string(3333) "Part of the Federated States of Micronesia, Yap is situated in the Western Caroline Islands, between Guam and Palau. It is made up of four main islands, Yap South, Gagil-Tomil, Maap and Rumung.The landscape consists of rolling hills with lowlands covered in thick jungle-like vegetation. Most of the coastal areas are mangrove with occasional coral beaches. Like other FSM islands, there is a coral reef, so snorkelling is popular as is diving in the clear lagoon with the giant manta rays which appear throughout the year. The town of Colonia on Yap Main Island is the capital and is more urbanised than the village areas. Yap also has about 130 outer islands stretching nearly 1000 kilometres east of Yap Main Island. Most of the outer islands are coral atolls and are sparsely populated by a people that differ from those from the Yap Main Island both in culture and language. Four indigenous languages are spoken. These are Yapese Main Islander, Ulithian, Woleaian and Satawalese. English is the official language spoken every day, though some local government organisations still conduct business in their own vernacular. Because of its position, Yap was minimally affected when the Spanish colonised Micronesia in the 1500s, and again during German occupation from the end of the 1800s to the beginning of the First World War. The same thing occurred during the Japanese occupation, so by Micronesian standards, Yap remains relatively unaffected by modern society and influence. Most of the lands outside of Colonia downtown are privately owned properties so visitors are asked not to litter or to take any pictures of people without securing their permissions first. The stone money of Yap (largest in the world), though not legal tender in the international currency marketplace, is still used as legal tender on the island. The value of these limestone, disk shaped coins varies, though not according to size but to the stories behind them. Today, the money is still owned but not moved, even though ownership may change. Visitors can still see some of the traditional houses in the villages. The villages of Yap Main Island still retain the foundations of meeting houses and platforms used by the elder male residents to discuss community matters. Only a limited number of tourists visit Yap each year, and the locals, who are naturally warm and friendly, are more responsive to those who respect their culture and customs. All land and beaches on Yap Main Island and the outer islands are privately owned by the traditional leaders and chiefs. If you want to get off the beaten track, request to explore further by asking permission from the village/island elders. You may also have to pay a small fee for the privilege. Yap remains a distinctive destination because of the way the people value their culture, custom and history. The traditional dress is brightly coloured loin cloths for men and colourful grass or woven hibiscus skirts for women. The official currency is the US dollar and credit cards are accepted at tourism accommodation properties, restaurants, supermarkets and the main shops. It is recommended that you bring some US$ cash or you can use any of the two bank ATMS on the island, which allow for cash withdrawals using international credit and debit cards. "

string(3580) "The Coral Coast is 80 kilometres of fringing reefs and beaches on the sheltered southern side of Viti Levu about halfway between Nadi and Suva. The region is named for its stretch of fringing coral reef that hugs this coastline making it an excellent place to snorkel off the beach. The temperate climate and great variety of accommodation—from self- contained ‘bure’ cottages to international five-star resorts— make it a popular tourist retreat. The resorts offer great recreational facilities, restaurants and cultural performances while the pristine waters and reefs create an underwater paradise for snorkelling and diving. You can throw in a line with the locals or take out a charter vessel for game fishing. There are great places to surf at Fiji Beachouse, Hideaway Resort and Natadola beach – the latter of which is arguably the best beach on the island and a great place to learn to surf. Also at Natadola is the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course. For those wanting to take in some nature, history and culture, visit the Sigatoka Sand Dunes national park where shifting sands and archaeological digs continue to reveal skeletons and pottery artefacts. Fiji’s only wildlife park, the Kula Wild Adventure Park in Korotogo displays rarely seen indigenous species such as the banded iguana and Fiji peregrine falcon. Head for the hills into the beautiful Sigatoka Valley, aptly named The Salad Bowl of Fiji, a colourful patchwork of agricultural fields, Fijian villages, Indian settlements, temples and volcanic hills. It offers spectacular scenery and a fascinating history of the Tongan tribes who were the last to resist Christianity. Sigatoka River Safari jetboat and cave tours into the valley villages are very popular. At Tavuni Hillfort near