Help! Trying to decide between Solomon Islands & vanuatu vs. Indonesia

Hello travellers,

I've always set my heart on going to the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu and also American Samoa to the Manuá islands and Ofu....Three definite places I want to see. I like to snorkel a lot and trek. The Marovo lagoon, Tanna & Santo and Ofu beach are definite interests of mine. I will be flying from Bangkok around the end of May. My dilemma is this.....I also have an opportunity to go to Indonesia and in particular I'm focused on Bunaken since I've heard all the good reports on snorkeling there. I know once I get a taste of cruising around Sulawesi then i'll want Flores etc. but that will probably cancel my journey to the Solomon islands etc. I live closer to Indonesia so i suppose it would make more sense to save it for later whereas The Solomons it is more of a once in a lifetime thing because I don't think I'll get this chance again. I don't mean to mix threads between these two areas sorry. Is Lazlo out there? Some of you have seen both or all of these places and could give me some advice. I've read Lazlo's threads and replies and they have been helpful since he has been to both areas. Any advice from Lazlo would be much appreciated. I know Vanuatu is more expensive. But I've heard good reports about the services there whereas Indonesia ......well i don't want to be pestered by tauts on my trip. The south Pacific islands don't have primates and the variety of wildlife Indonesia has. Since they are both in the coral triangle SI/Indo i figure the snorkeling is equal am i wrong? My funds are about 6500USD (but I'm more of a midrange$ traveller). Combining all places would strap me financially. Anyone who has extensively traveled in all these places? Pros/cons any replies would be much appreciated Thanx

Yes, I am out here. :-)

Well, Indonesia, with its thousands of islands, surely has the most to offer.
Also more diverse snorkelling than the Solomons.
So purely in terms of things to see, it wins hands down.
Nor do most areas of it have lots of touts - they are only common in touristy parts of Java or Bali - the eastern regions of Maluku and Papua are very relaxed and friendly.
But as you say, you can see it later too, and it would require lots of time to experience in depth.

So if you opt for the South Pacific, my favourite is Vanuatu.
I find it friendlier and more traditional, and a lot more laid back than the Solomons.
OTOH, the Solomons are more diverse, have better marine life and are cheaper.

But I think your budget allows you to choose freely between all of them - your choice!