Fiji Budget & Backpacking Itinerary: 3 Days / Weekend

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How to Get Around Fiji in 3 Days

The Fiji itinerary below incorporates water and road travel. Here are the transport options you need to know about travelling around Fiji on a budget in three days.

Budget Transport in Nadi

Taxis are a quick and convenient option for getting around Nadi. Local buses are particularly cheap, with one-way trips costing less than FJ$2 within Nadi. Check out 10 Ways to Get to Nadi (& Get Around Nadi) for more information.

Budget Transport to the Mamanuca Islands

Our itinerary below includes a boat transfer from Wailoaloa Beach, Nadi’s closest beach lined with backpacker resorts. Wailoaloa Beach is a 10-minute drive from Nadi Airport, where resorts offer free airport transfers. From Wailoaloa, the Mana Flyer is a boat transfer service that takes passengers to Mana, Beachcomber, Treasure, and Bounty Island. The boat leaves from Wailoaloa Beach between 10-11 am daily. For alternative transport, see the 5 Ways to Get to the Mamanuca Islands.

For all of your transport options across the islands, check out the Fiji Transport Guide: 20 Best Ways to Get Around Fiji.

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Day 1 – Arrival in Nadi + Explore Wailoaloa Beach

Welcome to Nadi, Fiji! Even in Fiji’s arrival city, there are plenty of fun experiences to be had, so spend what’s remaining of your day after you land exploring the town, home to bustling Fijian markets and scrumptious Indo-Fijian curry houses. Alternatively, get a taxi to the Sabeto Valley, which has famous hot springs, mud pools, and the beautiful Garden of the Sleeping Giant. End your day on the backpacker beach strip of Wailoaloa Beach to get the first taste of beaches in Fiji and to make a good base for island-hopping tomorrow. Get more information in The Guide to Nadi on a Budget.

Things to Do in Nadi on a Budget

• Relax and get muddy at the Sabeto Mud Pools
• Take a walk around the Garden of the Sleeping Giant
• Check out some markets, such as the Nadi Handicraft Market, The New Nadi Farmers’ Market and the Namaka Market
• Experience the Nadi nightlife
• Admire the colourful Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple

Got more inspiration from our 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Nadi.

Budget Accommodation at Wailoaloa Beach

• Smugglers Cove Beach Resort & Hotel
• Bamboo Backpackers
• Bluewater Lodge
• The Ideal Bed & Breakfast
• Aquarius on the Beach

Take a look at our top picks in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Nadi.

Dining Recommendations

For budget-friendly dining options in Nadi, you’ll find local fare at attractions like Sabeto Mud Pools and Nadi Market for just a few Fijian dollars. In Nadi Town, the renowned Curry House serves up delectable curries that won’t break the bank. In Wailoaloa, Matasawa Resort offers reasonably priced curries, while Blue Water Inn offers a local vibe with daily specials. For more affordable dining options, check out our guide to The Top Cheap Eats in Nadi.

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Day 2 – Wailoaloa Beach to the Mamanuca Islands

Travel Time: 35-45-minute boat ride

This morning, catch the Mana Flyer from Wailoaloa Beach to either Mana, Beachcomber, Treasure or Bounty Islands and see what Fiji is really all about! Sink your toes in white sand beaches, snorkel in the off-shore reefs and learn how to husk a coconut at one of the Mamanuca Islands’ budget resorts. Stay the night before returning to the mainland tomorrow. Get more advice in The Guide to the Mamanuca Islands on a Budget.

Things to Do on a Budget in the Mamanuca Islands

• Snorkel and check out the tropical fish just off the beach
• Explore the island with your resort’s complimentary kayaks
• Do some stand-up paddleboarding
• Hike to the island’s viewpoint
• Relax with Fijian meke dancing and kava ceremonies in the evenings.

For more inspiration, check out our 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in the Mamanuca Islands.

Budget Accommodation in the Mamanuca Islands

• Funky Fish Beach Resort
• Ratu Kini Dive Resort
• Beachcomber Island Resort
• Mana Lagoon Backpackers
• South Sea Island

Find out more about each of these accommodations in our 5 Best Budget Accommodations on the Mamanuca Islands.

Dining Recommendations

Dining options on your chosen island may be limited, so your best bet is to savour meals at your resort. To keep your budget in check, consider bringing snacks and opting for a hearty dinner (you’ll find more money-saving tips in our guide to saving money in Fiji). For those looking to explore the culinary scene further, our food guide to the Mamanuca Islands offers a comprehensive look at the best places to eat and food-focused resorts.

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Day 3 – Mamanuca Islands to Nadi International Airport

Travel Time: 35-45-minute boat ride, 15 minutes by road

This is the moment when you realise you should have stayed in Fiji far longer than just three days! It’s time to head back to the mainland, hopping back on the Mana Flyer to Wailoaloa Beach.

If you stayed in one of the Wailoaloa Beach resorts on your first night, inquire about a free transfer to Nadi International Airport. Otherwise, a taxi to the airport won’t set you back too much. (See How Much Does a Nadi Airport Taxi Cost? for more approximate prices). If you have some time in Nadi to kill before your flight, check out the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Nadi.

Remember to arrive at Nadi Airport a couple of hours before your scheduled departure, so you have enough time to check-in, go through security and browse the duty-free. For a full rundown of what to expect, take a look at Leaving Fiji: Departure Tips & Checklist.

And it’s “sota tale” from Fiji!