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Welcome to Intrepids new South Pacific adventures! Fiji is the very heart of this idyllic region and this new trip will introduce you to the major highlights of the country. Visit traditional villages of Viti Levu, explore the beautiful Coral Coast, discover the colonial and cosmopolitan capital of Suva, island hop through the spectacular Yasawa chain and mingle with some of the worlds' friendliest locals!
Style
Trip Map
Itinerary
Culture Shock Rating
Physical Rating
Physical Preparation
Included Activities
Optional Activities
Spending Money
Local Payment
Important Notes
Group Size
Accommodation
Meals
Meal Inclusions
This is how it all started; the trips that made us one of the world's leading operators of small group adventures. And they're still as popular as ever! Original trips are all about variety: the places, the people, the activities, and even the accommodation and transport we use. From homestays to market trips to visits to community projects, there's a new experience every day, with many activities included.
Your fellow travellers will be arriving at all times from around the world at different times, so no activities are planned for today. Your leader will hold a welcome meeting in the evening at 6.00pm where they will collect your local payment. This will be followed by an optional group dinner. Look for the welcome note at reception in the joining-point hotel explaining where to meet.
Of the 400 or so islands that make up Fiji, Viti Levu is the largest while also the cultural crossroads of the South Pacific. It is also home to 70 per cent of the population (about 580,000) and is the hub of the entire archipelago. Of the Pacific Islands, it is exceeded in size only by New Caledonia and Hawaii. Note that hotel check-in time is 12 noon.
A full day's travel takes us through the heart of Viti Levu on our way to the coral coast. To reach this paradise we travel through Sigatoka, where we have the opportunity to visit the local market before moving on to the village of Namatakula. Namatakula is renowned as the home of several well-known sporting legends. We meet our hosts and are welcomed by the head of the village tonight with a traditional sevu sevu ceremony (or presentation of kava - a root crop made into a local brew) which includes dancing, singing and kava drinking. Day 3 is a free day to explore. There are many optional activities available to keep us busy and the highlight tonight is the lovo - a traditional meal cooked underground.
Suva, the capital of Fiji is a beautiful harbour city perched on a hilly peninsula in the southeast corner of Viti Levu. The mountains north and west catch the southeast trade winds, producing moist conditions all year. The capital's tall modern buildings are beautifully balanced by rich, traditional colonial architecture. A fascinating blend of Fijian, Indian, Chinese, Tongan, Samoan, Rotuman, Solomon Islander, Micronesian and European communities make up its diverse ethnic population, giving it a unique cosmopolitan flavour. In and around Suva there are a variety of Christian churches, Hindu and Sikh temples, Muslim mosques and even an abandoned Jewish cemetery. Suva has a modern array of communication facilities and has attracted a host of international bureaus and regional institutions, such as the University of the South Pacific. Much of Suva's past still survives, which we get to witness on our walk through the city. New and old sit side by side and we can see the small, quaint wooden bungalows in the old section as they are situated right next to the modern offices and shopping plazas. We can also take in the renowned Fiji National Museum and Botanic Gardens. We stay near the wonderful Colo i Suva Forest Park, a tropical lowland rainforest dotted with non-native mahogany. The area has several small waterfalls, indigenous flora, bird life and scenic lookouts and it's worth spending some time exploring its many trails.
The day is spent travelling back to Nadi along the King's Road, a long and sometimes rough road that circles around the northern side of the island and is dotted with villages, farms, small towns and roadside stalls. A great way to see Fijians going about their daily lives. We have time to organise our gear for tomorrow's trip out to the Yasawa Island chain.
The Yasawa Islands are a collection of about 20 small coral and volcanic islands, most of which are either uninhabited or have small fishing villages. The island chain begins about 40km northwest of Lautoka and stretches for approximately 80km. The islands are also home to the famous Blue Lagoon (the same one that inspired and provided the setting for the two films!) and is renowned as one of Fiji's most pristine regions while conforming to the archetypal image of what you would expect in the South Pacific.
Filled with white, sandy beaches as far as the eye can see, crystal-clear turquoise waters just waiting to be explored and spectacular, tropical volcanic islands, this is paradise in a nutshell. You'll quickly learn to discard your watch and really wind down, adapting to 'Fijian time' and forgetting pretty much everything else!
Our small resort is owned and operated by the local villagers of Waya Sewa (or Waya Lailai). All profits are shared amongst the villagers for education, church and village improvements.
We stay in basic dorm style accommodation and will have a chance to swim, snorkel, explore the island or visit the local village.
We return to Nadi on day 8 at around 6pm. Your flight out should not be before 8pm on day 8. We recommend you book additional accommodation in Nadi on the evening of day 8 or you may choose stay longer to explore the Yasawas. See Important Notes
The itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. Please note: occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers' comments and our own research. Our brochure is usually released in November each year. As such the information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. For the latest updated trip notes please visit our website: www.intrepidtravel.com
Expect to rough it every now and again. Simple group-share accommodation at a homestay, a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, the odd cold shower or an encounter with a squat toilet are some examples of what you could expect to find on a trip of this rating.
