[Mentavious]

Anyone have any data on Fiji, Vanuatu or New Caledonia?

I'm heading to Fiji for four or five days and New Caledonia or Vanuatu in November? This trip will be in conjunction with a longer trip to Australia.

[Tirsoneri]

Why don't you ask about Solomon islands and Papua new guinea? These countries in the region are similar, but also have more population.

Vanuatu is so puny in population that Kansas city looks like a mega country in comparison.

[burncushlikewood]

well I believe new caledonia is french territory so expect to see a lot of french. I knew a girl from fiji, actually quite a nice and decent looking chick so its not bad for quality, that region of the world however does have its obesity issues. be careful with vanuatu as wikipedia puts it dead last for natural disaster risk so its quite possible something could happen there, not sure when their hurricane season is but look into that.

[Kona]

It depends on what you want to do, and which islands you are going to.

Suva has bars, and you can have a good time. There's also some real shady people there. Its a great place to see a cockfight. You'll meet some of the friendliest people on the planet, as well as some meth smoking cannibals.

Port Vila in Vanuata has a few but, not much.

Now if you are a fisherman you're in luck, but again, both places consist of lots of islands.

Fiji has some mega luxury resorts with some mega luxury prices.

Here's a Fijian tune to get you in the mod:

Ive been all over both places, but only new Caledonia a few times. Listen to that song and ask away.

Aloha!

[Tirsoneri]

Speaking of music, I love their music.

And Jah Boy.

Just the music alone from there is enough to put me in the mood to book a flight to the Solomon islands, even if I am not getting laid there. And I think that getting laid there cant be ruled out anyways. The culture there is amazing regardless. Go to Solomon islands and Vanuatu just for the cultural experience you will LOVE IT!

[AboveAverageJoe]

One word. Tavarua. If you aren't a man yet it will make you one, either a live man or a dead one.

[GreyFFM]

vanuatu has a small population, most of it aboriginal.

it was governed half by french half by english.

this site has some good articles on it.

http://www.escapefromamerica.com/2012/02...n-vanuatu/

there are many islands, and some are rather primitive with "cargo cults."

it is or was a tax shelter, and it gets a lot of australians.

they filmed a series of Survivor there so it may be on folks radar now.

[Mentavious]

Yasawa Islands for a few days in Fiji. Going to enjoy some diving and relaxing.

Somoa looks like it has potential as well. Not very expensive and its easy to get around. Most of the fales include meals.

The reason I decided on those islands because they are below 600 in flights. I really wanted to go to the Cook Islands but its out of my budget.

[Kona]

Samoa is fantastic. I have family that live in Apia. We used to go there during Christmas break every year when I was a kid. I stopped for a while, and mixed this past year.

Two basics about Samoa:

Samoan people are the friendliest, most respectful, and most hospitable humans on the planet. You can most likely find someone to let you stay at their house right at the airport. People will just give you things. At stores, restaurants, or just walking down the street. Be respectful, and it will come back ten-fold. Pronounce, or attempt to pronounce words correctly. Smile at everyone. Look them in the eye and say hello.

That being said, don't violate the respect.Put trash in the trash can. Don't get in peoples way. DO NOT hit on someone's wife, and if you do apologize profusely.the women are naturally flirty and it can be tricky. Samoans are very territorial and spark and fly off the handle the second they get disrespected.

Second, the airport:

Apia is the worst airport in the world. I have probably flown there 40 times in my life. That's 80 flights. Fiji Airways sucks to begin with, but landing in Apia takes it to another level. I have never been on a departing flight that left on time. That's out of 40. There have been a few times there wasn't enough fuel on the island for the plane to leave. Carry all your luggage on board. They don't care about it.

Hope that helps. Please feel free to ask any other questions.

Aloha!

[Quaestum]

I haven't been to any of the islands mentioned in the start post, but I've been to the Cook Islands. Mentavious, what is your motivation for visiting? Depending on this the Cooks can be the best or worst destination in the South Pacific.

If there is interest, I could write up a small data sheet.

[Mentavious]

Thanks Kona,

Somoa is at the top of the list. I plan on staying in a fale which cost around 40-50 bucks (include two meals). The plan was to stay in Apia for a weekend and then take a boat to Savaii for 4/5 days. I plan on diving, eating like a local and seeing how they live.

Quaestum,

The reason why I'm considering Cook is for the diving and ease of getting around. That's the main reason I took Vanuatu off the list as it would be better to have more than a week there when visiting.

[Kona]

You realize fale translated to English means "ain't got no walls" right?



There's similar place me and my friends stay that are near Teahupoo when we go surfing. They are really nice, but there's a group of us.

In your case, you may be on a floor next to strangers, but I don't know.

I bet for the same price you could stay in a normal hotel. I'd hate to hear that you woke up next to one of these:


Aloha!

[fokker]

Why was AboveAverageJoe banned?

[Hazaer]

Any of you guys been to the cook islands? Some comments on the sights to see and gaming/logistics will be great. I have heard a lot of kiwis hit the islands during summer.

[Hazaer]

(10-30-2017 09:37 PM)Hazaer Wrote:  

Any of you guys been to the cook islands? Some comments on the sights to see and gaming/logistics will be great. I have heard a lot of kiwis hit the islands during summer.

bump.. any of you guys have recommendations in terms of nightlife, game etc. in the cook islands during the xmas/new yr period?

By the looks of it, it seems more of a family vacation spot rather than a backpackers one.

[Mentavious]

I went there a year ago for 5 days along with Fiji.

I believe Christmas is when a lot of natives come back so it may be expensive/busy. I would suggest you book fairly soon to get something good. That includes rentals for a scooter or car.

Don't expect much in gaming. Moreso because it's family time around this year.

Anything specific then let me know.

Fiji was full of backpacker girld and even locals. Again, it wasn't Christmas time sonthings will be different.

[RatInTheWoods]

Diving is first rate in Fiji, you can find a reasonably priced resort to chill, dive and enjoy spectacular scenery.

Vanuatu is a bit moody here and there, but again first class diving and scenery.

Kona has summed up the islanders persona very well, generally they are laid back, friendly and chill.

Not much gaming options (unless you target the tourists) but this is a great area in my backyard for diving, cheap resorts and chilling.

[CodyB]

The South Pacific Islands are extremely beautiful and if you enjoy amazing geography and one of the more isolated / interesting culture in the world then it is definitely worth the trap.

Don't expect internet to be available everywhere and in some places you might be able to access it through net cafes

Be VERY careful with (native) locals if you are out drinking as they can quickly become violent especially in places that are frequented only by locals. Nightlife in that part of the world is not very good anyway as the women are extremely religious and the men like to drink heavy moonshine amongst themselves. New Caledonia is an exception to this and has a fairly decent nightlife, expect western prices and a cold shoulder from locals due to the fact that people on cruises are usually obnoxious low-class Australians.