Pacific Island Paradises

SOLOMON ISLANDS Western Province Western Province is perhaps the most visited region of the Solomon Islands with its tall volcanic islands, vast mangroves, expansive lagoons, white sand beaches, tropical islets and soaring mountains. It is by far the largest region covering 8573 square kilometres and is home to approximately 20 percent of the population. The three destinations not to be missed in the Western Province are Gizo, Munda and Marovo Lagoon. With reliable inter-island boat and plane services, they can easily be combined and toured at a comfortable, leisurely pace. Gizo, the provincial capital with a population of around 3000 is located on the island of Chizo. It is a quiet picturesque town at the head of the VonaVona Lagoon and offers all the facilities visitors could wish for including luxury hotels, guesthouses, bars and restaurants. Munda, the largest town on New Georgia island, has a landing strip built during WWII by the United States of America and is used as an emergency landing runway, capable of handling even jumbo jets. The province has as its centrepiece the largest double barrier lagoon in the world, Marovo Lagoon, nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Inside the lagoon, the islands are surrounded by coral formations and white sand beach with the lagoon waters shimmering in every shade of blue, turquoise and jade green. Reputedly the longest lagoon in the southern hemisphere, it was described by author James A Michener as "the eighth wonder of the world". Literally thousands of islands scatter the lagoon, from tiny coral islets on the fringing reef to massive 1600 metres high volcanic islands. Some are still active and can be visited including Simbo. There are also undersea volcanoes near Ngattokae. The region is a world renowned scuba diving location, with not only the natural wonders including spectacular underwater cliffs to marvel at, but also sunken WWII ships and aircraft relics. Without huge numbers diving the waters, the experience is simply spectacular. There are internationally accredited dive companies and schools in several centres including Gizo, Munda and Uepi Island Resort. Fishing in the Western Province is something to be experienced with the size and quantity of fish making it an angler's paradise. www.paradisesonline.com  213

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