Nadi
Nadi (pronounced "Nandi") is on the western side of the island of Viti Levu, the main and largest island in Fiji.
Understand
Nadi is a transit point for other destinations in Fiji. It may not be such a great place to spend any time but you may find yourself here whilst awaiting ferries, boats to outer islands or planes to and from home.
If you do decide to stay in or around Nadi, make sure you are prepared to be approached by people trying to get you into their shop as you walk down the main street. These people aren't threatening, but you do need to watch your valuables.
You may also encounter an underlying air of racism between the Indian and native Fijian populations, but this rarely comes out in the open.
Get in
Nadi International Airport (NAN) is Fiji's main international gateway. It is responsible for over 95 percent of Fiji's annual international passengers.
Nadi International Airport's main airline providers include:
Fiji Airways, Air New Zealand , Pacific Blue, Korean Air, and Air Fiji, among few others.
Visit Airports Fiji Limited [1] for more information.
Get around
- There is a great local bus service at your disposal. Travel with the locals in open-air comfort for a fraction of the price of a hire car. All buses are marked on the front with the names of the two towns they travel between. If unsure, ask the driver.
- If you are staying at the Nadi Bay Hotel, simply walk to the end of that road and catch the local bus heading right (towards Nadi Town). The buses run every 20 minutes or so, and are just 50 cents FJD one-way to town.
- Taxis have their hometown printed on the front bumper, if they are travelling back home they are not allowed to charge more than the busfare.
- You are able to barter with the taxi driver prior to the trip in order to get the price of your trip down before you leave to your destination, ask your hotel or research reasonable prices prior to your ride. The taxis can be flagged down, or found at taxi stands
- It is recommended that you do not hire a personal car to take you around, simply for safety reasons.
- Rental Cars are available through many known names such as Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Budget, etc. many can be found in the airport. You must have a valid drivers license and be above the age of 25 (or 21 depending on the company) in order to rent a car. The average price is around F$100 per day.
See
- Visit the Hindu Temple at the southern end of the main street of Nadi. It is the largest in the Pacific and is very colourful.
- Visit the Wailoaloa Beach, at a 1/2 mile long the beach located in the northern area of Nadi. There are multiple beach clubs and resorts located on this stretch.
- The Newtown Beach has public access as well, it is located about 10 minutes away from Nadi town by bus.
- Visit the Nadi Garden of the Sleeping Giant. Originally started to make a place for the private collection of tropical orchids of Canadian actor Raymond Burr, this garden now houses many beautiful plants and trails for walking. It is open Monday-Saturday, entrance fee is F$10.
- Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool, Wailoko Rd (About 10 minutes past the Garden of the Sleeping Giants), ☏ 6798340088. Bring your bathing suit and slap on some mud, dry in the sun, then rinse in the three ever cleaner and cooler pools. Don't mind the frogs at the edge of the ponds, they won't come in, it's too warm. $F20.
Do
- Hop on a local bus (FJD$2) to Lautoka and visit a real Fijian city away from the tourist eye. The bus terminates at the local markets, where you can buy tonnes of fresh produce.
- From Thursday to Sunday, drop in to the Capricorn Hotel between Nadi airport and Nadi town at around 8pm. You can sit under the bungalow and listen to a wonderful group of Fijians playing traditional and modern songs on guitar, ukulele and keyboard. You may even be invited to try some of their kava drink (an experience in itself)! The Hotel also serves meals and there is a bar.
- Hop on a ferry at Denarau Port and visit the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands right off the coast.
- Visit the Nadi Town market, there are hand crafts, fruits, other produce, music, and much more!
Buy
- The currency is the in Nadi and all of Fiji is the Fijian dollar, the Fijian dollar is worth $0.49 for every American dollar
Eat
- Nadina Restaurant, Lot 6 Khalil St, Nadi (opposite the Capricorn hotel), ☏ (679) 672 7313. Authentic Fijian cuisine: Fresh seafood, chicken and meat served with rice or Fijian vegetables. Outdoor dining and very friendly staff. Locals sit outside playing the guitar and singing Fijian songs as you dine. Meals around $FJ20-30. This has now moved to Denarau.
- The Bounty Restaurant & Bar. Located in the Martintar "strip" is a favorite spot for locals and tourists. It has an excellent atmosphere and a friendly environment with good food and a selection of local and imported beers and spirits. The Bounty is popular for its steak and seafood dishes, particularly lobsters.
