It is sad to think that it is often a natural disaster that draws the world's attention to an otherwise remote travel destination. So is the case with the beautiful Solomon Islands located in the South Pacific and considered one of the last bastions of unspoiled Pacific coastline, offering visitors a chance to experience the traditional island life of yesteryear. Until a few weeks ago, many people may never heard of the Solomons, nor knew where they were, but after a tsunami hit the island nation on April 2 -- the paradise was cast into the limelight for all the wrong reasons.
The 8.1 magnitude earthquake triggered a tsunami that resulted in over 40 casualties and widespread damage and flooding in some coastal regions. The earthquake was followed by several aftershocks and the Solomon Islands Government declared a State of Emergency for Western and Choiseul provinces and the northern part of Isabel province. Thousands of people have been displaced but local and international authorities and aid agencies, including the United Nations and the Red Cross are working to restore services to all affected areas. In general, few tourist areas were impacted and hotels and businesses are now operating as usual.
So the question travelers to the region may face is whether to postpone travel, cancel their trips altogether or go ahead and take that dream vacation. The answer lies with the individual, but as we have seen with disasters in other countries recently, often tourism and the economic flow from travel has the most positive impact on helping to restore not only the economy of a region but also the destination's global image through positive word of mouth. I would encourage would-be visitors to contact their planned accommodation venue or tour operator to ensure that all facilities and amenities are in perfect working order and that there have been no cancellations on planned departures.
The Solomon Islands consist of almost 1,000 islands lying to the south of Papua New Guinea in the South Pacific Ocean. Over half of the islands remain uninhabited and are secluded enough to be cut off from the outside world except for small boats that visit them for fishing, scuba diving or tourist day trips. Honiara is the capital but the area is better known as Guadalcanal, a major battle zone during World War II. The Solomon Islands boast some of the most accessible and stunning scuba diving reefs in the world and are known for diversity and abundance of marine life -- including sharks, octopus, anemones and corals plus its shipwreck diving (both U.S. and Japanese naval craft) is second to none. Divers can still uncover relics of the war around sunken vessels including ammunition, machinery, bottles and other evidence of shipboard life.
Most travelers from North America fly from Los Angeles through Nadi Fiji, Sydney and Brisbane Australia or Auckland New Zealand. Solomon Airlines (tel. 800/677-4277; www.solomonairlines.com.au), the region's national carrier, has regular services to Honiara from five neighboring Pacific countries -- Papua New Guinea, Australia, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Zealand. In addition the Airline services 24 domestic destinations including Ana, Auki, Choiseul Bay, Gizo, Marau, Munda, Mono, Santa Cruz, Santa Rennell, Seghe and Yandina.
Although tourism infrastructure here is limited, exploring the islands is a rewarding experience with the ability to inexpensively travel between islands by boats, ferries or small planes. Tribal culture is still very much alive and well in the Solomons so be sure to take in traditional ceremonies and village life. Lake Tegano is the biggest freshwater lake in the South Pacific and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lake features many tiny islands covered in giant mangroves and the area is home to unique birds and plants. There was a U.S. military base by the lake during World War II and military buffs can see nine U.S. planes downed by the Japanese here, several of which are visible when snorkeling.
South Pacific Island Travel (tel. 877/773-4846; www.spislandtravel.com) specializes in Solomon Islands and other South Pacific island travel. They can arrange discounted airfare flying through Sydney or Brisbane, Australia on Qantas or via Nadi, Fiji on Air Pacific. They offer the following Solomon Islands accommodation options:
- King Solomon Hotel -- probably the best known hotel in Honiara, built into the hillside near the main street. Rates start at $95 per room per night plus tax. Airport transfers are available for $20 per person.
- The Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel -- Set amongst lush tropical gardens and right on the beach, this is the Solomon's largest hotel. Rates start at $95 per room per night plus tax. Airport transfers are available for $20 per person.
- Uepi Island Resort (www.uepi.com) -- a well-established resort known for its friendly staff, extensive seafood menu and water activities including an on-site dive-shop. Rates start at $142 per room per night including taxes or $172 for a beachfront bungalow. Boat transfers are $70 per person and scuba dives are priced from $57 including equipment.
