7 Days of Fiji Happiness

The home of happiness - that's what Fiji is calling itself. It certainly deserves that reputation given how this beautiful republic of 333 islands warmly welcomes visitors to its palm-fringed islands. Read on to find out a 7-day guide to help kick-start your trip to paradise in the South Pacific Ocean!

Day 1 - Arrival, kick back and relax

Take a direct flight onboard Fiji Airways from Singapore to Nadi International Airport, on the island of Viti Levu, Fiji. Upon arrival, settle down and relax in your hotel resort. Youā€™ve arrived at the ā€˜home to happinessā€™.

Day 2 - Explore Nadi

Start the day by stretching your legs in a lovely tropical garden, Sleeping Giant, with over 2,000 types of orchids. You can easily spend a few hours wandering through the canopy-covered boardwalk and listening out for the sounds of birds chirping away. Little pathways meander through the 20-hectare garden, making exploring this garden a little adventure much like Alice in Wonderland. Thereā€™s a calm serenity that envelopes the garden, so hereā€™s a little tip - pack a picnic basket and soak in the calm vibes of nature here.

Next, head to Port Denarau, a harbour where ferries come and go, taking passengers to the nearby islands. Find a restaurant on the waterfront, and enjoy the views. If you fancy a little shopping, there are plenty of shops around for some retail therapy.

Sample Fijian traditional culture at the Fiji Cultural Village. Here, Fijian life pre-European explorer days come to life with galleries explaining crafts like canoe making, fishing, pottery and more, and traditional dances are performed on stage.

Day 3 ā€“ Mamanuca Islands Archipelago

Put on your bikinis and board shorts, weā€™re headed to the palm-fringed islands that make up Fijiā€™s Mamanuca archipelago. Go to Port Denarau and catch a day package tour or a water taxi to visit the Mamanuca Islands. It will be handy to have a waterproof action camera since thereā€™s plenty of watersports to do - parasailing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddle boarding. For those whose idea of a holiday is to ā€˜do nothingā€™, lie on the fluffy white sand and be caressed by the sea breeze.

For surfers, one of the most challenging waves in the world, Cloudbreak is located in Mamanuca islands. Once only open to guests of Tavarua Island Resort, the pleasure of surfing here is now open to all, after the Fijian government revoked the resortā€™s exclusive rights.

Day 4 - Cloud 9

If the island holiday is not enough of an escape; you can even escape the island onto a private deck at sea. Cloud 9, is the ultimate luxe getaway - fancy chilling on floating bar and pizzeria? Only 45 minutes away from Port Denarau, make a trip here but book your spot in advance. Also, donā€™t forget your credit card - this place only has cashless transactions. A blissful mix of music spinning off DJ turntables, cocktails and pizza makes for a perfect day aboard the pampered deck. Be in no hurry to leave as the welcoming sun decks and day beds will beckon you to a day of lazing in the sun. If you ever feel like moving a muscle, jet skis are available to give an adrenaline shot.

Day 5 ā€“ Yasawa Islands

Todayā€™s island visit shifts from modern-day indulgences to an indulgence of a more raw state. The Yasawa Islands are a nice break from the urban hustle. No shops and no banks, but who needs them with all the natural beauty. (okay, donā€™t come empty-handed, itā€™s always wise to have some cash and a packet of your favourite chips). You can come here by seaplane (once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and yes, these are the planes that take off and land on the sea surface!) If a small aircraft propelling through the sky is not your adventure, you can even opt for the usual boat trip.

Get a diving or snorkelling trip, and you would be greeted with the graceful Manta Ray and even sharks who are the natural inhabitants around the island. Even if youā€™re not a diver, there are snorkelling options to catch the Manta Ray.

Day 6 - Suva, Fijiā€™s capital

Grab a cab and road trip to Suva, the capital of Fiji. Located about 3 hours by car from Nadi, you may even choose to spend the night here and do a return trip to Nadi the next morning.

Go for a simple trek and a swim in pools in Colo-i-suva, a lush 2.5 sq km lush rainforest. For waterfall chasers, the Waisila Falls, a small 15 metre waterfalls is a pretty oasis to checkout.

Since your trip is coming to an end, stroll the city for souvenirs to take home. Suva is less touristy than Nadi, which makes for a more personal ending to your stay.

Hereā€™s your last chance to get adventurous and try some Fijian dishes! Being an island, fish is a very common ingredient - try Kokoda (Fijian ceviche), which is fish cured in lime juice and served with coconut milk, or Ika Lolo which is a cooked fish dish served with veggies and cassava in coconut milk. Theyā€™re typical local food and easily available in local Fijian eateries.

Day 7 - Drive back to Nadi

Enjoy the coastal drive back to Nadi.

Feeling inspired to visit Fiji?

Getting to Fiji is easy with direct flights available from Singapore with Fiji Airways!
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