South Pacific Journey. Fiji. May 2025
Fiji: A Mixed Experience in Paradise |
(6th May – 11th May 2025)
Fiji is often synonymous with stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters,
and endless sunshine. It is a destination I have wanted to visit as long as I
can remember.
So, when we booked our trip to this Pacific paradise, I was imagining nothing less than perfection. Unfortunately, our experience didn’t quite match the postcard images I had in mind, but there were still some highlights worth sharing. Here's my recap of the trip along with a few recommendations.
We stayed at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, located on the idyllic Natadola Bay. The resort was set in a picture-perfect location, surrounded by lush greenery and a beautiful beach.
So, when we booked our trip to this Pacific paradise, I was imagining nothing less than perfection. Unfortunately, our experience didn’t quite match the postcard images I had in mind, but there were still some highlights worth sharing. Here's my recap of the trip along with a few recommendations.
We stayed at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, located on the idyllic Natadola Bay. The resort was set in a picture-perfect location, surrounded by lush greenery and a beautiful beach.
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| One and only sunny day |
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| Intercontinental, Natadola Bay, Fiji. |
The hotel itself was... decent. The facilities felt a bit dated, and the
food was nothing to rave about. But, given that the resort is fairly isolated,
your dining options are limited to what’s available on-site. It’s definitely
recommended to rent a car if you're staying here, as it allows you to explore
the nearby areas more freely. We found that the car was essential, especially
with the rainy weather.
Ecotrax Adventure: A Bumpy Start, But Worth It!
One of the highlights of our trip was the Ecotrax tour, which I’d booked months in advance; booked in December 2024.The concept is simple but
unique: you ride a pedal-powered cart along a disused sugarcane railway track,
surrounded by beautiful scenery.
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| Ecotrax, Fiji |
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Upon arriving for our scheduled afternoon tour on the 9th of May, there
was a mix-up with our booking — somehow, our reservation hadn’t been recorded.
The staff at the depot were apologetic and immediately made phone calls to
their ‘headquarters’ ( it was an office in the same building!) to confirm we were indeed booked. After a bit
of back-and-forth, they suggested we come back the following day, but I refused
this offer. In the end, they managed to add an extra bike to the group, and we
were all set to go.
Once we were on our way, the tour was absolutely fantastic. The narrow-gauge tracks took us through some beautiful landscapes, and traditional villages and we cycled all the way to a secluded beach where we took a break and enjoyed some light refreshments. On the way back, a light drizzle started, and the staff made sure to let us know that the tour wouldn’t continue if the rain worsened, as the tracks would get slippery. Fortunately, the rain wasn’t too bad, and we made it back without any issues.
Once we were on our way, the tour was absolutely fantastic. The narrow-gauge tracks took us through some beautiful landscapes, and traditional villages and we cycled all the way to a secluded beach where we took a break and enjoyed some light refreshments. On the way back, a light drizzle started, and the staff made sure to let us know that the tour wouldn’t continue if the rain worsened, as the tracks would get slippery. Fortunately, the rain wasn’t too bad, and we made it back without any issues.
- Ecotrax Tip: Don’t let the weather
dampen your spirits. This tour is a fun way to explore the countryside,
and the guides were great at making sure everyone was comfortable.
Exploring Fiji: A Mix of Historical and Modern
During our stay, we managed to explore a few notable sites around Fiji. One of the first stops was the Sigatoka Sand Dunes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The dunes are a great way to stretch your legs and immerse yourself in the natural landscape of Fiji.We
also visited Tavuni Hill Fort,
an ancient archaeological site offering panoramic views of the area —
definitely a must-see for history buffs.
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| Tavuni Hill Fort, Fiji |
However, the most underwhelming experience was Denarau Island. It felt like a tourist trap straight out of the U.S., with shopping malls, hotels, and resorts that lacked the authentic Fijian charm we had hoped to experience. The place was too commercialized for my liking, and I’m glad we didn’t book our accommodation there.
- Recommendation: If you
want to skip the touristy vibe of Denarau, I suggest staying in more local
areas or resorts closer to nature, like Natadola Bay or Coral
Coast, which offer more authentic Fijian experiences.
The Verdict: A Beautiful, but Disappointing Trip
My expectations for Fiji were incredibly high, and while there were certainly some highlights — the beaches, the Ecotrax adventure, and a few historical sites — the overall experience didn’t quite live up to what I had envisioned. The weather played a big part in this, but I also felt that Fiji’s charm was somewhat overshadowed by commercialized areas and touristy resorts.
Would I recommend going? Yes, absolutely, if you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday with plenty of resort amenities. But would I go back? Probably not. There are other places in the world that I’m more eager to explore next time.
Things to Do in Fiji:
- Ecotrax
Tour: Pedal-powered adventure through Fijian countryside.
- Sigatoka
Sand Dunes National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage
site with unique sand dunes.
- Tavuni
Hill Fort: Explore this historic site with panoramic views.
- Natadola
Bay: Ideal for snorkelling and lounging by the beach.
- Denarau
Island: Great for shopping, but not for those seeking authenticity.
If you’re dreaming of a tropical getaway to Fiji, make sure to plan well and manage your expectations — paradise might not always look like it does in the pictures. Still, the natural beauty and cultural experiences are worth the trip!
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| Intercontinental Fiji, Fire show |
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