- South Pacific Island Travel also has live-aboard scuba diving boats -- the Bilikiki and the Spirit of Solomon. Seven-night live-aboards include all meals, transfers and dive equipment and are priced from $2,240 per person based on double occupancy. Dive sites include the Florida Islands, Russell Islands and various World War II wreck sites.
- Finding hotels that actually have websites is rather rare in the Solomon Islands and even if they have a site, you will be unable to book online unless you do so via email or through a third party agency or tour provider.
The humorously named Fatboys (www.fatboysgizo.com) features well appointed bungalows on the waters edge of secluded Mbabanga Island, approximately ten minutes by boat from Gizo. Solomon Airlines makes the 90-minute flight from Honiara to Gizo daily. The name "fatboy" comes from the character Joe in Charles Dickens' The Pickwick Papers. The fatboy's life revolved around drinking, eating, sleeping and making every conceivable effort to avoid work and guests at fatboys are treated to the same lifestyle.
Fatboys has three traditional leaf and hardwood bungalows with large verandas offering magnificent views of Kennedy Island and the majestic Mt Kolombangara volcano. Rates are $134 per night for two people and $151 for a family bungalow that sleeps five guests. A well stocked bar and restaurant includes a modest wine list and locally grown produce, including catches of fresh seafood. The hotel's hosts have an intimate knowledge of the Western Province and can organize tours, fishing trips, diving, snorkeling and other activities.
Tavanipupu Resort (www.tavanipupu.com) has six guesthouses on an idyllic tiny island, a 30- minute boat ride from Marau. Rates are $184 per night per person including accommodation and all meals based on twin share. Single supplement, a third person sharing a room or children five to 15 cost $92 per night. There are flights from Honiara to Marau only twice a week (Friday afternoon and Monday morning) with airfares costing approximately $110 round-trip per adult and $87 per child. Round-trip boat transfers from the Marau airstrip are $17 per person. Email Guadalcanal Travel Service for bookings at guadtrav@solomon.com.sb. Zipolo Habu Resort (www.zipolohabu.com.sb) is located on Lola Island in the Vona Vona Lagoon, a twenty minute boat ride from Munda in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. Lola Island is nearly 100 acres of coconut palms and dense bush surrounded by a white coral sand beach facing Pualako Reef and the Solomon Sea beyond. Accommodation is in Leaf House bungalows, constructed in the traditional style of Sago Palm Leaf, Lawya Cane and Wild Betel Nut Tree. All Leaf Houses have private kitchen facilities but some bathrooms are situated directly behind the bungalows. The Fishing Bar is fully licensed, but if you have a favorite spirit that you have purchased Duty Free and brought with you, the bar staff will happily mix it for you.
Cottage rates are $59 per night for a single, $84 for a double/twin share and a two bedroom bungalow is $109. A two bedroom lodge that sleeps six to ten people with private facilities is $168 per night and the new beachfront two bedroom deluxe bungalow is $151. A full meal package is available for $50 per person per day. Transfer from Munda Air Terminal is $67 (per boat), sports fishing charters are $42 per hour for four people (plus fuel costs) including rods, reels and tackle. Surf and snorkeling charters are $21 per hour for two people plus fuel costs. Rates are valid until March 31, 2008. Specialized Excursions include:
- Mantaray Island -- includes fishing, world class snorkeling and an island picnic
- Bikiki Island -- get dropped off on an uninhabited island and picked up when it suits you -- includes snorkeling and a picnic lunch
- Vona Vona Excursion -- tour the beautiful complex passages through the unspoiled Mangrove edged Island Lagoon system. Visit Skull Island and a Basket Weavers Village
- Surfing Trips -- There are three confirmed surf breaks five to 20 minutes from the resort.
- Scuba diving -- some of the finest diving in the South Pacific with majestic wall dives and big fish action, plus a spectacular cave dive. World War II wrecks include the Kasi Maru, the US dump and various aircraft.
For more information to help you plan your Solomon Islands trip, visit www.visitsolomons.com.sb.
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