Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Tetepare or Marovo?? Solomon islands

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Solomon Islands

My partner and I are visiting the Solomon islands in August for 3 weeks. Its our honeymoon so we want to have a bit of rest and relaxation time at the start and so were thinking about visiting Sanbis in Gizo for maybe 5/6 days to begin with. From what I've read I'd also really like to visit the following: Tetepare, Morovo Lagoon and Malaita. However, given the unreliablity of the transport and the high cost of transfers I think we'll only be able to manage 2 of these.

Which two would people recommend? Would we be missing out massively if we missed out Morovo and just headed for Tetepare and Malaita? How much time would people dedicate to each? I was thinking 3 days would probs be ok for Tetepare and maybe the same for Malaita?

Any advice gratefully received!

Thanks in advance!

Edited by: adventurepig

You would need more than 3 das to do any justice to Malaita. What are you interested in seeing or doing there?
It is a significantly different place culturally than the Western province, where all our other suggestions are. However, it is now very accessible from Honiara, with both planes and fast boats every da, as well as some local ferries. To do it justice. though, you would need to travel outside the capital, Auki.

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Yes, the reason I was interested in Malaita was for the cultural side of things. I've seen the info on exploring solomons about staying on one of the artificial islands and the trekking options (although I appreciate we'd need a few more days to consider the trek). Are there other villages where it is possible to stay? Do these need to be booked in advance or can you just show up? What are you're favourite places on Malaita island?

Thanks for your reply!

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My favourite place is the Lau Lagoon, and I have also spend an extended holida in te Are'Are Lagoon, as well as touring the whole of the north,. However, I generally travel with local friends.
The Langa Langa Lagoon would be the only reasonable possibility for a 3-day time frame.

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There is a fast boat from Gizo to munda (through Go West Tours at Agnes lodge) that only takes an hour and then an hour and a half boat trip to Tetepare. Tetepare is pretty basic in facilities but is truly amazing in the location and the abundance of untouched nature. It was a highlight of our trip and i couldn't recommend it more highly. We saw turtles, dugongs, snakes, sharks, crocodiles, coconut crabs, monitir lizards, sting rays and an abundance of birds and fish. And the guides really help make the experience so special.

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The Facebook page "Nice Tour Operator Solomons" shows several other places in the Lau Lagoon area that welcome visitors.

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