The Budget & Backpacking Guide to Denarau Island

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How to Get to Denarau Island on a Budget

One way Denarau is kind to your wallet is that the island is just a 25-minute drive south of the Nadi International Airport, keeping the transport costs to a minimum. What’s more, the island is actually attached to the mainland by road, giving you plenty of road transport options.

Denarau by Bus

The public bus service in Nadi and Denarau is by far the cheapest way to get to Denarau. The public bus operator servicing Denarau, Westbus, costs around FJ$2 per person to travel between Nadi and Denarau.

Additionally, there is a hop-on-hop-off service costing around FJ$11 per adult for the full day. Children under 12 travel free with a paying adult.

Find out more about these bus services in How to Travel Around Fiji by Bus and our Denarau Transport Guide.

Denarau by Taxi

For a quicker and more direct service to Denarau, taxis with LT in the license plate are a popular way to get to Denarau. The drive from Nadi Airport takes about 20-30 minutes, with prices kept up to date in our guide, How Much Does a Nadi Airport Taxi Cost?

Note that taxis are not permitted to pick up from Denarau, so you’ll pay more with transfer services (LH plates) to leave Denarau.

Get tips on taking a taxi in our 10 Things You Need to Know About Taxis in Fiji.

Denarau by Airport Transfer

Private airport transfer services are available to get you between Nadi Airport and Denarau Island. These services can be booked in advance, where your driver will be waiting for you at the airport on your arrival.

While private transfers are pretty expensive, there are some more affordable private services, such as Go Local Fiji or shared shuttles with Epic Transfer & Tours, Go Local Fiji and Xplore Airport Transfers.

Check out the 10 Best Airport Transfers in Fiji for more options.

Getting Around Denarau on Foot

Denarau Island is a compact island, so a great way to save money on bus transport and taxis around the island is to walk. There are paths/sidewalks alongside the road, as well as on the waterfront connecting the resorts.

For more tips, check out our 5 Ways to Get Around Denarau.

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Sightseeing in Denarau

Sightseeing is always a cheap way to enjoy any destination, and Denarau has its fair share of places to check out.

Port Denarau

The main town of the island, Port Denarau, is a fascinating township that is in stark contrast to the other towns and cities in Fiji.

The contemporary architecture, street sculptures, water features and pockets of palm plantations make the town a pleasant place to wander. The streets are packed with souvenir shops, eateries, tour desks, supermarkets and ATMs.

The Denarau Island Resorts

Whether you are staying in one of the Denarau resorts or just visiting Denarau for the day, wandering around the five-star resorts is a fun way to spend an hour or two.

Denarau’s luxury resorts with tropical gardens, lagoon-style pools, fine restaurants and poolside cafes are nothing short of impressive. The resorts are all open and connected via a walkway on the waterfront.

Alternatively, take the Bula Bus to hop on and hop off at each resort.

Denarau Beach

Although the beaches at Denarau are manmade and not ideal for swimming, they still make a pleasant place to feel the sand between your toes. What’s more, you can capture some amazing sunsets from Denarau’s beaches.

The most scenic stretch of beach can be found at the Hilton Fiji Resort & Spa.

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Resort Activities in Denarau

Being a guest at one of the luxurious accommodations in Denarau often comes with many perks that don’t require you to fork out expensive extra fees.

Lounge by the Pool

Poolside holidays are essentially what holidays in Denarau are all about. Each resort and apartment accommodation has at least one outdoor swimming pool lined with sun loungers to catch some rays.

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, including the pools, keeping pool days for their guests constantly fresh.

Go to the Gym

If your idea of relaxing in Fiji is working out, then you’re in luck, as most accommodations in Denarau offer guests free use of their fitness centre.

Join an Activity on the Adults Programme

Resorts in Denarau have a daily agenda of free activities for guests. Usually, these involve a fitness class, such as aqua-aerobics in the pool, a group walk, or playing beach games like petanque or volleyball. Later in the evening, restaurants will have cultural shows and themed nights (see below).

Activities for Kids

Even the younger guests are catered to with plenty of complimentary or cheap activities for them to do. The family-friendly resorts that we list in the 10 Best Family Resorts in Denarau have outdoor and sometimes indoor playgrounds, children’s pools with a waterslide, and amazing kids’ clubs.

Check out our 5 Best Kids’ Clubs in Denarau for more information.

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Culture Activities in Denarau

While Denarau Island feels like a world away from the villages and local communities of Fiji, the resorts still make an effort to bring guests closer to the local culture.

Resort Cultural Activities

For resort guests, evenings are often filled with Fijian cultural entertainment. At resorts like the Radisson Blu Resort, sunset is acknowledged with torch-lighting ceremonies carried out by performers dressed as Fijian warriors.

Kids’ clubs, a free or affordable service depending on which resort you use, are a great way for children to get engaged in the Fijian culture, with activities including Fijian games, language lessons and crafts.

Lovo Nights

Watch a mix of dancing, singing, Fijian warriors and fire-walking and get a great insight into the Fijian traditions. Attending your resort’s evening performances is something not to be missed.

For those not staying at a Denarau Resort, Mamacita Mexican Restaurant‘s Fijian Night with a lovo buffet and Polynesian Night provide the best value.

Head to The Ultimate Guide to Denarau Nightlife to find more cultural nights. Needless to say, lovo dining is not a free activity.

For more ways to experience the culture in Fiji, take a look at How to Have a Real Fiji Cultural Experience. Plus, for more experiences in Denarau that don’t fall into the “budget” category but are no less enticing, take a look at the 20 Best Things to Do in Denarau.

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Dining on a Budget in Denarau

Compared to the restaurants found in Nadi town, just a 15-20-minute drive away, eating out in Denarau is not cheap. With that in mind, we recommend budget travellers to catch a bus to Nadi town to see the sights (check out The Guide to Nadi on a Budget) and try some of the amazing cheap eats in Nadi while you’re there.

Otherwise, head to Port Denarau Marina to find some cheaper food options than what is available in the resorts.

Cheap Eats in Denarau

For a cheap snack on the go, head to one of the infamous Hot Bread Kitchen, with meat pies for FJ$6, desserts for under FJ$3 and sandwiches for around FJ$7. We particularly love their coconut buns!

Lazy Beans Cafe is a must-visit spot for those seeking affordable eats in Denarau. This charming coffee stand offers a delightful array of fresh juices, smoothies, and speciality coffees to quench your thirst. For a quick bite, you’ll find a tempting selection of pastries and light snacks to satisfy your cravings.

Main meals range from FJ$19-$29 at the Heineken House Restaurant & Bar (Denarau Golf Club), including fish & chips, BBQ ribs, chicken parma and all sorts of pub grub.

Check out more recommendations in our Top Cheap Eats in Denarau.