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 to Pacific Harbour 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.
A Rustic Bus Ride
At around 8:15 am, I strolled from my hostel toward the main road, anticipating the public bus to the bus station due around 8:30 am. As I walked, some taxi drivers inquired about my destination. Politely declining, I informed them of my plan to catch the bus to the bus station. “The bus will be here in an hour. Need a taxi?” one of them offered. I smiled, continued walking, and stationed myself in front of Smuggler’s Cove. Right on time, at 8:30 am, the bus rolled in – a somewhat rustic vehicle with open windows, offering a refreshing cool breeze. It felt reminiscent of my experiences in Indonesia. The bus fare itself was a steal, just one dollar to reach the bus station.
The bus journey to the bus station transported me back to Indonesia. It casually picked up passengers en route, giving off a vibe like the bus could fall apart at any moment—a familiar charm. The surroundings mirrored the ruggedness, with Nadi showcasing a somewhat dubious appearance, adorned with several weathered buildings. What caught me off guard were the numerous mosques, two in total on the route. It was unexpected in Fiji, a predominantly Catholic country, adding a unique cultural flavor to the journey.
On the Move
The bus pulled into the station at 8:55 am. I considered asking the driver about the Suva-bound bus but was saved the trouble. Spotting my unmistakable “tourist” look, a fellow passenger approached, informing me that the Sunbeam bus was ready to depart. With a helpful hand, he assisted me in retrieving my bag from storage. I paid the fare of 16 dollars at the booth and secured a pleasant window seat. Unfortunately, the window was a tad dirty, resulting in less-than-perfect pictures for the rest of the journey to Pacific Harbour. Well, capturing clear shots while the bus is in motion has always been a challenge with my camera, haha.
Pacific Harbour was a scenic three-hour drive from Nadi, with Suva just an additional hour away. Considering a potential day trip to Suva later on seemed enticing, especially given its easy accessibility from Pacific Harbour.
Arrival in Pacific Harbor
At approximately noon, I reached Pacific Harbor, finding it smaller than my expectations—a quaint village nestled along the main road. Size wasn’t a concern for me. Spotting my accommodation on the way, I estimated it to be about 1-2 kilometers from the center. Not inclined to walk, I inquired about a cab’s cost. The driver quoted me 3 dollars to Oceanus Resort, and I gladly accepted. In a mere 5 minutes, we arrived at the resort. Though the reception initially seemed vacant, a helpful woman appeared and assisted me. For a reasonable 35 dollars, I secured a spot in the dormitory, which she assured me was pleasantly quiet, shared only with two other guests.
I settled into the dormitory, noting that every bed was unoccupied. The room featured ten bunk beds and four single beds. As I surveyed the space, I identified a single bed with a power socket—my chosen spot for the night.
The Standby List
The receptionist advised me to approach the dive shop adjacent to the restaurant. Keen on experiencing the shark dive without a prior reservation, I discovered that tomorrow’s slots were fully booked. However, I could be added to a standby list, ready to join if someone canceled. Heading to the shop, I was greeted by the same lady from the reception, who confirmed the fully booked status for the next day’s dive. “I can put you on the list, and if there’s a cancellation, you can join. Be here tomorrow at 8 am,” she informed me. I agreed and, to be on the safe side, made a reservation for the day after tomorrow in case luck didn’t favor me.
Post-lunch, I enjoyed a satisfying meal at the restaurant—a delightful hamburger with fries. Returning to the dorm, I changed into my swimming trunks and lounged beside the inviting pool. The weather was fantastic, albeit more humid than Nadi here in Pacific Harbor. It dawned on me later that this region experienced the highest rainfall in all of Fiji.
The atmosphere was pleasant and serene, with very few people in sight. A lone individual relaxed in the cool lounge area by the swimming pool, engrossed in browsing the internet on his phone. Meanwhile, I stretched out on my towel on the grass, absorbed in my book and soaking up the sun.
Dinner and the Kitchen
In the late afternoon, I returned to the dorm and worked on some blog reports from the comfort of my bed. The ambiance was tranquil, and I had the entire space to myself. Although initially told I would have two roommates, it seemed the information provided by the lady was inaccurate.
Come evening, I indulged in a delightful meal of garlic bread and chicken pizza; the cuisine at this place was truly impressive. While the prices were average, they were reasonable. I learned about nearby shops and decided to grab a large bottle of coke and some chocolate. Back at the dorm, there was a somewhat questionable kitchen, but the refrigerator was in good condition, so I stored my purchases there. I refrained from using the kitchen, finding it less than appealing. The toilet and shower facilities, though functional, seemed to belong to another era.
Roommates
In the evening, I delved back into my article work, with plenty of exciting tales to narrate from my recent adventures in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. By around 11 pm, I decided to take a break, engaging in text conversations with fellow travelers for the next two hours while lying in the dark with my phone. It was during this time that a couple entered the dorm. Spotting me still awake, they greeted me. The receptionist turned on the light briefly, only to switch it off again after 5 minutes. “Weird,” I thought, amused by the situation. They know I’m awake, yet they turned off the light. This must be a laid-back and considerate couple. And indeed, they were pleasant individuals; I would later discover that they hailed from Canada.
