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| Solomon Islands Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Solomon Islands Solomon Islands People First Net Site The Solomon islands are not that Pacific Paradise: since 2000 a sort of civil war broke out on Guadalcanal and Malaita, and although in october 2000 a peace agreement was reached, there are still a few hotspots on the islands where you might run into "armed groups". When things settle down a bit further visitors to the islands are in for a treat. The Solomons are extremely rich in cultural diversity. Melanesians, Polynesians, Asians, Micronesians and the odd Westerner all call the Solomons home. This exciting mix of cultures makes a visit very interesting. Getting to the Solomons is the hard part. The islands have a well-deserved reputation as possibly the world's best destination for scuba divers, snorkellers and fishing freaks. Despite its long, often bloody history, most historical interest in the Solomons surrounds its pivotal role as a strategic site in the Pacific in WWII. The waters of Iron Bottom Sound (so called because of all the sunken world War II vessels there). Harrington sound are testament to the ferocity and destructive power of battle. For more information see the People First Network www.peoplefirst.net.sb - the section on Provinces contains detailed background and 1000+ searchable photographs. In July 2003, 2500 Police and troops arrived from Australian, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and other Pacific Nations. Known as RAMSI (Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands) they quickly re-established law and order. Solomon islands is now as safe as any other Pacific country to visit. It is well worth a visit too. Although tourist "resorts" are none existent and accommodation is basic the whole experience of getting there and finding somewhere to stay is part and parcel of the uniqueness of Solomon Islands. _________History Edit This Although little prehistory of the Solomon Islands is known material excavated on Santa Ana Guadalcanal and Gawa indicates that a hunter-gatherer people lived on the larger islands as early as 1000 B.C. Some Solomon Islanders are descendants of Neolithic Austronesian-speaking peoples who migrated somewhat later to the Pacific Islands from Southeast Asia. The European discoverer of the Solomons was the Spanish explorer Alvaro de Mendana Y Neyra who set out from Peru in 1567 to seek the legendary Isles of Solomon. British mariner Philip Carteret entered Solomon waters in 1767. In the years that followed visits by explorers were more frequent. Missionaries began visiting the Solomons in the mid-1800s. They made little progress at first however because "blackbirding"--the often brutal recruitment of laborers for the sugar plantations in Queensland and Fiji--led to a series of reprisals and massacres. The evils of the labor trade prompted the United Kingdom to declare a protectorate over the southern Solomons in 1893. In 1898 and 1899 more outlying islands were added to the protectorate; in 1900 the remainder of the archipelago an area previously under German jurisdiction was transferred to British administration. Under the protectorate missionaries settled in the Solomons converting most of the population to Christianity. In the early 20th century several British and Australian firms began large-scale coconut planting. Economic growth was slow however and the islanders benefited little. With the outbreak of WWII most planters and traders were evacuated to Australia and most cultivation ceased. From May 1942 when the Battle of the Coral Sea was fought until December 1943 the Solomons were almost constantly a scene of combat. Although U.S. forces landed on Guadalcanal virtually unopposed in August 1942 they were soon engaged in a bloody fight for control of the islands' airstrip which the U.S. forces named Henderson Field. One of the most furious sea battles ever fought took place off Savo Island near Guadalcanal also in August 1942. Before the Japanese completely withdrew from Guadalcanal in February 1943 over 7 000 Americans and 21 000 Japanese died. By December 1943 the Allies were in command of the entire Solomon chain. Postwar Developments Following the end of WWII the British colonial government returned. The capital was moved from Tulagi to Honiara to take advantage of the infrastructure left behind by the U.S. military. A native movement known as the Marching Rule defied government authority. There was much disorder until some of the leaders were jailed in late 1948. Throughout the 1950s other indigenous dissident groups appeared and disappeared without gaining strength. In 1960 an advisory council of Solomon Islanders was superseded by a legislative council and an executive council was created as the protectorate's policymaking body. The council was given progressively more authority. In 1974 a new constitution was adopted establishing a parliamentary democracy and ministerial system of government. In mid-1975 the name Solomon Islands officially replaced that of British Solomon Islands Protectorate. On January 2 1976 the Solomons became self-governing and independence followed on July 7 1978. It remains as a realm of Queen Elizabeth II represented by a Governor General. _________Economy Edit This Economy—overview: The bulk of the population depend on subsistence agriculture fishing and forestry