Affordable and Free Activities in Denarau Island
After the price of accommodation, flights and some awesome activities in the Denarau, you’re going to want to have a couple of “cheap” days while staying on Fiji’s premium holiday island. Luckily enough, there’s plenty to do on the island for those days that you want to stick to a budget. Lazy days by the pool, wandering around the town of Port Denarau and playing a round of mini-golf are all ways to keep the costs low. Check out the whole list of free and cheap things to do in Denarau and start planning!
For more ways to save money in Denarau, check out our Guide to Denarau on a Budget.
1. Do Some Resort-Hopping
While Denarau Island might not exactly be the white-sand island paradise that you get elsewhere in Fiji, the 5-star luxury resorts make Denarau Island a whole different island experience! Jump on the hop-on-hop-off Bula Bus (tickets are around FJ$8 per adult per day) or simply walk from resort to resort checking out these dreamy holiday venues. Large lagoon-style pools, fine dining restaurants, spectacular water features and palm-fringed walkways, the Denarau Island resorts are certainly an attraction in themselves. All the resorts are open for people to walk around, so why not?!
2. Lounge by the Pool
If you’re staying in Denarau, then there’s one thing you know you can do day-in-day-out for absolutely free: lounging by the pool! Every resort or apartment complex have their own pool with sun loungers and many other perks, whether it’s poolside waiters bringing you cocktails or quiet adults-only hideaways. If you get bored of one pool, just check out the pool in the next resort. In fact, resorts like the Sheraton and The Westin encourage guests to use the facilities in their neighbouring resorts!
3. Visit Port Denarau
Whether you’re staying in one of the Denarau resorts or just visiting the island for the day, your go-to spot should be Port Denarau. This shopping and dining precinct offers great views across the harbour, making it a great place to relax with a Fiji beer or fruity cocktail.
4. Do Some Souvenir Shopping
On the subject of Port Denarau, check out the shops the small town has to offer. There’s a great selection of souvenir shops, where you don’t have to spend too much to get yourself a new Fijian sarong or carved trinket.
5. Watch a Cultural Performance
You know you’re in Fiji when you see the captivating performances of the “meke”! Watch a mix of dancing, singing, Fijian warriors and fire-walking and get a great insight into the Fijian traditions. Attending your resorts evening performances is something not to be missed. For more ways to experience the culture in Fiji, take a look at How to Have a Real Fiji Cultural Experience.
6. Take the Kids to the Kids’ Club!
Most of the Denarau resorts have fantastic (and free) kids clubs that keep the young ones entertained all day long! There are usually two age ranges to choose from so your kids can mingle with others their own age. As for the activities, there’s a wide range to keep them busy from crab racing to treasure hunts to learning Fijian dances and war chants!
7. Join in on the Activities of the Adults Programme
It’s not just the kids that get to hang out, the adults have the opportunity to meet some like-minded holiday-goers too with the resorts’ adults programs. Join in on some sports like volleyball, croquet or aerobics or watch cultural ceremonies. Ask at reception for the full itinerary!
8. Grab a Bite to Eat
Culinary experiences are still an activity, right? Grabbing a coffee from Bulaccino or something rocking from the Hard Rock Cafe is another great way to spend your time in Denarau. Swap the pricey resort meals for something more affordable at one of the dozens of eateries at Port Denarau. Check out our list of Cheap Eats in Denarau for the best deals.
9. Play Mini Golf
While the 18-hole Denarau golf course might not quite fit the criteria for one of the “cheap things to do in Denarau”, the mini golf certainly does! Grab your friends or family and challenge them to a round on the Fiji-themed mini golf course. Find it across the road from the Sofitel resort next to the Golf Club.
10. Watch the Sunset from Denarau Beach
The waterfront of the Sheraton Resort is the best stretch of Denarau Beach. Although the beach is not the most ideal for swimming, it does make a pleasant place for an evening stroll and watching the vivid colours of a Fiji sunset.
11. Get Some Braids
Your kids haven’t been to Fiji until they have gotten some braids! It’s on many little girls’ wish lists, so treat them to some affordable hair braiding. Braids usually cost FJ$1-2 per braid. Shop around the resorts and at the Denarau Marina for the best price!
More Free and Cheap Things to Do in Denarau and Fiji
- 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Nadi
- 30 Tips for Travelling in Fiji
- 17 Ways to Save Money When Travelling in Fiji
That’s it for the free and cheap things to do in Denarau. Don’t forget to bookmark The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji on a Budget. Trust us, there’s a lot of useful tips in there!
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.