Fiji Solo Travel Guide 2023

If you are here I assume you decided Fiji is a good idea for solo female travelers and I agree with you 🙂 I also used to think only couples go to Fiji or honeymooners, and those with family and kids. It’s all about that package deals with flight and hotels, kid’s club, romantic walks on the beach, buffet meals, and breakfast on beds. Except, if as a solo traveler you can afford it all, more power to you. Welcome to the Fiji Solo travel guide, continue reading as I cover everything you need to know before you go.

Traveling to one of “the tropical islands” alone is a great idea. I mean, if you are looking for serene tranquility, cultural authenticity, and natural beauty, then Fiji is the best choice.

Fiji is a gorgeous country with its 333 islands and is known as the ‘Soft Coral Capital of the World’. It is punctuated with loads of scenic landscapes and other geographical features such as turquoise oceans and the Great Astrolabe Reef. So an underwater adventure could be a highlight reel when visiting Fiji. If you’re a keen diver, a must experience would be diving with hundreds of different species of fish and coral. Alternatively, if you are not keen on water, there are equally fun non-water activities available which I will elaborate on further down below.

Traveling to Fiji alone

Traveling alone is quite different, as opposed to moving with a tour company. Hence if you are traveling alone, you have the choice to travel however you want via flight, bus, ferry, train, or cruise ship. It all depends on your preferred mode of traveling and budget.

Let’s start with how to get there, Fiji entry requirements, where to stay/what to do/eat/drink, and day trips followed by the Fijian islands. 

Fiji solo travel guide 2023

How to get to Fiji?

If Fiji is your sole destination then it is most recommended to travel by plane. There are two ways to get to Fiji from Australia and around the world. 1. Stopover in New Zealand and fly to Nadi, Fiji or fly over from Australian cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. Jetstar, Virgin, and Qantas fly to Fiji directly now 2022.

The major airport and gateway to the islands of Fiji are Nadi International Airport. Nadi is located on the west coast of Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji, whereas Suva, the capital city is practically on the opposite side of the island.

The second option is to get on the cruises to arrive in Fiji, just make sure while booking that the cruise not only passes through but actually docks in Fiji and that you will have the opportunity to get off the ship and explore.

If you have a large travel budget, consider chartering a yacht. Sailing from Australia to Fiji is a popular vacation option. Make sure to book through a reputable company in advance. (Some of the airlines that provide inter-island travel are Turtle Airways, Air Fiji, and Pacific Sun)

As mentioned above there are hundreds of islands and if you are interested in exploring them, a boat/ seaplane might be a perfect idea for your trip. For example, you could also take a look at some cruise lines that offer stops in Fiji or book a cruise that passes through the South Pacific Islands. There are many cruise lines that debark from Sydney, Australia. Check out Captain Cook Cruises, South Sea Cruises, and Blue Lagoon Cruises.

How to get around Fiji?

The easiest way to get around the country is to fly with Pacific Sun. That being said, buses are the way most locals get around and use ferries for island hopping.

Cabs/taxis in Fiji are more expensive than riding the bus but while taxis are required to run on meters within most of Fiji’s towns, long-distance trips are available where the fare can often be negotiated.

Uber is currently unavailable in Fiji but taxis are available and affordable.

How many days in Fiji is enough?

I usually go with the flow with some rough ideas from bloggers on what to do but over the years I have learned that figuring out why you want to go to a certain destination will make it easier to plan the rest of your trip. For example, if you want to travel to Fiji for an adventure in nature, or you will want to make a plan to visit some of the more remote islands. Or perhaps you have enough time to plan a bit of both worlds?

Regardless, I would say a week is a minimum time to spend on your Fiji solo travel. You will most likely start your journey in Nadi, explore major spots, and activities then get around the islands or capital Suva for a multi-night trip.

What are FIJI covid entry requirements?

Return tickets

Covid travel insurance

Covid vaccination certificate (2 doses are enough)

Confirmation of RAT test booked (Please click on this link: www.entrytestfiji.com and choose your accommodation provider to pre-book your RAT test. The test has to be done within 72 hours of arrival.)

Where to stay in Fiji?

There are numerous choices when it comes to accommodation in Fiji from all five stars hotels to hostels. Make sure to book with a legit website such as Booking.com You can tap/click on these blue links to open up the suggested accommodations.

