If you’re looking for a beach vacation that’s off-the beaten track, Fiji is for you.  If Maldives seems a bit mainstream and Bora Bora is just too expensive, then Fiji is just your perfect beach vacay…but the question is, where is Fiji exactly?  Located at the Southern Hemisphere, this country is a part of Oceania that lies north of New Zealand and east of Vanuatu.

Where to Stay

Normally, we do budget travel and strike a balance between indulging during our trips yet try to be practical and cost-effective, but for this trip, we want to go a little extra since it’s our honeymoon.  We are lucky to have found Warwick Fiji which is located in Coral Coast (this is about 80 km stretch of beautiful Fijian beach) in Viti Levu.  We’ve stayed in the resort for 6 nights, our trip was so refreshing that on our second day, I’m already thinking of coming back.

Fiji in a Nutshell

Visa-free for Filipinos – There are lots of beautiful Polynesian islands that does not require visa for Filipinos.  Being one of the most accessible islands to visit, start your bucket list by ticking off Fiji first.

Fiji Time – There was one time that we were meeting a local and were late for about 3 minutes.  We apologised, but then he said, “do not worry, it’s Fiji time“.  Basically, it means no rush, just relax because you are on vacation. (Ahhh.. just what you need for this much sought-after beach life)

Fijian Dollar – their local currency isn’t available on money changers here in Singapore so I was advised to bring AUD instead and had it exchanged at the airport (which I rarely do but since we were not dropping by the town that day, we had it exchanged upon arrival).  Do note that credit card usage has about 3 to 3.5% charge.  Warwick Fiji also has ATM machine at their resort.

Bula and Vinaka –  I’ve probably lost count of how many times I’ve heard Bula (which means hello) but when I think about it, it just goes to show how Fijians are the friendliest, warmest people you would come to know.  Vinaka, on the other hand, means thank you in their local language.

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Where to Eat

Wicked Walu – Just by hearing its interesting name, the restaurant (that actually has its own island – also in Warwick Fiji) would have piqued your interest.  Nothing can be more romantic than having a sumptuous dinner with an amazing sunset view and we were even lucky to spot some baby sharks the night we went (they usually come during high tide).  From celebrating life events such as anniversaries or a wedding proposal or just because you simply deserve to try the finest seafood — this restaurant is your best find.  As for me and my husband, this was the highlight of our Fijian honeymoon experience and we were glad we’ve dined here during our last night.

Papagallo Restaurant – This is my second favorite restaurant (also located at Warwick Fiji) because their Italian food tastes authentic and they apparently offer generous serving.  We had our first dining experience in Fiji at Papagallo and ordered my favorite spaghetti carbonara and their chef-recommended pizza.

Day Cruises in Fiji

There are so many tours to choose from because Fiji has numerous pristine beaches and various activities.  Unlike the rest of our travels, we didn’t have any itinerary at all when we came to Fiji because we got busy with the wedding preparations and work, also because we wanted our honeymoon to be as laidback as possible.  Good thing is, there is Pacific Destinations, a travel specialist, at Warwick Fiji, and we were able to see the best options and ask for advice.

We decided to book Cruisin Fiji via Pacific Destinations because their tour pretty much sums up everything that I wanted to see — those corals which are feast for the eyes and unspoiled beaches (that also happened to be where Castaway was filmed).  Best thing is, we got a discount because we paid in cash (tour costs 250 FJ$, discounted to 237/person – inclusive of Fijian lovo lunch, unlimited wine, beer, water and snorkelling equipment).

First Stop	Mana Island: snorkelling and sandbar
Second Stop	Monu Island: deep sea cove
Third Stop	Modriki Island: Castaway tour & lovo lunch
Duration	9am – 5pm

How to Get to Fiji

If you’re coming from Southeast Asia, Fiji Airways offers direct flights from Singapore to Fiji (point of entry: Nadi).  Their promo usually starts at 600+ SGD return, though we met someone who was able to book return flights for 370 SGD only.  If you’re visiting Australia or New Zealand, it’s good to add Fiji in your itinerary since it’s nearby (which was what we did).

Fiji Transfer and Tours

I highly recommend Bula Transfers and Tours as its service is the best and rate is affordable. If you need airport transfer or private tours, Bula Transfers (owned by Ben Tuquea) has good value for money as compared to the rates offered by the hotels. We are so thankful to Ben for being so accommodating and kind to us.

The Fijians are, by far, the kindest and friendliest people we’ve met.  It was the best decision to spend our honeymoon here.  It’s also nice to find a resort that makes you feel that you are really well taken care of.  By booking at Warwick Fiji, you’d definitely feel that you’ve had the vacation you very much deserved.