Pacific Island Paradises

– 200 – www.paradises.com 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 WWII 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 WWII relics. Where to stay Wherever you choose to stay, be sure to learn from your hosts a little of the islanders' 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. 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 f lies 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 world-class surfing, 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 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 on 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, Virgin Australia, Fiji Airways and Air Niugini. — S o l o m o n I s l a n d s —

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