Bula – Fiji With Air Pacific & Qantas (+ Pics)

[samh004]

Don't you, freedom of individual rights I think is important, I don't like mixing my religion, censorship, law and state into the same entity.

Well Fiji was a democracy......

You make some good points, though it gets a little BS-esque when you bring it up on every thread about Fiji

 

[docjames]

Great TR, especially the pics.

Unfortunately I too will side with the VA >J FJ J (given price equivalence) but I wouldnt go DJ (Y+) on that route. I'd certianly consider FJ if it were at a discount to VA, or I needed quick (and realtively easy) SCs.

 

[markis10]

Don't you, freedom of individual rights I think is important, I don't like mixing my religion, censorship, law and state into the same entity.

Well Fiji was a democracy......

Not really our business how a country looks after its affairs IMHO, by being a tourist in the country I am helping the locals live a better life, same goes for Singapore as well which is not a democracy in the true sense of the word, but a good example of a well visited tourist destination.

 

[bossreggie]

+1 from me, same situation, and a question from SWMBO, how big is the bathroom!

Probably a dumb question..... What is "SWMBO"?

 

[markis10]

SWMBO = (S)he Who Must Be Obeyed

 

[bossreggie]

Thanks Markis10

 

[BAM1748]

Not really our business how a country looks after its affairs IMHO, by being a tourist in the country I am helping the locals live a better life, same goes for Singapore as well which is not a democracy in the true sense of the word, but a good example of a well visited tourist destination.

While I agree generally with things not being our business, and without knowing your personal background, I trust you didn't agree with Chamberlin when he said there would be "peace in our time" after he agreed (with the naz_s) to do nothing about Germany invading Poland.

By being a tourist in Fiji you are helping the locals in that they get their wage, but you are also helping the junta who took control. If there is a plan in place for Aust to be part of a group of UN countries to reinstate democracy would you disagree with Aust being involved? (no need to answer, just trying to get some thought processes happening)

Matt

 

[BAM1748]

You make some good points, though it gets a little BS-esque when you bring it up on every thread about Fiji

Out of sight, out of mind.....

 

[markis10]

While I agree generally with things not being our business, and without knowing your personal background, I trust you didn't agree with Chamberlin when he said there would be "peace in our time" after he agreed (with the naz_s) to do nothing about Germany invading Poland.

By being a tourist in Fiji you are helping the locals in that they get their wage, but you are also helping the junta who took control. If there is a plan in place for Aust to be part of a group of UN countries to reinstate democracy would you disagree with Aust being involved? (no need to answer, just trying to get some thought processes happening)

Matt

Matt

I have more important tasks for my thought processes and given this is a frequent flyer forum you can guess what those are in the context of this thread .

 

[drron]

Out of sight, out of mind.....

Well Matt you are not alone.I have been back once since the Mad Banana took over but that trip had already been booked before the coup-in fact I have been in Fiji within weeks of every coup.
Stayed in the room under the Presidential suite at the sheraton when Rambuka was staying there.Lined up with Mr.Quaraise at a Sheraton buffet after Mad Georges effort-ended up having a long chat with Mr.Quaraise as he appreciated me loading up his bodyguards plate as he was having a little difficulty holding on to his plate and Uzi so no hands left:shock:.
I wont go back until there have been free elections even though I love the people.

 

[bossreggie]

Well I will continue to go back for as long as I can get a good J class fare and 5* accommodation at a reasonable price.

I think that if all the tourists stopped going the whole country would be way worse off.

Imagine if no one wanted to visit Australia until we had all the indigenous issues sorted.

I know its not the same as free elections.. But we have plenty of issues here.

 

[Wunala Dreaming]

Thank you to all those posters that made an effort to respond Cheers!

Thanks Wunala Dreaming for a great trip report.

Having flown both FJ and VA in J (although not VA on the NAN route) I would always choose VA J over FJ. FJ are great at that "island time" atmosphere, but I find FJ's food/IFE offering far too dated to be competitive with the likes of VA.

I'm glad you enjoyed your flights though, they have obviously left a good impression.

Air Pacific certainly did leave a good lasting impresson. I would definitely agree that VA offers a superior product, however Air Pacific certainly gave "that Fiji holiday feeling" and provided me with exceptional service. I should pull my finger out and fly with V to Fiji given my ability to access airline interline travel rates ($2699 in J BNE-LAX-BNE on V - yer yer, not as good as staff travel), however being a newly minted gold member certainly has pulling power.

