first time to south pacific and new to forum

Hi all,

I'll try this again -last post disappeared.

I've updated our bio with our travel style for additional details.

Planning our first trip to the south pacific. Have questions and comments. Please correct any mistakes and add comments where necessary:

1. public affection between couples is frowned upon (i.e. hand holding)

2. women should wear knee length skirts/dresses or shorts in compliance with local customs

3. crocs - we're from the midwest, so no experience with these. Read that a lot of fantastic snorkeling is in the lagoons. I'd assume this is where the crocs would be. How safe is this? What do we look out for? Crocs in bushy areas on hikes?

4. read thread about Kwaio region, so we've crossed this off the list of places to visit. Would like clarification on the "entry fee" mentioned in this prior thread - is there an entry fee on each island?

5. in terms of safety, we realize crime isn't discriminatory and we're realistic. With that said, have read about tourists being "cheated" and theft may be a problem. We are practical travelers, not flashy tourists. What can we expect, how can we prepare?

6. read the thread about Kayaking the Solomons and are considering it over a 14 day stretch, having never done this before, though of course we will prepare accordingly. Our tentative itinerary includes Tetepare, though if we travel by Kayak not sure if this stop is feasible. ??? Other than Tetepare, how practical is it for us to travel without prior accommodation arrangements, and if so, what can we expect in terms of lodging? Haven't decided on which islands yet, still in beginning stages. Will we get something with privacy? Safe, clean and basic accommodations will suffice (and of course a shower). We do not consider ourselves backpackers and have never stayed in a hostel.

7. we can take kayaks on ferries?

8. never traveled with a kayak before. Any experience with kayaks and airlines? Is it just an extra baggage fee? I read travelers tips, and it was recommended to bring your own and rental costs aren't very economical.

Thanks for feedback. Planning a trip either April or Oct/Nov 2012 depending on weather/typhoon season, etc., low season rates, best time to go, etc.

Edited by: MyIslandParadise

Edited by: MyIslandParadise

1. hand holding in Solomon islands publicly is strictly male with male or female with female.
2. For women, knees and thighs should be covered. Modest shorts are Ok in Honiara and the more touristy parts of Western Province. Definitely NOT Malaita (except with certain families in their own home area. eg Lau Lagoon homestay is the only place I can definitely vouch for. However, this place is basic - bucket showers and no power. The guest house is private, on a separate island form the family, connected by a foot bridge). If you wanted to canoe in this area, you should be able to rent a dugout from the locals. There are no scuba facilities on Malaita though.
3. Crocs are a probelm on Guadalcanal, Russells and Western Province. Not Malaita. Take advice from the locals.
4. Kwaio are one of about ten distinct ethnic groups on the island of Malaita. Each operates separately. Some areas charge custom fees, and some people are more mercenary than others. I have encountered custon fees even for other Solomon Islanders on Gela, but on Malaita, it depends on the village. I've never paid anywhere else, but generally travel with locals. However some villages will offer to get their dancers to perform for you, then ask for payment.
5. be very careful of bags when boarding ships, particularly in a crowd, and in the main Honiara market. Otherwise, Solomon Islands is among the safest places on the planet.
6. Much travelling in Solomon Islands is serendipitous. There are no hostels, just hotels, low key resorts, rest houses as used by locals and village or home stays. However, Accommodation is limited in Honiara, so it would be wise to book something for when you arrive.
   7.You can take kayaks as cargo on the bigger, slower "ships".
7. I don't travel with kayaks. However, a friend managed to check a local dugout canoe as baggage on a flight from Honiara to Brisbane.

April and October would be good. Late November runs into local summer holidays, making travel difficult.

Thanks for the response, OzzieGiraffe.

I spent hours yesterday reading about the Solomon Islands. Getting a better feel for the Western Province and what we can expect. We can hardly wait. The place sounds incredible.

Can you tell me whether there are schedules posted or a specific website for the "slower" ships that you mentioned?

Ships in Solomon Islands travel on their own schedules. I think most trips to the West leave on Sunday. One is "Bikoi". However, they would not have anything like a schedule or online booking. You need to walk along the wharf and ask people! Otherwise, ask advice from locals where you are staying.

Since it sounds like we're sort of "winging it", we shouldn't expect to adhere to a specific schedule, but should probably head back to Honiara (for return flight) a day or two in advance to ensure our departure.

Island Life! heart heart heart*

I generally head out of Honiara as soon as I can, unless I need to be there for something. Some of the places I go to only have transport once a week or less. I also allow more time in Honiara before my flight out of the country, as I have been delayed by transport in various parts of the country.