There is a small mouse living in the bure. You will need ear plugs at night if you wake up easily to noises like mouse scratching the walls or dogs barking. Some mosquitos, nothing major. There can be water shortages, we brought 10l pp. drinking water from the mainland, but did drink the water from the village and it was ok. There are repairs that need to be done with the bure walls and shower & toilet. The mosquito net is too small for the double bed. Some locals don't appreciate dogs and that can be hard to see for a dog person.

The local food was delicious and fresh. People are nice and friendly. The bure is right at the beautiful beach. Lovely, sweet sweet dogs to pamper and hug ♡ If you are a dog person, you will love jogging with them at the beach, there are also a few dogs that love to go swimming with you. If you wish to experience fijian life, this is the place. Please note that there is no restaurant, 40 FJD pp is to be paid daily for meals, but again, the food is amazing.

Stayed in October 2024

Lots of hidden extra charges that were not known when we were booking, only told about them after booking.

The food was really good, fresh fish everyday. The beach was amazing and peaceful

Stayed in September 2024

The inability to have hot water to make tea, apart from breakfast.

We loved the location and the immersion in traditional village life… slowing down and being included in their meals. The hut was super basic but suited us okay. Loved walking up hills and beaches and quietly spending days ..

Stayed in July 2024

The location

Stayed in February 2024

The facilities are basic - this wasn't a problem for us at all, but I'm mentioning this here as I know that some travellers prefer ensuite bathroom facilities.

This place is a gem! We were welcomed so warmly into the village, and got to meet and chat with so many people. This was the first thing we did in the Yasawa Islands, and it was a great place to stay to learn about Fijian culture before moving onto some of the more mainstream resorts. Getting to visit different homes was incredible, and the food was SO delicious - thank you so much to everyone! And finally, how could I not mention the beach? Idyllic! You'll be off-grid, though, so make sure to bring a few good books!

Stayed in November 2023

Through no fault of theirs…the lack of water for the toilet. As there had been no rainfall, water was in short supply. Booking.com-There needs to be more info from booking.com to inform people to take a good supply of water so as not to drain the village supply. Breakfast included is not correct as you pay pp per day for food. Issue here is not with the village at all, but how it is ‘advertised’ on booking.com The food prices needed to be updated (no complaints about the food or price) it was just not what was advertised. The food was great! Kava root - need advice on actual amount to give. Need to advise to visitors to take own snorkelling gear. Travel on how to get there needs to be available and/or well researched. We got hustled when booking this. Go direct to ferries to book once in Fiji.

Loved the location, loved the freedom to spend our days as we wanted. Enjoyed being able to book extra trips- the caves and a hike.

Stayed in January 2024

A true Fiji homestay experience. The villagers are warm and very welcoming. The beach is on your doorstep so lots of swimming, and it's a good launchpoint for visiting the nearby caves. There's some steep hill walks around if you're feeling brave. The accommodation is rustic but comfortable - obviously you don't have luxuries like at a resort but instead you have the same as what the villagers have. They don't drink alcohol, but there's lots of invitations to join for Kava in the evenings. We stayed for four nights, but three would probably have been about right. Would recommend joining the village for church service on Sunday to hear the wonderful choir and the children singing. (The children are adorable and funny!) Also I'd recommend to bring enough of your own bottles of water if you're unsure about drinking rainwater - the village shop didn't always have bottled water available. Overall it was a beautiful and very memorable experience, we're very thankful to our hosts for having us!

Stayed in November 2023

Authenticity of the place and the People.

Stayed in October 2023

Like I said, only do it if you want to be part of an authentic village.

This is the perfect place if you want an authentic Fijian experience! I was the only foreigner in the village. Do this only if you want an authentic experience! It’s not like going to a touristy island. I had excellent home cooked meals and mingled with the locals. It was also very relaxing staying right in front of a beautiful beach!

