The most comprehensive digital travel guide on the Pacific region
Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/105156
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. have beer gardens and bars and several private clubs welcome visitors. Regular island night barbecues are very popular. 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. 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 Shopping guide High quality craftwork is available and includes ebony and 'kerosene' wood 214 www.paradisesonline.com 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.