snorkeling and traveling costs

I will be in the Solomon islands for a couple of months and was hoping to get some advice. It is a self orgenized student internship.

1. Any football groups/clubs I could join? I am not a good player, just for fun.
2. What are the best beaches aroud Honiara and is there some ok snorkeling around.
3. Is it possible to buy a moto bike? How much would a used one be?
4. Are there any beaches and some good snorkeling around Honiara?
5. I hope my stay is not only limitted to working. Traveling costs: Is there budget accomodation once you are on the road. Is it possible to walk the country, I have read that the islanders can be very protective. I have been walking around Timor Leste and Indonesia. In the end I was always invited to sleep in police stations, schools, churches and villages. Once you are on the road ppl. will guide you from village to village and church to church. Surely I would always pay 20$US+ . Or is that sth. that is not reccomanded in terms of safety.
6. How to I get best to PNG? Possible to connect via the islands? Thanks for all your help.

Seb

1. Yes, there are clubs around - not sure of the exact details, but contact Rotary and should shuld be able to help out on that one.
2. Not directly around Honiara - the water is quite dirty. You need to get out of town. Head West to Visale (about 40km from Honiara). This is one of the best beaches on the North Coast - pay the local nuns (who manage the area and keep it in pristine condition) $50 SDB for the day. There are other beaches on the way that are also clean, but not sure how they are for snorkeling value (apart from Bonegi, which has a WWII shipwreck you can snorkel on [about 10km West of Honiara]).
3. Motorbikes are rare here - not sure how you will go on that score. But getting a very good second hand mountain bike for a good price from an Expat or alike is more likely. Have a look on the noticeboards at the regular Expat cafes (such as the Breakwater or Lime Lounge).
4. As per #2
5. Not a lot of opportunity for backpack type accom around most parts of the Sollies, but more likely around major centres. After that, I am sure that if you talk to the local police or alike, you'll find someone who will offer you lodging. As for price, if a local was to offer accom, I would suspect that $20 USD would be way too much! You;ll have to suss that out when you get here. Safety - just be aware of your surroundings - some places are unsafe (such as the weather coast of Malaita - as for elsewhere, talk to the local Police or alike.
6. Make you way to the Western Province, and you can then get boats to Bogainville and the rest of PNG. Enjoy and safe travels. PS: try and get out of Honiara as quick as you can - it is not a very nice place, whereas the rest of the country is spectacular!

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