Fiji Travel Tips: How to Plan an Affordable Trip
Last Updated on Aug 21, 2024
Fiji is often considered a dream destination for travelers. This 300-land archipelago located in the South Pacific Ocean doesn’t need a lengthy introduction, especially to those of you who have seen the film Blue Lagoon.
A common misconception that many travelers have is that a trip to Fiji is way beyond their budget.
I don’t blame them. Some of the hotels in Fiji are the most luxurious in the world. Tony Robbins owns an island where he hosts super pricy retreats and other resorts might cost you a couple of thousand dollars per night.
After my spontaneous budget trip to Fiji, I can confidently say that you can organize your trip to Fiji on a budget. I enjoyed my trip and would definitely go again. Here I’ll explain how I did it and show you my budget guide to Fiji, whether you’re backpacking in Fiji or trying to do it on a tight budget.
Fiji Travel Tips
Is Fiji Expensive to Visit?
If you’re thinking of going to Fiji you shouldn’t wait until the last minute to book everything, especially if you’re in Australia. Unlike some great last-minute deals that can be found in the Galapagos or Antarctica, hastily planned trips to Fiji are often much more expensive.
On a tight budget, you shouldn’t try to visit as many islands as you can by purchasing an island-hopping adventure. Fiji is beautiful, but you don’t have to visit all the islands to get the real Fijian experience.
When you’re island hopping don’t get surprised that you can’t stop at a majority of the islands due to a landing fee of 70 FJD per person. But I did manage to stay for a bit at the Plantation Island Resort. My guide informed us that ‘it’s amazing because it has a mini supermarket!” – I guess when you live in Fiji you can get extremely excited over simple pleasures we take for granted such as chocolate or yogurt.
My boat stopped at Robinson Crusoe Island where the film Cast Away with Tom Hanks was filmed and Honeymoon Island where many couples have romantic getaways together.
Map of Fiji
Fiji islands are the name indicates are islands and you need to plan your trip accordingly. Similar to the Philippines, the distances are often large. Make sure you take a look at a Fiji map before and know where you’re heading.
Cheap Flights to Fiji
The cheapest way to visit Fiji is via a stopover on the way to Australia. However, if you’re not planning on doing that, you should try to visit Fiji while in Australia. Fiji has various local airports and one international airport in Nadi, so either way, you have to fly to Nadi first.
I’m not a big fan of low-cost airlines, because I usually end up losing money due to delays or simply wanting to reschedule. To save money, I considered booking a flight with Jetstar – an Australian budget airline.
As expected, hidden luggage fees ended up making the cost unreasonable. I instead opted to fly with Virgin Australia International, but I booked via a cheaper provider HanhAir – a German consultant airline, for approximately 350 AUD round-trip from Sydney.
Where to Go in Fiji on a Budget?
Fiji has over 20 islands, divided into two regions – Mamanuca and Yasawa, and as I mentioned before it’s not necessary to see all the islands. Island hopping is nice because you’re being taken everywhere, but this comfort comes at quite a price.
I decided to organize my own ‘hopping’ in the Mamanuca region and I didn’t regret it. There’s no point in joining an organized island hopping trip unless you have a lot of money to spare.
Transportation Between the Islands in Fiji
Boat rides to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands are notoriously expensive, as many resorts require you to book transport through them. However, there are local boats you can use.
There is absolutely no problem with using boats to get around the various islands in Fiji. You can simply go to the port and get on board there or you can call and organize a pick up in advance. Either way, the price is the same. For example, a round trip from Nadi to Mana Island costs 140 Fijian dollars (75 USD).
Where to Stay in Fiji
Fiji has accommodation options ranging from exclusive 5-star resorts to backpackers dorms. Hostel prices begin at $9 per night in a dorm on the islands and $4 on the mainland in Nadi. Here are a few options for affordable accommodation and hostels in Fiji:
Overwater Bungalows in Fiji
There weren’t many options for overwater bungalows in Fiji until recently. While Fiji still doesn’t have ‘futuristic water villas’ like those in the Maldives, here are a few options of fantastic spots:
- Fiji Marriott
- Likuliku Lagoon Resort (my personal favorite!)
- Koro Sun Resort – not quite totally overwater, but see for yourself
Where to Stay in Nadi
There is no reason to stay in Nadi, but the majority of travelers have to spend the first and the night there due to a late flight and the lack of boat transfers in the afternoon.
Luxury to mid-range travelers will be satisfied by staying at Ramada Suites. It’s a beachfront hotel with pools and tropical gardens.
