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In HolidayCity Flash This Forthnight

Robinson Crusoe Island: Fiji's Best-Kept Secret

 

You certainly don’t have to get shipwrecked to enjoy a day of fun in a sunny tropical island paradise like the Robinson Crusoe Island in Fiji! This beautiful tropical isle hidden away off the Coral Coast of Viti Levu is most famous for its remarkable underwater life, coral reefs, white sandy beaches, and beautiful blue lagoons as well as its friendly island inhabitants! Also known as the Likuri Island, this tiny island is especially popular among backpackers because of its clean and affordable accommodation as well as its simple and laidback island lifestyle.

 

Island History

 

The island has an amazing history dating as far back as 3,500 years when the first Polynesians arrived on the shores of the Fiji islands. For the next 500 years, another tribe of inhabitants known as the Melanesians arrived on the island. As a result, the Fijian descendents of today are actually a mixture of these two cultures, the Polynesians and the Melanesians. Back then, the island was used for the sole purpose of performing sacred and traditional ceremonies and gatherings for the tribal chiefs which has been passed on since generations. It is only recently that the island was opened to tourism, fully exercising its potential as an eco-tourism budget destination mainly geared towards backpackers.

 

Becoming a True Islander

 

The Robinson Crusoe Island is tucked away in a remote area which is only accessible by boat. The boat journey to the island itself is an experience to remember! Venturing through an interesting drive through the villages, a 30 minute cruise through the jungle river lined with mangroves followed by a short trip across the lagoon is well worth it before arriving at the idyllic Robinson Crusoe Island.  

 

Upon stepping on the white sandy beach peppered by swaying palm trees and greeted by soft island music or shouts of BULA! (Which means hello in Fiji) by the warm and friendly pacific islanders will definitely put a huge smile to your face! A traditional welcoming ceremony follows thereafter by introducing to the visitors a local drink known as Kava (a herbal tea concoction produced by straining a mixture of water and pounded dried root of the Kava plant) served in a large wooden bowl. It is a compulsory ritual drink for the visitor to become a true islander!

 

Spending the Days in Paradise…

 

Being a favourite among backpackers, the island provides visitors with a variety of budget accommodation such as dorms and bures depending on your budget and preferences. Priding itself at maintaining a high level of hygiene and clean environment, the food prepared on the island are all made from the fresh seafood caught in the clear blue waters around the island and tropical fruits and vegetables from the nearby villages.

 

Being a low lying island with no hills and only circled by palm trees, this island is so small that it takes you about 15 minutes to explore the whole island! Though it may be tiny, don’t let it fool you into thinking that there’s nothing much to see and do there. In fact, there are many activities lined up for visitors such as snorkelling, diving, fishing, cruising, sailing,  and kayaking.

 

Free activities organized by the locals enable visitors to enjoy fishing and snorkelling trips to the coral reefs surrounding the island. Visitors can also paddle around the whole island and explore the blue lagoon on a sea kayak. The jungle bush walk is also one of the activities that enable visitors to get a first hand experience at learning more about traditional island medicines.

 

If trekking and paddling isn’t your kind of thing, try experiencing the laidback lifestyle of the islanders by getting involved in their daily activities such as plucking coconuts and learning how to husk a coconut as well as catching coconut land crabs. Locals will also teach you how to make your own coconut jewellery and Kava bowl using the open coconut shells.

 

By night, visitors will be treated to a special entertaining show by the locals with their Fijian warrior dancing and belly dancing by the women accompanied by the lovely traditional Fijian music. A dazzling fire dancing performance will also leave you mesmerized as you watch the skilful dancers spin great balls of fire with such amazing talent and skill.

 

For a small tropical paradise tucked away in a deserted location, the Robinson Crusoe Island has definitely earned itself the title of being one of the most popular party islands in Fiji! It’s never a boring day on Robinson Crusoe Island as the friendly islanders will keep you entertained with their antics and their simple laidback island lifestyle. If you’re looking for a week to escape and get ‘lost’ from the world, then its time to get yourself whisked away to Robinson Crusoe Island!

 

 

 

 

Book Fiji Hotels here
 

Fiji Featured Hotel

 

Mercure Hotel Nadi Fiji

Mercure Hotel Nadi Fiji is set within five acres of beautiful tropical gardens and is located only minutes away from Nadi Airport. The hotel offers 85 spacious rooms, all surrounding an inviting tropical style swimming pool.

Mercure Hotel Nadi Fiji also features the delicious Rokete Restaurant, Bula bar and indulgent Senikai Spa, offering ideal Nadi accommodation for couples or families looking for a tropical Fijian getaway.