Depending on the trip, activities may include longer walks over uneven surfaces or adventure activities like flat water kayaking or a long day's bike ride, in conditions which could be unfavourable. You will raise your heart rate on these trips, so a basic level of aerobic fitness is required.
There are some long travel days and some rough travelling in areas away from main tourist routes. There will be a variety of temperatures but in the summer months it will be very hot. A good level of fitness will be expected and will certainly help increase the enjoyment of the trip.
This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense. For a list of optional
activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below. If you choose not to participate in the included
activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.
Coastal village visit, Yasawa island trip.
We list the following optional activities for your information. This is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
They are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by Intrepid nor included in price of this trip. If you do any of them, you do so at your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation is your own decision and does not form part of your contract with Intrepid.
We suggest you bring along USD150 for optional activities
Snorkel hire FJD 10-15
Village walks FJD 12-15
Fishing trips FJD 10-15
Massage FJD 20- 40
Guided Summit Walk (Wayalailai) FJD 10per person
Weaving lesson FJD 5 pp
Scuba diving (Wayalailai )FJD80 to 140 per dive
Night Scuba dive (Wayalailai )FJD100
Got extra time before or after your Intrepid adventure? Maybe there is an URBAN ADVENTURE in one of the cities that you're visiting on your trip?
Intrepid's Urban Adventures are the city tour with a difference - there are more than 100 to choose from in over 30 cities around the world, with new trips added regularly. They are a great way to get under the skin of the city you're visiting, in just a few hours. To make a booking contact your local travel agent, Intrepid consultant or visit www.urbanadventures.com
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
A local payment will be collected by your leader on day 1 of your trip. The amount of this local payment varies depending on whether you booked your trip on old or new prices.
Old price local payment = USD$150 on day 1.
This applies for all departures prior to 31 Oct 2008 and for travellers paid in full prior to 8 Sept 2008.
New price local payment = FJD225 on day 1 .
This applies to all departures after 1 Nov 2008 unless the traveller has paid in full prior to 8 Sept 2008.
Most of our trips require a compulsory local payment, which is part of the contract with you
(the customer) and Intrepid Travel Pty Ltd. This amount is the final payment for your trip
and is to be paid in the specified currency, in cash to your leader upon arrival.
The local payment is non-refundable, and is considered part of the total trip payment.
Further details and information on your local payment are shown in our brochures and on our website at
http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/faq/#localpmt
1. Trip finishes on arrival into Nadi by boat around 6pm on Sunday, Day 8. Please ensure any flights out of Nadi take this into consideration. We recommend you book additional accommodation in Nadi on the evening of Day 8, or stay longer to explore the Yasawas.
2. If you wish to stay longer in the Yasawas the return boat ticket is transferable. If wishing to stay longer at Wayalailai or explore the islands further you can book directly with the boat company and resort of your choice at the time depending on availability. Please inform your leader on Day 1 of the tour so they can provide advice and assistance.
Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Hotel/guesthouse (3 nights), dormitory (2 nights), homestay (2 nights)
While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On our camping trips we often cook the region's specialties so you don't miss out. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section of these notes for details of meals included.
Allow USD $100 for meals not included.
4 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Minibus, boat, local bus
All Intrepid group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. Your leader is available from 12 midday on arrival day until 12 midday on departure day.
Beachside Resort
Wailaolao Beach Road
Nadi
Fiji
Phone: (679) 6703488
Fax: (679) 6703688
The Beachside Resort, our base hotel in Nadi, is located at Wailoaloa Beach, a short taxi ride from the airport and Nadi town. Rooms have air-conditioning, internet access, direct dial phones & balcony. Staff are friendly & helpful, there is a swimming pool and a great cafe. Check-in is 1pm, check out is 11am.
A one-way Airport transfer is available 5am to 10pm if you call, fax or email your arrival details to the hotel
Email: beachsideresort@connect.com.fj
You must mention you are joining an Intrepid group tour.
The enquiries desk after customs and immigration will direct you to the driver.
At other times or if you havent contacted the hotel you can catch a taxi to the joining point hotel. Airport taxis cost around FJD15.
We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your
group trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader.
If you have pre-booked an airport transfer (where available) and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing
customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions in the Trip
Notes. Should this occur, please apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost on your return.
No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any
additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Head Office can be reached on Tel: +61 (0) 420 836 178. For further contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/.
Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary
depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible,
but rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself.
A free tourist visa of 4 months is granted on arrival to citizens of more than 100 countries. You'll need to have an onward ticket and a passport valid for at least 3 months longer than your intended stay.
