Nadi

Understand

Nadi is known as the point of transit for the rest of Fiji. The major airport was built here instead of the capital Suva because of its relatively drier climate. The main street of Nadi is Queens Road. It is where all the hustle and bustle is and connects the town with the rest of Viti Levu. As you walk around the town, shopkeepers will occasionally approach you and do their best to make you enter their shop. However, the sales staff are not very persistent nor threatening, so don't worry too much about it. Often when there is traffic or road work going on at Queens Road, the best road to travel across the town is Nadi Back Road. You may encounter an underlying air of ethnic tension between the Indian and native Fijian populations, but this rarely comes out in the open.

Getting there

By plane 1 Nadi International Airport (NAN IATA). It is the gateway to Fiji and handles almost all of the country's international passenger traffic. The airlines that operate at Nadi International Airport are Fiji Airways, Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia, Air Niugini, Nauru Airlines, Jetstar Airways, Aircalin and Solomon Airlines. Domestic flights arrive at the southern part of the terminal building. Several hotels have complimentary shuttles, which arrive and depart at a designated area.

By bus and car Nadi is a 4-hour bus ride or a 3-hour taxi ride from Suva. Buses stop at 2 Nadi Bus Station.

Getting around

Nadi has reliable local buses that let you explore the town and beyond. Just wave to the driver and you will be able to hop on from anywhere along the route. The comfortable, airy buses cost a fraction of that of a rental car. The bus clearly states where it is travelling from and to but you can also confirm with the driver. To get off, just ring the bell and the driver will stop anywhere along the route even if there is no official bus stop nearby.

Taxis are a convenient way of getting around with reasonable fares. Remember to haggle with the driver before getting in. It is a good idea to ask your tour guide or hotel on the typical prices between two locations. Alternatively, if you are patient and experienced with bargaining, ask multiple taxi drivers what they charge for key locations and haggle down the price. There are hire cars available within the airport as well as in town. The internationally recognisable brands including Hertz, Thrifty, Avis, Europcar, and Budget are easy to find. There are local brands too though not all of them are reliable. In order to hire a car, you need to possess a valid driver's licence and, either be over 21 or 25 years of age (the precise age will depend on the rental service you use).

See

1 Wailoaloa Beach. North of Nadi town, the beach is 3 km long. There are many resorts and beach clubs lined up across the beach. (updated May 2017) 2 Garden of the Sleeping Giant, Wailoko Rd, ☏ +679 672 3418, +679 672 2701. M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 9AM-noon. The garden was founded by Canadian-American Hollywood star Raymond Burr, as a private nursery of tropical orchids. Nowadays, it contains a diverse and beautiful range range of plants with a number of walking paths set up too. Some of the bright and colourful flowers have a stunning, exotic feel to visitors living outside of the tropics. The terrain is hilly and for most of the year the garden is warm and humid so be sure to take a few breaks during your journey. A complimentary and refreshing fruit drink is provided at the end of your walk. $18 for adults. (updated Oct 2019) 3 Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple, Queens Rd (at the southern end of town), ☏ +679 670 0977, [email protected]. Daily 6AM-7PM. This bright and colourful Hindu temple is one of the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere. Carved and built in the Dravidian architectural tradition, the temple is probably the most visible monument in the whole of Nadi. As a mark of respect, knees and shoulders (for both genders) should be covered before entering the temple interior. However, if you arrive at the temple in shorts or sleeveless clothing, the temple will provide you with a dhoti/sarong and shawl to cover yourself. Also, the vegetarian food provided at the canteen is a hidden gem. Free to enter though donations are welcome. (updated Oct 2019)

Do

1 Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool, Wailoko Rd, Sabeto (about 10 minutes past the Garden of the Sleeping Giants), ☏ +679 8340088. Daily 8AM-6PM. Bring your bathing suit and cover yourself with mud, dry in the sun for ten minutes or so, then wash yourself in the three pools, each cleaner than the previous. Massages are available too, and are a popular way to relax even further after the mud cleanse. $30 for the mud bath, $40 for a 30 minute massage. (updated May 2017) 2 Pacific Island Air Scenic Flights, London Ave, CAAF Compound, Nadi Airport, ☏ +679 672 5644, [email protected]. Hop on board a helicopter or seaplane, soar to the sky and in 25 minutes, get a bird's eye view on the breathtaking Nadi basin, Mount Koroyanitu, Garden of the Sleeping Giant, Denarau island and a glimpse of the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands from afar. $432 per person. (updated Jun 2017) 3 Skydive Fiji, 11 Zahoor Rd Martintar (cnr of Queens Hwy and Zahoor Rd), ☏ +679 672 8166, +679 992 4079, [email protected]. Daily 8:30AM-5PM. The only tandem skydiving company in Fiji. Jumps are offered over Nadi and the western outer islands. (updated Jun 2017) 4 Jetboards Fiji, Wailoaloa Rd, ☏ +679 9273580, [email protected]. Modern extreme watersports operator. Get on a motorised surfboard, hoverboard or flyboard. Glide through the air like a bird, then go underwater like a dolphin. (updated Nov 2017) 5 Island Surf Beauty And Spa, Lot 10 Denarau Road/ Smugglers Cove Resort/ Lot 24 Queens Road, Martintar, ☏ +679 8373-121, +679 8077-877, +679 9211-403, [email protected]. 9AM-8PM. Try a traditional Fijian Bobo massage, along with other treatments. Prices are fairly competitive. This spa has 3 different locations, one of which is located at Smuggler's Cove, close to Wailoaloa Beach. $60 for a 60 minute massage. (updated Jun 2019) 6 Land and Sea Tours Fiji, Lot 11 Enamanu Road, ☏ +679 758 3401, [email protected]. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa Su 9AM-2PM. Tourism operator in Nadi Fiji. O

Buy

Shopping in Nadi is two-sided. There are the modern, mini-department stores catered to tourists and there are the traditional local markets. Shopping in the former is much like shopping in a Western country while the latter reveals the real Fiji and requires skill in bargaining and sometimes, holding your own against pestering sellers. The currency in Nadi as it is in all of Fiji is the Fijian dollar.

1 Jack's of Fiji, 401 Queens Rd, ☏ +679 670 0744, [email protected]. M-F 8AM-6PM, Sa 8AM-5PM, Su 8AM-1PM. A handy starting point for souvenir shopping though fairly touristy. From handcrafted artifacts to clothing and jewellery, there is a variety of items in the store to take back home as memories of Fiji. Jack's is ideal for shoppers who are not that keen on the extensive b