Sigatoka Town you can walk amongst the ruins of an ancient hill fort built during a period of tribal warfare. Sigatoka River Safari’s cave tour takes you inland to Naihehe Caves to see the spectacular rock formations and remnants of where people took shelter in the past. There is also a waterfall tour at Biausevu Village where you can learn about plant medicines on a rainforest trek, participate in a welcoming kava ceremony with a village chief and swim in a beautiful tropical waterfall. Robinson Crusoe Island near Natadola is fringed with white sandy beaches and offers great snorkelling and Pacific Island entertainment. In the bustling town of Sigatoka, locals and tourists blend when eating, shopping and socialising. Farmers barter their wares in the central marketplace and there are duty free shops, supermarkets, tailors, bars and cafes. There are quaint roadside markets right along the Coral Coast stretch, so even those just driving through will be able to enjoy this lovely area. PACIFIC HARBOUR & BEQA LAGOON This region, around 30 kilometres west of Suva, is distinct from the Coral Coast and renowned for its adventure type activities. Thus renowned as the Adventure Capital, this region is famous for activities such as the world-class shark dive at Shark Reef, great scuba diving in the Beqa lagoon, zip-lining, off-road buggy rides, white-water rafting in the Upper Navua Gorge, river tubing and world-class surf at the Frigates offshore surf break. Pacific Harbour was originally established in the 1970s as a recreation oriented, residential community as well as a resort area. Not too far from Pacific Harbour is the legendary Beqa Island, home of the Fijian firewalkers who perform their ceremonies at several major Fijian hotels and resorts. "

string(5739) "Marshall Islands, also known as Majol is an island nation in the Central Pacific Ocean. There are more than 1200 islands and islets in two parallel chains of coral atolls. Marshall Islands were settled around the beginning of the Christian era, some 2000 years ago by Micronesians. The islands were later sighted by a Spanish navigator in 1529. British naval captains explored the Marshall Islands in 1788 and did some mapping. More mapping was done by Russians in the early 1800s. U.S. and Hawaiian missionaries began efforts to convert the islanders in the mid-1800s, and even Germany had influence in the islands in the late 1880s. Japan seized the islands in 1914, and remained until the United States liberated the Marshalls during WWII. From 1947 to 1986, the islands remained under the jurisdiction of the United States. Then it became the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and remains friends of the USA with a Compact of Free Association. From 1948 to 1958, the US conducted nuclear tests on Bikini and Enewetak Atolls. The USA continues to be the protector of The Marshalls, and maintains a missile range and base on the island of Kwajalein. To get to the Marshall Islands, there are two major airlines flying in daily, United Airlines and Nauru Airlines. Air Marshalls fly routes between the Atolls in small commuter propeller planes. The only two islands that have an international airport are Majuro and Kwajalein. Boats are used to traverse between the atolls. Also Government owned ships make scheduled trips between the islands, and other commercial cargo lines service the islands. Majuro has a commercial dock complex, and many of the outer islands have lagoons that ships can anchor in. Marshall Islands offers tremendous outdoor activities that are exciting, adventurous, and historic. The beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world and are surrounded by crystal clear water for swimming, snorkelling, and wildlife viewing. The water remains warm all year long. There are many historic sites from WWII scattered among the outer islands and day trips and longer excursions can be made to these sites from the capital city of Majuro. Other adventurous activities include joining in on year-round cultural events and engaging with friendly locals. Visitors also enjoy shopping for local handicrafts with an array of beautiful baskets, jewellery and decorations. The islanders are known for their weaving using pandanus leaves, coconut fonds and shells. Throughout the Marshall Islands there are many choices for hotel or bed and breakfast accommodation. On Majuro you will discover a range or hotels with a variety of services and rooms. There are also many exciting opportunities to experience the outer islands and distant atolls and to meet the people of the Marshall Islands. The Outer Atolls by Lou Aguon-Schulte One of the most beautiful places on earth – the outer atolls of the Republic of the Marshall Islands in Micronesia. In the travel world, these atolls rank as billion-dollar destinations! But the truth is, it’s simply not possible to put a price on what you can experience on this adventure. The untouched, natural beauty of these atolls is the setting for a multitude of offerings. Breathtaking, captivating, and ultimately priceless. I had the opportunity