Stayed in August 2023

the people, the location, the experience

Stayed in December 2022

We had an incredible experience at Malakati for three nights. It was worth trading in some creature comforts for the experience to get off the beaten tourist track, away from all the curated resorts and have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the Fijian way of life. Our bure was VERY simple, but it was all we needed. It was located on the beachfront, with the village behind us, and the bay is absolutely stunning: White sand, turquoise warm waters and gorgeous sunsets. We were even treated to multiple rainbows after some tropical rain. We were invited into the homes of the villagers for each meal, where you sit on the floor and are treated to their local cuisine. It was lovely to have a chat with each family and learn a little about them, and kids were always peaking in at us from outside. We purposely booked over a Sunday so that we could join them for their church service. We are not a religious family (and the service was all in Fijian) but knew that the power of their music would be moving. The choral harmonies were incredible and gave me goosebumps. What a unique experience it was. Our children (6 and 8) had a wonderful time playing on the beach with the other kids in the village, collecting shells and swimming in the ocean. It was great to expose them to an authentic experience, where they were immersed in the Fijian culture and saw not just how they lived but also what they valued. If you are an adventurous and curious traveller, who is up for more rustic living in exchange for unique and amazing experiences, this should be high on your list. Couldn't recommend it more. PS. Take the Yasawa Flyer instead of the Tavewa Seabus - way less seasickness on the Flyer route (having done both we learned our lesson!)

Stayed in October 2022

Just to say it is basic so don’t expect to have tea or coffee in you room. if you bring it with you, you can find someone to give you hot water to make some. Nothing is lockable so let go of worrying about your stuff. it’s a small village and you can trust that everything will be where you left it. Bring bottled water with you if you are concerned about drinking here. also bring toilet roll if you can. resources are short here.

A wonderful place. When you stay here you become part of village life, eating with a different family for each meal in their homes. The food prepared was delicious. As much as you want to eat- fresh fish, papaya, mango, rice and dahl. Big breakfasts that were delicious. As a solo traveller it was perfect as I got to talk to so many people and learn about village life. The children are a joy to talk to. We sang together a lot and watching them play on the beach was all the entertainment needed! You can donate to the village school also. Everyone was so friendly and happy and it is a stunning location. Take a hike up the nearby mountain for a great view of all the islands.

Stayed in October 2022

We liked it all. There were mice in our hut but it didn't bother us. Worth knowing before though if rodents scare you.

The beach is honestly the most beautiful beach we'd ever laid eyes on and our accommodation was right on the shoreline. The bure we were in was very basic but had loo roll, soap, access to a loo and shower (didn't work for us due to water shortage). It's rough and ready so be prepared for that but if you're happy having a true experience and don't mind lack of luxury then this is a great place. The food was very good, home cooked traditional Fijian food and every day we ate each meal with a different family, which was a lovely way to meet as many people from the village as possible. The people in the village are incredibly welcoming and friendly and you can go up to anyone to ask anything and they'll help you out. They suggested activities for us to do, took us fishing and hiking, made us hats and gave us a kava demonstration. You have to pay in cash for all of these but it's very reasonably priced and worth it for the help it gives to the community. All of the money you pay goes to their church and school and the families that cook for you. Also great for families with young children as there are lots of kids in the village who are always up for playing and are energetic and will invite you for a volleyball game every evening!

Stayed in September 2022

We booked for a private hut on the beach but ended up in a family’s house. Was not a problem for us, the stay was extremely pleasant, but just be aware it might not be a romantic trip 😆

Life in the village. The place is stunning, people are incredibly nice and welcoming. If you are looking to experience something different, this is the place.

Stayed in May 2025

Unfortunately our family (and the guests staying in the other Bure) got really bad gastrointestinal illness here. We suspect it was from contaminated water. This lasted for a week, so really impacted on the enjoyment of our holiday. I would really recommend not accepting any cold drinks at any homestay in Fiji and only eating food that has been well cooked. Take lots of bottled water as there wasn’t much available to buy in the village shop. They were also having issues with water supply so we didn’t have sufficient water for flushing the toilet etc on some days, which was challenging with all of us being so sick. After reading reviews we took a mouse trap with us. We have left it behind so future guests can continue the mission!

