7 Things to do around Denarau, Fiji

Located only 6km away from Nadi International Airport, Denarau is your one stop shop for all things luxury on your Fijian holiday. Denarau is a popular destination for families and couples alike seeking some much needed downtown just 20 minutes away. While staying at one of Denarau’s five star resorts will give you little insight into the true Fiji, it provides a great base (albeit with a hefty price tag!) to explore. Or you can just relax in those deck chairs by the pool too. There’s plenty to do to fill in your stay in this part of Fiji and in this post I’ll cover a few of them.

1. Take a trip to the islands

Staying in Denarau gives you easy access to the chains of islands off the western coast of Viti Levu. A number of day trips are available from Denarau Harbour, where you’ll be able to board a catamaran and venture out to any number of tropical havens among the crystal blue waters (that you incidentally won’t find at Denarau itself). The Mamanuca Islands are quite close, and will only take you around 30 minutes to 1.5 hours to get to, depending on your island of choice. You’ll be able to spend a relaxing day filled with water sports, snorkelling and beach life.

Further out (at least 2 hours cruising), the Yasawa Group is more isolated and consists of volcano shaped islands, picturesque beaches and an escape from mass tourism. Both island chains are well worth a trip to experience the difference.

2. Splash around at Big Bula

Need to get that adrenaline level up after spending a day by the resort pool? Look no further than Big Bula Waterpark! This complex is filled with waterslides, jumping castles, climbable trees and a children’s splash area. The best part is, its located on Denarau island itself. This means getting there is an easy walk from your resort, or quick ride on the Bula Bus. It may not be as large as a Disney waterpark, but a day at Big Bula is a day of fun for all ages.

3. Experience nearby Nadi

Most tourists seem to view Nadi as nothing more than their arrival and departure point, with most flights arriving at this international airport. If you’re staying nearby however, a day trip into Nadi town is well worth it. Crossing the causeway back into Viti Levu will bring you out of that resort bubble and give you a chance to experience contemporary Fijian life. If you make the short ride back into town, I’d recommend checking out the local markets. There’s plenty of fresh produce to be found, as well as authentic souvenirs for purchase.

While you’re in Nadi, also make sure you visit the Sri Siva Subramaniya temple. There are many Hindu temples in Fiji, with it being the second most predominant religion in the country, however this beautiful temple is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, god of seasonal rains. The bright colours and traditional Dravidian architecture right out of India are a sight to behold. Just make sure you dress modestly – no shorts or skirts. Admission is around $5 FJD.

4. Travel the Sigatoka River

The best way to really experience Fijian culture is to take a trip to a local village. If you make enquiries at your resort or Port Denarau, you should be able to organise a tour that will give you this opportunity – its rude to just show up unannounced. I’d really recommend checking out the day trips offered by Sigatoka River Safari. These half day adventures bring you out to Sigatoka (about an hour south along the Coral Coast) for a jet boat ride up the crystal clear river. As you pass the fertile river banks, you’ll eventually reach a local village. Here you’ll partake in a Kava Ceremony (a staple of Fijian life), followed by a village tour and traditional Fijian lunch. A great way to spend a morning if you ask me!

5. Explore the Garden of the Sleeping Giant

Less than thirty minutes north of Nadi, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant is a place filled with natural beauty. Surrounded by over 2000 species orchids, flowers and tree life, you’ll make your way to a lily pond. At this point, a boardwalk branches around the pond taking you through the gardens and among the giant tree roots and vegetation. You can be through the whole of the garden in about 30 minutes if you rush, but you could spend longer if you’re on Fiji time and taking it all in. If you’re into botanic gardens, make sure you visit the Garden of the Sleeping Giant.

Speaking of which, what is this Sleeping Giant? The garden is named after the mountain nearby. From some angles, it does in fact look like a sleeping giant. The more you know.

6. Bathe in the Sabeto Hot Springs

Not far from the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, the Sabeto Hot Springs give you the chance to relax in a whole new setting. A few hours bathing at the Sabeto Hot Springs will surely leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Who needs expensive resort spas when you can lather up in a natural mud pit and washing it off in 40 degree (Celsius) geothermal hot pools. You can even follow it up with a local massage. Visiting the Hot Springs is definitely a unique way to relax in Fiji.

7. Enjoy the resort on Fiji Time

Lets face it, if you’re staying at a luxury resort on Denarau, you’re going to want to enjoy some down time. There’s nothing wrong with that – you can here to relax after all! Go for swim in one of the many pools shared between the resorts, play a game of golf on the impressive course, or work on your tan by the beach with a cocktail in hand. Or head into the marina for souvenir shopping and excellent restaurants. Fiji is all about relaxing and taking life slowly. You’re on Fiji time after all – enjoy it!

So there you have it…

…just 7 ways to spend your Fijian vacation. If you’ve more time, you might want to take a trip along the Coral Coast, explore some of the outer islands, or spend some time in Suva. No matter how you spend your time in Fiji, you’re bound to have a great time in this tropical paradise.