The main airport servicing the Coral Coast area is Nadi International Airport, which is also the main airport for the main island of Viti Levu. The journey from the airport to Sigatoka town is around 43 miles and takes approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes by taxi.

If you have not booked a private transfer with us then you have a few options including buses, taxis and rental cars.

Express buses can be found at the airport outside the terminal past the car rental offices. Buses run from 7:00 am until 6:30 pm every 5 minutes and cost approximately FJD$0.50. A journey to the Shangri-La`s Fijian Resort and Spa about an hour through sugar cane fields, acres of pine trees and mountains to the left. There is a bus stop opposite the airport where you can catch a local bus (local buses are not allowed at the airport).

Yellow taxis can be found at the airport and are located outside the terminal in the taxi line. Taxis are metered and a journey from the airport to Sigatoka town is between FJD$45 - $65 and the journey takes at least an hour.

Several car rental companies can be found at the airport including Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Thrifty. Rental desks can be found in the arrivals hall and the rental buildings are outside the terminal. The Coral Coast highway runs for 43 miles and renting your own car is a perfect choice to explore the region and surrounding areas at a leisurely pace.

Buses are the main form of public transportation on Viti Levu the main island in Fiji. Buses are cheap, frequent and reliable and feature open-sided windows and roll up canvas flaps in case of a rainstorm. Buses connect to the different cities and towns on the island and even travel to remote destinations in the mountains and along dirt roads. The cost is around FJD$20 for an express bus that travels along Queens Road which covers the southwest region of the island, starting in Nadi, it runs along the Coral Coast and ends in Suva, the capital city on the island, this entire journey takes at least 5 hours by bus. Buses can be flagged down all along Queen`s Road and there are buses running constantly from Nadi airport all the way to Suva.

Taxis are the next option for getting around the island and the Coral Coast, they are cheap and practical with fares that start around FJD$1.50 and go up NJD$0.10 every 0.62 miles. Taxis are normally found in all of the main towns on the island at taxi stands, otherwise, you can hail a taxi from the street or call to order one by phone.

Scooters and motorcycles and bikes can be rented on the island providing a fun and scenic way to get around. Many places offer rentals with shops right on Queens Road and prices are around FJD$35 - $60 per day for a scooter or a 125cc motorcycle.

Walking around the small towns is a great way to explore what all the different areas have to offer including small local shops, markets, restaurants, and beaches. Queens Road is the main highway that runs from Nadi to the capital city of Suva on the main island of Viti Levu, the road is flat and runs along the coast. Certain areas along this coastal highway offer great scenic views and plenty of spots to stop and walk or hike along. The Sigatoka Sand Dunes are situated along the coastline and provide walking and hiking options.

Riding a bicycle on the Coral Coast is a great way to see the spectacular sights and scenery the island has to offer. The roads along the Coral Coast are flat and biking in the area near Kings and Queens Road is a great way to check out the coastline. Always be cautious of vehicles and traffic, wear a helmet and keep plenty of water on hand. It is also advised not to cycle at night when visibility for cyclists and drivers can be poor. There are bike rentals offered along the Coral Coast and the cost is approximately FJD$25 - $40 a day.

Renting a car on the main island of Viti Levu is highly recommended. Renting your own car gives you the freedom and flexibility to get out and see the surrounding island at your own pace. The main island is not that big and you can easily drive from Nadi or the Coral Coast to the capital city of Suva in just over 4 hours. The main forms of transportation on the island are buses and taxis which can be slow and expensive if you plan to travel to the outlying areas. The airport is the best place to rent a car with several internationally known companies. The rates for rental cars generally begin around FJD$65 - $100 a day.

Seeing the Coral Coast from a bird`s eye view is a spectacular way to appreciate and enjoy the stunning scenery below you. This can be an expensive option but it is a once in a lifetime experience. There are small airstrips located all over the big island and some of the smaller surrounding islands. Sun Air airlines are located at the Nadi international airport and offer daily flights to islands such as the Mamanucas, Savusavu, Labasa and the Yasawas with prices costing approximately FJD$400 depending upon the destination. It is a 10-minute flight from Nadi to the Mamanucas and can cost as low as FJD$80.

Helicopter rides are also offered on the island; most of them depart from the Nadi International Airport or Denarau Island and make transfers to the Mamanuca Islands along with other islands in the area.

The Coral Coast is a safe place to travel to with very little crime, but like any other major city or country, it is advised to use common sense when out and about and keep an eye out for pickpockets in busy areas. Keep your belongings secure at all times, make sure to keep valuables out of sight and secured in parked cars, do not walk around late at night or wander into unpopulated areas, it is best to catch a taxi after dark.