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage and although you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for daytrips.
The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by bringing and using a water purification method. Some of the options are:
Water purification tablets available from camping stores or pharmacies eg. Micropur.
2% tincture of iodine available from pharmacies - used at 4 drops per litre of water and left for at least 20 minutes. Longer in very cold weather.
You will be on the move a good deal, so pack as lightly as possible (try to stay under 10 kg /22lb). It is in your own interest as you are expected to carry your own luggage, though distances are never great. Most travellers carry their luggage in a pack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice. Suitcases are not recommended for Intrepid travellers!
When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative in Fiji. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing is worn in towns and villages. This means covering shoulders and no short shorts. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot climate. Shorts should be knee-length. Topless sun bathing is unacceptable.
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.
Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, voucher
Health requirements arranged
Money: travellers cheques/cash/credit card, Money pouch
First aid kit
Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
Alarm clock and Torch/flashlight
Light weight travel towel
Mosquito repellent
Hat, sun cream and sun glasses
Refillable water bottle
Fiji travel guide - great for history and general information
Light raincoat or umbrella
Long pants, short pants, long sleeved shirt, T shirt, swimming costume.
A warm jacket for evenings
Sarong/Sulu for women/men (can be bought locally)
Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website:
www.oanda.com.
1USD is equal to approximately FJD1.70. Travellers cheques are the safest way to carry your money and can be changed in most banks. Cash is also readily and easily exchanged but please be aware of the additional risks when choosing to travel with cash. There are ATM services available in Suva and Nadi as well as Sigatoka and Lautoka.
All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend email. Email cafes are generally available throughout the regions we visit, although it is possible you may be without email contact for several days on some itineraries. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our emergency contact details. We don't recommend that family and friends try to contact you through hotels, as they are subject to change and the reception staff may not speak English.
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
All Intrepid travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience. If in the opinion of our group leader or company representative any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Intrepid reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore ask that you read the itinerary in these trip notes thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.
There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information about before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements . Please be aware that we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. Please refer to our website's Safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips: www.intrepidtravel.com/safety.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Your leader will accompany you on all included activities however during your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy at www.intrepidtravel.com/safety.
We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it is being implemented in the field.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.
If you have credit card insurance your tour leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact telephone number rather than the Bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
Please go to www.intrepidtravel.com/insurance.php for links to various travel insurance providers.
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the
frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and
likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group
- patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience.
Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time,
ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best
trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on
your part.
Please note that due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information
about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.
With the exception of our Comfort trips, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. Please note some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis - where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On our Comfort trips you have the choice of sharing or paying a single supplement. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre- and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please refer to our website at www.intrepidtravel.com/responsibletravel for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveller.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for Intrepid travellers. Intrepid's philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Since Intrepid Travel commenced operating in 1989 we have been committed to giving something back to the communities we visit. One way has been through our support for local humanitarian, development and conservation projects. Many of our travellers want to contribute something too. To make things easier we established The Intrepid Foundation. All donations to The Intrepid Foundation will be matched by Intrepid Travel dollar for dollar, up to AU$5,000 per donor and a total of AU$300,000 for all donors in each financial year. And every cent gets there as Intrepid Travel pays for all the administration costs. Donating is simple and secure. Please ask your group leader for information on the projects we support in the region, through The Intrepid Foundation; or go to our website: www.theintrepidfoundation.org
All Intrepid travellers are required to sign a Participation Form on day 1 of the trip. Please note that signing the form is a prerequisite of
travelling with Intrepid. The wording of this form follows:
"I understand that travelling with Intrepid may involve risks (and rewards)
above and beyond those encountered on a more conventional holiday, and that
I am undertaking an adventure trip with inherent dangers. I understand that
I am travelling to geographical areas where, amongst other things, the
standard of accommodation, transport, safety, hygiene, cleanliness, medical
facilities, telecommunications and infrastructure development may not be of
the standard I am used to at home or would find on a conventional holiday. I
have read and understood the Intrepid trip notes for the trip I am
undertaking and have provided details of any pre-existing medical conditions
I have to Intrepid's representatives.
I accept these risks and obligations and I fully assume the risks of travel.
I release Intrepid Travel from any liabilities connected to these risks to
the maximum extent permitted by law."
After your travels, we want to hear from you! This is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 4 weeks of finishing your trip. Go to: www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback
Thanks!
Do you want to see your travel photos published? To celebrate all that is travel photography, Intrepid hold an annual Intrepid Photography Competition.
There are five categories - real life experiences, travelling families, local friends, landscapes, icons - each with a fabulous prizes.For more information,
entry form and competition conditions, please visit www.intrepidtravel.com/photocomp. Send entries to
The Editor,
Intrepid Travel,
PO Box 2781,
Fitzroy DC 3065,
Victoria, Australia.
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