Lautoka

Fiji's second largest city by population, Lautoka is in the middle of the country's sugarcane belt and is known as the Sugar City. As such, it has been not as reliant on tourism to support the local economy compared to many other areas.

Hop on an express bus, taxi or rental car from Nadi town or Nadi Airport. Whichever mode of transport you use, it should take around 30 minutes from the airport and 45 minutes from Nadi town.

Lautoka has a robust public bus transport network operated by private companies and the service is run on scheduled timetables from the central bus station.
There is also taxi and carrier service available which is useful for those in a hurry. Although costs are based on stages travelled and set by the government fares should be agreed to before travel to avoid later disputes.

The Hare Krishna temple is a friendly place. If you happen to be there on a Sunday, then pop in and they may invite you to stay for lunch.

• Botanical GardensThe gardens have a large variety of tropical plants most of them labelled with the botanic and common names. If you visit around midday on a working day you may see the horticulturist Shri on site who has a wealth of information on the plants. The park opposite the gardens is a favourite playground for children and has toilet facilities.

• Blue Ginger Café & Deli

  phone: +679 907 6553
  address: Elizabeth Square, Narara Parade
  A favourite for breakfast and coffee amongst the locals and visitors.

• Anchorage Beach Resort

  phone: +679 666 2099
  address: Vuda Point

• First Landing Beach Resort & Villas

  phone: +679 666 6171
  address: Nalamu Beach, Vuda Point
  The resort is so named because according to Fijian legend, it was here where the first Fijian people landed 3500 years ago. The views of the white sand beach, tropical trees and ocean are spectacular.

• Tanoa Waterfront Hotel

  phone: +679 666 4777
  It is a 25-minute drive from Nadi Airport.

• Lautoka Hotel

  phone: +679 6660388
  address: 2-12 Naviti Street

• Cathay Hotel

  phone: +679 666 0566
  address: Tavewa Avenue
  Air-conditioned and fan-cooled rooms, swimming pool, car parking, and garden view.

• Saweni Beach Apartment Hotel

  phone: +679 666 1777
  address: Saweni Beach near Lautoka
  Self-contained beach apartments either with air conditioning or fans. About 10 minutes drive from the heart of Lautoka, they have a barbecue area and swimming pool. Dormitory accommodation also available.

• The fast catamaran "Nanuya Belle" connects to Navutu Stars resort on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, departing from Lautoka at 9AM and arriving at the resort at 11:20AM. On the return, "Nanuya Belle" departs the resort at 12:30PM and arrives back at Lautoka at 3:15PM.
• Continue your journey up the north coast of the island and head to the towns of Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki.
• Or, go south to tourist launchpad Nadi and Denarau Island.