for at least part of their livelihood. Most manufactured goods and petroleum products must be imported. The islands are rich in undeveloped mineral resources such as lead zinc nickel and gold. In recent years the government has poorly managed the country's finances. The new prime minister has vowed to cut expenditures and to promote the private sector to boost economic growth. GDP: purchasing power parity—$1.27 billion (1997 est.) GDP—real growth rate: 3.5% (1997 est.) GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity—$3 000 (1997 est.) GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA% Inflation rate—consumer price index: 11.8% (1996) Labor force: total: 26 842 by occupation: services 41.5% agriculture forestry and fishing 23.7% commerce transport and finance 21.7% construction manufacturing and mining 13.1% (1992 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $147 million expenditures: $168 million including capital expenditures of $NA (1997 est.) Industries: copra fish (tuna) Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity—capacity: 12 000 kW (1995) Electricity—production: 30 million kWh (1995) Electricity—consumption per capita: 75 kWh (1995) Agriculture—products: cocoa beans coconuts palm kernels rice potatoes vegetables fruit; cattle pigs; timber; fish Exports: total value: $168 million (f.o.b. 1995) commodities: timber fish palm oil cocoa copra partners: Japan 39% UK 23% Thailand 9% Australia 5% US 2% (1991) Imports: total value: $152 million (c.i.f. 1995 est.) commodities: plant and machinery manufactured goods food and live animals fuel partners: Australia 34% Japan 16% Singapore 14% NZ 9% Debt—external: $100 million (1995 est.) Economic aid: recipient: ODA $8.625 million from Australia (FY96/97 est.); $3.3 million from NZ (FY95/96) Currency: 1 Solomon Islands dollar (SI$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Solomon Islands dollars (SI$) per US$1—3.7580 (November 1997) 3.5664 (1997) 3.4059 (1995) 3.2914 (1994) 3.1877 (1993) Fiscal year: calendar year __________People Edit This Population: 509 190 (July 2003 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 42.9% (male 111 333; female 107 062) 15-64 years: 54% (male 139 072; female 135 729) 65 years and over: 3.1% (male 7 754; female 8 248) (July 2003 est.) Population growth rate: 2.83% (2003 est.) Birth rate: 32.45 births/1 000 population (2003 est.) Death rate: 4.12 deaths/1 000 population (2003 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1 000 population (2003 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female (2003 est.) Infant mortality rate: 22.88 deaths/1 000 live births (2003 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.1 years male: 69.64 years female: 74.68 years (2003 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.34 children born/woman (2003 est.) Nationality: noun: Solomon Islander(s) adjective: Solomon Islander Ethnic groups: Melanesian 93% Polynesian 4% Micronesian 1.5% European 0.8% Chinese 0.3% other 0.4% Religions: Anglican 45% Roman Catholic 18% Baptist 9% United (Methodist/Presbyterian) 12% Seventh-Day Adventist 7% other Protestant 5% traditional beliefs 4% Languages: Melanesian pidgin in much of the country is lingua franca English spoken by 1%-2% of population note: 120 indigenous languages Literacy: NA ::::::::::Guadalcanal Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Guadalcanal is the largest island in the Solomons. The Honiara International airport is about a 10 minute drive from Honiara. In Honiara, the capital, there are a few hotels and resturaunts, wonderful markets, and WW2 museums. There is a boat dock and dive sites. _______Getting There Edit This [Add Global transport mode] Casey Billings Edit This I was coming from WA, so I flew to LAX in california on horizon, from LAX I flew to Brisbane AUS on Quantas, and then on to Honiara on Solomon Air Lines. type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] ::::::::Malaita Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Small beach, Ninifae, East Kwaio Small beach, Ninifae, East Kwaio Moonlit Shadow Malaita is a beautiful place to visit, however it can be a bit inaccessible for those who are not able to rough it! It can be reached by a 20min plane flight from Honiara, or by boat (about 3 hours but very much cheaper). The capital of the island, and the only town, is Auki. Auki has quite a few general shops, which have more in them than you may think at first glance. If looking for 'unusual' items (e.g. Aussie or NZ food) be prepared to ask around a bit and try to match your accent to theirs...otherwise there can be much confusion! A walk by the sea near Auki is much recommended - ask anyone and they will be able to point you in the right direction (the place really isn't that big!) But for even more stunning and untouched beaches and quaint villages, head out by truck to any place you like - Langa Langa Logoon (west), Mala Village (north), and almost anywhere out east! Truck rides are cheap - SBD$40- SBD$60 max to the furthest away village. There is also amazing snorkelling, diving, tramping, you name it! Just be prepared to organise yourself as tourism has not really reached there yet (thank goodness) so there are no 'package tours'! To see some of my own photos, check out www.srahprabhu.bebo.com Most of them will be boring as they are of close friends of mine - not typical tourist shots! My latest trip should