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South Pacific Backpackers Guide
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south pacific pictures map
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The exotic south pacific islands are one of the least explored but most beautiful parts of this earth. The sheer remoteness of some of the outlying islands is a romantic adventure in itself - small palm fringed islands with gorgeous and secluded beaches, and indigenous communities leading a subsistence and traditional lifestyle.
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South Pacific Backpacking
our rankings - select destination for more info
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Samoa is the up and coming South Pacific backpacker destination. Less commercialised and more traditional than its better known neighbour, Fiji, Samoa is easy to get about, extremely cheap and there's an excellent system of beach fales (traditional thatch bungalows) throughout the country operated by local villages. Samoa has excellent beaches, good surfing, a rich and friendly culture, lovely mountains and waterfalls and is the undiscovered island of the South Pacific. Serious crime in Samoa is low and single female travellers will find it to be safe so long as they dress respectably and accept the sexual forwardness of Samoan men without insult.
Samoa Backpackers Guide
Samoa Backpackers Accommodation
Fiji is known as a little mecca for backpackers with lots of cheap accommodation and lots of camping opportunities. There are several excellent backpacking circuits around the main island of Viti Levu, and in the Northern Islands, both of which are great for Eco-tourism and exploring. The Yasawas offers the best island hopping in the South Pacific with loads of small locally run budget resorts with thatch bungalows and camping sites beside the beach. Fiji has excellent beaches, great diving and snorkelling, good surfing and remote wilderness. Whilst Fiji has some of the most outwardly friendly people in the South Pacific, most Fijians are very hard to get to know beyond a few words and crime is high on the main island, particularly robbery with a growing concern of rape cases.
Fiji Backpackers Guide
Fiji Backpackers Accommodation
The Cook Islands is more limited for backpacking, and camping is actually prohibited, although the atmosphere is extremely friendly, there is virtually no crime and women travellers are treated with great respect wherever they go. Most backpackers stay on Rarotonga, which can quite easily be explored in a few days although its easy to chill out for many more. Apart from Rarotonga, there are only five other islands to visit with budget accommodation but flying to them is expensive. Camping is prohibited throughout the Cook Islands.
Cook Islands Backpackers Guide
Cook Islands Backpackers Accommodation
Tonga is less developed for tourism making this a good choice to go out and explore and meet people. Small locally run guesthouses are springing up on the more popular islands of Tongatapu, Lifuka and Vava'u and are very reasonably priced. In most parts of Tonga, camping is prohibited. The Tongans are amongst the friendliest of the South Pacific Islanders and crime is not apparent.
Tonga Backpackers Guide
Tonga Backpackers Accommodation
Hawaii often turns out to be pleasantly surprising when you get out of the hugely touristy regions on Oahu (Waikiki Beach), Maui and Kauai. There are excellent exploring opportunities on all islands and numerous National Parks, designated hiking trails and state and private camp grounds. There are also lots of bed and breakfasts and guesthouses which can work out cheap for couples, although generally prices are more expensive than the South Pacific Islands, except of course Tahiti. In Hawaii, state campgrounds offer excellent value for money and full facilities including showers and bar-b-que facilities. Most state campgrounds close one day each week to discourage long term campers.
Hawaii Backpackers Guide
Hawaii Backpackers Accommodation
Tahiti is not a good choice for backpackers. Prices are high throughout the islands which deters many backpackers from visiting, although campers are welcome at most budget hostels - most backpackers end up on the short ferry ride over to Moorea and stay at one of the campgrounds or budget hostels. Moorea has stunning mountain scenery and some nice beaches. Budget travellers will find the campgrounds on Moorea and Tahiti to be one of the most popular backpacker hangouts in the country.
Tahiti Backpackers Guide
Tahiti Backpackers Accommodation
Backpacker accommodation around the south pacific islands is roughly US$12 for a single room and US$5 for dormitory (Fiji Islands cheaper, Tahiti and Micronesia superb more expensive).
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South Pacific Camping Destinations
our rankings - select destination for more info
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Camp sites can be found throughout Hawaii and the Fiji Islands. On the other Pacific Islands, camping is rare and in some countries it's even prohibited. The land to islanders is very sacred and you can quite innocently upset local protocol by wandering off and doing your own thing. If you are going to camp in the wilderness, make sure you first have the permission from the local village chief.
In most of the island nations (notably Fiji, Tahiti, Cook Island and Hawaii) the best backpacker destinations are not the islands where you arrive. Unfortunately the cost of getting around (especially to outer islands) adds superb to the cost of a backpacking holiday and can take time waiting for connections. Travellers stopping for a few days only therefore limit their chances to visit the more beautiful islands. Give yourself at least a week for the smaller island nations, and more for Hawaii and Fiji. Some of the popular backpacker resorts can get booked and flights at times are fully booked out well in advance. We've supplied a directory of email contacts so you can check ahead and book from home or at the local Internet Cafe. It's possible to get discounts by booking direct so there's no harm asking for best or local rate.
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