Hi there this is Mitch! I’ll be doing a review on my experience at Malamala Beach Club.
After spending a full day at Malamala Beach Club, I can honestly say it’s the best day trip I’ve ever taken in Fiji. And this is after I took a day trip to Mantaray Island a month prior.
When I was planning my trip for a group of 12 on Christmas Day in 2025, I was torn between the dozens of island tours leaving from Port Denarau. Did I want a family-friendly resort? A rugged snorkelling adventure? In the end, I chose Malamala because it’s the world’s first beach club and I was curious to see what’s it like. It’s not a resort where you share space with hotel guests like Mana Island; the entire island is dedicated to day trippers looking for a “VIP” experience.
Here is my personal review of what it’s like to spend a day at Malamala, including the itinerary I followed and exactly what I’m glad I packed.
The Journey to Port Denarau
My day started early at Sofitel Resort in Denarau, Nadi waking up at 6am for an early breakfast. One of the best things about booking the Malamala day pass through Klook was that it included a free coach transfer (designated resorts only which is most of the Denarau resorts).
8:15 AM – Resort Pickup
The coach driver was incredibly friendly, greeting everyone with a loud “Bula!” that immediately put me in a holiday mood. We drove through the lush greenery of Nadi and arrived at Port Denarau Marina about 10 minutes later.
9:00 AM – Check-in at the Marina
The marina was buzzing with energy. I headed to the South Sea Cruises counter, showed my digital voucher on my phone, and was handed an aquamarine wristband (don’t lose this). This wristband colour (aquamarine) indicated whether you bordered in Port Denarau or took a coach from other nearby resorts (navy) and would need to take a specific coach for the return trip.
If you’ve travelled from afar, there’s a clean toilet near the check-counters for last minute touch up and if you forgot your sunscreen or sunglasses there’s shops within footsteps away. Food and drinks aren’t included in Malamala day pass – only return boat transfers, a beach towel and non-motorised activities. I highly recommend buying some snacks and water from the supermarket right outside the check-in area.
9:30 AM – Setting Sail
At 9:15am there was a boarding call for Malamala and my group jumped in excitement. I showed our QR ticket to the boat staff and we boarded a large catamaran. I chose a seat on the top deck to catch the ocean breeze while the elders enjoyed the air-conditioned seats at the bottom deck without the wind trying to tear their hair off. The boat ride is surprisingly short — only about 25 minutes.
First Impressions of Malamala Beach Club
As we pulled away from the mainland, the water changed from a murky green to a deep, royal blue, and eventually to a glowing neon turquoise as Malamala Island came into view. It was a sight to behold as I stepped off the boat and into the timbered jetty. The long jetty makes for a VIP entrance feel while each step I took was in awe of the breathtaking beauty. I went “yup, I’m definitely going to snorkel.”
Strategy: Securing the Best Spot at Malamala
The island is small, so the best seats go fast. I didn’t book a private cabana (though I looked at them longingly – they have their own butler service!), so I headed straight for the infinity pool area. I managed to snag a sun lounger right at the edge of the pool, overlooking the ocean.
If you prefer quiet, I noticed that the sides of the island stayed much emptier and more peaceful throughout the day though don’t seat it – there are enough lounge chairs and beach bean bags for everyone. For the best chance of securing a lounger it’s best to book a full day trip as you’ll arrive earlier to call dibs whereas the half-day trippers will arrive around 12pm and take what’s left.
Island Itinerary: How I Spent the Day
I wanted a mix of adventure and pure laziness. But first, when I arrived I went to the reception area to get a Malamala card. It’s essentially a “room card” where you’ll be charged food and drinks to. At the end of the day before leaving the island, you’ll have to present your card to the receptionist to pay via credit/debit card for any food and drinks. As a Fiji local, my local credit card doesn’t get a 3% surcharge compared to foreign cards. You’ll receive a QR ticket after settling payment for which to the boarding staff when departing. Note: loss of card will incur a FJ$50 charge. With this important information out of the way, here is how I structured my hours:
10:30 AM – Snorkelling the Underwater World
Before the sun got too high, I went to the towel hut and picked up my complimentary snorkeling gear. The hut is on the left of the island when walking from the jetty to the island. There are attendants to welcome you and sign the waiver if you intend to snorkel. The beauty of Malamala is that you don’t need a boat to find the fish.
