SOLOMON ISLANDS
stay where they can live in a local
community and experience the local life
first hand. Camping is not encouraged
and permission from the village chief or
owner of the land must be sought.
Getting around
There are public buses, hire cars, taxis
(negotiate the fare before making a
journey), and you can see a lot simply
by walking. Inter-island travel is available
by either by aircraft or boat. Solomon
Airlines flies to about 20 destinations
throughout the country. They are also
available for charter. Helicopter Support
runs a helicopter service. For those with
more leisure time, an interesting option is
to travel by cargo vessel.
Activities
There are plenty of activities to keep
visitors active and most are aquatic based
including swimming, sailing, windsurfing,
waterskiing, game fishing and snorkelling.
The islands are renowned as a scuba
divers' paradise with coral, shipwrecks,
giant clams, tropical fish and game fish.
208 www.paradisesonline.com
Golf, tennis and bushwalking are also
offered or trek to Savo, the active volcano
just 45 minutes from Honiara. Enjoy a visit
to the ingenious man-made islands of
the Lau and Langalanga people. There is
plenty to do!
Food and entertainment
Major hotels have restaurants and there
are international restaurants in Honiara.
Hotels have beer gardens and bars and
several private clubs welcome visitors.
Regular island night barbecues are
very popular.
Shopping guide
High quality craftwork is available and
includes ebony and 'kerosene' wood
carvings, bowls with mother-of-pearl
inlays, shell jewellery, baskets, bags,
hats and mats woven from pandanus or
coconut palm. Although the only craft
shops are in Honiara, you can buy work
direct from craftsmen and women in
the other islands. Daily markets are held
throughout the islands. The largest and
most colourful market is the bustling
Central Market in the capital, Honiara.
Currency
The local currency is Solomon Island
dollars. (SBD) Tipping is not encouraged
and visitors are usually asked to refrain
from the temptation to do so due to
Islanders' pride and custom.
Climate
The climate is tropical with an average
temperature of 29°C. November to April
is wetter.
Clothing
Casual wear is widely acceptable though
brief swimwear should be limited to
beaches.
Electricity
240 volts AC/50 cycles (where available).
Getting there
International airlines flying to the Solomon
Islands include Solomon Airlines, Sky Air
World, Pacific Blue, Our Airline, Air Niugini,
Air Pacific.
The domestic carrier is Solomon Airlines.
