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Solomon Islands: sightseeing, entertainment and recreation, and travel tips
Solomon Islands, in the absence of detailed consideration, at first seem typical archipelagos, of which there are quite a few in the western part of the Pacific Ocean. Despite the similarities that unite the Solomon Islands with others (the shape of the island arc and location at the junction of tectonic plates), the geography, flora and fauna of the island nation remains one of the most unusual natural phenomena on our planet.
Here you can have a great time not only in beach pleasures, but also get an incredible assortment of positive emotions from a variety of excursion programs.
Climate
TheSolomon Islands are located in the sub-equatorial climate belt, dominated by the tropical monsoon. The climate in the archipelago should be characterized as humid and very hot. Humidity at this time is extremely high, sometimes as much as 90%. In each particular region of the archipelago falls a different amount of precipitation.
Hurricane winds are not uncommon during the summer period. However, compared to what happens to the east of the Solomon Islands, the risk of hurricanes is not as serious.
It is recommended to plan a visit to the Solomons between June and December. During this time, the heat is not so intense, and from June to August, large-scale holidays and festivals are traditionally planned, which attract more tourists.
Nature
The plant life of the Solomon Islands is extremely rich. Most of the territory of the archipelago is occupied by dense tropical forests. Only nature could combine ferny jungles with citrus and coconut groves on a small piece of land, and decorate the forests with lianas and the rarest plants. The most common species of trees growing there are ficus and palm trees.
In total, there are more than 4500 species of plants in the Solomon Islands. It is noteworthy that as many as 200 species of orchids exist together in the archipelago. The most common tropical plants in the Solomon Islands are hibiscus, sumai, nalato.
Attractions
First of all, the Solomon Islands are attractive due to their pristine nature. It is the naturalness and absence of artificial buildings, awards and specially arranged entertainment that attracts tourists to relax here, because here you can really merge with the tropical bosom of nature.
Guests of the island will be waiting for a large number of natural, historical and protected attractions. Let's name some of them.
Honiara
The capital of the island nation is notable for Point Cruz. According to the belief of the people who live here, it was here that the Spaniard Mendanai landed and discovered these beautiful islands. In honor of his geographical discovery, he erected a cross here.
Matanico Falls
This natural attraction is located a few kilometers from the capital of Honiara. The water falls from a great height into a cave decorated with stalagmites and stalactites. This cave gradually recedes into the interior of the island.
Marovo Lagoon
This protected area is specially protected by the state so that tourists can experience the pristine world of the locals. The village of World Heritage Village and the forests surrounding it are strictly controlled, and any industrial activities for timber and other products are restricted.
In addition, Marovo Lagoon is the largest lagoon in the world (150x96 km). Thousands of picturesque, colorful reefs attract diving enthusiasts.
Nusambaruku Village (Guizo Island)
This place also serves as a vivid illustration of the life of the local indigenous settlers. The village is difficult to reach, either by boat or on foot along a causeway. But after a long journey, you'll get a beautiful exotic view of the settlement, where all the buildings are attached to tree trunks.
Anarvon Islands
This uninhabited archipelago of hundreds of uninhabited islands is home to rare sea turtles, which are barely visible from under the water (they are only 20-30 centimeters above the water). Because of this feature, they are uninhabited. However, the keepers of the nature reserve live here, they take care of the turtles and organize excursions.
Western Province
Western waters washing the archipelago are famous for the beauty of the reefs. Vacation here will appeal to all lovers of extreme and water sports.
Lake Tengano
Located off the southern part of Rennell Island and is considered the largest freshwater lake in the entire Pacific Ocean.
Meals
Local cuisine is hard to call predictable. Chefs working here offer dishes traditional for Southeast Asia, Europe and Oceania. Local spices are used in very large quantities in cooking here. Each chef mixes different spices at his own discretion, so each chef's dishes are unique and unrepeatable. The choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks here is huge.
Entertainment
All types of recreation in the Solomon Islands can not be counted, these are just some of the most common:
- Diving (although expensive, it is very popular).
- A popular pastime among tourists is deep sea fishing.
- Socializing with locals, attending their ritual events.
- Visiting festivals and natural attractions.
What should a tourist keep in mind?
You should know:
- It is not customary to leave a tip here, as it is perceived as a gift. In the mentality of the locals it is customary to make return gifts, it may embarrass the employee.
- You can pay with a bank card only in the capital, in all other places only in cash. Some places accept American and Australian dollars.
- Jewelry must be declared upon entry.
- Take care of your first aid kit in advance.