7 AUD) entrance fee, you can experience its natural swimming pools, waterfalls and picturesque hiking trails that have put Bouma National Heritage Park in the list of top attractions in the country. The park is ocated in the north of Taveuni Island, Fiji’s third largest island.

Image source: Pure Taveuni

Book a package or add a stopover

Fiji Airways offers some great accommodation and flight packages that can save you hundreds, especially if you are willing to be flexible with your travel dates. Many resorts will also offer specials and discounts if you stay a certain amount of days. It is a good idea to find out before booking if your resort has any specials.

Another great way to save some cash is to add a stopover to your trip, essentially getting two holidays in one. Fiji is located along the flight path of many destinations including the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Often airlines will offer stopover deals with great packages, allowing you to add a tropical touch to you holiday.

Catch a local bus

“Bula”! The infectious Fijian greeting is one of the first things travellers will hear when stepping on a local bus. There are many transport options offered in Fiji, but catching a local bus is by far the cheapest and will give you an experience not to be missed. Where there are also modern, air-conditioned coaches serving resorts and major towns, many people opt to ride the local open-windowed buses so they can mingle with locals and take in the sights and sounds of the beautiful islands and towns. There will be a stop at every town and village and buses can be hailed from the roadside merely by waving to the driver.

Fiji Airways has the best rates available, all day, everyday. Visit now to book!

Advertise with us

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

adventures destination Discover Discovery fiji fiji airways hotels tourism travel