Denarau Island: Fiji's Resort Paradise
Experience Fiji's luxury at Denarau Island: Resorts, golf, island hopping, and relaxation await in this tropical paradise.
Denarau Island, a haven of relaxation and recreation, is a small, privately-owned resort area located on the western side of Viti Levu in Fiji. Just 5 km northwest of Nadi town and 10 km from Nadi International Airport, this 2.55 sq km island is easily accessible via a short causeway. Denarau is famed for its concentration of luxury hotels and resorts, including international chains like Hilton, Sheraton, Radisson, Westin, and Sofitel. The island's development began in 1969, transforming reclaimed mangrove swamps into a tourism hub. The first hotel opened in 1975, and since then, Denarau has evolved into a world-class destination with an 18-hole championship golf course at its heart. While Denarau offers a manicured resort experience, it provides limited insight into everyday Fijian life. However, its convenience, extensive amenities, and proximity to stunning islands make it a popular choice for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Port Denarau serves as a departure point for day trips and transfers to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, offering a range of activities such as snorkeling, diving, and cultural experiences. Visitors can also enjoy water sports, cultural shows, and a variety of dining options.
Local tips
- Take advantage of the Bula Bus for convenient and affordable transportation around Denarau's resorts and attractions.
- Visit Port Denarau for shopping, dining, and cultural performances, especially the nightly shows (except Sundays).
- Book day trips to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands in advance to explore Fiji's stunning outer islands.
- Consider visiting during the shoulder season (April-June or October-December) for fewer crowds and better deals.
- Check with your resort for Fijian cultural nights, including traditional feasts and dances.
A brief summary to Denarau Island
- Denarau Island, FJ
Getting There
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available from Nadi International Airport to Denarau Island. The journey typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around FJD 35 (approximately €13.40). Some taxi drivers may offer a fixed price, so it's worth checking before you start your journey. A surcharge applies between 9 PM and 6 AM.
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Public Transport
The Westbus, a yellow public bus, offers an affordable option from Nadi Airport to Denarau. First, take a bus from the airport to Nadi Bus Stand for FJD 1.50. Then, take the Westbus from Nadi to Denarau for another FJD 1.50. Note that cash is not accepted on buses; you'll need to purchase an eTransport card at the airport and top it up.
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Bula Bus
Once on Denarau, the Bula Bus is a convenient hop-on-hop-off service connecting all the resorts. A full-day pass costs just over FJ$10 per adult; children under 12 travel free with a paying adult. The Bula Bus operates from 7 AM to 10:30 PM daily.
