Travel Month – December
Bula fellow travelers!!
This year to get away from the cold rainy winter, we booked our tickets to go to Australia. On our way, we extended our layover in Fiji – a beautiful country in South Pacific Ocean. Fiji is a stunning archipelago, made up of over 330 islands, about 110 of which are permanently inhabited. Known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and lush tropical landscapes, it is ideal for beach vacation.
Day 1:
Our journey to paradise began with a scenic flight to Nadi International Airport, arriving early in the morning. With a few hours to spare before our ferry departure, we opted for a taxi instead of the bus service provided by the ferry company to reach the Denarau port. After arriving at the port, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast and waited for our four-hour South Sea ferry ride to the breathtaking Yasawa Islands.
The Yasawa group consists of approximately 20 volcanic islands, spanning over 80 kilometers. These islands are less commercialized than other parts of Fiji, offering visitors a more authentic and serene experience. During the ferry ride, we stopped at several islands to allow passengers to disembark. Small speedboats from the hotels approached the ferry to collect passengers and their luggage, adding a unique charm to the journey.
Our hotel, Blue Lagoon Beach Resort, was located on Nacula Island and surrounded by calm, crystal-clear waters—perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. Upon our arrival, we stepped off the speedboat and were warmly welcomed by the hotel staff with a traditional Fijian song and a refreshing drink. After settling in, we quickly freshened up and headed for lunch.
The hotel offered a variety of daily snorkeling and diving tours, and guests could also rent kayaks to independently explore the breathtaking surroundings. For certified divers, the underwater experience here was nothing short of extraordinary, with the pristine waters brimming with vibrant marine life.
We checked into our beachfront bure (traditional Fijian hut). The view from our porch was straight out of a postcard—white sand, coconut trees, and blue warm water.
Day 2:
In the morning, my son and I went for snorkeling just outside our room while my husband went for scuba diving.
In the afternoon, we booked a tour organized by our hotel that took us by boat to a Fijian village on the same island, Nacula. Many of the hotel staff were locals from this village. The primary modes of transportation here were by boat or walking along trails.
The village featured a police station, a boarding school, a church, and a medical clinic. The community relied on solar power for electricity and harvested rainwater for their water supply. During our visit, the villagers warmly welcomed us with traditional songs and dances, offering a glimpse into their vibrant culture. Don’t forget to carry some cash if you plan to buy local handmade stuffs from them!
Back at the resort, we indulged in a delightful three-course dinner while soothing sounds of Fijian music, performed by the local musicians filled the air in the background.
Day 3:
Our final day on Nacula Island was packed with more snorkeling and scuba diving adventures, making the most of our time before departing the next day. The vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life left us in awe, creating unforgettable memories of Fiji’s underwater wonders.
The best time to visit the Yasawa Islands is during Fiji’s dry season, which runs from May to October. This period offers sunny skies, calm seas, and ideal conditions for snorkeling, diving, and hiking. That said, the Yasawas are stunning year-round. Even during the wet season (November to April), when occasional rain showers occur, the islands remain beautiful and less crowded. We were fortunate to enjoy clear skies throughout our trip, with no rain to disrupt our plans.
There were a few activities we didn’t get to experience, but they’re worth mentioning for future travelers. Between May and October, you can snorkel with majestic manta rays, a truly magical experience. The iconic Sawa-I-Lau Caves, one of the Yasawa Islands’ most famous attractions, are also a must-visit. You can swim through the first cave’s crystal-clear waters, and for the more adventurous, there’s a second cave accessible only through an underwater tunnel.
That said Nacula Island is more than just a destination—it’s an experience. If you’re seeking a place to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature, Nacula Island is the perfect escape.
Day 4:
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Nacula Island, with the hotel staff sending us off by singing a beautiful traditional song. Our journey back to Viti Levu, the main island, involved a boat transfer, where we switched boats once to reach our destination. From there, we had a flight to Australia later in the day, but with 3-4 hours to spare, we decided to explore the lively city of Nadi. Known for its bustling streets filled with shops, restaurants, and businesses, Nadi offered a vibrant contrast to the serene island life we had just left.
We made two memorable stops before heading to the airport – Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple and the Nadi market. The stunning and colorful Hindu temple stands as one of Nadi’s most iconic landmarks, showcasing Fiji’s rich Indo-Fijian heritage. Its intricate architecture and vibrant colors were a sight to behold.
After soaking in the sights and sounds of Nadi, we made our way to the airport, carrying with us unforgettable memories of Fiji’s islands and its warm, welcoming people. Vinaka, Fiji—thank you for the memories!
Travel Tips:
- Pack Light: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, bug spray, a reusable water bottle, and beach essentials.
- Cash Over Cards: Some smaller resorts and villages may not accept credit cards, so it’s a good idea to carry Fijian dollars. We got it from the airport.
- Carry the adapter for charging your devices.
- Dress modestly when visiting villages and follow Fijian etiquette.
Embrace the slow pace of island life—it’s all about relaxation and enjoying the moment!
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