Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
landowners to encourage them to start small
tourism enterprises based around these activities,
rather than give way to foreign logging companies
intent on taking valuable and rare timber.
One of the islands under threat, Tetepare,
is the largest uninhabited island in the South
Pacific. Over 150 years ago its residents fled, for
reasons unknown, but their descendants (who
still own the island) continue to visit the island
to hunt and fish. Rare skinks, turtles and birds
nest on this safe haven, where, so far, the loggers
have not been welcome. Small numbers of hardy
tourists can visit and stay overnight in a handful
of simple palm-and-wood chalets, with visitor
fees used to create jobs and provide improved
healthcare for Solomon Islanders. You must be
accompanied by a guide at
all times, who will come
across with you in the boat.
You can help the island's
wardens (who are also the
resident chefs, making
simple fish and rice suppers
for guests) with scientific
research like counting
coconut crabs or monitoring
turtles; snorkel over giant
clams and coral gardens or
hike through one of Earth's
last untouched island
wildernesses. If you like your
experiences removed from
urban life, then this may be
the perfect getaway.
497 VisiT an uninhabiTed
soloMon island
The Solomon Islands is one of the least-visited
nations in the world: as a consequence there
is barely any tourism infrastructure and what
exists is basic. But those adventurous enough
to visit this scattering of tropical islands are
guaranteed a memorable trip: with hardly anyone
else around you can paddle in dug-out canoes,
hike through virgin rainforest, dive some of the
most spectacular reefs in the world and stay in
simple village guesthouses, such as those built
on stilts above the waters of the world's longest
lagoon, Marovo. Conservation organizations,
such as WWF, have been working with village
The Solomon Islands are one
of the least-visited nations
on Earth
Need to know Visitors pay a
daily fee of A$70 approx, plus
a one-off fee of A$10, and
are expected to cover their
fuel costs. The turtle-nesting
season is from October to
January. For directions from
Honiara, reservations, a list of
what to bring and prices see
W www.tetepare.org; T +677
62163.
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