Back packing the South pacific

Hey there, I am graduating from University in 2 weeks and at 22 years old I feel a gaping hole in my existence. I've always been into adventure, and have had a passion for the Cook Island's and other pacific islands since I was a little one. My question is there such a thing as 'back packing the south pacific'? As in Island hopping, with only what I can carry, and without too much money in my pocket.

Additionally is there a way to dine and maybe even stay with the local tribes? I would really relish a traditional experience, a cultural mesmerism. Can anybody give me any clues, and feedback or any experience you've had in attempting something like this? Cheers :)

Live and LOVE

There's definitely scope for backpacking in the South Pacific, even though few people do it.
BUT it will definitely cost more than backpacking in most other places - you need to fly between most countries (forget about finding ships) and as almost everything is imported from AU or France, food and accommodation is not cheap either. Think in terms of minimum 30 USD per day, and then add flights as extra! If that's too much for you, head straight for SE Asia.

It is definitely possible to stay and eat with locals, but you should be prepared to pay them! And then, you may be disappointed in most of the region if expecting "tribes" of the grass-skirted variety - those still exist in a few spots in Melanesia, but are really a rarity.

I appreciate the reply! I understand it will be slightly more expensive than Asia but that is the cost I am willing to pay to avoid Asia. Have you done any travel in the pacific Islands yourself? I am also considering Tonga, but I really do appreciate your advise :)

Of course I have - and backpacking.

But to be sure - this region is not "slightly more expensive than Asia" but MUCH more so!

Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and the Solomons are probably the cheapest countries in the South Pacific (besides Indonesia's Pacific regions of Maluku and Papua), but even these will cost 2-3 times what you'd pay in the tropical islands of Asia.

Mind you, I see little reason to pay a price just to "avoid Asia" - that continent is vast and in most ways has more to offer than the South Pacific.
But of course these are two rather different regions.

If you are interested in the way ordinary village islanders are living right now (rather than a contrived cultural experience), have a look at Lau village stay This is in Solomon islands, which is one of the least developed countries left in the Pacific.
Be prepared to pay between $30 and $50 Australian per night (in local currency) including all meals (there would be no feasible way to cook for yourself). Any transport except by dugout canoe is extra, and petrol is expensive.
If you are interested, send me a message, and I will put you in touch with the locals.

Laszlo - have you written anywhere on LP about your experiences in the South Pacific (i.e. a backpacking itinerary for Solomon Islands or Vanuatu etc.)?

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Edited by: H2ooh

Sorry scout, I haven't.