Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Malaita -- How to get there and recommendations? Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Solomon Islands
meirifoto 17:40 UTC 02 Aug 2012 | Hi! I'm trying to figure out how to get to Malaita and any recommendations for places / lodging. It's been really hard trying to find information online, and at least my version of the LP seems pretty out of date. We'd love to see some of Solomon culture on Malaita. I checked Solomon Airlines but it seems like there are no more flights to Auki from Honiara? Does anyone know the discovery 360 / ferry schedule? (I know there was a post about this a couple of months back but it seems like things change so quickly!) Also, I would love to know about any favorite lodges or areas in Malaita. Thank you!! |
faisi 12:23 UTC 03 Aug 2012 | for discovery ferry Honiara-Auki (Malaite) schedule look at: http/www.silentworld.com.au under Solomon Island and shipping | 1
ozziegiraffe 13:13 UTC 04 Aug 2012 | I thought the government had finally sorted out the land dispute that periodically closes Auki airport, but it appears this hasn't yet happened. 360 Discovery is much more reliable (and comfortable) than any other ship in the country, but it is important to book tickets, as you can't just go to the wharf, like you do for other ships. There are a number of cheaper , slower boats to Auki, always at least one leaving Honiara at 6pm Friday, arriving at modnnight and returning at 9am the next morning. Sa'alia does a slower still route, and generally leaves Auki Sunday some time. I'm currently organising a trip for some older Aussies, and have been told that both the North and East roads are currently in very poor condition. Normally I would go to the Lau Lagoon (less touristy - free shell money demos, etc) but we won't be able to get there this time. Road should be better by Christmas, weather permitting. | 2
rivaltribal 01:06 UTC 09 Aug 2012 | as above...the airport is currently still closed. The 360 leaves every day around 8am, and approx half the days it goes/returns via Talagi...so takes 3 or 4 hours depending which day. You should be okay to book a day or 2 ahead...I did and that was during the festival period. There were lots of locals lining up hoping to get a ticket on departure, but missed out. It costs 450SBD return, or around 250 each way. I also stayed at Serahs on Langa Langa Lagoon, a couple weeks ago...quite nice. If you are lucky you might be the only person there and get the whole bungalow to yourself (there is a house with some rooms, a waterfront couples bungalow, and a waterfront large bungalow with 4 beds. Share toilets are nearby). Their boat transfer from Auki wharf costs 600SBD each way, so if only 1 of you you pay the lot, cheaper if they are dropping off/picking up other guests. Bed in bungalow is 300SBD per day, and meals 300SBD per day. Cultural activities are all around 300SBD each, eg shell money making, pan-pipe group, and others. Didn't do any of those as had been at the Pacific arts festival, but Serah reckons most of the village comes along with the pan-pipe group and a good time had by all. They do at least have snorkel sets available for free use, unlike some of the other 'resorts' in SI, and canoe costs around 100SBD a day. There is one other similar place on Langa Langa Lagoon, apparently run by her brother-in-law..?? She has an email address, available on the SI tourism websites (or I can send ya if you want). | 3