- The Royale Thai Restaurant. Located beside The Bounty Restaurant in the same premises offers a fine dining experience in authentic Thai cuisine. This has closed.
- Tu's Place. Is a great local restaurant also in the Martintar area of Nadi. It's over the road from the Bounty and next to Ed's bar. The menu is varied with some Asian inspired dishes, European dishes, local dishes and definitely great fish and chips. If you like a good Thai curry, get one at Tu's place. Tu makes his own fresh curry pastes - it makes a big difference. Also try the lassi and smoothies.
- Amalfi Italian Restaurant, ☏ (679)6750200. Is a very nice and new restaurant in Port Denarau (very close to Nadi). At this elegant restaurant, Italians serve Italian food and wines. Prices medium-high.
- Continental Cakes & Pizza Tel: 670 3595 This bakery located on Queen Road in Nadi town has gotten great reviews from numerous places. There are many cakes, pastries, bread, pizzas and delicious flaky croissants. The bakery serves breakfast, sandwiches, and flat crust pizzas Monday-Saturday from 8am-6pm.
- Daikoku Restaurant, ☏ +679-6703622. P.O.Box 1900, Nadi Town Daikoku restaurant is a popular Teppan-Yaki steak house located on the corner of Queens Road and Northern Press Road in Nadi Town. Call the listed telephone number for a reservation! They are open for lunch and dinner from 12pm-1130pm Monday-Saturday.
- Hard Rock Cafe, ☏ 679-670-3131. Located in Port Denarau, this Hard Rock is the home to items from Bruce Springsteen, Aerosmith, Shakira, Seal, Jethro Tull and many others. Open daily from 10am-11pm.
- Saffron Tel: 670 1233 Located on Main St in Nadi Town. This Indian restaurant is said to have the best Indian food in all of Fiji, created by Chef Eugene Gomes.
Drink
Ed's Bar is a short walk from the Nadi Bay Hotel. Just head out to the main road and turn left (away from Nadi Town). You'll find pool tables, a small dance section and a beer garden. There is no cover if you are a traveller and no dress code either.
- The Bounty Restaurant & Bar. Is a popular watering hole for locals and travelers. Located in the heart of Nadi and just walking distance from Ed's Bar, Mercure hotel, Capricorn hotel, Lazy Cactus, and Ohana. You'll find a variety local and foreign beers, also draught beer. Live sports games (IRB 7s, SUPER 14, etc) are screened on the big screen. The Bounty has a great atmosphere and also offers karaoke for the daring.
Sleep
Fiji offers a range of accommodation types from the budget accommodations to the luxurious up market resorts scattered around the islands.
- Capricorn Hotel. On the Queen's Road between Nadi airport and Nadi Town. This is a mid-priced hotel with fairly basic rooms, but they are air-conditioned and have patios/balconies. They restaurant serves fairly bland western style meals including fish and chips and pizza.
- Mercure Hotel Nadi, ☏ (679) 672 2255, fax: (679) 672 0187. Queens Rd, Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands. The hotel features 84 rooms in two accommodation wings that overlook the resort style swimming pool, beautiful tropical gardens, a restaurant with alfresco dining on the poolside deck as well as a relaxing and welcoming bar.
- Nadi Bay Hotel, ☏ 679 672 3599, fax: 679 672 0092. Wailoaloa Road, Nadi NAP 0359, Nadi Airport. A bustling hive of activity: friendly, good food, lots of travellers to swap stories with, reasonable room rates, music etc. As a small but refreshing detail, orange juice fans are recommended to grab a tall glass at the poolside bar.
- Nomads Skylodge Backpackers Resort, ☏ (679) 672 2200, fax: (679) 672 4330, bookings@nomadsskylodge.com.fj. Namaka, Queens Highway, Nadi Fiji Islands. Nomads Skylodge offers 55 rooms including superior and deluxe rooms, family units with cooking facilities and multi-share (4 to 6 beds per room) accommodations. Online reservation at best rates with instant confirmation start near US$50 for doubles.
- Aquarius Backpackers Resort. Wailoaloa Beach, Nadi Fiji Islands. All rooms at Aquarius Backpackers Resort have their own ensuite bathroom and top quality facilities.
- Nadi Bay Backpackers Resort. The Nadi Bay Resort is located just a few minutes by road from the airport and seaplane base, and offers a variety of accommodation including dorms, standard rooms and apartments. email Nomads Travel to Book. Online reservation at best rates with instant confirmation start near US$50 for doubles.