be loaded soon which have a few more shots of the town ::::::::New georgia Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Munda, New Georgia Island (Western Province), Solomon Islands Munda, New Georgia Island (Western Province), Solomon Islands New Georgia Island is one of the main islands in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. New Georgia Island is surrounded by two major lagoons - the Marovo Lagoon (largest lagoon system in the world) & the Roviana Lagoon. The two main towns / centres are Munda (located on the Roviana Lagoon) & Noro (17kms away - seaport & tuna processing). Both towns / districts have a population of around 3,000 people each. Munda is the more touristy of the two centres & nestled at the western end of the beautiful Roviana Lagoon. Munda has an airport with direct flights to/from Honiara (1.2hrs by air), shops, hospital, & good accommodation at Agnes Lodge (dining / bar facilities). Munda is renouned for great diving / snorkling, fishing & beautiful islands to laze around on. There are tourist resorts in various parts of New Georgia, such as Uepi Resort near the town of Seghe (Marovo Lagoon) & Lola Resort (Vona Vona Lagoon - near Munda). Munda is definitely worth a visit...it is absolute paradise! _______Getting There Edit This There are daily direct flights from Honiara to Munda (1.2hrs flying time), or via Gizo or Seghe (both centres nearby). There is an overnight ship which sails from Honiara to New Georgia Island (Seghe & Munda) one a week, however, conditions on board are very low standard & the vessel can be very over-crowded at times. Safety conditions are questionable...much safer to fly. ::::::Santa isabel Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Coconut Coconut Bev Santa Isabel is the longest Island in the Solomon Islands, South Pacific. The first european contact was made through this province, and that was made by Alvaro de Mendana in 1568. The highest point there is Mount Kubonitu. River Marutho runs down that mount into the ocean at Hofi. Almost all the rivers or streams run down that center point except for those at the other tip of the Island, Katova side. Isabel Province is long but narrow. Estimation population there at the moment 2004 is 30 000. We do have lots of space for more people to come, that is, in comparative to the other provinces. It is filled with nice and friendly people. It is also the least visited province by tourist and thats because, we don't have the proper housing, transport, and so on. May be you (the reader) can help us out. Some facts about Isabel Province: Buala (Its small, no vehicles, what a pity!) is the provincial capital, Allardyce and Kamaosi (Duddley Tuti) are the two main highschools in the province, Kia village is always recommended by others as a must place to visit, Fera is where the airstrip is located if you take Sol-Air to Isabel and then about 15 minutes boat-ride to the provincial capital. Banking: You better of changing your currency while in Honiara, but sure, you can do banking in any branch of the National Bank of Solomon Islands (NBSI) in the province. Health: Malaria, but if you take extra care of yourself, lotion or sleeping inside mosquito nets, wear long sleeves in the evenings, you should be fine. Clinics are available but only for basic things. Where to stay: If you know somebody in there, you are all set to go. Other than that, most areas should have what they call "Rest House", a house where they can put guests in for the night or two, or somebody might take you in for the night. Well, am going to leave it there for now. Should you have any question, feel free to ask autobevmc@hotmail.com Thagio fara (Thank you very much) ___________Getting There Edit This You can reach Isabel by plane or by boat (ship), this is not like a cruise ship, this is a small passenger boat that connect the Islands. Periodicity: Planes I think travel twice to Isabel and boats, weekly. __________Nightlife and Entertainment Edit This There is no city or town in Isabel. The biggest town is Buala with arround 3000 people (ha ha ha!!! a village you can put it that way) living in it, may be more by now. So why would you want to visit Isabel if there is no nightlife and entertainment; well, these are some things you can do 1) Climb Mount Kubonitu: there is a road that goes up from Buala, the provincial capital to Tirotogna, and from there thru rugged hills to Kubonitu. Someone in Buala can arrange someone to accompany you. 2) Stay for New Year celebration in the Bush villages: as part of the celebration, people beat drums and do all shorts of activities for several days or at least a week. That usually takes place during the last two days of the year ending two days into the new year. 3) You may want to visit Kia Village where houses are made from stilts. 4) Visit Arnavon Island, the conservation area especially for turtles, and that is located at the other end of the Island. 5) Visit Allardyce Provincial School (High School) arround November to February and have a chance to see the leatherbacks coming up the beach or dig some megapod eggs. 6) You can go out diving or fishing whenever you like in the surrounding areas when you visit Allardyce, and generally in other areas arround the province as well. :::::::::::The wildernesslodge Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Adventure holiday location in Marovo Lagoon. www.thewildernesslodge.org |