Fiji Archives - Splinter's Paradise

Day 157: Crossing the date line

June 1, 2014

Today I would travel from Fiji to Honolulu Airport in the United States. I sprang out of bed before my alarm chimed. After a quick breakfast, I delved back into my book. My rendezvous point was the main road by 10:45 am, with the bus scheduled to roll in by 11 am. Bidding farewell to Jeremy and fellow dorm mates, I regretted not exchanging contact info with such a fun guy. The bus journey was smooth, and by around 1:30 pm, I found myself at Nadi International Airport. After a quick pit stop at the restroom, I joined…

by Maarten

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Day 156: Relaxing at Beach House

May 31, 2014

Today, I’m heading back towards Nadi, with plans to spend the night at the Beachouse Resort, a cool haven for backpackers. I woke up earlier than anticipated, at around 7:30 am. Despite my desire to sleep in, it seemed like it wasn’t in the cards. As I stirred, I appreciated the quietude enveloping the dorm – everyone had already left. Kevin and Laura were having breakfast in preparation for their shark dive, the UK couple Chris and Sara were likely en route to Suva, and the rather aloof German girl was also at the dive shop. I wasn’t eager to…

by Maarten

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Day 154: Fiji’s Coral Coast, Pacific Harbour

May 29, 2014

Today’s adventure involves a journey along Fiji’s picturesque Coral Coast, leading me towards the captivating Pacific Harbour. I beat my alarm to the punch, rising at 8 am. Swiftly checking out and stowing my bag, I headed to the restaurant to order breakfast. The previous night, amidst laundry duties, I gathered all the travel intel I needed at Smugglers Cove’s information desk. Today’s bus ride promised a leisurely three-hour journey. Post-breakfast, attempting to tackle some blog reports, my motivation dwindled. I resolved to resume work at my next stop, expecting a fresh burst of productivity. At around 8:15 am…

by Maarten

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Day 153: A sailing trip to Monuriki Island

May 28, 2014

Today’s agenda includes a sailing trip to Monuriki Island, an exquisite uninhabited location renowned as the filming site for the movie Cast Away. I experienced a challenging night, much like the others in the dormitory. The room was chilly and drafty, and the sheet provided wasn’t particularly warm. Rather than enjoying an uninterrupted night’s sleep, I found myself waking up multiple times throughout the night. Jacob attempted to wake me early for sunrise, but I declined and went back to sleep. He and the American girl went to witness the sunrise, and Jacob managed to capture some amazing pictures. An…

by Maarten

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Day 152: A night at South Sea Island

May 27, 2014

Today, my plan was to depart from Barefoot and embark on the Yasawa Flyer to South Sea Island, a vibrant party island in the Yasawa Island chain. I woke up just before breakfast, as was my routine. Ten minutes later, the drums sounded, signaling everyone to gather for the morning meal. Despite the lingering clouds, the forecast promised their eventual dispersal. Following breakfast, I returned to the dormitory. Kim and Dan needed to check out before 9 am as they were set to board the flyer bound for the northern Yasawa Islands, particularly the Blue Lagoon region, a place I…

by Maarten

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Day 151: Swimming with manta rays

May 26, 2014

Today was all about swimming with manta rays in Fiji. Rising at 7:50 am, we gathered for breakfast, and a sense of gloom settled over us as the weather was cloudy. With no particular plans, I decided to return to bed after breakfast. Meanwhile, Dan and Kim, who I met yesterday, embarked on a tour to a local village, an option I chose to skip given the $25 cost, as I anticipated visiting a village and experiencing a kava session later. Kava, a local drink crafted from a root, is known for numbing the tongue and reportedly inducing sleepiness…

by Maarten

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Day 150: Arrival at Barefoot Manta Island Resort

May 25, 2014

Today, I was looking forward to moving to a new accommodation, Barefoot Manta Island Resort on Drawaqa Island. I was relieved because I had grown tired of the service at Oarsman’s Bay Lodge. I woke up promptly, and breakfast was scheduled for 8 am. It was satisfactory, a standard meal. Following breakfast, I settled into my hammock, enjoying a moment of relaxation with my book. The weather started a bit cloudy, but as time passed, the clouds dispersed, and the sun emerged once more. At approximately 9 am, one of the staff members requested payment, prompting me to return to…

by Maarten

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Day 149: The Sawa-I-Lau cave

May 24, 2014

Today, my destination is the enchanting Sawa-I-Lau cave nestled in the Yasawa Archipelago—a captivating underwater cavern. Rising at the crack of dawn, 7:45 am marked the countdown to breakfast, just 15 minutes away. Swiftly, I made a pit stop at the bathroom and slipped into my swim trunks in eager anticipation of the day’s adventure post-meal. However, my tranquility was disrupted by the lively banter of Fijian voices in the dorm around 6 am. One audacious soul even dared to engage in a phone call, their voices refusing to heed the calls for hushed tones, a truly irksome…

by Maarten

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Day 148: Let the island hopping begin!

May 23, 2014

Today marked my journey to the Yasawa Islands, with the ultimate destination being Nacula Island. I stirred from sleep at 6:20 am, promptly packing my belongings and tending to my morning routine, including teeth brushing. By 6:40 am, I had completed the check-out process. Although the stay had been pleasant, it was time to set sail for the Yasawa Islands—an archipelago renowned for its pristine white beaches and crystal-clear waters. Having pre-arranged the excursion, I awaited my 7 am pick-up. Unfortunately, the rush left no time for breakfast, a realization that dawned on me despite knowing I…

by Maarten

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Day 147: It’s Fiji Time!

May 22, 2014

I was awakened by my alarm at 9 am, but I opted to snooze and indulge in the luxurious comfort of the bed at Tokatoka Resort. Finally rising around 11 am, I observed a slight cloudiness in the sky. However, as long as it didn’t rain, I was content. The weather alternated between cloudy and occasional bursts of sunshine. Opting for an early lunch, I treated myself to an exquisite Caesar salad at the restaurant. Absolutely fantastic. Following my lunch, I settled by the pool to unwind. Having taken a swim the previous day, I anticipated that the cloudy weather…

by Maarten

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