The little piece of paradise that is Fiji isn’t just reserved for honeymooners or those in search of a lavish family vacation. No siree! As a backpacker, you can enjoy the crystal clear Fijian waters, soft sand, and friendly local culture too and at a fraction of the cost! Fiji encompasses over 300 islands. As a result, your options are endless and there truly is something for everyone!
Unlike resorts in Hawaii, for instance, many resorts in Fiji offer accommodations that appeal to a number of different budgets. You can book anything from a dormitory room to a luxurious private bungalow on the beach. As a backpacker, the best news is that you don’t have to be throwing down any Benjamin Franklins on a room. In fact, what does 20 USD typically buy you? Back home or in Fiji’s neighboring countries of Australia or New Zealand, it might buy you a sandwich, chips, and a drink. In Fiji, however, try one night’s stay in paradise!
No climbing up to top bunk for Brian during our stay on Waya Island!
One of the beautiful floral arrangements in our bathroom.
We couldn’t have been happier with our stay at Octopus Resort on Waya Island which is part of Fiji’s Yasawa Islands. Instead of describing why we loved it so much, I’ll just go ahead and show you why…
Here is the wonderful welcoming crew singing and greeting everyone upon their arrival to the island.
Should you opt to do something other than relax on the beach and take in the beautiful surroundings, there are plenty of activities available!
Water so clear you can see the bottom!
The local children getting on their “bus” to head to another island for school.
Before dinner, we headed to the beach just in time to see the sun setting.
Late night swim anyone?
Our Favorite Memories from Fiji
1. Scuba Diving
In between our dives, one of the staff got two coconuts down from a nearby coconut tree and gave them to us to drink!
2. Mountain Peak Hike
Beginning what we would soon find out to be an intense mountain peak hike.
Taking a break to catch our breath!
We made it!
Brian and our new friend, Nussy, enjoying the view.
Did we sign up for hiking or rock climbing??
Brian pondering something – perhaps life?
A little splish splash in a waterfall we stumbled upon. Our local guide, who is next to Brian, did the entire hike barefoot!
3. Snorkeling with the Manta Rays
One morning at breakfast, we made a last minute decision to go snorkeling with the manta rays and it turned out to be one of our most memorable experiences. At one point, Brian was swimming so close to one of the manta rays that he could have reached out and touched it. Another manta ray we swam with was a natural gymnast in the water! The manta did backwards summersaults repeatedly for a solid few minutes straight. If only we could have captured it on video!
Another manta ray was swimming up right under our boat and much to Brian’s surprise, when he jumped in the water the manta’s enormous mouth was wide open and right at Brian’s fins! Thankfully, manta rays only eat plankton and not guys named Brian. Otherwise, he could have easily been eaten right up!
On our way to go play with the manta rays!
4. Enjoying the Local Fijian Cuisine
A plate full of mouthwatering fruit is a great way to start the day.
From the lunch menu, freshly caught red snapper cooked in a banana leaf.
The seared tuna was a favorite at our dinner table!
5. Learning How to Fish with a Hand Line
As it turns out, Brian is a natural using a hand line to fish. Within a few minutes, he caught this coral cod!
Heading back to the island after a successful afternoon fishing.
6. Making New Friends
Drinks with our new friends from England, Australia and New Zealand.
7. Admiring the Breathtaking Views at Sunset
I wouldn’t be my father’s daughter if I didn’t have a genuine love for that time in the evening when the sun begins to fade and a vast array of beautiful colors come out. Fiji definitely delivered some stunning sunsets!
What became a nightly routine for Brian – skipping rocks as the sun was setting!
Reflection of the sunset on my sunglasses. Artsy, right?
Spectacular view on our last night in Fiji. We saw this one on our boat ride to the main island, Viti Levu.
If your travels ever take you anywhere near Fiji (namely Australia or New Zealand) and you’re able to score cheap flights, you would be crazy not to hop over to paradise and enjoy a bit relaxation or “Fiji time” as the locals like to say!
Brian enjoying the hammock while on Fiji time!
Beaches & Backpacks 
BRIAN LOVES THOSE HAMMOCKS! BEAUTIFUL PICTURES!
He most certainly does! As soon as Brian lays in a hammock, he instantly becomes relaxed!! I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures – the beauty in Fiji was just breathtaking!
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