Explore the idyllic Yasawa Islands

PHOTO: The Yasawa Flyer (the ‘Yellow Boat'), run by Awesome Adventures Fiji

by Vijayalaxmi Hegde

Of the two dozen islands in the Yasawa archipelago, backpackers frequent Kuata, Nacula, Nanuya, Lailai, Nanuya Levu , Naviti, Tavewa, Waya, Waya Lailai, Yaqeta, and, of course, Yasawa.

Facts to know before you go

• Carry insect repellent.

• Banks and cash machines available only on the mainland, that is, Nadi. Also, credit cards and travellers' cheques accepted on some islands, not all. So, stock up on cash.

• When visiting a Fijian village, dress modestly.

Getting there

The Yasawa Flyer (the ‘Yellow Boat'), run by Awesome Adventures Fiji, leaves Denarau port at 8.30 am daily for the Yasawa islands. You can either book tour packages with them (tel: 6750499; www.awesomefiji.com), or choose to do things your way.

You can also fly to Tavewa on a seaplane from Nadi and enjoy a fantastic view on the half-hour flight. Turtle Airways (tel: 6721888; reservations@turtleairways.com) runs daily flights.

Getting around

If you have a Bula pass issued by Awesome Adventures, island hopping costs are included. Else, going from one island to the next can cost $45 to $70. Local water taxis are cheaper but preferred only for shorter trips and when the sky is reasonably clear.

Things to do

You can choose to do very little and be a beach bum to the core. No better place than Fiji for that. Or, you could go snorkelling, diving, kayaking, hiking, fishing, or visit Fijian villages.

Diving is cheap and certification, too, is available in PADI or SSI open water course. The Yasawa islands have as many as 30 varied diving spots with soft and hard coral and amazing fish life.

Volleyball, nightly music, and kava drinking sessions are standard. (Kava is a soothing, tranquilizing drink made from the kava plant.)

Accommodation

Most of the places listed below offer decent, budget accommodation. Not all islands have luxury resorts and gourmet food, but the beauty of the Yasawas makes up for it all.

You can book through Awesome Adventures or contact the resort directly. Meals are included in the accommodation charges.

Kuata: Kuata Natural Resort. Tel: 6203874

Nanuya Lailai:

• Nanuya Island Resort. Tel: 6667633.

• Seaspray Resort. Tel: 666 8962.

• Gold Coast Resort. Tel: 6651580/9263863; goldcoastinn@connect.com.fj

Nanuya Levu: Also known as Turtle Island, this is a hyper-romantic place. The Blue Lagoon was filmed here.

Turtle Island Private Resort: Reserve a whole beach if you want to. www.turtlefiji.com

Waya Lailai or Wayasewa: Waya Lailai Eco Haven Resort. Tel: 6512292; www.wayalailairesort.com

Tavewa: Coralview Island Resort. Tel: 6662648; coral@connect.com.fj

Yasawa:

• Hideout Beach Resort. All guests stay free of charge on their 7th night here. www.hideoutfiji.com

• Adi's Place. Tel: 6650573

• Manta Ray Island Resort. Tel: 6726351/6640520; www.mantarayisland.com

Naviti:

• Coconut Bay Resort. Tel: 6666644; coconutbay_fiji2000@yahoo.com

• Korovou Eco Beach Resort. Tel: 6652812; www.korovouecoresort.com.fj

• Botaira Resort. Free private candlelight dinner for those staying 5 nights. Mail fiji@botaira.com for bookings, but as there is no internet connectivity on the island, they check mail every couple of days at Nadi.

• Korovou Eco Beach Resort. Tel: 6652812; www.korovouecoresort.com.fj

Nacula:

• Melbravo Resort. Tel: 6650616/9780407; melbravoresort@yahoo.com

• Nabua Lodge. nabualodgefiji@connect.com.fj