Trips

Whilst staying on Beachcomber island, there are a range of options and trips you can go on. They cost around $60 Fijian dollars, which is really not a lot. The trips range from a island hop (aka. pub crawl) where the boat goes from island to island. It includes lunch on the famous castaway island and drinks from every bar you visit. The shopping trip takes you to the main island where you can shop for 3 hours in the streets of Lautoka- Fiji's second biggest city. Or there is the Seafari trip, which takes you to the main island to experience a traditonal Fijian gathering. Men are required to wear sarongs (or a towel wrapped around as a sarongs) and everyone is required to wear shirts which cover their arms as well as all sunglasses taken off. Cava is offered and must be drunk or it is considered very rude. My favourite trip was by far the shopping trip, i felt as though i got the best of both- not only did i get to go shopping, but i got to experience the life of the Fijians on the mainland. It is very different, we were also warned of the dangers of the mainland before getting off our boat. Although that deemed not a problem for me, many did experience difficulty on the mainland. Instead i got a rather frightening experience of a different kind (although i laugh when i look back on it now). It was the scary mini-bus ride we had from the port to Lautoka. While a speed limit sign in Fiji says 60km/h, most tend to drive 110-140km/h. How their cars get to such speeds still baffles me. Our bus was over taking semi trailers towing cuts of wood whilst speeding into on-coming traffic. When i watch the video i took while it was happening (for proof of course!) i still get frightened and i feel for the girl next to me who decided crying might help the situation. As my friend sat next to me on the bus as we were speeding at 120km/h with a soon to be head on collision, he stated "you win some, you lose some, you just have to take a chance in life". Although his words at the time were not so wise, i think back and know that we were simply the unlucky ones and that not all would experience what we did that day. Not to mention when our boat caught on fire and we were all told to evacuate aka. jump into the freezing, incredibly deep ocean where the Sharks were out to get us (all in the same day). But regardless we made it back safe and sound, just a little traumatized and probably scarred for life.Regardless, the trip itself was very fun, many things bought such as little piece of Fijian wood, shells, clothes and towels and loads more options. For more information on Lauktoa go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lautoka

Beachcombers Nightlife.

Beachcomber Special: Before & After

For those who want to have a good time, who're into a long, fun, alcohol fueled night, Beachcomber island will be an experience never forgotten. When staff yell out "Happy Hour!" at midday, everyday, the fun begins. Drinks average from $4aus to about $10aus. A typical mug of Fijian bitter is cheap, although the thought sickening the next day. From cocktails, to beer, to shots...there's plenty to choose from! The famous "beachcomber special" which includes an intense dash of Tabasco sauce, along with vodka and sambucca is a favourite with the guests. Lets just say, many do not come out of it feeling terribly well, but a fun novelty when going to Beachcomber island. The music at midday is played live by a group of Fijian men, they play classics, which are always a hit, as everyone knows them. After dinner, the real party starts. Happy hour at 6 again, means those who were on a day trip are back and ready to party! It doesn't take long to get a drink, 2 minutes max as the staff are very quick and friendly. Kava is served away from the bar, making an extra dollar in the corner of the room. Although some say cava is bad for you, if had in small doses, cava is simply a Fijian experience. Sometimes it is as offered as a traditional giving from the Fijians and is considered rude to decline. Although if given the choice, i would much prefer to not drink cava as it tastes like muddy water, but many see it as a Fijian 'must do'. This woman's blog explore her experience in Fiji and drinking Kava: http://realtravel.com/e-248748-yasawa_entry-fiji_yasawa_islands . Beachcomber island has international DJ's, playing popular music that everyone knows. The dance floor is completely sand, the bar is right next door and the table tops are being danced off. Wet t-shirt competitions (and don't worry, nothing you wouldn't want your kids to see) are a fun competition that Beachcomber has, along with the limbo competition and many others. Some nights there are themed parties. White parties, cross-dressing parties and 70's themed. They're all just part of the fun.

Beachcomber Island- For the Young and Young At Heart!

Of all the islands in Fiji, Beachcomber island is the island of choice for many young people seeking adventure, entertainment and a big party nightlife, Beachcomber offers plenty of that, also alcohol and dancing till the early hours of the warm Fijian morning. The island is small and cosy, with white sands and crystal clear beaches. The island offers a range of accommodation from a 'Bure'- which is a simple room, with personal shower and toilets, to the big dorms. Girls and boys dorms are available, although the separation of the both is hardly worthwhile, they have girls and boys showers and toilets to share. Girls and boys are free to roam each others dorms, with a wall blocking the two, which is incredibly pointless. When i went to Beachcomber island,i was put into the upstairs of the girls dorm, in a bunk bed, which overlooked the boys and girls dorm, many mornings waking up to some interesting views! But that aside, for the young and young at heart, Beachcomber island is the place to be. The bar is opened at 9am and closes around 4am. The bar sells chocolates, toasted sandwich's and milkshakes (usually for us party goers, bailey shotted milkshakes!) whenever they're open for anyone who's got the munchies. The island offers 3 meals a day- and every time the drum is played it means meal time. Many hungry, hungover people making their way for a meal as soon as possible. The food ranges from your typical breakfast, to fish curry, pasta salad and roti bread lunch, to a delicious choice of beef, vegetable or fish curry at dinner, served with rice. Although food is generally Indian style, they also offer chicken, ham, beef and also exotic dishes. Vegetarian meals are available for those who require it. If you're young, or young at heart, Beachcomber island is the destination for you. Go to: http://uniglobecarefreetravel.wordpress.com/2010/03/01/colleens-trip-to-fiji-day-two/ for information on others experiences in Fiji.

Why a Fiji Get-Away?

For those who have decided to take a trip overseas, they'll know one thing about the trip itself; it's usually long.
The best thing about the trip to Fiji is it takes just over four hours to get there from Australia and a few more from New Zealand.

Personally flying Pacific Airways, i experienced the Fijian hospitality before I'd even touched the islands land. Pacific Airways has friendly staff, great food and entertainment.
The hospitality that Fiji offers is outstanding. They're friendly and welcoming, funny, entertaining and hard working. The food in Fiji is certainly different, but something everyone should experience. They tend to offer more Indian style dishes, along with lots of fish, beef and vegetables. Typically Fiji offers a large range of alcohol/cocktails/beer to drink. There is something for everyone. For kids, Fiji is just as fun. Many families take their children to Fiji because it is fun in the sun, with amazing corals and tropical fish to see, great entertainment and tasty fruity drinks to cool them down after a long hot day. Many islands offer exciting trips or entertainment for their guests everyday. Although usually at extra cost, it is worth every dollar spent. Escorted by a host from your island, catching a boat to the mainland is an interesting way of involving yourself into the lives of Fijians. Although the main island is not terribly friendly, many will smile and say hi welcoming visitors to their land. Fiji is for everyone and should definitely be considered when booking your next trip away!