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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.
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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.
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.
Language
Predominantly English speaking, although Melanesian Pidgin is spoken by locals.
Telecommunications
International communication services are available in Honiara and in the main centres of the Solomon Islands. These include fax, telephone and email.
Airport
Henderson Field Airport, eight kilometres from the capital Honiara. (SI$40.00 on departure)
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Visas
Visas are not required by visitors from Commonwealth countries, the United States, and other visitors who are in possession of onward bookings by air or sea, except for certain nationals of certain countries who require visas, even if in direct transit by air (detailed requirements can be checked with a British Embassy, Consulate, or High Commission, or direct with the Principle Immigration Officer, Hibiscus Avenue, Honiara, Solomon Islands).
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Banking/Currency
Solomon Island Dollars (SI$). 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
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.
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Uepi Island Resort |
Medical Services
Dental, medical and hospital services are available in main centres.
Electricity
240 Volts AC power in Honiara and some outer islands centres.
Newspapers
Solomon Star and selected overseas papers.
Tipping
Not expected and not encouraged. |
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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.
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.
War Canoes re-enactment |
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The fascinating Solomon Islands .. simply adrift in time .. come see for yourself |
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Serah Kei's
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Mavo Sports Fishing Lodge |
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Lagoon Hideaway
Behind Serah's gentle spirit is a continuing desire to improve the future for her neighbours and the environment
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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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Sanbis Resort |
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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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Sanbis Resort, The Sols most upmarket resort - beachfront and bare foot
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| Uepi Island Resort |
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Maravagi Lodge |
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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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Maravagi is a true hideaway retreat with stunning surf, |
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| Solomon Surf Trips |
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Fish Isabel
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Be one of the lucky few to visit places isolated and untouched by modern tourism...
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Baolo Village Sports Fishing
... simply the best
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| Dive Gizo |
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SURF Skull Island |
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Few places on Earth evoke such idyllic images of seclusion, of relaxation, of beauty and culture than scuba diving around the Solomon Islands.
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Zipolo Habu Resort is gateway to the famous Skull Island and other breaks |
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| Solomons
Scuba Diving |
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Dive and Fish with Zipolo |
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The Solomon Islands ... the Eco Adventure destination of the South Pacific for Scuba divers.
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The fishing and scuba diving in the Solomon Islands is World class |
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| Zipolo Habu Resort.. Sports Fishing |
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Fatboys near Gizo |
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| Solomon Island's Deepsea & Sports Fishing is in some of the best fishing grounds on Earth.
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This has bar, resturant and bungalows have to have the World's best view...
Stay at the Solomon's funnest resort
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The Solomons Hotels & Lodges |
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Cruising the beautiful waters of the Solomon Islands. |
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| Kayaking in Marovo Lagoon |
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The Sports Fishing Hotspot |
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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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We have prepared 2 excellent Sports & Game Fishing tours to possibly the best fishing grounds
on Earth |
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| Solomons Watersports |
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Go Diving and fishing with ..
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Would you like our full colour Solomon
Island brochure ?
... simple click here and tell us
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| Surf Isabel |
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Papatura Island |
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For some of the best waves ever ...
( Watch this space )
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This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. |
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| NEW PRODUCT COMMING |
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Conditions
apply; The above prices were correct at the time of printing
Head Office;
Go Tours Travel, 33 Dominions Rd. Ashmore, 4214, Ph 07 55279855 Fax 07 55971788 e-mail; info@gotours.com.au
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