An Emerging Eco-tourism Destination
Intrepid travellers all-around the globe are on a continuous quest to discover the undiscovered ahead of the masses. As the lesser known jewel of the Pacific, the Solomon Islands is one such emerging destination that can fulfill their needs.
Easily accessed from Australia by a three-hour flight, the Solomon Islands promise an under explored tropical paradise. The country has what one would expect of a South Pacific paradise: brilliant beaches, world class scuba diving, and surfing, fresh fruit, and seafood. However, it is what the Solomons don’t have which makes it truly unique.
It doesn’t have high rise beachfront apartments, or international resorts with four pools and a kids club, nor does it have luxury brand shops and homogenised fast food chains. In fact our version of luxury is much more unconventional.
Instead, it is a land greatly untouched by commercialisation. The landscape is of vast contrasts – from mighty volcanoes, mist-clad rainforests and jungles to dark lagoons, waterfalls and breath-taking coral reefs. Scattered amongst this diversity are remnants of World War II; tanks, ships, and aircraft eerily unmoved from where they fell. This is what makes the Solomons so genuinely special – the history on display is incredible.
The Solomon Island holidays offer unlimited options for hiking, fishing, sea kayaking and dolphin watching. The diving options are regarded as some of the best in the world thanks to such high visibility and masses of fish.
And then there are the people. A melting pot of culture, the Solomons are home to a small but growing population who welcome you with open hearts.
Travellers should be well prepared – this is truly “off the beaten track”. However what the Solomon Islands may lack in tourism infrastructure it makes up for with a collection of rustic yet clean and comfortable resorts perfect for the eco-traveler, all with a warm local welcome. Travel between islands is possible by ferry, but this doesn’t match the astoundingly beautiful views from flying with us.
Attractions
Arnavon Islands
Located between Isabel and Choiseul Province, these four small islands are home to the largest rookery of the critically endangered Hawksbill turtles in the South Pacific. The Arnavon Community Marine Conservation Area was established to protect the remaining Hawksbill turtle population. Learn more about the turtles, swim, snorkel, relax or take a cultural tour.
Tetepare Island
Tetepare Island is the largest uninhabited island in the South Pacific covering approximately 118 square kilometres. Tetepare has untouched rainforest, gorgeous coral reefs, captivating cultural sites and unique wildlife. Swim or snorkel in Tetepare’s beautiful lagoons, walk in the rainforest, bird watch, relax on the beaches or visit cultural sites from the island’s renowned head hunting days. The accommodation is in traditional Melanesian leaf houses and set either on the edge of the rainforest or shores of the lagoon.
Savo Island from Honiara
Sunset Lodge on Savo Island is roughly an hour by boat from Honiara. It is from here experienced local guides will take you on a tour to Honiara's nearest active volcano. Savo is also known for its Megapode birds and eggs, a small bird that squeezes out eggs three times the size of a standard sized chicken egg. Perfect for a day trip or an overnight stay. For accommodation bookings, contact: +677 72 38977.
Accommodation
Titiru Eco Lodge
Stay in an idyllic location and get back to nature. Enjoy activities such as night crabbing, canoeing in Saqiri Cove game fishing, visiting marine protected areas, and listening to the local bamboo band. Visit the local village and learn how to basket weave, go eel fish feeding and bird watching, or take The Wild Cave Tour to see bats nesting, crabs, and snakes. The lodge is 45 minutes boat ride from Munda.
Driftwood Eco Lodge
Experience life in the trees with the jungle below and sweeping views over the Marovo Lagoon. Located about 1-2 hours boat ride from Seghe Airport, Driftwood is a private residence like no other, mixing traditional materials with Western comforts designed for relaxation. You have access to the entire house with a private cook, housekeeper, and laundry service.
Maringe Lagoon Lodge
This quaint lodge only has 3 bungalows so a total of 9 people per stay. Each bungalow has its own balcony which overlooks the picturesque lagoon, kitchenette, queen bed, single bed and bathroom. A perfect location to come for birdwatching with species such as Black Faced Pitta, Fearful Owl and Solomons Frog Mouth in residence.
Fresh Wind Guest Haus
The property is centrally located with shops in walking distance. The rooms are clean and comfortable, some with air-conditoning. When in Kira Kira you can enjoy snorkeling in pristine waters, village visits and walks in the lush jungle.
Moreno Guest House
Conveniently located 3 minutes walk from the airport, the guest house has 12 rooms with self-catering facilities. Ideal for birdwatching, the nature trails start just behind the guest house. There are 6 species of bird in the area which will delight any twitcher to find.