Tap water is filtered and safe to drink, however, after heavy rainfall, it is advised to boil the water before consuming as the water may be murky.

The Coral Coast offers a warm tropical climate all year round with average temperatures in the high 70`s to 80`s. The highest temperatures can reach up to 90F degrees in the summer months from November to April and the lowest down to 64F degrees during the winter time which is from May to October. The winter months tend to be the drier time of the year and during the summer is humid and it is the rainy season. Due to Fiji`s location in the tropics, they do experience hurricane season which runs from November to April. The ocean temperatures stay at a warm 81F degrees year round making it the perfect spot for water sports activities no matter what time of year it is.

The currency in Fiji is the Fijian Dollar (F$ or FJD). US dollars are widely accepted. USD$1 is equal to FJD$1.88. You will need to exchange your dollars for Fiji dollars upon arrival, exchange desks can be found at the airport and at some hotels. For information about tipping, please visit our tipping guide by clicking hereFiji

Fiji has a 12.5% VAT (Value added tax) which are included on most goods and services and hotels charge an additional 5% which they are not required to include in their rates. The VAT allows tourists to claim a refund upon departure, you are only eligible for the refund if you spend a minimum of FJD$500 in any one approved retailer (ask for the refund form and your receipt). You must have the goods with you in your carry on at the airport and provide a completed refund form and receipt for the purchased items.

The most popular areas to shop on the Coral Coast are at local shops and markets. In Sigatoka, Saturdays are market days and a visit to The Sigatoka Market is a must, the vibrant market is filled with fresh local produce and food along with other crafts and souvenirs. Jacks, Nads and Sogo`s are all popular chains that can be found on the island and in Sigatoka. The Sigatoka Indigenous Woman`s Craft Market is a great place to explore (located in Sigatoka town by the river in a tin-roof shack) and pick up some handmade crafts that include shell jewelry and carvings.

Some of the most popular items made on the Fijian Islands are mostly handmade, including baskets, purses, fans, and mats. `Bula` means `hello` and bula shirts are found everywhere! Tanoa bowls (used to mix kava in), masi (tapa cloth), pottery, `cannibal` forks and bowls and sulus.

On the Coral Coast area, many resorts and hotels feature dining options for their guests and some places offer special themed nights include `meke` feasts where local cuisine is cooked in a `lovo` (underground oven) and served buffet style, normally on the beach or outside along with traditional dance and music.

The cuisine on the island is a wide mixture of different ethnic groups, there are local Fijian cuisine, Polynesian, Chinese, Indian, Melanesian and European restaurants and dishes to be discovered. Most of the menus will feature freshly caught seafood, beef, chicken and pork and lots of local ingredients many of which are grown on the island in the Sigatoka Valley, cassava, yams, taro root, fruits, vegetables, breadfruit, coconuts, kava, etc.

Some traditional Fijian dishes to try Kokoda - raw fish which is marinated in coconut cream and lime. Kassaua - boiled or baked tapioca with coconut, mashed bananas, and cream sauce. Rourou - taro leaf soaked in a coconut cream sauce.

Most of the nightlife along the Coral Coast takes place at the resorts or hotels with `meke` and Fijian fire shows. The Coral Coastline is filled with resorts along with some bars and nightclubs that are popular to visit for a night out. Many of the locations are situated along the beach or waterfront where you can sit back and relax with a drink and listen to some live music or try some tasty tropical cocktails and dance the night away. The Mango Bay Resort features the Bamboo Bar that is open to the public and offers happy hour drinks daily. The Outrigger on the Lagoon Resort features the popular Sundowner Bar which is situated just steps from the beach where you can watch the sunset. The Baravi Bar is also featured at the Outrigger Resort and is situated poolside with a sports bar atmosphere. The Shangri-La Fijian Resort and the Warwick Fiji both offer nightclubs open to the public.

There are three official languages spoken in Fiji. Fijians speak Fijian, Indians speak Hindi and most everyone speaks English. English is taught to young children in school and most Fijians speak English although with a heavy Fijian or Hindi accent.

English is widely spoken by workers in the tourism industry including hotels, restaurants, transportation and on tours. We suggest you get a good English-Fijian guidebook and learn common phrases like hello, goodbye, please, thank you and the numbers 1-10.

In case of an emergency dial 917 for the police and 911 for fire and ambulance.

Hospital:

Sigatoka Hospital tel. 679-650-0455

Loma Health Care tel. 679-338-4111