Blogs from Malaita, Solomon Islands, Oceania

Travelling is usually easy, occasionally challenging, and rarely difficult, but on this particular morning it was diabolical, and is the only instance throughout my entire travels that my life felt in genuine danger. The thickly brooding clouds on the horizon augured poorly as the Express Pelican II with approximately 150 passengers chugged from the harbour for the intended 2.5 hour journey from Honiara in Guadalcanal to Auki on Malaita. I secured a seat on the upper deck and was working on my previous blog for approximately an hour when our passage became increasingly turbulent. I looked outside the adjacent window to sight the distant Florida Islands fronted by increasing swells, and so thought it prudent to shut down my computer and focus on the weather. Shortly afterwards, the boat commenced its exaggerated motions as it tilted ... read more

The Solomon Islands is a developing country so don't expect everything to always work or go smoothly!! This is not a place to travel if you are the type of person that likes everything organised or scheduled. If you are a bit more adventurous....read on!! When you arrive in Honiara, you will find it busy, slightly derelict, and dirty in places. The people with red mouths from chewing beetlenut can be very offputing. Regardless, they are very friendly and helpful. Still be wary at night as in any other country. Accommodation ranges from basic to 4 star. Mostly ex-pats live in the expensive rooms in the 4 star accommodation. However, there will still be cheaper rooms available. Every place we stayed was always clean. The hotel accommodation is probably overpriced,though,compared to some countries. This will be ... read more