For budget travelers, I recommend Smugglers Cove Backpackers for only $5 for a bed in a dorm. It’s a nice and clean place with beds that offer a lot of privacy. Unusual for Fiji the hostel has unlimited free wifi, affordable restaurant and free airport pickup. In the evening there is a show with traditional Fijian dances.
Mana Island Fiji Travel Tips
I recommend staying in Mana Island, because it’s only 3h from Nadi. Mana Island was as beautiful and picturesque as one would expect. This small island with only two hostels and a village had everything a backpacker would want in Fiji. White powder beaches, palm trees, and crystal clear blue waters made it ideal for swimming, diving, snorkeling, or just relaxing.
There are only 2 hostels on the island offering similar rates for less than $20 a night. I stayed at Ratu Kini Dive Resort, that as a name suggests offers PADI courses and introductory diving sections.
I was picked up by their minivan and taken to the port where I boarded the boat to Mana Island. Upon arrival, I was greeted with a warm ‘Bula!’ and a lei around my neck. For those who don’t know it’s an Islander tradition to put a wreath of flowers around one’s neck.
For a few extra $15 a day you can get a meal package with simple lunch and dinner, but fresh and tasty. If you prefer to choose your own meals you can get a dish from a la carte menu available at their restaurant. The hostel organized evening activities such as Cava making or limbo.
Ratu Kini also organized plenty of activities at night such as Cava making. Cava is traditional Fijian alcohol made from seeds. Although I don’t think it tastes very good, I believe everyone should try it at least once.
Beachcomber Island (Mamanuca Islands)
Another option for a backpacker stay in Fiji is a beachcomber island. It’s great for partying and meeting other travelers, but it’s a bit more expensive than Mana Island. A good option to stay is Beachcomber Island Resort for as little as $12 a night. But you have to pay an additional 80 Fijian dollars ($40) for a meal plan including 3 meals a day for each day you stay at the resort.
What to Know Before Visiting Fiji
If you’d like to be connected to the Internet while lounging on the beach, you should purchase a sim card at the airport. For $5 you can get 1GB of internet on your smartphone. While Wi-Fi (if even available), costs around $5 per hour.
You need to remember to get cash in Nadi or any other location on the main island. Most of the smaller islands don’t have ATMs, and card readers aren’t very popular.
Bring some conservative clothing. While you’ll be fine in touristy spots, locals tend to cover up so if you try to blend it, you might want to put something on your shoulders.
Kava Ceremony
Be ready to be offered Kava, a national drink that’s made of roots. Kava ceremonies traditionally occur within local tribes, but many hotels offer ceremonies as well. Kava ceremonies take place on the floor while everyone is sitting in a circle.
To accept the kava, clap three times and drink the entire bowl in its entirety. Then clap three times to show appreciation for the kava. I’ll be honest, I didn’t like the taste very much, but the whole experience is a must!
Alternative Options of Tropical Islands Around the World:
Any questions about traveling to Fiji? Let me know, I’m usually friendly and try to respond quickly 😉
Great tips. We’re going to be in Fiji this summer. From the US, we’re flying Fiji Airways to Brisbane which allowed us a free stopover in Fiji for a few days. Thanks for the tip on the sim cards. I was hoping I didn’t have to wait until I got hotel wifi to start posting amazing Fiji photos. 🙂
I hope you’re gonna have a great time!
Some great tips that we will remember when we head out that way next year 🙂
Let me know if you need any further advice!
Wow, this is super good to know!
I delight in, lead to I discovered exactly what I used to
be looking for. You’ve ended my 4 day lengthy hunt!
God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
Hi! Awesome advice! I just have a question, witch islands had 15$ meal deal? I just found deals at the hostels for 89 dollars…
Hi Sanna! It was on Mana Island – there are 2 backpackers resorts there. i stayed at Ratu Kini.
Nice – thanks! I’m going to be visiting Fiji as part of my #nandosworldtour – looks like some pretty useful tips here!
Enjoy! It’s a beautiful place 🙂
Hey Anna, im currently trying to plan a trip to fiji from new Zealand. If you could email me I would love to ask you a few more questions about it all. Trying to do it on a low budget!
Thanks! 🙂
Hi Sophie! Feel free to send me an email: [email protected] 🙂
Great Tips! I shall keep this in mind
As a budget traveller I see where you are coming from and appreciate the tips!
It looks beautiful!
I found Fiji to be quite expensive, but I’m not a budget traveler, so finding affordable luxury accommodations was very difficult, and like you said, it got harder the longer we waited. We also found the boat out to the island was really expensive. Maybe we just did something wrong. I don’t know.
