| Serah Kei's Lagoon Hideaway |
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After three busy weeks visiting friends throughout the Solomon Islands, our family of five longed for somewhere close to Honiara to just stop and relax completely before flying home to Australia.
Ross Hepworth of Tourism Solomons listened to our lamentingand suggested Serah Kei's Lagoon Hideaway as an ideal retreat for a family on a budget.
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| view of an artificial islands |
Serah Kei's Lagoon Hideaway |
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Langa Langa Lagoon in Malita is a short flight by Solomon Air from Honiara to Auki. Upon arrival at Auki, Serah met us personally and, after a short boat ride, had us relaxing at her Lagoon Hideaway.
Serah Kei says the resourceful people of Langa Langa Lagoon are renowned for building something out of nothing. The numerous artifical islands in the lagoon were labouriously hand-constructed by families who requried more land as population pressure increased.
These sea people also created a monetary system of beautiful shell jewelry to purchase wives and other commodities. This shell money is still in use today.
These artificial islands are also home to expert traditional shipwrights and we saw some fine examples of ships under construction.
Large timber trading vessels that ply the seas around the Solomons are built in Langa Langa by families who were taught their craft by missionaries after WWII.
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| bridal party and shell money |
waterfront dining |
bed house |
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Serah Kei is a modern pioneer here, with a vision and determination she has used traditional methods to create new land and her own tourist hideaway with flow on benefits the local community. Starting with three young children in 1994, Serah recruited her family to help her with construction as her savings would allow. On October one 2005, that vision was realized with the opening of Serah Kei's Lagoon Hideaway.
Behind Serah's gentle spirit is a continuing desire to improve the future for her neighbours and the environment.
Since placing an exclusion zone to fishing in the area in front of the Hideaway, coral reef has regenerated and colourful fish are increasing in numbers. This has, at times, been dificult as the increasing local population is continuing to put pressure on the dwindling fish stocks in the Lagoon.
Various local tours and demonstrations can be organized by Serah. Crafts people skilled in shell money making and carving as well as musicians will come, demonstrate, preform or sell their art. Serah also intends to increase the economic prosperity of the local people who supply fresh organic produce, fish and meats.
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| very comfortable lodge |
Serah Kei serving lunch |
Mikaela and Liam Flaherty |
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Serah Kei provides budget homestay accommodation for up to eight people including all meals for a cost of $70 AUD per person per night.
Nick will arrange flights and transfers to and from Auki.
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