Page 154 - Pacific Paradises 2019

Nature apartments, rest houses, village resorts or Food and entertainment
The Solomon Islands’ archipelago offers in cabins or lodges. Major hotels have restaurants and
one of the richest underwater worlds on You can unwind in a locally built cabin there are international restaurants in
the earth and boasts kilometres of deserted perched over a pristine lagoon or relax in Honiara. Hotels have beer gardens and
sandy beaches and an unparalleled sense a self-contained bungalow on the edge of bars and several private clubs welcome
of calm. Lush tropical rainforests cover a sandy beach or be mesmerised by the visitors. Regular island night barbecues are
most of the island group. Exotic orchids, views over the archipelago’s crystal clear very popular.
ferns and palms are found everywhere and waters from one of the resorts. Those truly Currency
butterflies and exotic birds are abundant wishing to immerse themselves in the local The local currency is Solomon Island
while a variety of trees and shrubs have culture may choose a village stay where dollars. (SBD) Tipping is not encouraged
been introduced along with fruits and they can live in a local community and and visitors are usually asked to refrain
vegetables. experience the local life first hand. from the temptation to do so due to

The sights Getting around Islanders’ pride and custom.
With more than 300 days of perfect There are public buses, hire cars, taxis Climate
weather each year, this is plenty to do in (negotiate the fare before making a The climate is tropical with an average
this tropical paradise. journey), and you can see a lot simply by temperature of 29°C. November to April
walking. Inter-island travel is available by
In Honiara visit the bustling Chinatown is wetter.
area with, curiously, an adjacent Old and either by aircraft or boat. Solomon Airlines Clothing
New China Town. Take time to visit flies to about 20 destinations throughout Casual wear is widely acceptable
the intact WWII relics of fighter planes, the country. They are also available for though brief swimwear should be
tanks and machine guns slowly rusting in charter. For those with more leisure time, limited to beaches.
peace as well as Japanese and American an interesting option is to travel by cargo
war memorials. Learn a little about the vessel. Getting there
history of the Solomon Islands and visit Activities International airlines flying to the Solomon
the old hanging site, a relic from the British There are plenty of activities to keep Islands include Solomon Airlines, Virgin
colonial past. The National Museum visitors active and most are aquatic based Australia, Fiji Airways and Air Niugini.
is located in Honiara and the Honiara including world-class surfing, swimming, Shopping guide
main market is a good place to find local sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, game High quality craftwork is available and
bargains. The Western Province offers fishing and snorkelling. The islands are includes ebony and ‘kerosene’ wood carvings,
traditional villages, secluded beaches, renowned as a scuba diver’s paradise with bowls with mother-of-pearl inlays, shell
superb snorkelling and scuba diving where coral, shipwrecks, giant clams, tropical fish jewellery, baskets, bags, hats and mats woven
you can explore the watery graves of and game fish. from pandanus or coconut palm. Although
undisturbed relics from the war.
Golf, tennis and bushwalking are also the only craft shops are in Honiara, you can
Where to stay offered or trek to Savo, the active volcano buy work direct from craftsmen and women
Wherever you choose to stay, be sure to just 45 minutes from Honiara. Enjoy a on the other islands. Daily markets are held
learn from your hosts a little of the their visit to the ingenious man-made islands of throughout the islands and the largest and
culture and religion. Depending on your the Lau and Langalanga people. There is most colourful market is the bustling Central
budget you can stay in a premier hotel, in plenty to do! Market in the capital, Honiara.

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