Why It Took 10 Years (and 3 Kids) to Finally Visit Fiji
By David, Travel Manager at Fiji-Bookings.com
For the better part of a decade, I have had a confession to make:
I have spent nearly ten years analyzing ferry routes, negotiating partnerships, and helping people make their Fiji travel plans come together.
Typically, our company philosophy is 'boots-on-the-ground'; when we launched in Indonesia, Seychelles, and the Caribbean, we went there first. But Fiji was the outlier. Its mature tourism industry and our strong local partners allowed us to build a solid foundation remotely from our European HQ. However, that 10,000-mile distance created a strange reality: for a decade, I was guiding travelers to a paradise I had never actually stepped foot in.
Fast forward three years. I was poised to finally visit to celebrate our initial success, but then COVID-19 hit. Next came life - specifically, the arrival of our third child. The "big trip" kept getting pushed down the calendar.
Finally, in late 2025, the stars aligned. My wife, our three young children (11, 7, and <2), and I packed our bags, grabbed my laptop, and embarked on a massive six-month stationing across the Pacific and Southeast Asia. We warmed up with a month in Java and Bali, followed by a fortnight layover in Australia, before landing in Nadi for our four-week Fiji chapter. Now, writing this from back in Bali, I am confident I finally have the perspective to review Fiji properly.
Instagram vs. Reality and Budgetary Anxiety
In all honesty, as our plans took shape, I began to worry: Is Fiji really worth the hype - and the expense? To put it in perspective, our family of five could live in Bali for a month on what a single week in Fiji costs. Even with the generous perks we received from local partners (full disclosure: being a travel insider helps), the upfront cost of the self-funded portion still stung.
Besides, what about the "Instagram Effect"? You never quite know what the lens has left out. Have they cropped out traffic jams? Airbrushed rubbish from the beach? Tuned up the saturation on the water? As I stared at the budget, I wondered if the premium was actually going to be justified.
So did the reality match the price tag? Now that I’m back, I can answer that with the authority of an expert - not just in theory anymore - and the perspective of a father of three: Absolutely. Yes.
"Bula" Baby: Why Families Love It
The real magic of Fiji wasn't just the scenery - it was the people. You hear about the "Bula Spirit" in brochures, and I admit, I long assumed it was marketing fluff. It really isn't.
Indigenous Fijians exude a genuine happiness that is loud, physical, and infectious. They didn't just tolerate our children; they celebrated them. There is a "village" mentality there where everyone watches out for the little ones.
My toddler became the de facto "Guest of Honour" everywhere we went. He was scooped up, hugged, and entertained by staff and locals alike, allowing us to actually eat a meal with two hands. It made such an impression on him that one of his very first words is now, I kid you not, "Bula!"
A Note on Culture: We also spent time with many Indo-Fijians; drivers, shop owners, and hosts. While their cultural expression is different - perhaps a bit more reserved and polite compared to the energetic Indigenous welcome - their hospitality was also heartfelt.
This added a layer of cultural richness I hadn't fully appreciated from afar.
Fiji Itinerary: An Agent’s Stress Test
We stayed for four weeks, from November to early December. Weather-wise it was still very good; we had the occasional tropical downpour to clear the air, but mostly plenty of glorious sunshine.
We didn't just want to sit by a pool. We prefer to get closer to local life rather than being stuck inside a fully catered resort. I also wanted to test the ferry network we at Fiji-Bookings recommend every day.
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Soft Landing: We started with a day trip to Malamala Beach Club. If you have kids and jetlag, do this. It’s an easy, low-stress introduction to the crystal Mamanuca waters before you head further out.
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Yasawa Island Hopping: We utilized the South Sea Cruises network to hop between Barefoot Kuata, Barefoot Manta, and Coralview Island located on the Blue Lagoon. The logistics were seamless, but the water was the real revelation. It reminded me of the pristine East Coast of Australia - pure, plastic-free, and refreshing.
