Munda, Western Province
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Location
Munda is the largest community on the island of New Georgia in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands, and is comprised of a number of villages. Munda is located at Munda Point, at the southwestern tip of the western end of New Georgia Island, with the large Roviana Lagoon just offshore. Munda is a 1-2 hour boat journey or 15 minute flight to Gizo and a one hour flight to Honiara with Solomon Airlines.
History
Munda Airport was initially built by the Japanese in 1942. It was taken over by the Americans in 1943 as a precursor to securing Rabaul, the key control base for the Japanese in the region. Air Solomons still use the same airstrip today. Munda Airstrip is the second biggest in the Solomon Islands and has hosted much bigger aircrafts in past years.
Roviana Lavata was once home to the most notorious head hunters in the Solomon Islands. It is also where Alick Wickham, son of one of the first English Traders to set up in the area, perfected the taptapala, a distinct swimming style used in Roviana. Sent to Newington College in Sydney by his Father, admist fears of his son becoming a headhunter, Alick broke many Australian swim records using the unique stroke. This was later perfected and is now known as the Australian Crawl.
Munda Airport (MUA)
Western
Dash 8 (DH8-102), Twin otter (DH6)
Transfers to and from Munda Airport are available through resort operators.
Western province: 81,214 (2010 census estimates)
The main industries in Munda are logging, timber milling, and fishing. In Noro town, 20 minutes by road from Munda, is the Soltai Cannery and the shipping port.
Helena Goldie Hospital - Phone: 62112 / Noro Chemist
Royal Solomon Islands Police - Phone: (+677) 61303 / 61304
Main transport options include by boat or by vehicle on Munda itself. Taxis and bus services are also available.
There are taxis and bus services to and fro Munda and Noro Road
Broadband and dial-up services are available on Munda. Mobile phones and Solomon Telekom SIM cards are available from the Telekom office in Munda.
There is mobile coverage in Munda
ANZ Bank and BSP Bank in Munda has an ATM with Cirrus and Maestro.
Tours and Activities
Go West Tours
Based at Agnes Gateway Hotel, Go West offers fully guided half and full day tours throughout the area. Off the beaten track adventures, cultural experiences, historical site visits, fishing and charter trips. You can also design your own experience.
World War II Site Visits
For those interested in war history, the Munda area is a goldmine. See an American M5 Stuart tank, the Japanese coastal defence battery at Enoghai, the anti-aircraft battery above Munda airfield or snorkel the wreck of the Kashi Maru.
Island Excursions from Munda
Explore the reef, lagoon and islands such as Bikiki Island, Mantaray Island and the famous Skull Island. Enjoy a swim, snorkel or fishing and a picnic or bbq can be arranged. Soak up history or the sun, whatever your preference.
Fishing in Munda
The Munda area offers a unique diversity of fishing from saltwater fly, to deep sea fishing. Whether you want to troll for Spanish Mackerel, Sailfish and Marlin or bottom-fish for Coral Trout and Rosy Jobfish, the fishing grounds of the Munda area are unequaled, for beginners and sports fishing.
Surfing in Munda
See some of the most exhilarating surf breaks in the Solomon Islands. The nearest surfing to Munda is at Lola Island in Vona Vona Lagoon. Lola Island is located 11 kms from Munda and has three surf breaks.
Attractions
Peter Joseph WWII Museum
During World War II, Munda was a vital military airfield base and remnants are scattered throughout the region. You can visit two small private museums of WWII relics. One is the Peter Joseph WWII Museum and the other is further east. Both are walkable from Agnes Gateway Hotel and accommodation in town or easily accessible by taxi.
Skull Island
Located near the mouth of the stunning Vona Vona lagoon, Skull Island is one of the most sacred places in the Munda region. Skull Island features a shrine containing the skulls of Roviana chiefs and warriors from when headhunting was customary, and an altar to the local fishing gods.
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.
Accommodation
Agnes Gateway Hotel
On the banks of Munda Harbour with views over the lagoon and an open decked restaurant and bar. Stay amongst divers and anglers, with Dive Munda also on-site. The property has hotel room and cottage style accommodation and is perfectly located next to the market square and only a 3 minute walk from Munda Airport.
Zipolo Habu Resort
On Lola Island in Vona Vona Lagoon, 35 minutes boat ride from Munda, the resort is surrounded by tranquil turquoise waters, swaying tall palm trees, and white sandy beaches. Zipolo is known for sports fishing however activities can be arranged such as surfing, diving, tours of Munda and local attractions. There are varying traditional accommodation styles that provide an authentic island living experience.
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.
Qua Roviana Budget Accommodation
This family-owned and operated motel offers comfortable budget accommodation in the center of Munda, 5 minutes walk from the airport and only a short walk from the wharf. There is a spacious lounge open to all guests where you can relax or plan the next day's activities.
Castaway Lagoon Resort
This lagoon hideaway is only a 2-minute boat ride from Munda Harbour. With only a couple of bungalows this secluded stay is one you should not miss. Each bungalow is traditionally designed and fan-cooled, with a double and single bed, private bathroom with hot and cold water shower.
Lolomo Eco Retreat
Located in a picturesque setting in Vonavona lagoon with overwater bungalows providing a unique setting for relaxation and exploring nature. Enjoy activities such as birdwatching, trekking, snorkeling, swimming, and diving. They also offer picnic excursions including snorkelling and guided bushwalks for a fee.