recently to visit the atolls of Wotho, Lae and Namorik… From the Capital of Majuro, I flew to each of these atolls on the country’s domestic carrier, Air Marshall Islands. It was a very comfortable ride on the 34-seat Dash8 to the atolls of Wotho and Lae. Both atolls have mostly grass runways and, much to my surprise, we had very smooth landings - which I got to experience seated in the cockpit! To Namorik we took the 18-seat Dornier which was a small aircraft but nevertheless still provided a smooth ride. Once in the air, the sights were incredibly breathtaking … the islets looked like a string of pearls gently strung across the beautiful blue ocean. On the ground, the beaches were gorgeous and absolutely stunning – I could not help but immerse myself in the water. The people were so warm, friendly and welcoming. In fact, it seemed like they all came out to greet us upon our arrival. It was only later that I learned that this greeting is one of their traditions. They actually closed the school so all the kids could go to the landing area. The “tradition” being that visitors bring candy to hand out to the smiling children. Sadly, we didn’t have enough for all 100+ kids but next time, I’ll be sure to bring a couple of cases! All the food was fresh and locally grown. The coconut crab was to die for – absolutely delicious! Throughout the atolls, the primary industry is copra – the dried coconut flesh – or ‘meat’ used to make refined & cold pressed coconut oil for bar soap, beauty oil, and cooking oil… the BEST skin moisturizer and sunblock ever! In addition to copra, the farming of black pearls on Namorik (also known as Namdrik) Atoll is yet another lucrative eco-friendly sustainable industry for the community. According to the Marshall Islands Guide: https://www.infomarshallislands.com/atolls-m-w/namdrik-atoll/ “The fact that Namdrik’s lagoon is enclosed, with no pass for boats, means it is pristine and perfect for growing pearls. Namdrik is the only place in the Marshall Islands where Black-lip pearl oysters are present in significant quantity, due to its enclosed pristine lagoon.” If only I could have stayed a little longer, I would have discovered even more…The Republic of the Marshall Islands: a destination that continues to impress – on every visit.     "

string(2552) "Suva is the capital of Fiji and is a beautiful harbour city built on a peninsula reaching out into the sea. The city is perched on a hilly peninsula between Laucala Bay and Suva Harbour in the southeast corner of Viti Levu. The mountains north and west catch the southeast trade winds, producing moist conditions year-round. An exciting multi-racial city, the Fijian capital was moved from Levuka to Suva in 1882 for its large, protected deepwater harbour and extensive space to grow. Much of its past still survives, for there are many small, quaint wooden bungalows and colonial administrative buildings that sit in juxtaposition to the modern offices and shopping plazas. On Sundays it’s well worth attending church to hear the choral singing that is magnificent. Most churches have services in English, but none compare with the Fijian service at Centenary Methodist Church on Stewart Street. A vital centre, Suva offers a great selection of restaurants including Chinese, Indian, traditional Fijian and European cuisine. It’s also worth visiting the Thurston Gardens next to Government House, the official residence of the president of the Republic of Fiji. Within Thurston Gardens, the Fiji Museum - recognised as one of the best of its type in the South Pacific - holds a remarkable collection of archaeological material dating back 3,700 years and cultural objects representing both Fiji’s indigenous inhabitants and the other communities that have settled in the island group over the past 200 years. Not to be missed is the sprawling complex of municipal food and handicraft markets near the Kings Wharf that comes to life on Fridays and Saturdays. Here you’ll find an assortment of artefacts and handicrafts for sale, made by Fijians throughout the Island group. The city is home to a large stadium that hosts top level rugby games and the University of the South Pacific campus – a tertiary educational hub for the Pacific. Suva is best known for shopping, restaurants and nightlife at reasonable local prices compared to some of the tourism centric regions. It is an economic, educational and regional hub for UN agencies and embassies as well as the seat of the Fijian government. For those who like history, there’s Albert Park where Charles Kingsford-Smith landed his plane Southern Cross on his trans-Pacific flight in 1928. Across the road from the Park is the Grand Pacific Hotel, one of Fiji’s oldest hotels, that has hosted various members of the British Royal Family in the past. "

