Pacific Island Paradises

SOLOMON ISLANDS many battle sites and relics of the war to be found not only here, but throughout the islands. reptiles. A variety of trees and shrubs have been introduced along with fruits and vegetables. The Solomons became a fully independent nation in 1978 and today the country operates under a provincial government system of nine provinces. The national parliament adopted a Westminster system and has a democracy-style government. The sights With more than 300 days of perfect weather each year, this is plenty to do in this tropical paradise. Nature The Solomon Islands' archipelago offers one of the richest underwater worlds on the earth and boasts kilometres of deserted sandy beaches and an unparalleled sense of calm. Lush tropical rainforests cover most of the island group. Exotic orchids, ferns and palms are found everywhere and butterflies and exotic birds are abundant. There are more than 70 species of 206  www.paradisesonline.com In Honiara visit the bustling Chinatown area with, curiously, an adjacent Old and New China Town. Take time to visit the intact WWII relics of fighter planes, tanks and machine guns slowly rusting in peace as well as Japanese and American WWII memorials. Learn a little about the history of the Solomon Islands and visit the old hanging site—a relic from the British colonial past.The National Museum is located in Honiara and the Honiara Main Market is a good place to find local bargains. The Western Province offers traditional villages, secluded beaches, superb snorkelling and scuba diving where you can explore the watery graves of undisturbed WW2 relics. Where to stay Wherever you choose to stay, be sure to learn from your hosts a little of the islanders' culture and religion. Depending on your budget you can stay in a premier hotel, in apartments, rest houses, village resorts or in cabins or lodges. You can unwind in a locally built cabin perched over a pristine lagoon or relax in a self-contained bungalow on the edge of a sandy beach. Or be mesmerised by the views over the archipelago's crystal clear waters from one of the resorts. Those truly wishing to immerse themselves in the local culture may choose a village

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