Introduction
The Solomon Islands are a remote and unspoilt travel destination, with a slowly developing tourist industry. The superb marine life in the surrounding waters makes the islands an excellent destination for diving (see also Sport & Activities section). Guadalcanal, Malaita, Choiseul, New Georgia, San Cristobal and Santa Isabel are the main islands. They are up to 200km (120 miles) long and up to 50km (30 miles) wide. The wildlife on the islands is of great interest, consisting of a mixture of introduced and indigenous species. Most islands are populated with a range of reptiles (including turtles), as well as marsupials such as ‘flying foxes’ (fruit bats), phalangers and opossums. Later introductions included pigs and chickens. Europeans brought cats, horses, cattle and goats. Hawks, cuckoos, waders and other often colourful birds exhibit the diversity of behaviour typical of island creatures. The buff-headed coucal is the world’s largest cuckoo. The ubiquitous ants, beetles, spiders, moths, butterflies and frogs also come in a variety of forms. The ocean around the islands is crammed with exotic creatures, though visitors would be well advised to be cautious.
Honiara, the capital on Guadalcanal, has a museum, botanical gardens and Chinatown. There are relics of World War II in and around the town, and noticeboards indicate major battles and incidents that took place during the battle for Guadalcanal. Villages and scenic drives are within easy reach.
Travel agencies can arrange excursions around Guadalcanal and other islands. Popular tours include the battlefields of World War II, the Betikama carving centre, Chapura and Tambea villages on Guadalcanal, and Laulasi and Alite villages on the island of Malaita, where shells are broken, rounded and, after further working, strung together. They are used to denote status and as gifts and items of barter in inter-tribal deals. The strings of shells can be worn as bracelets, necklaces, belts and earrings. They may also include animal and fish teeth, and, in times past, the teeth of murderers. Collectively, these items are known as ‘shell money’.
Carvings for the tourist trade are made on Rennell and Bellona. Miniature daggers, spears and clubs are very popular. Other carvings show scenes from life on the Solomon Islands, both human and animal. Tourists can organise their own excursions easily, with timetables and information provided by the tourist authority and travel agents.
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