- Novotel Nadi, ☏ (679) 672 2000, fax: (679) 672 0590. Namaka Hill, Nadi Fiji Islands. The hotel has 127 spacious rooms, each featuring a private balcony overlooking the landscaped gardens. They offer conference rooms as well as both a restaurant and bar, providing both relaxed indoor or outdoor dining.
- Tanoa Rakiraki, ☏ (679) 669 4101, fax: (679) 669 4545. PO Box 31, Rakiraki, Fiji Islands. The Tanoa Rakiraki Hotel offers 36 homey rooms that offer everything you can possible need for a comfortable and relaxing Fiji vacation. Located in Rakiraki Township, a two-hour drive from Nadi. Online reservation at best rates with instant confirmation start near US$20.
- The Bounty Apartments. Located in the heart of Nadi in the Martintar strip. The Bounty Apartments offers an affordable and secure accommodation suited to the low budget traveller. Ideally located and only minutes away from the Nadi International Airport, the main shopping center, restaurants, bars, hotels, resorts, and the Denarau marina. Room rates per night start from US$28 and a bed in the dormitory is US$10 per night per person.
- Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa. Located on Denarau, this 5-star resort has 296 rooms all overlooking the beauty of the Fijian Pacific Ocean. To give you the full Fijian experience the walls are filled with traditional Fijian decor ranging from paintings to sculptures and carvings. The large range of amenities include: a private beach, golf club, pool, kids club, cultural activities, water sports, fitness center, spa treatments, numerous restaurants, and more. You truly get the full Fijian experience with this resort. They also offer wedding and conference packages, as well.
- Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa. Located on Denarau, this 5-star resort has 296 rooms all overlooking the beauty of the Fijian Pacific Ocean. To give you the full Fijian experience the walls are filled with traditional Fijian decor ranging from paintings to sculptures and carvings. The large range of amenities include: a private beach, golf club, pool, kids club, cultural activities, water sports, fitness center, spa treatments, numerous restaurants, and more. You truly get the full Fijian experience with this resort. They also offer wedding and conference packages, as well.
- 1 Stoney Creek Resort, PO Box 143, Sabeto (Take a bus or taxi to Sabeto village from Nadi.), ☏ (679) 7464-669. Located near Sabeto village, this well situated resort is set in the heart of the countryside surrounding Nadi. It has great staff and many nearby activities. Waterfalls, the Sabeto mud pit and hot spring, trekking and villages are all within walking distance. The staff will help organize any further travel.
- Club Fiji, PO Box 9619, Nadi Airport, ☏ +679 6720 150, fax: +679 6702 324. Club Fiji has the perfect location for a tropical location. Located on the beach of Nadi Bay, only 8 km from the Nadi International Airport and 4 km from Nadi Town. This resort features very unique Fijian accommodations including Bures, Villas, and Apartments for very modest prices. You also have the option of making your stay a five or seven- night all inclusive package as well which includes your stay, food, wine, excursions, airport transportation and more. A fabulous deal! The resort also has many activities, restaurants, child care, and scuba diving! It is a perfect resort for families, couples, and everyone else as well!
- Bamboo Backpackers. a tenminute ride from the airport, with prior arrangement the taxibill will be paid by the hostel. Clean rooms, friendly atmosphere, often guitar music and kava circles in the evening. Small restaurant with reasonable prices providing breakfast, lunch and dinner. 20 Fiji Dollars in dorm.
- Sheraton Fiji Resort, Denarau South, Nadi, Fiji, ☏ (679) 675 0777. Located on Denarau, guests at this 5 star resort have full use of all three adjacent Sheraton and Westin resorts. Very family friendly, kids under 12 stay and eat for free.
Stay safe
You will hear on the grapevine quite a few stories of pickpockets and scams in Nadi. You may be told to put down your bags for respect at a temple and the bags are gone when you get back.
Avoid quiet streets and beach away from resorts near New Town, even during daylight. Taxi to center is only F$8, and ask hotel staff to call one for you. After dark, stay at your resort.
There is a police station in the centre of the main street if you have any problems.
Go next
- Coral Sun run air conditioned busses from Nadi airport to Suva twice a day - also stopping by request at the resorts and villages along the way. Busses depart from Nadi airport at 7.30am and 4pm each day. $20 one way. Ph. (679) 672 3105 or book at the office located within Nadi airport.
- There are numerous ferries and day trips leaving daily from Denaru Port in Nadi, if you would like a simple day trip to the Mamanuca Islands, Yasawa Islands, or other similar islands, many ferries run from 9-4 daily.