Pacific Island Paradises

– 161 – www.paradises.com 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 butterf lies and exotic birds are abundant while a variety of trees and shrubs have been introduced along with fruits and vegetables. The sights With more than 300 days of perfect weather each year, this is plenty to do in this tropical paradise. 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 war 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 relics from the war. Where to stay Wherever you choose to stay, be sure to learn from your hosts a little of the their 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 stay where they can live in a local community and experience the local life first hand. 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 f lies to about 20 destinations throughout the country. They are also available for charter. 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 world-class surfing, swimming, sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, game fishing and snorkelling. The islands are renowned as a scuba diver's paradise with coral, shipwrecks, giant clams, tropical fish and game fish. 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.

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