Remote Island Construction Fiji

Although a beautiful island- it is very remote and there will not be the luxuries you may be used to. This project would suit anyone wishing to get off the beaten track and who doesnt mind going back to basics in terms of food and accomodation. The construction project can be hard work so you need to be able to work in the heat. 

This project also allows you to fully integrate yourself into the local community and to really feel like you’re part of the family. You can go to church, explore the island with the kids and eat with your host family. This would suit anyone who wishes to get out of their comfort zone and truly experience a different culture. 

• Accommodation  (Home Stays – Sharing with other volunteers)
• 2 meals p/day (Breakfast & Dinner)
• Return airport pickup/drop off
• Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea daily
• Full day orientation & training + cultural sightseeing
• In country 24/7 coordination & emergency assistance
• Fundraising support
• University course credits (where applicable)
• Certificate of Completion

• Airfares
• Travel Insurance
• Tours, Souvenirs & spending money

No specific orientation is offered on this project due to the remote location. If you did want to get to know your environment a bit more before you start your project, you could book an extra night on the mainland and join an orientation in one of our other locations.

The Volunteer Center placements have a 1 day orientation or you can choose to do a dedicated orientation week to get you familiar with the Fijian culture. Orientation is hosted in either Suva or the Coral Coast depending on where you’ve chosen to stay. It begins on the first Monday morning of your volunteer program and includes an Introduction to Fiji, culture and customs, local excursions, cooking and art, rules and expectations, safety, introduction to the project and placement. 

Included in the cost is an arrival airport transfer from Nadi airport to the marina if heading to the islands directly.  In most cases however, you’ll stay with a home stay in Nadi or Lautoka for 1 or 2 nights before making your way to the island.  

The cost of transfers from the marina to/from the island are not included however we get you the locals discount which brings the cost from approx US$110 return down to approx US$40 return. 

There are 2 ferry trips to/from the island daily departing from Port Denerau each day;

• Departing Ferrys – 9:15am and 3:00pm
• Returning Ferrys – 10:15am and 4:00pm

This depends on the work needed at the time of your visit. It will most likely be helping at the islands school and in the villages. Being able to work on a project from start to finish is extremely rewarding. 

You are located on a proper Fijian remote island in the Manamunca island range. Island hopping to local tourist resort islands is the most likely past time for volunteers in this region. This is truly a unique placement as foreigners are not allowed to visit the island without express consent from the island chief. As part of the volunteer arrival you must bring Yaqona (Cava) as an offering to the chief.  

Other Info:

• Local Customs – We will help you source some Yaqona (approx US$15) for “sevusevu”.  This is the traditional way of going to the village.  Yaqona (Kava) is taken and presented to the village chief to get his blessings for you to stay on the island.  
• Medical –  A resident nurse and health centre is located on the island.  For emergency, helicopters can get to the island and to Lautoka hospital within an hour
• Dress – A dress code will apply mainly to females when in around the villiage.  They will need to wear dresses or long skirts or “sulu”
• School Holidays – Alternative options exist during school holidays in April, August, November, December

Fiji is an archipelago of 330 tropical islands. It’s one of the most developed Pacific Island economies however, a chronic lack in investment and under-employment pose obstacles to sustainable and equitable economic growth in Fiji.

More than 250,000 people in the Fiji islands live in poverty and many more Fijians live on or just above the poverty line. Efficient delivery in health care, in education, in work opportunities and other social services are incredibly difficult in Fiji.

A great disparity exists between the working class communities and the multi-national owned tourism resorts which represent approx 25% of Fiji’s Gross domestic product. Sadly, much of the wealth generated from this sector does not filter down to the local communities.

IVI have a well established program in Fiji build by local Fijian’s with in depth understanding of the local needs. We have a have a variety of skilled and non skilled volunteering options for anyone seeking to live like a local far away from the trendy monotonous tourist resorts.

Fiji enjoys a hot and humid climate year round. Average temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C.

May to October is considered one of the best time to visit, as it’s the dry season. The wet season is from November to April. The island will recieve heavy rain, but in short outbursts. In July and August, temperatures can fall to as low as 18°C, making it a pleasent time to visit for those who enjoy cooler weather! 

The Fijian people have a strong sense of their own culture and customs and highly developed sense of honor. The locals are generally very friendly and welcoming. Within Fijian villages, tribal alliances are still intact and money does not play a significant role in their daily lives. Visitors are not always accustomed to the slow work pace (they call it “Fiji time”). Do not worry too much about this, just go with the flow!

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IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.

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Check out this amazing blog with step by step info on how to raise funds for your overseas volunteer experience to help maximize your impact abroad. Guide to Fundraising