I literally walked into the water swam out about ten meters, and was surrounded by blue starfish, parrotfish, and even a harmless baby shark. The coral is incredibly healthy, and the water was so clear I felt like I was swimming in an aquarium. Hands down the best snorkelling view on a day trip island at an affordable price.
12:30 PM – Kayaking
The hut is your go to for kayaking, snorkelling and paddle boarding though take note kayaking closes at 1pm whereas the rest of the activities are on till you depart. My brother and I found this out at 12:30pm and ran to the hut with a thumping heart – extra cardio, am I right?
1:00 PM – The Lunch
I’ve been on island tours before where the “buffet lunch” is just soggy sausages and potatoes. Malamala is the opposite. I sat down at the shaded restaurant and ordered from an à la carte menu.
- What I ate: I started with the Kokoda, which is a Fijian specialty of raw fish marinated in lime and coconut milk. It was the freshest thing I’ve ever tasted. Then came the 3 BBQ skewers (tandoori chicken, seafood and vegetables) with wedges and 3 sauces. For dessert: apple crumble with vanilla ice-cream. We reserved a table for 12 people and the staff were happy to arrange.
- The Drink: I ordered a “Malamala Signature” cocktail served in a carved-out coconut. Sitting there with the ocean breeze on my face, eating world-class food, was the highlight of my trip.
2:00 PM – Paddle boarding
After lunch, I needed to move a little. I grabbed a stand-up paddle board, which is also included in the day pass. The water was so calm that I could see straight to the bottom the whole way around. After that, I went for a walk. It takes about 20 minutes to walk the full circle of the island on the sand to burn extra calories from lunch.
3:30 PM – The Afternoon “Vibe”
As the afternoon rolled in, I took a dip in the infinity pool. It wasn’t too deep I would say 1.6m deep. The energy around the infinity pool was amazing. People were laughing, sipping drinks in the water, and just soaking up the sun.
I spent this time alternating between a dip in the pool and reading my book on my lounger. This is the moment where I truly felt the “Beach Club” vibe—it’s social, fun, and very sophisticated. This was where a traveller mistook my towel for his and we had a laugh – then we met again during departure boarding and laughed again reminiscing what happened during the day. The swing is a popular photo spot for social media.
The Return Journey
At around 4:45pm there was a public announcement for a 5:15pm boat back. I went to the reception with my Malamala card to settle the bill and got a ticket for my group of 12 people. The sun was just starting to dip lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the Mamanuca Islands. As we pulled away from the jetty, the staff stood on the beach waving goodbye. It sounds cheesy, but I actually felt a little sad to leave. They were really friendly.
By 6:00 PM, I was back at Port Denarau, and by 6:30 PM, the coach had dropped me back at my hotel. I was exhausted, sun-kissed, and head with memories of the laughter and underwater sights.
Was a day trip to Malamala worth it?
It has a beach club experience, but it’s done with such class and genuine Fijian hospitality.
Compared to other islands like South Sea Island (which is great for kids but can be very loud) or Mantaray Island (which is a very long boat ride), Malamala strikes the perfect balance. It’s close enough to the mainland that you aren’t spending your whole day on a boat, but far enough away that you feel like you’ve escaped the real world.
If you’re a solo traveller, a couple or an elderly who just wants to chill, Malamala day trip is the best choice. However, if you’re with young children South Sea Island day trip has a package deal for a family of 2 adults and 3 children with all-inclusive food, drinks and activities.
Staying at a Denarau resort would make your trip much easier. Discover these best resorts to stay at for day trips.