The two homestay bures are right on the most beautiful beach. There were times where you would have the entire beach to yourself. The villagers were really welcoming and we loved learning about village life. While we were there the village were having a celebration and they included us in their festivities which was great. Our young children enjoyed playing with the kids there. We felt well enough to have a short walk through the village’s plantation on our final day there which is really impressive.

Stayed in July 2024

A bit more primitive than expected, a lot of dogs around barking all night, not the most quiet place but fun to try I guess

Right next to the most beautiful beach

Stayed in August 2024

Meeting the locals, seeing the area by boat, visiting the caves, kids favourite beach

Stayed in February 2024

Not feeling completely welcome, for example there was no welcome greating when we arrived, no goodbye when we left. This was the only place on our 16 day trip that didn't have this. Apparently there have been some awful tourists that complained about everything, and didn't pay for meals, and so the village feels less than enthusiastic to have tourists. We informed the booking that we were a vegetarian family, but when we arrived we were given a fish curry for lunch. We felt bad not eating it, but we couldn't. We felt bad for the family that prepared the meal, plus we went hungry that meal. So disappointing as we had let them know, and got confirmation that it was no problem.

Having our own private bungalow was lovely, and it was right on the beach, in such a beautiful location. The beach was incredible, lovely snorkeling The fijian kids were lovely, and played well with our children. Each meal was at a different village house, we loved getting to know the different families. The caves were wonderful, and there were market stalls there. The pastors wife made us feel so welcomed, and even made us hot chocolate, which was a real treat. She had clothes and jewellery for sale. The village children took our kids into the forest to harvest mangoes, the children loved this. Different people would come and meet us, some invited us to join them for a kava ceremony.

Stayed in December 2023

Very expensive for what was offered, paid lot of money $80, for short boat trip to village from flyer, $50 for kava but none was shared, request for kayak never arrived, extreme wind exposure near dune foreshore. Expensive food barely edible.

The people living in the village were very friendly, best part of my stay, and welcoming. Long walks on beach and swimming, friendly dog companion. Bought nice cloth and shell necklaces from vi

Stayed in October 2023

I honestly have nothing to complain about except I didn’t stay long enough

The People. Truely authentic welcoming, Simple but tasty organic food from their garden.Village is surrounded by hills where there is walking trails to spectacular views. The beach is world- class. What more can I say , except “Thank you “ to you all

Stayed in October 2023

There is nothing to do not to like :)

Staying in Malakati was an exceptional experience. Locals are incredibly welcoming, kind, and helpful. Families took turns in preparing delicious fresh meals 3 times a day. There are many opportunities to explore the island and surrounding areas such as caves, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and hiking as well as learn about Fijian culture. I would recommend this picturesque village for real travelers who are ready to experience Fijian everyday life. I am hoping to return soon.

Stayed in November 2022

I liked everything

Living with locals Eating real Fijian food Having Kawa for birthday with local traditions Feel like a king Only for people who don't want to feel like tourists

Stayed in November 2022

It was an amazing experience for our family! The location and the beach and bay are simply stunning. The village people are very welcoming and super nice. Lots of „Bula!“ wherever you see someone. The kids a curious and happy to show you around. The water is superb for swimming and playing around in. We loved the different dog characters hanging out at the beach - all very friendly. You pay your „entrance“ fee and that‘s it, you are guests of the community instead of feeling like customers - the concept works really well and seems fair for everyone. It is simple, as that‘s what village life in the Yasawas is, but if you‘re somewhat open minded and up for trading some less comfort for having a unique and closer-to-authentic experience then this is for you. The hike up to the ridgeline in the early morning was fantastic. Amazing views and some village children and dogs as good company. We just loved it!

Stayed in October 2022

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Stayed in August 2024