Great advice!! I was thinking about going from Fiji from Australia
You definitely should pay Fiji a visit – it’s just a short flight away from Australia! 🙂
This is great info, Anna! I’d love to hit up Fiji before I leave Asia! Never knew it could be done on a budget.
Go! 🙂 And let me know what you think 🙂
These are exactly the kind of tips I love to find ! thanks for sharing …
*added to my bookmarks* 🙂
I honestly have to say Fiji isn’t on the top of my list yet due to being on budget but these are great tips! I know there are ways to stay on budget 🙂
Definitely! Go if you have a chance 😉
I’ve thought about going to Fiji for a while, but the flight from Boston would be so long. Hawaii took us the greater part of a day because of the 2 6 hour flights and a very long wait in LA. However, if I ever find myself in Australia or New Zealand, it would become a lot more tempting 🙂
Fiji on a budget?! Didn’t realize it was possible! You’re awesome, thanks for the tips!
Good tips. I visited Fiji a long time ago but I found there were lots of hostels and other backpacker resources. I ended up staying with Fijians in a mountain town — if you can get an experience like that, you’ll find it’s a lot more memorable than a few days on the beach.
Do you remember which town was it?
Yes how did you manage that?
Some tips to remember! Great 🙂 See some great pics of Fiji passing by always, so it’s definately on the must visit list 🙂
We have always fancied Fiji but it would be really expensive, these are great tips and really helpful!
I’d always thought Fiji would be such a beautiful place to visit but the cost of just traveling there always turned me off. It’s great to know it’s a lot more affordable when traveling from Australia… it’s two things I could knock off my list! Thanks for the tips, I’m sure I’ll put them to use coming up!
Let me know how ig goes if you decide to head that way!
Hi we are heading over there in December. Wondering is it possible to go to the marina and catch a ferry to an island for the day just to snorkel without actually staying on that island or going via a day tour?
The first boat leaves at 8 or 9am – not sure and it immiediately comes back after dropping off passengers and taking new ones on board, so I don’t think it’s possible.
Anna, online, some of the resorts your talking about are very expensive…is it because the prices on the internet are more expensive then if you go in person. and try and get a deal?
Big resorts will be expensive, but there’s no point of staying in them. You can easily stay in a guesthouse 🙂
Just took a trip to the Fiji Islands and it was incredible. The people were amazing and the weather was perfect. The cooler dry season is from April through October and the warm, wetter and more humid season is from November to March. Air temperatures range from the mid 70’s to mid 80’s year round, with water temperatures hovering in the same range, year around just a heads up.
when i travel, i sweat a lot and get thirsty easily too. anyone else who have used LifeStraw Water Bottle?
@Anna: thanks for sharing this. considering on giving this a try. but just curious, did you encounter any health prob when using this to get water?
Never. I actually have my Lifestraw bottle with me here in Costa Rica at the moment 🙂
thanks! that’s great to hear.
Great info! thanks! Any recent details on getting the boats to get from Nadi to Mana Island? Do we just walk there from the airport? Is it hard to find the boats? Are there scammers there?
Thanks!
I haven’t encountered any spammers. You can either get to the port and ask (they have on boat per day leaving Nadi at 8:30am) or ask your accommodation to send you a boat.
has anybody experience with stayng with the locals?? Gie
Great tips you have here! I’m definitely taking notes, Fiji is a great destination!
Hello, thanks a lot for your tips!!
I was checking the accommodation places that you recommended, however the prices are much expensive. What website did you use to book you ?
We are a family of 4 (2 adults + 2kids: 3yrs and 14yrs) traveling very budget. Is there anything that you can recommend us? I hear that there are small local accommodation options which includes 3 meals a day. Do you know any of these? I was searching but I only found information for big resorts and a couple of backpackers.
Cheers!
Hi Ursula,
When I checked just now places had the same prices +/- $10 on random dates, but if you’re looking into going during the high season it’s going to be more expensive. It also might be the fact that these are prices for a bed in a dorm, where kids are not allowed normally. I’d message Ratu Kini and ask if they have a bungalow where kids can stay (they have the 3 meal a day option), and also look into Bounty Island Resort.
Hi,
Thanks for the tips, really helpful! If we make a base on Mana Island, is it possible to then just do day trips from there to a few other islands?
Thanks in advance!
Yes, that’s what I did 🙂
Hi Anna,
Thank you for all the great tips about Fiji.
If I can have your email address. I’d love to help. Thank you.
It’s on my contact page 🙂
great info! also a traveler like u, counting countries visited and soaking up life….
Was wondering if you have any insight on chartering a sail boat/catamaran with captain/cook to sail the area, on a budget.
