Solomon Islands Travel & Holiday
Information
www.solomonsgetaway.info
History
The origin of the present
Melanesian inhabitants is uncertain. Although archaeological and
linguistic evidence shows that Solomon Islands was probably settled
4,000 - 5,000 years ago by Austronesian, neolithic people from
South-East Asia.
Archaeological evidence also shows that one group of people
settled on islands from the Bismarcks to Polynesian and became the
ancestors of all Polynesians, some eventually returning to the
outlying islands of Solomon islands.
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| The first documented European contact was made
in 1568 by the Spanish explorer, Alvaro de Mendana. Mendana
discovered alluvial gold on Guadalcanal and, perhaps thinking he
found the source of King Solomon's great wealth (the Biblical
King Solomon's mine), named the islands the; "Isles
of Solomon ".
Because of Mendana's Spanish heritage, many of the
islands in the Solomon Islands bear original Spanish names.
Great Britain declared a Protectorate in 1893 over the
southern Solomons, adding the Santa Cruz group in 1898 and 1899.
The islands of the Shortland group were transferred by treaty
from Germany to Great Britain in 1900. |
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The Solomon Islands has strong
traditional cultures which vary from province to province.
This handy information is provided to assist you in your travels.
Time Zone
The Solomon Islands
is one hour ahead of Australian time. Population.- approximately
300,000. These are primarily Solomon Islanders, but also
Melanesian, Polynesian, Gilbertese, most of whom are Christian.
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Language
Predominantly English
speaking, although Melanesian Pidgin is spoken by locals.
Airport
Henderson Field
Airport, eight kilometres from the capital Honiara. (SI$40.00 on
departure)
Telecommunications
International
communication services are available in Honiara and in the main
centres of the Solomon Islands. These include fax, telephone and
email.
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Visas
Visas are not
required by visitors from Commonwealth countries, the United
States, and other visitors who are in possession of onward
bookings by air or sea, except for certain nationals of certain
countries who require visas, even if in direct transit by air
(detailed requirements can be checked with a British Embassy,
Consulate, or High Commission, or direct with the Principle
Immigration Officer, Hibiscus Avenue, Honiara, Solomon Islands).
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Banking/Currency
Solomon Island
Dollars (SI$). Banks in Honiara include Westpac, ANZ and the
National Bank of the Solomon Islands. Most major credit cards
are accepted at major hotels and businesses in Honiara, but Australian dollars will be accepted at most lodges. Commerce in the native villages
(for carvings, etc.) is conducted in Solomon Island dollars (SBD)
or occasionally by barter. ATM facilities are also available in Honiara
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Climate
Tropically warm
and humid with coastal temperatures averaging 28 degrees
Celsius.
Check today's weather in Honiara.
Dress
Take along
clothing which is light and airy. Preferably cottons. If you
like, take along a sweater for the rare cool evening. Female
dress should be modest in public areas.
Medical Services
Dental, medical
and hospital services are available in main centres.
Electricity
240 Volts AC
power in Honiara and some outer islands centres. |
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Uepi
Island Resort |
Health
Chloroquine resistant
malaria exists in some regions. It is advisable to take
anti-malarial medication during a stay and for four weeks after
departure. Recommended immunizations are Hepatitis A, malaria,
polio, tetanus, typhoid. A Yellow fever vaccination certificate
is required if arriving within 6 days from or via infected
areas. Boil or sterilize drinking water and milk. All food
should be well cooked. We suggest you consult your doctor a few
weeks in advance for the necessary medication or advice.
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Newspapers
Solomon Star and
selected overseas papers.
Entertainment
Usually very quiet.
The King Solomon Hotel operates Honiara's only nightclub two
nights a week and Gizo Hotel has cultural dancing and BBQs on some week
nights.
Both the King Solomon Hotel and the Gizo Hotel have fully
licensed restaurants with fish and seafood specialties. In
Honiara there are numerous restaurants with a predominantly
Asian cuisine.
Tipping
Not expected and not
encouraged. |
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War
Canoes re-enactment |
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Discover |
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indulge.. |
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experience.. |
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this land that time
forgot ... |
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The fascinating Solomon
Islands .. simply adrift in time .. come see for yourself
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Sanbis Resort |
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Mavo Sports Fishing
Lodge |
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Sanbis Resort, The Sols most upmarket resort - beachfront and bare foot
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Mavo Lodge, Ramata Island is on the western end of
beautiful Marovo
Lagoon, the Worlds longest island fringed lagoon.
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Wilderness Lodge |
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Solomons Watersports |
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The best leaf haus lodge in the Solomons - great food, fishing, bushwalking and eco place to stay |
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Go Diving and fishing with ..
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Zipolo Habu Resort -
SURF Skull Island |
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Uepi Island
Resort |
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Zipolo Habu Resort is gateway to the famous Skull Island and other breaks
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A relaxed and intimate
resort, providing the chance to experience the natural wonder and
culture of this authentic and exciting part of the Pacific. |
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Solomons
Scuba Diving |
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The Sports Fishing Hotspot .. |
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The Solomon Islands ... the Eco Adventure destination of the South Pacific for Scuba divers.
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We have prepared 2 excellent Sports & Game Fishing tours to possibly the best fishing grounds
on Earth
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Dive
and Fish with Zipolo |
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Maravagi Lodge |
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The fishing and scuba diving in
the Solomon Islands is World class |
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Maravagi is a true
hideaway retreat with stunning surf, |
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Kayaking in Marovo Lagoon
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Zipolo Habu Resort.. Sports Fishing |
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Soon, you
will be able to kayak, with our local guide,
through the calm waters of this magnificent,
protected,
pristine Lagoon |
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Solomon Island's Deepsea & Sports Fishing is in some of the best fishing grounds on Earth.
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The Solomons
Hotels & Lodges |
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Would you like
our full colour Solomon Island brochure ?
...
simple click here
and tell us !
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Fatboys near Gizo |
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Cruising the
beautiful waters of the Solomon Islands. |
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Great for dive, surf and relaxed beach holidays Voted top 5 beach bars in the Pacific ........."Get Lost magazine"
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