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Under the Surface: We are a family of divers (myself, my wife, and my 11-year-old daughter), so the Yasawa shark dives and night dives were absolute highlights. However, the marine magic isn't limited to the deep. Snorkeling right off the beach at Kuata was simply the best I have ever experienced. In just one session, I saw countless tropical fish; rainbow parrotfish, anemone fish (Nemo), batfish, and triggerfish, alongside barracuda and small rays. I even swam above a couple of large blacktip reef sharks patrolling the deeper water.
- The Shortcut: For the return leg, we field-tested our newest fast-ferry partner, Tropic Magic. Its unique early-morning departure meant we zipped from the Northern Yasawas to Vuda Marina in just 3 hours - cutting the typical journey time from this region in half.
Going Deep: The Highlands
Back on the mainland, we based ourselves in local Airbnbs near Nadi and Lautoka. But to truly understand the island, we wanted to explore the rugged interior of Viti Levu, not only stick to the coast. So, we rented a 4x4, drove deep into the remote highlands, and stayed in Navala Village.
This is my top recommendation for travelers who want more than a tan: Get out of the resort. Rent a car. Stay in a local Airbnb in a normal neighborhood. Or better yet, rough it in the mountains.
Staying in the village required us to perform Sevusevu - the traditional protocol of presenting kava (yaqona) to the village chief to ask for permission to visit. It’s a humbling, ancient mark of respect.
Our accommodation was a traditional single space thatched bure. Beautiful, authentic, but definitely not for the comfort seeker. We slept on the woven reed floor, shared the family outhouse, and played host to a lively variety of multi-legged night visitors. Yet, the trade-off was undeniable. To be guests of a local highland family was worth every moment of rustic living. Sitting there, sharing kava in the tranquility of the highlands, light-years from the nearest swim-up bar, I felt a connection to the soul of Fiji that no brochure could ever capture.
Meanwhile, our kids found their own connection. They will never forget the exhilaration of swimming with the village children in the magnificent Ba river rapids that flow through the rugged Navala valley.
Fiji vs. Bali: A Fair Comparison
This is the number one question I hear often. "Why should I pay Fiji prices when I can go to Bali for less than half the cost?"
First, let me be clear: I love Bali. I haven't just popped in for a week; I have spent many months there over the years and it is culturally perhaps my favorite place on earth. The Balinese people rival Fiji when it comes to genuine friendliness and their adoration of children. Bali is gorgeous, and the surrounding islands are spectacular. But the price difference comes down to one word: Seclusion.
Consider the raw statistics: Viti Levu (Fiji's main island) is nearly double the land mass of Bali, yet Bali holds roughly six times the population. That difference in density changes everything. Bali buzzes with a beautiful but undeniable crowd; Fiji feels significantly more spacious, rural, and untamed.
A Note on Costs: It is important to understand that high prices in Fiji aren't about locals 'ripping you off.' It is simple geography. When your nearest industrial neighbors (Australia and New Zealand) are 2,000 to 3,000km away, vast ocean distances equal high import costs. While Fijians grow and produce an impressive amount to support themselves, specific goods - especially the creature comforts tourists tend to want - come with a shipping tag attached.
You aren't paying for golden taps here; you are paying for the privilege of emptiness.
My advice? Do both! If you want rich culture, incredible art, and unbeatable value, go to Bali. But for the luxury of space, silence, and feeling like you are a welcome visitor to a tiny island community, save up for Fiji.
The Verdict
Fiji is expensive, yes. It is far, absolutely. But for the first time in my career, I can state this without looking at a spreadsheet: It is worth every cent. For the last ten years, I promoted Fiji because the data told me it was a world-class destination. Today, that professional advice has become personal. I have explored its pristine underwater worlds, watched my children laugh with local kids in the highland rivers, and heard my toddler shout 'Bula!' to every passerby.
I used to sell the dream. Now I know the truth: The reality is better than the brochure.