Nadi is a vibrant city on the western end of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu. If you want to experience the Fijian culture, it’s worth a few days in town. I spent five days in Nadi before heading out to Tavarua Island for a week, and I am glad I did. Let’s explore what this unique town has to offer!
Lodging and Transportation
There are tons of inexpensive hotels to choose from that will be more than enough to accommodate for your stay. After all, you’re in Fiji! Get out of the hotel and explore what the island has to offer. From my experience, the Tokatoka Resort will get you a big bang for your buck. The location is convenient and even the most basic rooms are surprisingly spacious. If you are looking for something more luxurious and have extra cash to spend, then Denarau Island is the place to go. It is the home of several world-class resorts.
Getting around town is fairly easy with an abundance of options such as taxis, shuttle buses and rental cars. If you can find a personal driver, I would highly recommend it! This way you have much more freedom in your schedule rather than having to stick to a tour group’s set itinerary. While this option might cost a little more, it’s also like having a personal tour guide that can give you a local’s perspective.
Food
Traditional Fijian cuisine most often consists of starches like taro and cassava, some type of meat or seafood, leafy vegetables and coconut milk. There is also a large Indian influence on their food, which you can see with the incorporation of curries, spices, etc. If you’re like me and love Indian food, you will be in heaven here! There are restaurants and food vendors scattered throughout town serving Indian as well as traditional Fijian style cooking. Below are a few things I feel are worth a taste!
- Kokoda: Raw fish marinated in citrus, coconut milk, tomatoes, onions and spices. This is similar to poke and ceviche.
- Lovo: A traditional method of cooking food in an underground pit. A variety of meat, fish and vegetables are typically wrapped and covered in banana leaves, then placed over heated stones in the “earth oven” to slow cook over several hours.
- Ika Vakalolo: Pan fried fish fillet simmered in coconut cream, tomatoes and onions.
- Sui: Meaty beef bone soup. I’m a huge broth/soup lover and can’t get enough of this. And the meat is so soft!
- Palusami: Mixture of corned beef, onions and coconut cream wrapped in taro leaves (called rourou). This is something I can get back home in Hawaii, but it’s still a must try.
- Roti Wraps: Meat or vegetable curry wrapped in a warm flatbread. These can be found at food stands along the street and make for a cheap and delicious, snack on the go.
- Vakalolo: Casava and coconut pudding cake steamed in banana leaves.
- Yaqona (Kava): Ground up yaqona root mixed with water. Known for its relaxing effects, it is a commonly served as a ceremonial drink. The taste is very earthy and it leaves your tongue feeling tingly and numb. Prior to the introduction of alcohol in Fiji, Yaqona was the drink of choice for traditional ceremonies.
- Locally Brewed Beer: Fiji Bitter, Fiji Gold, and Vonu to name a few. I found myself drinking mostly Fiji Bitter during my stay.
Outdoor Activities
- Garden of the Sleeping Giant/Orchid Falls: Wander through the lush jungle lined with tropical flowers and shrubbery, zipline over the tropical rain forest, and cool off at the end of a short waterfall hike.
- Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool: A revitalizing natural spa experience for your body and soul. Lather yourself in the volcanic-rich mud, then once the layer dries, soak in the hot spring pool to wash it all off. It’s a relaxing feeling and a nice treat for your skin at the same time. There’s something about slapping mud all over your body that brings back childhood memories.
- Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple: This vibrantly painted temple is the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere. It is located off the main road just south of the town’s center. You will find many beautiful paintings and sculptures throughout the space.
- Port Denarau: Here you will find several tour operators and sea transfer services with cruises to surrounding islands such as the Mamanucas and Yasawas.
Shopping
- Namaka Market: This market has an abundance of vendors offering fresh fruit and vegetables at a reasonable price. If you are looking for authentic kava – both root and powder form – this place is perfect!
- Port Denarau Shopping Centre: Catch views of the marina while you enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants and stroll past the many boutique shops.
- Nadi Handicraft Market: Several shop stalls where you can find souvenirs. It is a bit touristy, but you can find some authentic items here and there. And they do haggle with customers.
- Jack’s of Fiji: A two-story store located in downtown Nadi with a huge selection of souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, snacks and other accessories. They carry locally produced coffee, chocolates and cookies, which make great gifts to bring home.
Tips
- Wait until you arrive in Fiji to convert your money to Fijian Dollars because you will get a much better rate. Nadi International Airport has great rates at the Forex booth located just outside of arrivals. There is also a convenient ATM nearby in case you need fast cash.
- Rent a portable wireless hotspot. I rented my device from TravelWifi (formerly Tep Wireless) and it was a lifesaver! If you need a reliable internet connection on-the-go, then this is a no-brainer. Plans are customizable by day/month and destination.
- Portable battery packs will be your best friend. It’s a must-have gadget if you’re planning on spending most of your days out and about taking photos, videos, etc.
- Don’t forget to pack a travel adapter/voltage converter so you can plug your devices into Fiji’s wall sockets. Fiji operates on a 240V power supply with a Type I plug configuration (three flat pins in a triangular position). Before you plug your device in, make sure it can accept 240V, or else you’d need to get a voltage converter.
