Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Volunteering in Solomons Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Solomon Islands
stennyem 01:25 UTC 13 Apr 2011 | I've got the opportunity to spend 12 months volunteering in either Honiara or Manila (Phillipines) and just wondered if anyone has experienced both and can make any suggestions? I'm in my late 30's so obviously safety is a slight concern. I'm a keen diver and outdoor person... Thanks in advance for your advice. |
ozziegiraffe 14:18 UTC 13 Apr 2011 | I have lived in Solomon Islands, and visited Philippines. Personally, I much prefer Solomon Islands, as it does not have the huge discrepancy betwwen extreme wealth and the majority of people who are poor by western standards. The wantok system and Melanesian culture mean that everyone is at the same social level, and most of the relatively wealthy have close connections to their home villages. Unless you are disrespectful of kustom, Solomon Islands is very safe - there are risks in Honiara if you go out alone at night, but the same is true of any city. Working there as a volunteer is great, as you have the opportunity of meeting and working alongside the locals, and they are wonderful, friendly, helpful people. They are very likely to invite you to their villages, and make you part of the family. | 1
stennyem 01:54 UTC 15 Apr 2011 | Thank you for this advice - very much appreciated. | 2
ozziegiraffe 12:09 UTC 15 Apr 2011 | I just read your parallel thread about Manilla. Honiara is many times smaller than Manilla, and it is possible to dive just out of town. There is no high rise - the tallest building is 6 stories. There are no American fast food chains, whereas Manilla is full of them. Local food is cheap, but imported food is expensive. Incidentally, where do you come from, and are you male or female? | 3
stennyem 10:21 UTC 18 Apr 2011 | Then that really helps with my decision. Thanks. Solomons it is. I live in Melbourne and female! I was going to be volunteering in PNG but the funding got cut.. | 4
ozziegiraffe 11:14 UTC 18 Apr 2011 | When I went to Solomon Islands in 1991, I had been offered a position in PNG, but their government vetoed it because of safety issues. Solomon Islands has all the good things about PNG without the safety problem. Do check out the other Solomon Islands posts on this branch, though. I will also send you a PM. | 5
watsoff 16:12 UTC 18 Apr 2011 | I back Ozzie, Solomon Islands hands down. I did a short (unpaid) volunteer stint in Honiara in 2002, my 6th visit to the country. | 6