Where to stay in Fiji purely depends on where you are going in FIJI. To make it as simple as possible for you. Most travelers tend to spend a few days in Nandi when they arrive then off to the islands and spend the last day or two in Nandi again before departing. Below are my recommendations for Nadi but when it comes to island recommendations it really depends on which island you are going to and since there are 300 plus islands I will leave that with you to DYOR. In the islands, you might like bure accommodation too (these are vales (Vah-lays), “houses” in Fijian, are set along beaches, or are tucked among lush foliage)

I met fellow travelers on my Fiji solo travel in Bluewater Lodge which offered private and dorm rooms with a pool at the back, and a small garden and was minutes away from the Wailoulou beach. It was tucked away in the back street but 2 mins away from the bars and restaurants. Another similar hostel is Smugglers Cove Beach Resort right the front of Wailoulou Beach which offers a free kayak also. Both hostels are easier to meet people and plenty of places to eat around. I recommend Matasawa Resort next door for food, they had tasty meals with affordable pricing. The cheapest place was Bamboo backpackers where they offered the capsule pods.

If you are into a bit more sophisticated accommodation, I recommend Ramada (4-star hotel) or Hotel Bulabard, Sailors Beach (all in front of Wailoulou Beach) If you want to be near port Denar and after some private time, check out Club Fiji Resort, Novotel Nadi, Mecure Nadi or DoubleTree by Hilton.

Looking for something fancy? Stay in one of these over-the-water bungalows Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest Spa. Musket Cove or Laucala Island Resort.

Do I need a visa for Fiji?

If your passport is from Australia, you can stay up to 90 days in Fiji just with a visa on arrival stamp. That said, the authorities may ask for the return air or ferry ticket. That being said, I highly recommend checking the official website online or with your local embassy to find out if your country requires a Fijian visa.

When is the best time to visit Fiji?

The best times to visit Fiji are between May to October when it is dry and mild weather because November through April is Fiji’s wet season (or “typhoon season”), and the weather is characterized by hot humid, and short storms. That said if you book your flights between mid-October to mid-November that would most likely be the best time to visit Fiji as you’ll save the most on airfare and accommodations with low prices, fewer crowds, and weather conditions are dry, settled, and pleasantly warm.

Is Fiji safe for a solo female traveler?

First of all, let’s establish the understanding of solo traveling is brutality! It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things – air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky – all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it. If you are okay with it, you will adapt, and you will survive.

So I felt safe even hiking solo for 4-5 hours return to Bati Lamu but sadly my phone was stolen at the Wailoulou beach when I went for a quick swim. so look after your belongings carefully. There was no one at the beach when I went for a quick dip but when I returned it was missing. I filed a police report too but have no hope of getting it back.

That being said, People in Fiji are generally friendly regardless of where you come from and the violent crime rate is quite low. Unless there is a drastic change in the country’s political situation, pandemic, or some natural disaster it is safe to travel to Fiji. Just remember to apply a general rule of thumb i.e. Don’t walk down that dark alleyway on your own, respect the culture, don’t argue about religion, dress modestly, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid but be cautious.

Local currency

The local currency is called the FijianDollar, with the international currency code FJD or FJ$. You could withdraw FJD from ATMs. However, remember to consider bank fees from your bank and the ATM withdrawal fee while you do your budget.

People, language, and more

Fijian people share a common Fijian culture and Native Fijians speak Fijian as their first language, Indo-Fijians speak Hindi as their first language, and both groups speak English as a second language. So almost everyone I met spoke English from shop attendants to taxi drivers.

If you are an English speaker, getting around the islands of Fiji is fairly simple. Unlike many developing countries you don’t need yellow fever or cholera vaccinations when visiting Fiji.

There’s free Wi-Fi access available throughout the Nadi Airport terminal. It is available for 2 hours or 1GB. Most hotels and some hostels also offer the same but if you’ll be in Fiji for a while or think you’ll use the internet a lot, buying a sim with data would be worthwhile.

Look out for Fijian SIM cards recommend Digicel or Vodaphone that are available at Nadi International Airport, at convenience stores, supermarkets, and the operator’s stores. You can get 75 GB for 10 days for 15 FJD! Alternatively, your phone provider may offer roaming for $5 per day as Vodafone AUS does.

Must-Have Travel App for Fiji

The only travel app I used the most during my Fiji solo travel was Google Maps. Perfect for ease of finding routes, offline use, drive, calendar for time management, and storing pictures. Don’t forget to backup pictures!

What to eat in Fiji?

About 40% of Fijians are of Indian descent so it is common to find Fijian meals influenced by Indian cuisines. Here are my recommendations on must-try food in Fiji starting with Lovo (a banquet cooked using an earth oven), Kokoda (a raw fish salad), Fiji chop suey (chicken satay with veggies sort of came with rice), Cassava (traditional moist cake), Taro (a yam-like staple of Fijian cuisine), Duruka (Fijian asparagus), Nama (a yam-like staple of Fijian cuisine), Fijian Roti ( flatbread), Fish Suruwa (fish curry), Topoi (Fijian dumplings), Baigan Valo, Babakau, Palusami (mashed taro leaves with coconut cream), Rourou (taro leaves), Topoi, Coconut Bread​, Lolo Buns​ and Babakau (fried bread made from a mixture of simple ingredients, such as flour, sugar, water, and yeast)

Avoid eating or playing with reef fish if possible as they have been associated with sickness, not just in Fiji but in many of the South Pacific Islands. This type of fish lives in shallower areas and feeds off the coral, which at certain times of the year can have a toxic bloom on them, infecting the fish.