Rates from USD 68. Find rates for other Fiji hotels here.



 

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It's always better to do your homework before you travel so that you can plan ahead and make full use of your time. Read about some of the more exciting destinations in the world at
HolidayCity.com.

 

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Vietnam Travel Tips & Info

 

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Travellers' Tips and Advice

Check out what our travellers have to say on the getting around in another travel destination they have visited.


Victor Harbor South Australia is a beautiful country town to visit only a one hour drive from Adelaide City. There is a horse-drawn tram that takes visitors over to Granite Island where you can go on a Penguin Tour at dusk. Amazing beaches & activities await any visitors who want to stay in the large choice of accommodation facilities.

Jenny Mansbridge, Australia

I just got back from a fabulous vacation in Phuket. I'm sure that many say, "yeah, well, what's the big deal? It's only Phuket" But the truth is that Phuket is a shadow of what it was. 

I was actually quite hesitant to go to Phuket. You know, guilt, worry, and other issues came into play because of the effects of tsunami. But i didn't regret it for a minute, and in fact, am so pleased that i went. Though reminents of the tsunami damage were still very apparent, the people of Phuket were so friendly, gave gorgeous smiles, and still moved on showing their resilient spirit. 

Everyone living or traveling in this part of the world who are thinking of a quick getaway should definitely go to Phuket. Its gorgeous, friendly people, and most of all, don't feel guilty, you're helping to bring their economy back to its' feet and to give it the life and party that Phuket was so known for! 
- Sue Chan, Malaysia

I have discovered a nice island off Pulau Tioman, Malaysia. It's called Monkey Island. Because heaps of friendly monkeys reside there. The sand is white and the water is crystal clear, ideal for snorkeling. Its so quiet and isolated. Its a hidden paradise!
Daljit Kaur, Malaysia

Travel to Hong Kong in March 2005 and stayed at Royal Pacific Plaza, found a Halal cafe for Muslim travellers to Hong Kong " Shadowman Cyber Cafe " No 7 Lock Road, Tsim ShaTsui, Kowloon.
Ali Abu Bakar, Singapore


New Orleans, LA - a place to eat.

About twenty minutes from the French quarter (and, about a twenty dollar cab ride - but soooo worth it) is a place called Jacqueimo's. 

From the outside, it looks a bit like a dive. But once your name is called, you are led through the bar, through the kitchen (literally), and into one of three dining areas. Each has it's own eclectic design, all paying homage to different areas of New Orleans. 

Best appetizers in the world! The Alligator Sausage Cheesecake is to die for! Amazing menu. Great wine list. Fun atmosphere - the chef walks around in a white chef's hat and coat and funky shorts. 

Tip: This is definitely a "locals" spot. Lose the camera and fanny pack. Dress casually. Try not to look too shocked when you walk straight through the kitchen to get to your table. Just relax and enjoy it!
- Brenda Corbett, USA

Always bring enough memory cards for your digital camera when traveling in Egypt. You will not be able to find a CD burner in all the Internet cafes to enable you to download your beautiful pictures ...To add to your surprise, even hotels do not provide such a facility...

We (I and my friend) did not opt for printing the pictures as we had not much time (The tour group could not afford to wait for us). We found a photo printing shop and pleaded to help to burn all the pictures...And this costed us USD 25! This really burned holes in our pockets...We learned that the CD burners were banned in all local shops (even in the computer shops) as a way to eradicate pirated CD products. We learned the lessons the hard way...From that time onwards, we always remember to set the size of the image before we take any pictures using our digital camera...Sob~ Sob~

- Leong Woei Kian, Malaysia

When travelling, shirts can be rather creased and rumpled when you unpack them from your case. In your hotel room, when the shower is still hot and steamy, hang up your creased shirt on a hanger in the shower recess, and the hot moist air will help get the wrinkles out. 
Alan Benge, Australia
 

  Click on the categories below for more travel tips:  

Recommended!

Getting Around

Cultures & Customs

Family Friendly

Medicine & Health

Things to Do

Eating Out

Travel Smart

Packing

Safety Advisory

 

Do you have any tip or anecdote on traveling that you’d like to share with us? If so, write and tell us at garrett@holidaycity.com. If it is interesting, we’ll feature it under our Travel Tips! Just make sure you include your name or pseudonym and which country you’re from!

Other Travel Essentials

Before You Go ... planning & preparations before going on your holiday.

While on Holiday ... what to look out for while being on your holiday.

The Other Side of Travel ... travel anecdotes submitted by our readers.

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