Malamala Beach Club | Top Island Excursion from Nadi

Grab a snorkel and mask to explore the vibrant coral reefs just meters from the shore, or take a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Tip: snorkel near the jetty for the best views of fishes. There are transporting from Denarau and Wailoaloa area of Nadi. Can’t decide which of these two to stay? This guide offers insights.

Malamala is a day trip and I recommend to stay in an affordable kids resort closer to the airport and Port Denarau with pick up and drop off. Discover the recommended resort via Trip.com, Agoda, Expedia, Klook, Booking.com and Hotels.com.

If you’re looking to relax in style, our Beachside Cabanas are private little spots that fit up to 8 people and come with your own personal butler for an extra fee.

Most island tours serve a basic buffet, but Malamala is different. They have a real restaurant menu with fresh seafood, sliders, and local Fiji dishes.

You can also order tropical cocktails and cold beers to enjoy by the pool. Food and other purchases are charged to your Malamala Card which you get at the reception upon arrival and pay all purchases just before departing the island – more on it in this Malamala review.

Hotels near Malamala Beach Club

Malamala is an island in the Mamanuca Group about 25-minutes catamaran-ride away from Port Denarau Marina on Denarau Island which is located near the Nadi Airport. Island departures and arrivals happens in this same marina. To get to Port Denarau, make sure you have selected the correct pick-up area from your hotel during booking.

Our pick: Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
Mid-budget: The Palms Denarau
Budget: Smugglers Cove Resort

Smugglers Cove Resort 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Nadi, check into Smugglers Cove Beach Resort and enjoy a Fiji beer right on the shores of Wailoaloa Beach. Have a casual stroll on Wailoaloa beach followed by dinner as the sun sets over Nadi Bay. I find that the food isn’t expensive here.

Day 2: Head out on a day trip to the stunning Malamala Beach Club, where you’ll spend your day lounging by the infinity pool, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and enjoying beachside cocktails before returning to the mainland.

Day 3: Take a scenic drive along the Coral Coast for the fascinating Sigatoka River Cave Tour, exploring the historic Naihehe Cave and learning local heritage, then head back to the resort for a relaxed evening drink by the ocean.

Day 4: Explore the lush Garden of the Sleeping Giant among thousands of vibrant orchids, soak in the therapeutic Sabeto Hot Springs and volcanic mud pools, and return to the resort for a cozy dinner right on the beach.

Day 5: Take a final morning walk along Wailoaloa beach before heading to Nadi airport.

Plan your Malamala Trip on a Budget

Passport holders of Australia, New Zealand, United States, Canada, China Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore etc. don’t need a visa when travelling to Fiji. Others please see this list.

Step 1: Early birds gets the best price. Best time to travel to Fiji is between April – May & October – November where there’s a good balance of nice weather, lower prices and smaller crowds. Try checking flight cost below to get a rough idea.

Step 2: A few dollars difference can go a long way. I’ve linked below the best affordable family resort with free airport pick-up and free pick-up and drop-off to most Fiji tours and Mamanuca day trips. Click on each hotel platform to compare which is the cheapest: Agoda, Klook, Expedia, Trip.com, Booking.com and Hotels.com.

Step 3: Fiji tours and day trips are in demand with limited spaces. It’s wise to book via Viator, GetYourGuide or Klook to reserve your spot especially for big groups. Book travel e-sim, travel insurance and hotel transfer for smooth holiday.

Step 4: List your travel essentials and pack accordingly.

Step 5: Check-in online if available and be at the airport 3 hours early.

Step 6: Upon arrival at Nadi International Airport, there’s a toilet at the immigration area. Visitors section is on the left and Fiji residents on the right.

Step 7: If required there are money exchanges in the baggage claim area (right side) and the arrival area (left side). There’s also a currency exchanger in the departure hall to exchange back FJD to tour local currency before your flight back.