For the best deals on fresh fruit and vegetables check out the local food markets and roadside stalls in Nadi town.

Can you drink in Fiji?

Fiji is liberal meaning as long as you aren’t driving, are above 18 years old, and you can behave yourself, you can drink almost wherever you want. Adding to that any licensed venue of course.

Try Fiji Bitter – beer, and Kava (the traditional drink brewed from a tree root) It’s a staple in this island’s food and drinks culture. It’s made from the yaqona roots of the pepper plant and mixed with water. This drink has an earthy and peppery taste.

Fiji itinerary 2023: Guide on things to do

1. Tivua Island Fiji

Tivua Island by Captain Cook Cruise was one of the highlights of my FIJI solo travel not only because of how easy it was to spend a beautiful day on a faraway island with zero hassle but also because it was worth it in every way.

Round trip transfers from my hotel were included (most Nadi and Denarau hotels). As you enter the vessel, you are greeted with some lovely guitar, songs, and fresh juice followed by the morning tea with some snacks.

As I got busy soaking in the FIJI sun forgetting about the 1-degree cold in Melbourne, I missed the Kava ceremony! So, keep an eye on the activities happenings inside the boat, and don’t miss out on the traditional Fijian drink and Fijian entertainment.

There is also a bar onsite so plenty of beer, wine, and soft drinks to go around.

When you arrive at Tivua Island, you can swim in the tropical waters, explore the island, or simply relax on a pristine sandy beach. If you’re feeling energetic, there’s a selection of water activities available, including snorkeling, diving, and kayaking.

You can also indulge in a delicious buffet BBQ lunch before sailing back to Nadi.

Don’t miss out on the glass bottom boat tour escorted by a marine biologist or enjoy the complimentary hammocks.

Then if everyone is up to it, it would be fun to play Beach volleyball too. (crew versus passengers)

There can also be seasonal bird and turtle nesting activities. Watch out for baby sharks near the pier!

So much on offer for a day trip, I wouldn’t be surprised if you book a second visit!

2. Mount Batilamu Hike

If you follow me on Instagram you know I absolutely enjoy hiking and trekking. So, I wanted to include one of the best hikes Fiji had to offer for that well-rounded travel experience.

Originally I was planning on hiking the tallest mountain in Fiji Mount Tomanivi but after contacting the agent, I was advised that the hiking trail was closed but could do it solo if I want. The problem was I had to fly to Suva for this hike and I was time-poor at the same time.

Luckily I came to learn about the Mt Batilamu hike through another traveler and I was all up for it the very next day!

Pls note not even many local people know about this hike as in I asked reception at Smugglers/Bluewater to book a taxi to get to the village and they had no idea! Mt Batilamu is located in the Koroyanitu National Heritage Park.

Generally, it is considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 2 min to complete. So I would say buffer it to 5 hours and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring, I didn’t at all. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

So the best way to get this hike done is to book an experienced taxi driver to drop you at the ABACA village.

Once you arrive, there is a Lil box house where you pay the entry fee of $25 FJD, sign the guest book, and start hiking. There is an option to pay for a guide at $20FJD pp and a FIJIAN meal afterward in the village for $30 FJD pp. If you meet Mary tell her I said Hello!

The taxi that was booked for me through the Bluewater lodge did not drop me at the ABACA village because there was a creek on the way and the driver did not want to cross it! The water was not even deep, it was your palm length deep! Very poor service and I wouldn’t recommend booking taxis through them although it was an ok place to stay if you are traveling on a budget.

There were also 3 other people in the car along with me and they all decided not to walk extra hours to the village so I hiked on my own.

I was mindful of the time because from the creek to the village was about 8-9km then the ACTUAL hike to Batilamu -4-5 hours return from the village.

So I was hiking as fast as I could but after hiking for about 2.5 hours I was picked up by a Village teacher Emy and her husband and 2 kids! Very thankful for that car ride because it def shorten the 8km uphill walk for me and I was able to start my hike to MT Batilamu quicker. They gave me their number but since my phone got stolen I no longer have it, unfortunately.

That said, I am positive you can hire a proper vehicle to drive up to the ABACA village and make a deal prior so that the vehicle will wait for you till you return from the hike. If you would like to know how much it was dm me on Insta.

Cross the river, then highlands and 2 different forests, arriving at the hut up the hill with a pretty view where you can stay overnight and then from there 10 mins more to the viewpoint. So up to you if you would like to stay overnight which I reckon would be cool but note there is no electricity but phone reception was available and so was a mattress, blankets, gas, tea, coffee, rice, etc.