string(3545) "The Island of Hawai’i is the youngest, the most diverse and the grandest of all the Hawaiian islands. Aptly nicknamed “The Big Island” it is larger than all the other islands put together. It’s a land of amazing contrasts with lush rainforests, monolithic cliffs, spectacular ocean vistas, white, black and even green sand beaches, plunging waterfalls, deserts, plains and active volcanoes. First discovered more than a millennium ago, the Island of Hawaii is where Polynesian mythology says Madame Pele, goddess of fire, dwells. She is said to live in the firepot of Halemaumau in Kilauea crater on the slopes of Mauna Loa, from where she actively pours new lava almost daily. Hilo is the seat of government and near it are rainforests and black lava rocks hugging a serrated shoreline that is expanding thanks to Kilauea Volcano, the world’s most active volcano. Volcanoes National Park is best accessed from Hilo. You can safely explore lava tubes and hiking trails around this amazing site. Nearby is Punaluu Beach Park with picturesque black sand beaches. North of Hilo the highway snakes between mountains and sea to Waipi`o Valley and Waimea through kilometres of fields where sugarcane once grew. Hidden amongst the mountains are a multitude of waterfalls including the impressive Akaka Falls. A must is a visit to the Hawai’i Tropical Botanical Garden where you can see more than 2000 species of tropical plants. Across the island, near Kawaihae, is Heiau, built by King Kamehameha, which is now an historical site. In Waimea, the Parker Ranch’s historic homes house a magnificent collection of Italian and French period pieces and more than a hundred original paintings by masters such as Renoir and Degas. In this region you can learn about a different side of Hawai’i that is also home to paniolos, or Hawai’ian cowboys. Lapakahi State Historical Park, north of Kawaihae, was once an ancient Hawai’ian fishing village. A short drive from the park is King Kamehameha’s birthplace and Mookini Luakini Heiau believed to have been constructed about 480 AD. The Kohala Coast is home to magnificent resorts with breathtaking views of lava flows. Anaehoomalu Bay, with its picture postcard beach, curves between the shallow bay and an ancient Hawaiian fishpond once used by royalty. Once home to Hawai’ian royalty, Kailua-Kona is now a vibrant resort and shopping precinct with a rich cultural heritage. It is also a great base from which to explore Kona coffee country and the unique Painted Church where columns form the trunks of painted palm trees. The Island of Hawai’i produces 39 percent of the world’s macadamia nuts and Kona is the only place in the US where gourmet coffee is grown commercially. It also has the world’s largest anthurium and orchid flower industries. There are 20 golf courses on the Big Island, many with green fairways carved from ancient lava fields. Activities include fishing for marlin, a helicopter or small plane ride over red flowing lava and diving at night with giant manta rays. Getting around the Island of Hawai’i is convenient and easy. The most popular mode of transport for international visitors is to hire a car and explore the island at leisure. There are also bus tours, shuttles and taxis. There are plenty of options when it comes to accommodation on the Island of Hawai’i. From charming bed and breakfasts to hotels, condominiums, lodges and five-star resorts, there’s something to suit every traveller and budget."

string(1895) "Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, which is situated on Guadalcanal, has a population of around 130,200 and is located on a coastal stretch overlooking Iron Bottom Sound. The town centre has a shopping plaza, cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops and, of course, the Central Markets. Major meeting places can be found in private clubs that welcome visitors. The Mataniko Falls, a two-hour walk from Honiara, has pools for swimming and an impressive stalagmite-covered cave which is home to vast numbers of swallows. Climb Mount Austin, passing Solomon Peace Memorial Park, for sweeping views of the northern coastal plains. Other historic sites include the Red Beach on the coastal plain. East of Tenaru is the Tenaru Falls, an impressive 60-metre waterfall. And situated in a westerly direction from Honiara town is Bonegi Beach, five kilometres west of Poha. At the eastern end of Guadalcanal is Marau Sound, a coral paradise. Here there are huge reefs of coral in unique and beautiful shapes which are home to a teeming array of tropical fish and fascinating sea life. There are also giant clams and some of the world’s rarest sea shells. About 250 kilometres south of Guadalcanal is Rennell Island. On the south side of the island, the large Lake Tengano contains some 200 tiny coral atolls and is home to a prolific bird population. Access to the lake is by tractor, canoe and jungle walk. The Florida Islands are the closest island group to Guadalcanal and was the pre-war Solomon capital of Tulagi. It was turned into a navy shipbuilding and repair facility during the war. Savo Island is a cloud-shrouded place, and its waters house the graves of at least four ships that were sunk during the Battle of Savo. Today it is an ideal picnic spot and a divers’ paradise with its sunken ships, sleepy villages and magnificent crystal-clear waters. "