TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Tourists love Nadi because of its proximity to Fiji resorts in the western Mamanuca Group of islands. The diving near Nadi is absolutely spectacular, with its location to the western mud-flat beaches a top priority. It is also quite close to the eastern Nausori highlands and the Sigatoka and Sabeto valleys. Other places of interest include the Waqadra Botanical Gardens and the Sleeping Giant Gardens, home to the spectacular orchids of late American actor Raymond Burr, best known for his work on Perry Mason.
Though the town may not appeal to everyone, the surrounding countryside is rolling and verdant, the beaches are relatively unpopulated, and the mountainous region (known as the Nausori Highlands) to the east is nothing short of spectacular. Seeing the Nausori Highlands is well worth it but roads can be rough and/or muddy and car rental agencies wouldn't be happy if they knew you had plans to explore remote areas.
The town itself is small in comparison to the capital, Suva, but is still a bustling centre of business with 18 hotels dotted along its undulating coastal fringe, providing holiday makers with everything they desire. It also acts as a gateway to other Fijian destinations.
Restaurants
- For a taste of the Indo-Fijian culture, swing by The Curry Restaurant. Located along Nadi's main strip, The Curry Restaurant is known for its modern ambience and quality curries. Expect to spend anywhere from F$50-80 for a meal for two.
- Nadi's finest continental cuisine outside of the five-star hotels comes to Fiji visitors courtesy of Chef's. With its pastel-colored décor, ample dining area, a well-stocked wine and spirits bar by the side, and a reputation for good food, Chef's is a must-visit by Nadi standards. Located at the end of Sagayam Road, just off main street in downtown Nadi, Chef's will set you back about F$50-100 for a meal for two.
- The owners and operators of Chef's are also the culinary geniuses behind The Corner Restaurant located in downtown Nadi. Long and narrow it is configured like a classic American diner complete with and a cafeteria counter and booths that line the walls. Good cheap food can be had here including chop suey, Thai curry, fried rice, steak, sandwiches, hot dogs, pasteries, shakes, and other items. Their homemade ice cream is superb. F$6-16 range.
- Nadi's Martintar district is home to the Bounty Restaurant, a spacious air-conditioned eatery renowned for its choice selection of Indian, Chinese and Continental dishes. This pleasant restaurant in Fiji is about 100 meters east of the Dominion Hotel. Expect a bill of F$30-70 for a meal for two.
- Nadi's western Main street is home to the Bi-Yuen Restaurant, or B-Y, as it is far more popularly known. Arguably the best Chinese restaurant in Fiji, B-Y's stylish and clean ambience is outdone only by its own specialities, which focus on Szechuan-style cuisine. A meal for two will cost you anywhere from F$30-60.
Places to Go and Things to Do
- Gotta go online in Martintar? The Internet Planet Web Cafe can help you. Computers for rent allow you to surf the web, while DVDs and videos may be rented out at spectacularly low rates. Located beside the Bounty Restaurant in Martintar, Internet Planet is ideally located on Queens Road, not so far from the Nadi international airport.
- Souvenir Shopping? Jack's is a great place to visit, with a great selection of quality handicrafts and clothes from which to choose. Across Jacks is Sogos, a favorite of Nadi natives for men's and women's ready-to-wear, including the island-popular sportswear Tabu Soro. Don't forget to visit the Nadi public market for fresh Fiji cuisine to take home, then the Nadi Post Office for a good choice of postcards and stamps.
- A list of places you should visit include:
- The Nausori Highlands, Sabeto Valley, Sigatoka Valley or Navala Village are among the few remaining villages that feature homes with thatched roofs, the traditional Fiji dwelling place.
- Viseisei Village is viewed by most Fijians as truly representative of Fijian heritage and culture. Near Viseisei Village are Fiji's largest privately owned gardens, the tropical Waqadra Botanical Gardens, open from Monday to Saturday, and the Sleeping Giant Gardens.
- The Momi guns site is a spectacular place maintained by the Fiji National Trust. Marvel at the historic guns, bunkers and gun emplacements, all installed by Fijians as a repellent against a World War 2 invasion by the Japanese, which never came to fruition thanks to the tenacious fighting spirit of the Fijian natives.
- Mount Victoria is Fiji's highest peak. Enjoy a brisk hike amidst the crisp mountain air.
- Nightlife: It's generally pretty quiet round Nadi town. Bobby McGee's Night Club caters to the local crowd which can be entertaining but full of drunks. Planter's Club, the night club at the Sheraton is usually the hot local scene but it's smoke filled, loud and far from town. The best place to meet locals and lonely flight attendants are the hotels such as the Tanoa, Mocambo or Ed's, nightclub, for weekend dances.
- Golf: Finally, Nadi has one of two international standard 18 hole golf courses in Fiji, and it's within easy reach of the town's hotel belt.
Visiting Nadi, Fiji Islands, dine and stay at Nomads Skylodge Resort. It is the newest Fiji Island resort, a perfect hide away and best for island adventures.
Tourist attraction at Nadi, Fuji Island>>
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