"by far one of the best airlines worldwide"

I omitted the "*".. in this instance, * = that I have had the pleasure of flying..

Also congrats on reaching SG.

Thanks Mal. I think it's time for celebratory drinks!

Great report Wunala Dreaming, but just a few questions as I'll be heading Fiji way later in the year and am likely to stay at the IC; how much was the airport transfer and what vehicle type? how are the dining options (and pricing) or are there anything else nearby? and the beaches, forests etc are they swimable, walkable etc?

Thanks Alan. Apologies for not responding sooner. Please do stay at the IC, well worth the extra travel. The rate for transfers is FJD$30 per person for a seat on the Hiace shuttle, or FJD$95 for a private transfer (don't quote me on the last price). Conincedentally, speaking of the transfer, I was never actually charged for it. I'd personally take the shuttle and hope that you get Sanjay - he's a great fellow and provided a great running commentary about Fiji in general and the Hotel along the way.

+1 from me, same situation, and a question from SWMBO, how big is the bathroom!

Hi Mark. It's one of these longer style bathrooms, however it's not overly big. There's the toilet on one side, and the rain shower on the other, with a long, bar-style bathroom bench.

I might try and load a picture to assist.

Thanks again to everyone for your comments.

Cheers,
WD

 

[Wunala Dreaming]

Thanks for the awesome TR. I enjoyed it a lot and it brought back memories. :-(

My partner and I did the same trip last year. (We stayed at the Westin though) In fact I sat in 1K on the way over.

I TOTALLY agree with you about the FA's. I enjoyed the Fiji attitude on both flights.

Yeah... The hard product is a little dated. But fly MEL - SYD or SYD - AKL with QF and it's no better. What is better though is the attitude of the staff. They always make the difference.

I'm going again in May and I can't wait.

Thanks bossreggie 1K is da best, with wonderful views either side given the spaciousness of being up the front. Agree with your sentiments regarding the hard product and the staff!

Enjoy your next trip!

And for Mark, please see below pics of the Bathroom of the King Beachfront Suite.

Cheers

 

[markis10]

Thanks for the pics, it does look v nice, and once again thanks for the trip report, not that many FJ ones around in J, although I suspect there will be a few more in the near future.

 

[nlagalle]

Great TR..

I love Fiji, last time i was there was for the 2000 coup. I flew FJ in 99 and was in 1K and loved it on the 747.

I'm hoping to go back soon, i like the look of your hotel!

 

[markis10]

For those thinking of heading over to Fiji and staying at the same hotel I recommend you consider getting priority privilege membership, their monthly special actually runs through to June 30 and is not limited in the number of nights you can book at buy 1 get 1 free, I just checked and was able to get 10 nights at half price.

Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa

Stay 2 Nights for the Price of 1 & Keep your Certificate

Located on a “worlds best beach” and featuring 5 restaurants and bars, a serene spa, 18 hole championship golf course, 4 swimming pools and kids club, the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa defines all that a tropical retreat should be.

Until the end of June, Members are invited to stay two Nights for the Price of one and keep the Certificate to use again on another occasion.

Members, you’ll find it easy to book this offer online via the link directly below. If you do choose to book by telephone, please ensure you quote PP Newsletter 2 to ensure the operator books this offer.

Valid 1 April 2010 – 30 June 2010. Subject to availability.

 

[nlagalle]

For those thinking of heading over to Fiji and staying at the same hotel I recommend you consider getting priority privilege membership, their monthly special actually runs through to June 30 and is not limited in the number of nights you can book at buy 1 get 1 free, I just checked and was able to get 10 nights at half price.

Is that also for Priority Club members? I don't remember seeing that offer anywhere.

 

[markis10]

Is that also for Priority Club members? I don't remember seeing that offer anywhere.

No, you must be a priority privilege member, which costs $250 a year - but I find offers like that mean it pays for itself, I had 8 free nights this month and I have yet to use a certificate.

 

[cmon0005]

No, you must be a priority privilege member, which costs $250 a year - but I find offers like that mean it pays for itself, I had 8 free nights this month and I have yet to use a certificate.

Thanks for the tip I might try this out

 

[Sprucegoose]

Looks like an amazing experience. I will definitely be hinting to my parents that Fiji is the place to go in Spring - Summer.

Our winter is their most stable weather patterns