A Complete Travel Guide To Nadi, Fiji Islands

Nadi is the gateway to Fiji and sits on the western side of Viti Levu. It has a population of more than 10,000 and because of its proximity to the international airport, it essentially caters for tourists. Facilities include accommodation of all kinds, restaurants, nightlife, duty free shopping, sightseeing tours and inter-island cruises.

Once a small community of farmers and shopkeepers, Nadi has mushroomed into a mini megalopolis of approximately 20,000 inhabitants - Fiji's third-largest city. The area surrounding Nadi - a patchwork of sugar cane fields - has the highest concentration of hotels and resorts in the entire country. This is where most visitors spend a lot of their time because of its proximity to the airport (nine km from the town) and the fine weather.

Nadi is a hot, dry town, little more than one long main drag but it's growing, mostly fueled by the tourism industry. Nadi town is perhaps the best place in Fiji to pick up souvenirs and there are good places to eat.

Though the town may not appeal to everyone, the surrounding countryside is rolling and verdant, the beaches are relatively unpopulated, and the mountainous region (known as the Nausori Highlands) to the east is nothing short of spectacular. Seeing the Nausori Highlands is well worth it but roads can be rough and/or muddy and car rental agencies wouldn't be happy if they knew you had plans to explore remote areas.

Having a large Indian population, Nadi is a religious center for Muslims and Hindus. The major place of worship for Hindus is the multi- chromatic new Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple temple on the east side of town. The Hindu shrine is reportedly the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Visitors are welcomed but cameras are tabu on the temple grounds. Be sure to take off your shoes before entering.

The town itself is small in comparison to the capital, Suva, but is still a bustling centre of business with 18 hotels dotted along its undulating coastal fringe, providing holiday makers with everything they desire. It also acts as a gateway to other Fijian destinations.

Where to eat?
 
The B-Y (or Bi-Yuen) Restaurant is perhaps the best Chinese Restaurant in town. The restaurant is clean, modern and specialty is seafood served mostly Sezchuan style. Try the deep fried Opakapaka. Located on Nadi's Main Street on the west side of town. F$10-20.

Bounty Restaurant in the Martintar district of Nadi is a large air-conditioned eatery serving a range of Indian, Chinese and Continental Cuisine. The dining area is large, underlit but pleasant. The Bounty is located about 100 meters east of Dominion Hotel. F$10-25.

The Curry Restaurant on the main drag in town is town is clean, modern and serves excellent curry. Prices range from F$10-20 for an entree.

Chef's has Nadi's finest continental, located outside of a hotel. Decor is modern very chi-chi by Fiji standards--there is ample tile and pastel colors. The dining area is large and a fancy well stocked bar is on the premises. Food is reportedly very good. Chef's is located at the end of Sagayam Road, just off main street in downtown Nadi. F$20-50.

The Corner Restaurant in downtown Nadi is owned and operated by same people that own Chef's. Long and narrow it is configured like a classic American diner complete with and a cafeteria counter and booths that line the walls. Good cheap food can be had here including chop suey, Thai curry, fried rice, steak, sandwiches, hot dogs, pasteries, shakes, and other items. Their homemade ice cream is superb. F$6-16 range.

What to do:

Internet Planet is the place to check out for Internet connectivity. There are a half a dozen or so computers and, for your viewing pleasure, it doubles as a DVD and video store. It's located on Queens Road in the Martintar district (next to Bounty Resturant) between downtown Nadi and the airport. You can reach them at 725 130.
Shopping: Get your souvenirs in Nadi. Jack's in downtown Nadi is a good place to start. They have a good quality stuff ranging from handicrafts to clothing. It's more like a department store. Sogos, across the street and down the road from Jack's has good quality clothing for men and women. Check out their Tabu Soro sports wear. Be sure and see the public market in town. Oh, yeah the Post Office has a great array of inexepensive postcard sand stamps for Philatelists. (Go here for a primer on shopping in Fiji).

Go to the Beach: Wailioaloa Beach---The 1/2 mile stretch of brown beach (which is not particularly beautiful sand) has on north end is Travellers beach Resort and Club Fiji to the sourth. The beach is popular with local familes which swim there (adults swim usually fully clothed) or beer drinkers, particularly on the weekends. At Club Fiji or Travellers one can buy a beer a meal and/or use the hotel facilities. Swimming: is not particularly good. The waves churn the water near the shore brown. If you are going to swim at all, you're better off on the north end. The south end has a preponderance of mud flats, especially at low tide. However, the Club Fiji is a nicer venue. There is a pool, better restaurant, landscaped gardens, deck chairs, palapas and water sports facilities.

Go Diving: If scuba diving is one of your hobbies, join one of the schooners which departs from the beach near the Sheraton Royal Denerau at 9.30am daily. The program of one or two day dives will depend on your enthusiasm. Non-divers are catered for with snorkelling equipment. The local dive operators (the best being Aqua-Trek) will take you on day trips to the nearby Mamanuca Islands. 

Visit the Mamanuca Islands: There are a myriad of day trips to the Mamanuca Group. You can either fly or take a boat. There are day cruises to island and jungle locations and cruise boats will pick you up from the beach at the Sheraton Royal denerau and take you down the Nadi River and on to the Mamanuca Islands.
Surf : Inquire at Viti Surf Legend at the Nadi Bay Hotel.

For Hotel Bookings http://hotelrates.com

Guided Tours to the Hinterlands: There's more to Nadi than town! To see the great outdoors consider taking a half day or full day guided tour with Isaia Seru, a distinguished Fijan man, who can take you around in his 4-wheel drive vehicle to the picturesque Nausori Highlands, Sabeto Valley, Sigatoka Valley or Navala Village--one of the few remaining villages with tradtional thatched roof bures (homes). Isaia is a personable guy who has a great deal of knowledge of the area. Tours are very reasonably priced and available in full or half day increments. 

The starting point for many scenic tours and sporting activities, Nadi is close to Viseisei Village, regarded by most Fijians as the 'foundation village' of Fijian heritage and culture. Also close by is Fiji's largest privately owned gardens, the tropical Waqadra Botanical Gardens, which opens from Monday to Saturday.

From Nadi you can visit the Momi guns, bunkers and gun emplacements installed to repel a World War 2 invasion by the Japanese which never eventuated, or take a trip to Mt Victoria, Fiji's highest peak with three native reserves and breathe the clean, still air which is found only above sea level.

Nightlife: It's generally pretty quiet round Nadi town. Bobby McGee's Night Club caters to the local crowd which can be entertaining but full of drunks. Planter's Club, the night club at the Sheraton is usually the hot local scene but it's smoke filled, loud and far from town. The best place to meet locals and lonely flight attendants are the hotels such as the Tanoa, Mocambo or Ed's, nightclub, for weekend dances.

Golf: Finally, Nadi has one of two international standard 18 hole golf courses in Fiji, and it's within easy reach of the town's hotel belt.