Page 156 - Pacifia Paradises - 2020

palms are found everywhere and butterflies and exotic birds are Getting around
abundant while a variety of trees and shrubs have been introduced There are public buses, hire cars, taxis (negotiate the fare before
along with fruits and vegetables. making a journey), and you can see a lot simply by walking. Inter-
The sights island travel is available by either by aircraft or boat. Solomon
With more than 300 days of perfect weather each year, this is plenty Airlines flies to about 20 destinations throughout the country. They
to do in this tropical paradise. are also available for charter. For those with more leisure time, an
interesting option is to travel by cargo vessel.
In Honiara visit the bustling Chinatown area with, curiously, an
adjacent Old and New China Town. Take time to visit the intact WWII Activities
relics of fighter planes, tanks and machine guns slowly rusting in There are plenty of activities to keep visitors active and most are
peace as well as Japanese and American war memorials. Learn aquatic based including world-class surfing, swimming, sailing,
a little about the history of the Solomon Islands and visit the old windsurfing, waterskiing, game fishing and snorkelling. The islands
hanging site, a relic from the British colonial past. The National are renowned as a scuba diver’s paradise with coral, shipwrecks,
Museum is located in Honiara and the Honiara main market is a good giant clams, tropical fish and game fish.
place to find local bargains. The Western Province offers traditional Golf, tennis and bushwalking are also offered or trek to Savo, the
villages, secluded beaches, superb snorkelling and scuba diving active volcano just 45 minutes from Honiara. Enjoy a visit to the
where you can explore the watery graves of undisturbed relics from ingenious man-made islands of the Lau and Langalanga people.
the war. There is plenty to do!
Where to stay Food and entertainment
Wherever you choose to stay, be sure to learn from your hosts a little Major hotels have restaurants and there are international restaurants
of the their culture and religion. Depending on your budget you can in Honiara. Hotels have beer gardens and bars and several private
stay in a premier hotel, in apartments, rest houses, village resorts or clubs welcome visitors. Regular island night barbecues are very
in cabins or lodges. popular.
You can unwind in a locally built cabin perched over a pristine lagoon Currency
or relax in a self-contained bungalow on the edge of a sandy beach The local currency is Solomon Island dollars. (SBD) Tipping is
or be mesmerised by the views over the archipelago’s crystal clear not encouraged and visitors are usually asked to refrain from the
waters from one of the resorts. Those truly wishing to immerse temptation to do so due to Islanders’ pride and custom.
themselves in the local culture may choose a village stay where they Climate
can live in a local community and experience the local life first hand.
The climate is tropical with an average temperature of 29°C. November

152 Solomon Islands www.paradises.com