Travels to Fiji are almost always unheard of, mainly because of the perception that it is an expensive country to visit. What more with images of 5-star resorts, private beaches and fancy meals, it is indeed hard to imagine Fiji as an affordable destination. Unbeknownst to many, it is possible to travel Fiji on a budget!
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Let us show you why Fiji is budget-friendly and perfect for Muslim travellers ?
1. Excellent climate
If you’re afraid of cold weather (think: thick sweaters, constant shivers), you’re in luck! Fiji enjoys a warm and tropical climate year-round, perfect for those beach holidays you've always dreamt of.
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The average temperatures in Fiji range between 26°C and 31°C, with a gentle cooling trade wind blowing from the south-east for most of the year. It's here that you get the most gorgeous of sunsets against the white sandy beach and tropical trees ?
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To make the most out of your budget, choose to travel during the low and wet season (from late October to early November) as it is out of the school holiday season. Hence, accommodation is much cheaper compared to that during the high season (between July and September) – you’ll get to save heaps!
2. Beautiful islands
Fiji is home to over 330 islands, with the main ones being Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni. Walk on fine sugar-white sand while enjoying the cool breeze as you stroll along the beach. The soothing sounds of the calm lagoon waves washing over the sand presents you with the sense of peacefulness and tranquility ?
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On a tight budget, we recommend selecting only a few islands to visit as full island-hopping adventure packages usually start from 70FJD (USD32) per person.
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To make the most out of your trip, include a day-long picnic by the beach to enjoy your well-deserved rest and relaxation. After all, you’re on an island in the middle of the gorgeous South Pacific ?
3. Delicious food and fresh fruits
For foodies, you are in for a treat in Fiji! As Fiji is mostly dwelled by its native Fijians followed by Indians, the food is inspired by the local Indian-Fijian community. It is not hard to find halal food in Fiji – when you’re on an island. It is only natural that you feast on fresh seafood ?
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An abundance of fruits like bananas and coconuts alongside root vegetables like taros, yam and sweet potatoes are also available in Fiji. A must here is to enjoy your coconut along the beach, as you gaze at the gorgeous clear blue water!
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Influences from the Indian-Fijian culture have made it such that its local food being delicious and spicy, so if you love curry, you’re in luck! To stick to your tight budget, avoid dining at restaurants in resorts as they are most likely aimed at tourists, which means you will pay a hefty price for meals there. It is always wise to eat with the locals instead of unnecessarily spending money on meals in expensive restaurants!
But if you're ever in need of some fast food, head to trusty ol' McDonalds! Yes, the fast food chain in Fiji is halal-certified too ?
Address: 135 Queens Road, Nadi | 177 Vitogo Parade, Lautoka | Laucala Bay Rd, Suva | Scott St, Suva
Opening Hours: 24 hours (outlets in Nadi and Suva)
There are also eateries that may not be officially halal-certified but have Muslim ownership, so do check to make sure. For your convenience, here are some suggestions for halal food that you can find in Fiji:
a) Kebab King
Address: Port Denarau Marina, Nadi | MHCC, Suva
Opening Hours: 9.00am – 9.00pm, Monday – Sunday
Contact: +679 675 0375
b) Mezbaan
Address: Level 2, MHCC Building, Thomson Street, Suva
Opening Hours: 9.00am – 9.00pm, Monday – Sunday
Contact: +679 9959 501
c) Chicken Bites
Address: Shop 1, Harilala Building, Queens Road, Namaka, Nadi
Opening Hours: 6.00am – 10.00pm, Monday – Sunday
Contact: +679 672 8107
And of course, what's Fiji without their renowned Fiji Water? Home to this iconic brand, it's a must that you taste some of the best (and freshest!) water in the world here.
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4. Perfect for snorkeling and diving
The crystal-clear South Pacific seawater in Fiji serves as an ideal location for snorkeling and diving. Be enchanted by the beauty of protected reefs forming brilliant soft corals that are undoubtedly the world’s most stunning!
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With over 1,000 species of fishes, both intermediate and expert divers are in for a great underwater adventure! If you are a newbie and would like to take the plunge, you can opt to take the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certification in Fiji.
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Pack your own snorkeling or diving gear with you if you already have them!
5. Eco-friendly
With the increasing number of travelers globally each year, it is important that we play our part in responsible traveling. And Fiji is the best place to start! It's an eco-friendly country, and that definitely contributes to ensuring travel that is geared towards the conservation and preservation of local ecologies, economies and communities.
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Fijians take their eco-friendliness to a whole new level – local cultures are preserved as they love their history and heritage. The local authorities come up with laws to protect the lagoons, reefs and sea life in Fiji. Tourist accommodation sites are staffed by local Fijians, directly benefitting the local Fijian community. So you can immerse in authentic local experience while exploring everything that Fiji has to offer, knowing that you are contributing to the local communities in Fiji ?
6. Breathtaking hiking trails
While most people associate Fiji with long sandy beaches, that's not all it has. This beautiful country is also home to incredible hiking routes! These spectacular treks and trails bring you through forests in search of waterfalls. Besides, you can hike up to mountain peaks for breathtaking panoramic views of the island ?
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Couple that with incredible bird-watching opportunities, your hikes will be nothing short of rewarding. For the fitness junkie, a hike on Mount Tomanivi (also known as Mount Victoria) is your answer to a great cardio session. It is Fiji’s highest mountain at 1,232 meters. Due to its steep terrain towards the peak, it is classified as a difficult hike so be prepared!
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It is a requirement to hire a Fijian guide for you to hike Mount Tomanivi, of whom you will pay 20FJD (approximately USD10). In addition to the guide fees, you will have to fork out another 20FJD (USD10) for the admission fee.
7. Welcoming Fijians
Fiji is perfect for couples, but it offers a great time for families too! For starters, you will be welcomed by a band of smiling locals in floral shirts serenading on the guitar and ukulele as you arrive at the airport. How welcoming is that? ?
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Wherever you go, the locals will greet you with “Bula (pronounced boo-lah)” to welcome you. Armed with strong community ties and family values, the heartwarming interaction among the Fijians and the people around them means you get to enjoy the same experience while you are there ?
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With the people so kind and welcoming in Fiji, it is no wonder the country is dubbed “the happiest place on Earth”. The world is indeed a happier place when everyone is treated with kindness and respect!
8. Captivating local culture
A mergence of two cultures, the local culture of Fiji is brought about by the native Fijians and Indians. What better way to learn about a country than through its culture, right? ?
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When in Rome, do as the Romans do - and the same applies to your visit to Fiji. It is recommended to wear modest clothing when visiting villages. It is also customary to offer a small gift to the chief of the village as a symbol of gratitude.
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Another interesting cultural ceremony that you can witness in Fiji is the Lovo. It is a magnificent feast cooked in the earth. Traditionally, food such as tapioca, sweet potato, yam and taro is put together with meat (do request for the meat to be taken out, if you're not comfortable!). They are then covered with damp sacks and banana leaves or coconut stalks before being cooked in the lot of soil. Sit back and relax as you wait for the food to cook – it’ll take around two hours!
Are you convinced of the paradise that is Fiji yet? Time to put on your planning cap and get your holiday spirit going as you start planning that dream Fiji getaway!