It was a challenging day for me to start with as the original car dropped me almost 8-9k out of the village and I walked a few hours on the way before getting a lift. So, had already used a lot of my energy climbing uphill towards the village then once I started the actual hiking I was feeling the burning FIJIAN sun as well!

So the advice is to start as early as you can, so you can avoid hiking in the mid-day sun. Nevertheless, I am super grateful I reached the viewpoint and came back down safely to meet all the villagers and live to tell a tale!

If you are into nature, not afraid of a challenging hike, or want something different than the island experience I highly recommend this hike during your Fiji solo travel.

Have more time, check out the surrounding Savuioni waterfall for $35pp, and the Tunutunu waterfall for $25pp.

3. Cloud9

The next highlight of my Fiji Solo travel was this floating bar called Cloud 9. The return boat transfer is included from Port Denarau and you have access to sunbeds and day beds. You can also preselect the $60 bar tab if you wish, there is also pizza on offer but what I liked the most about that whole thing is the location!

Surrounded by beautiful turquoise water, swimming with the turtles, drinking with your new and old friends. Such good times! If you prefer less crowd and more photo opportunities I would say book the morning session but if you want to pre-drink prior, book the afternoon session so that way you are already hyped and also get to enjoy the sunsets!

Also If you haven’t watched the movie Rose island, you have to! I watched this on my flight to FIJI and I reckon they probably got this idea from here!

That said, the only cons were the cocktails. I ordered Espresso Martini and it came in a Lil glass with literally ice, coffee liqueur, and vodka thrown in it. There was no right martini glass nor a proper fluffy bend of cocktail – v poor and charged $28 for it. Also tried Pina Colada and again had no work done to it. Very bland.

After that, it was no more cocktails for us and we just ordered a bottle of sparkling Rose, a few beers, and pizza.

Overall, a great experience to be on a floating bar.

Have more time? Also, recommend Malamala beach club or Seventh heaven.

4. Viti Levu: Mud Pool, Temple, and Sleeping Giant Garden

Feel free to click on the links above to learn more about the activity and what is included and not.
I skipped this activity because I have experienced mud pools in one too many countries but if you haven’t I recommend it. It is quite an experience!

5. Captain Cook Cruises Sunset Dinner Cruise in Fiji

6. Viti Levu: Navua River Tubing

7. Nadi Zip Line & Cave Tour

8. Nadi Sunset Dinner Cruise with Lobster

9. Nadi Heart Island 25-Minute Scenic Flight

10. Fiji Untold Broadway Show Entrance Ticket

11. From Denarau: Serenity Island Sailing and Snorkeling Trip

Day trips/Multi-night Trips

During your Fiji solo travel, if you have a spare day or two, it is a perfect opportunity to get out of the city to see more of what Fiji has to offer. You can even visit the outskirt pacific harbor islands Such as The Mamanuca Islands, The Yasawa Islands, Vanua Levu, The Bouma National Heritage Park hikes in Taveuni Island, Wakaya Island, or Denarau Island. Go snorkeling and diving or chase waterfalls and go on hikes.

If you don’t feel like exploring alone, you can join any of the private or group tours below.

1. Natadola Beach and Veisabasaba Village Day Tour

2. Coral Coast & Village School Tour from Nadi or Denarau

3. Visit the town of Sigatoka

Recommend the ‘river safari’, a day trip to the heart of Fiji – a remote riverside village – via the fun of a jet boat. It’s a shot of adrenalin with a chaser of culture.

4. Suva

Viti Levu, Venture into the jungles of Fiji and discover the beautiful waterfalls of the Colo-I-Suva Nature Reserve whilst having fun. You can also join the tubing tour on the pristine Navua River.

Best place to watch sunsets in Fiji?

If you have been following me for a while then you know, I absolutely love watching sunsets in every new country. So here are some of my recommendations on the best places to watch sunsets in your Fiji Solo travel.

1. Sunset strip, Sigatoka, Coral Coast, Viti Levu
2. Natadola Bay, Coral Coast, Viti Levu
3. Denarau, Nadi, Viti Levu
4. Vuda, Viti Levu
5. Wailoulou Beach, Nadi, Viti Levu
6. Wayasewa, (Wayalailai) Yasawa Islands
7. Tokoriki Island Beqa Lagoon
8. Sunset Beach, Mana Island, Mamanuca Islands
9. Malolo Island, Mamanuca Islands
10. Malolo Lailai Island, Mamanuca Islands
11. Qalito Island, Mamanuca Islands

Alternatively, book yourself a Captain Cook Sunset Dinner Cruise

I hope this Fiji solo travel guide gave you an insight into traveling Fiji alone. Discover and indulge in ‘Bula Time’, which basically means doing sweet nothing in a tropical paradise. Happy Travels!

Let me know in the comments:

• If you have any questions about the Fiji Solo Travel Guide
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