Biking Around Fiji

Luxury hotels that are in Fiji cater to endless tourist whims in the paradisal South Pacific archipelago. Whether in Viti Levu or the Mamnucas, the sky is the limit. From catamaran charters to golf, pearl farm tours to wildlife excursions, highland eco tours to water sports, Fiji has it all. All that sunshine and perfect tropical weather helps, of course.

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For cycle enthusiasts, however, the island chain is particularly ripe for adventure. Island bicycle tours may not be the first item on the agenda for many Fiji tourists – the beach and tropical drinks beckon, after all – but the country has quietly developed a wonderful network of paths for visitors to navigate. All told, they represent one of the best ways to see different parts of Fiji’s prodigious natural landscape. (In some cases, a decent bike is a faster mode of transport than Viti Levu’s buses.)

Some intrepid travelers arrive in Fiji with bicycles and gear in tow, but Viti Levu and the archipelago’s smaller islands do have ample mountain bikes for hire. While on the expensive side at some – but not all – locales, a good bicycle nonetheless offers a measure of freedom for tourists who prefer to chart a personal course and stay in charge of the old travel itinerary. It is important to note, however, that many hotels and resorts offer complementary bicycles. Major bonus.

Happily, Fiji obliges those who ply the islands on two wheels and with the help of pedal power. The vast majority of coastal thoroughfares are, on the whole, flat and, indeed, the scenery is pure magic.

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One name that gets thrown around a lot when it comes to Fiji and bicycles is Stinger. The Nadi cycle operator has been in business since 2002 and is only 20 minutes from the international airport. The Stinger shop offers custom bikes for sale but, more importantly for tourists, runs scenic tours through the highlands and a drop-off and pick-up service at various spots on the main island.

You can search the internet and stumble across countless chronicles from tourists who have taken on Viti Levu and other islands solo, on a bicycle, and seen Fiji up close and personal. From waterfalls to dense pockets of rain forest, highlands to coastal trails, these travelers fashion a bespoke experience for themselves, thanks to the logistical facility a good bicycle provides.

It takes a rugged sort of individual to go this route, however, both literally and figuratively, and not everyone is up to the challenge. Thankfully, those who choose the resort option can usually take advantage of a bicycle service on the premises. Again, some offer bicycles on a complimentary basis but others do charge for the privilege. Guests who want to get off the resort and explore the island at large may want to ask about access beforehand. Some of Fiji’s islands do not admit bicycles off the resorts – but this in no way reduces the implicit scenery on offer.

Even those bound by a resort’s borders can have a thrill ride or two. Just remember to check the condition of the bicycle before you go off on a long trek and, most critically, remember that camera! A bike ride in Fiji is woefully incomplete without some decent photographs to immortalize what can be an unforgettable experience.

Author bio: Luke Bigwood is an Australian who loves traveling and having many experiences. At last count he has visited 25 countries across Australasia, UK and Europe. Luke is currently based in Sydney and spends his time between Sydney, Melbourne and Singapore. He writes on all things travel, lifestyle and events in the APAC region.