Ways to Save Money in Denarau
A luxurious getaway to Denarau Island doesn’t mean you have to go overboard. Sure, the lavish island made up of five-star resorts and deluxe apartments aren’t the first place that springs to mind when looking for a budget holiday to Fiji, but those looking for an exceptional couples getaway, family holiday or another special occasion can enjoy their time in Denarau Island and still have some money to fly back home with. Use these tips to stay in Denarau on a budget and stretch your dollars further!
For more money-saving tips, check out 17 Ways to Save Money When Travelling in Fiji. Plus, check out our 10 Budget Accommodation in Denarau for the cheapest places to stay.
1. Start Your Stay Mid-Week
Play around with your dates when booking your resort! Often, it’s cheaper to start your stay mid-week, for instance, Tuesday or Wednesday, compared to Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
2. Plan Your Trip in the Low Season
Don’t worry, summer never ends in Fiji with warm temperatures all year round! With that in mind, try to travel in the low season to see cheaper rates on flights and room rates. The low season is October-November and January-May. Check out 10 Reasons to Travel in the Low Season in Fiji.
3. Stay in Apartments to Cook Your Own Meals
Luxury apartments, such as at The Palms and The Terraces, might have similar room rates to the five-star resorts on Denarau Island but their rooms have kitchen facilities. Make use of them by cooking your own meals! You’ll save a ton of money on food. Groceries can be purchased from the nearby convenience stores and supermarkets at Port Denarau, as well as in Nadi town.
4. Use “Kids Stay and Play for Free” Resorts
If travelling with kids, consider family-friendly resorts like the Sheraton Fiji Resort and Sheraton Denarau Villas. Children under 12 years can stay for free if the existing bedding in a room is used. Children also have free access to the kids’ clubs. Bear in mind that these deals apply to a maximum of two children per booking. Learn more about the kids’ clubs in our 5 Best Kids’ Clubs on Denarau Island.
5. Use the Yellow Bus to Get to Denarau
The public bus service between Nadi Airport, Nadi town and Denarau is by far the cheapest way to get to Denarau. Westbus (the yellow bus) is the only public bus operator servicing Denarau, costing around FJ$1-$2 per person to travel between Nadi and Denarau! Find out more in our 5 Ways to Get to Denarau.
6. Get Around Denarau on Foot
Denarau Island is a compact island, so a great way to save money on transport around the island is to simply walk. There are paths/sidewalks alongside the road, as well as on the waterfront connecting the resorts.
7. Do Some Sightseeing
Sightseeing around the other resorts, as well as the Port Denarau Marina, is a great way to spend a day for free. Check out our Guide to Denarau Island on a Budget to see some excellent places around the island to visit.
8. Make Use of the Free Facilities and Activities
Make use of your resorts’ free facilities: gyms, pools, loungers, entertainment programs, WiFi and more! Days by the pool are essentially what holidays in Denarau are all about. Some resorts, like the Hilton Fiji Beach Resort, have seven different pools to choose from. The Sheraton Resort, Sheraton Villas and Westin Resort share all their facilities keeping pool days constantly fresh. On top of that, resorts in Denarau have a daily agenda of free activities for guests. These might include a fitness class, a group walk or playing beach games. Later in the evening, restaurants will have cultural shows and themed nights for dinner guests to enjoy.
9. Eat in Port Denarau
Although eating out in Denarau is more expensive than eating out in Nadi, the selection of restaurants at the Port Denarau Marina are still cheaper than what’s available in resorts. Check out our Top Cheap Eats in Denarau for our recommendations.
10. Go On a Day Trip to Nadi
Sightseeing in Nadi is a great way to spend a cheap day in Fiji. Visit the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple, mingle with the locals at a market, and try all the delicious street food. Just catch the yellow bus into town! Check out our The Guide to Nadi on a Budget for ideas.
More Tips for Staying in Denarau on a Budget
- 12 Things to Do in Denarau Island
- 17 Ways to Save Money When Travelling in Fiji
- 30 Tips for Travelling in Fiji
That’s it for our tips on visiting Denarau on a budget. Finally, check out Fiji Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Fiji Cost? for even more budgeting tips.
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.