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 interisland 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". 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. 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 Uepi Island Resort Uepi Island is a barrier reef island on the edge of the Marovo Lagoon in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. Garden paradise Uniquely situated, one side of the island is fringed with sandy beaches lapped by clear lagoonal waters whilst the other side has a wall of uplifted volcanic rock encrusted with corals that form a fringing reef. Uepi Resort is situated among cultivated gardens on the eastern end of the island. Accommodation is bungalow-style with Tel: AU +61 3 9787 7904 six bungalows privately spaced in jungle gardens—four of which are absolute beachfront. There are two units and two guestrooms offering commanding views of the Marovo Lagoon. Ideally located, Uepi Island Resort offers action packed, stress free holidays. Guests can participate in a variety of activities or simply relax. Scuba diving and unlimited free snorkelling, safely catering for guests of all levels of experience, is available only minutes from your room on the world-class house reef. Kayak Solomons operates expeditions and casual sea kayaking trips throughout the Marovo Lagoon. Other activities include cultural trips to nearby villages, fishing, paddleboarding, sailing, kite boarding, wakeboarding, bushwalking or just relaxing. The resort meals are based around fresh local seafood and organically grown fruits and vegetables, all prepared by talented local chefs. Remote Uepi Island Resort may be forgotten by the rest of the world, but will always be remembered by those who have experienced its hospitality and beauty. Marovo Lagoon SOLOMON ISLANDS fax: AU +61 3 9787 5904 Email: info@uepi.com www.uepi.com www.paradisesonline.com 219

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