I did that in Ionian islands in Greece, found an amazing deal 1600 usd for a week for a room on 4-room boat, 2 meals included, plus drinks etc. Just came back, was such an amazing adventure. Would love to do Fiji like that 😉
Hi, I’m currently in Australia and looking at going to Fiji, The Philippines and SE Asia in January. I’m hoping to go for around 3 months with about 2 weeks spent in Fiji. How much AUD realistically do you think I need for Fiji on a backpacker budget?
Hope you can give advise!!
Meg x
It depends on what do you want to do. If you want to dive, that’s surely going to increase your budget by a LOT, but it’s also totally worth it. I’d count approx. $500-700 for a bed in hostels for 2 weeks in a regular season (most are usually full board), plus expenses. $1000 should be enough with transportation but without diving, I’d say.
I think I would dive once but not interested in getting any certificates etc! Thanks so much for your reply I hear so many different things about Fiji! I want to budget around 1200 AUD. I’m hoping it will be enough. Do you have any suggested routes to take or things to do? Completely clueless when it comes to Fiji! x
To keep it on a budget I’d suggest sticking to Mamanuca Islands only unless you find a discounted island hopping package. You can do day tours, but probably stick to max. 4 places and use public boats or from hostels rather than charter ones.
Anna, could you please suggest me some diving spots
This guide was awesome. Me and my hubby are debating between Fiji and the Maldives for our honeymoon. Any insight of which destination you’d choose?
I haven’t been to the Maldives yet – going in January!
Your post a truly amazing for anyone who’s looking for a budget-friendly vacation trip to Fiji. Thanks for sharing!!!
Big Love Big Support!
I went on an around the world trip when I visited Fiji in 1993. I stayed on Beachcomber Island and it was like paradise for me. Earlier on that trip I had visited Hawaii and that had been really pricey. In 2002 I managed to visit French Polynesia which was expensive and the Cook Islands. I had more visits to tropical islands after that. I visited three islands in the Seychelles in 2004 and in 2005 I visited the Maldives. Both of those places were pricey. My best trip was in 2006 when I discovered Caye Caulker in Belize.
Wow, great reading. I live in Fiji and loved reading this. A great budget friendly blog to read on Fiji 🙂
Hi Leezet, as a Fiji local do you have any other recommendations to experience like a local: food, activities…
Such an amazing article I really want to come there your blog is informative I like your blog and I spend my holidays in Fiji next month.
Thanks for sharing this much of information. i am a travel blogger and visited many times to fiji. I always find some hotels are charging some extra but after some effort i’m able to manage few cheap resorts. You shared a good information and is pretty helpful for the new travelers who are visiting fiji.
Hi Anna,
Thanks for the tips, people like you make life lot easier!!
Your trip sounds amazing and I’d love to do something similar.
Me and my girlfriend are looking to go next year for around the same amount of time you went. Over the 5 days, how much AUD did it cost? We would be flying from New Zealand so don’t worry about including info on the flights.
Thanks in advance.
Hey Anna!
I really liked your article, I live in Sydney and visiting Fiji is long on my bucket list… However, I think Jetstar is so much better than Virgin! Virgin still has got hidden charges for luggage and on the 3,5 hour flight from Auckland we didn’t even get water for free… if we flew with Jetstar the price for the ticket would be probably half even with 1pc luggage included… anyway, that is just my negative experience… I like Jetstar, we’re flying with them everywhere not only around Australia… 😉
Thanks Anna for this introduction to visiting Fiji on a budget. We are going to be in Oz for six months and thought that including Fiji in our itinerary might be fun. Although you did present some budget options, we are an older couple and no longer are comfortable in hostels. It would be nice to find some lodging options that are in between hostels and luxury resorts, but perhaps Fiji is too much a tourist destination to have many of those. Your outline of the various islands and where the airports are was very helpful. I also learned what I needed to know about moving from island to island. Have fun!
Hi Anna, Great post. Can you please explain how to use HanhAir to book flight ticket?
Thanks for the amazing Fiji travel budget tips! I know one of the best private resort named Raiwasa. And also one of the budget luxury accommodation in Fiji.
Hello Anna 🙂
Of course, over time the prices change drastically. Just a little info for future travellers: We also stayed in Ratu Kini on Mana Island and the meal plans are now around 42 Fiji dollar per person. Transport to Mana Island is FJD180 return per person from Nadi.
Outstanding images that are included here. Many thanks to you for spending your time here to make a beautiful content and for sharing your gathered experience. Traveling is always more enjoyable and educative. This must be a perfect place for removing monotony. These given images are very much pretty and so much professional and inspirational.