Ngarando Island
Escape from the hustle and bustle and explore Pigeon Island. There are basic units at the property that accommodate 6 guests in total. Experience islands hardly explored by tourism and amazing, authentic cultural encounters, reef islands, pristine waterways, marine life and white sandy beaches.
Simbo Island Lodge
For those with an adventurous spirit, walk and climb your way to the craters edge and watch locals cook megapode eggs in thermal ponds. The views of the volcanic cliffs and the lush jungle are breathtaking. Simbo Lodge offers private double and single shared accommodation options.
Rekona Lodge
This family-owned business is conveniently positioned near the main shops in a quiet and elevated position. The accommodation is clean and comfortable, offering shared facilities, rooms with fans or air-conditioning and views over the lagoon. The friendly staff will help you feel at home and can organise transfers, diving, fishing, rainforest walks, island and village visits.
Marovo Sea Lodge
This eco-lodge is nestled along the shoreline on New Georgia Island in the Marovo Lagoon. There are 3 private traditional bungalows which sleep a maximum of 8 people. The lodge grows its own organic vegetables and uses these in the local cuisine offered to guests. Enjoy a local waterfall hike, swim with manta rays or just have a new adventure.
Ropiko Beach Resort
At the Southern end of Marovo Lagoon and 2 hours from Seghe by boat. Simply relax or enjoy snorkelling, hiking, whale watching, visiting an underwater volcano or the local village. There is a dorm-style bungalow that sleeps 10 as well as family and twin bungalows with private facilities.
Matikuri Eco Lodge
With an array of bungalows on-site offering comfortable accommodation, all in a traditional style and made from local materials. The main drawcard other than the people, is the various snorkeling hotspots with amazing corals, marine life and underwater activity to explore.
Minado Eco Lodge
Surrounded by beautiful reefs this property is ideally located to ensure you have the best experience whilst visiting the Solomon Islands. From the airport it’s a 90-minute boat ride to crystal clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and lush tropical jungle, ripe for an amazing adventure.
Parangiju Mountain Lodge
This traditional property is hidden in the hills located in Central Guadalcanal. Amongst the rainforest, about an hour's drive from Honiara, enjoy the spectacular views, food, and local hikes. Tenaru Falls and the Bat caves are a very popular hike and a worthwhile three-hour round trip.
Motumahi Lodge
The island is small which allows you to have unique island experience in one of the most unexplored places in the Solomon Islands. The lodge is located in Lake Tegano and there are only two bungalows, one set up for families and the other for two couples. There is a shared shower and flushable toilets.
Kuli Kau Tabu
This property offers cultural tourism in a spectacular natural setting to the North West of Tulagi. Roam and speak to locals in the village and help with basket weaving, fishing, or paddling in traditional canoes. It's also your opportunity to visit a half-sunken ocean liner - The World Discovery. Combine with a stay in Tulagi town.
Urilolo Lodge
Located on Saeraghi beach, on the Western side of Gizo. Clean and comfortable bungalow made in the traditional style including basic kitchen facilities, with crystal clear water, sunset views, and activities on your doorstep. Safe for swimming and trips for fishing, hiking, diving and island hopping are possible.
Imbu Rano Lodge
The amazing biodiverstity surrounding Imbu Rano Lodge guarantees a unique and relaxing experience. Located inland, overlooking the valleys leading to Mt Rano's crater on Kolombangara Island, Imbu Rano Lodge provides birdwatchers and nature devotees easy access to upland forests and its amazing flora and fauna.
Aotaha Cave Lodge
Come and stay in a place where time stops. Aotaha is a fascinating cave located on the foot of the highest point of Bellona Island. Its a refreshingly different experience for those with an adventurous spirit. The on-site accommodation is basic however includes meals and the experience is truly unique, peaceful and off the tourist trail.
Papatura Island Retreat
Enjoy Papatura Island Retreat, Solomon’s oldest holiday destination and Santa Isabel’s first world standard tourism project. Relax in your beachfront bungalow with warm tropical waters lapping the white sand beach on metres from your deck. Papatura boasts excellent fishing and awesome surfing, world class reefs for snorkelling, some great tropical rainforest walks and a true culture experience unspoilt by mass tourism. Papatura Island Retreat is your island getaway and is quickly being known as one of the Pacific’s most sought after secret spots to step off the map and leave behind the worries of the modern world. Pure isolation.