Islandliving solomon from the editor
WINTER 2017 | ISSUE 20
t a e r g The cape es
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ext issue, we will be celebrating four years of Pacific Island Living. We started this magazine for Pacific people – to find, review and recommend things to see and do, and ultimately, buy. We are proudly an aspirational magazine, we want our readers to sit back and indulge just as much as we want to tell the world how great the Pacific really is. From Georgie Gordon’s health and beauty columns, to Carolyn Ernst’s gardening tips, we hope you agree Pacific Island Living has something for everyone. In four years our market has grown from Vanuatu and Nauru Airlines to cover most of the Pacific. We’re particularly proud of our market share in Fiji and the Solomon Islands as well as our distribution in Australia through Qantas Club lounges. As I write this column I’m in Fiji, having just flown in from Vanuatu. Next month it will be Nauru then the Sollies. Pacific Island Living truly is a Pacific magazine and we’re so pleased you have enjoyed it and helped its growth over the last four years. Please do keep in touch via our website, Facebook page, Instagram or Twitter. Happy reading. Tiffany Carroll
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and Instagram at instagram.com/pacisliving or read this and all our magazines online at www.pacific-island-living. com Cover images - Fiji Island Living courtesy Adrenalin Fiji; Solomon Island Living, by David Kirkland; Nauru Airlines Cover courtesy Nautilus Resort, Kosrae; Vanuatu cover courtesy Pavol Stranák. Copyright: All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced without the permission of the publisher. Articles express the opinions of the author and not necessarily those of Nauru Airlines, Tourism Fiji, Vanuatu Tourism Office or Pacific Island Living.
MAGICAL MUNDA | DINING | DIVING TIMEOUT | PLUS FOOD | FASHION BEAUTY | HEALTH | DECOR islandliving | 1 pacific
Bridging the Pacific Qantas Codeshare Partner
PAPUA NEW GUINEA Port Moresby
SOLOMON ISLANDS Honiara VANUATU Port-Vila
AUSTRALIA
Brisbane
Nadi FIJI ISLES
Auckland
www.flysolomons.com
NEW ZEALAND Wellington
PHONE: Brisbane - 1300 894 311 Honiara - 177 from within the Solomon Islands or 20031 externally.
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Munda. PICTURE: Mike Scotland, Dive
Welcome m Welka elcome to the Solomon Islands – the hapi isles. With so much to see and do, the Solomons offers something for everyone. Chances are, you’ll be exploring many of our fantastic islands without interference from other tourists, but not for much longer as our arrival numbers continue to climb. We think the Solomons has the best diving in the Pacific,
you can read about it in this issue of Solomon Island Living when we visited magical Munda. We also have a unique and culturally diverse populace and certainly plenty of paths less travelled. So what are you waiting for? Get out and explore these magical islands and please do keep in touch with us by posting your holiday pictures on our facebook and Instagram pages. Search for Pacific Island Living and you’ll join over 85,000 other followers or find us at @pacisliving
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Solomons’ Own
FreshifiCatch t s e b s ’ c the Pac
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very country has a national brand, whether it be vegemite, Dr Pepper, Fiji Water or Four ‘n Twenty. In Solomon Islands, it’s Soltuna. Soltuna’s headquarters and processing factory are located in Nora, in the Western Province. The company and its subsidiary NFD Fishing employ almost 2000 Solomon Islanders, making them the biggest employer in the country. The factory is actually opened to visitors; you must book in advance but can tour the processing plant and learn about the entire process from catching to canning. Soltuna processes on average 100 tonnes of tuna a day, with canned tuna sales exceeding 650,000 cases. It is exported to Fiji, Vanuatu, PNG and various small island countries and due to its value and shelf life is one of the most important pillars of food security in village communities.
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On a daily basis the 100-120 metric tons of whole tuna are processed into premium frozen loins for export to Italy and canned for sales. The weekly schedule begins with the larger sizes of tuna leaving the cold stores on Sunday afternoon for a tightly controlled schedule of thawing, butchering, cooking and cooling to be ready for hand cleaning at 5:30 am Monday morning. In order to operate a large manufacturing operation in a remote rural setting you have two choices: bring in large numbers of specialists or train up your local workforce. Soltuna has always followed the second path currently employing less than 10 expatriate workers out of the 2000 person workforce. The workforce is two-thirds women. Training extends beyond technical areas such as mechanics, refrigeration, and instrumentation, electrical and building trades to leadership, family budgeting, literacy and numeracy. Having a predominantly female workforce provides Soltuna the opportunity to help women enter into nontraditional positions which have higher pay. Each year the plant shuts down before Christmas for annual maintenance and vessels are charted to all parts of the Solomon Islands so workers and their families may enjoy the holidays with their extended families. To book a tour of Soltuna, contact their office in Honiara (677) 22099 . With Melanesian Tok.
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“Having a predominately female workforce helps women enter non traditional positions which have higher pay.�
Honiara’s Most Contemporary Boutique Resort
Privacy | Waterfront Villas | On-site Entertainment Our luxury waterfront villas are the perfect location for your next romantic retreat. Enjoy complete privacy and pristine water views. Our experienced and friendly staff offer a personalised service second to none. After a long day enjoying the islands, kick back and enjoy a sumptuous dining experience in one of our restaurants. ‘Haydn’s Steakhouse’ offers modern Australian and European cuisine. For a taste of the East, try ‘The Boardwalk’ which specialises in contemporary Chinese and Malaysian dishes. After a day exploring, relax with a cocktail by the pool or try your luck at the Casino.
Tandai Hwy, Town Ground, Honiara, Solomon Islands | T. +677 26 288 | E. reception@coral-sea-resort.com islandliving | 5 coral-sea-resort.com pacific
Eating Out In Honiara
Whether holidaying in Honiara, travelling for business or new to Solomon Islands, finding good places to eat out can be tricky if you’re not a local. Our top two picks not only provide mouth watering food they also have an ambience that is unrivalled and are both located on the water’s edge. By Bronwyn Norris.
Heritage Park Hotel
Heritage Park Hotel has hosted a number of famous guests from Prince William and Princess Kate to Prime Ministers and an array of Pacific officials. With due reason it claims the reputation of being Honiara’s best hotel and it is easy to see why. Spanning over five acres on the former Governor General’s residence, the grounds are tropical green and inviting for the 48 hotel rooms and 39 apartments. Heritage Park offers three different dining options depending on your mood. The Terrace restaurant is located just past reception in the garden setting. Relax in the comfortable cane chairs in the cool breezeway for a casual lunch, or a coffee with a delicious pastry. If you prefer to enjoy the sunset with ocean views then the poolside at Splash Bar and Grill is where you want to go. Order a cold Solbrew or a cocktail and watch the sun sink over the horizon or swim in the pool before enjoying BBQ lobster, freshly grilled snapper or BBQ steak. GG’s restaurant caters for everyone with the most extensive menu in Honiara. Everything from fresh salads, local seafood, pastas, pizzas, burgers, fish ‘n chips, curries and a huge dessert menu. Lobster and imported fillet steak are the house favourites, all served with a good wine selection. The Heritage Park Hotel restaurants are all open 7 days a week.
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Coral Sea Resort & Casino
The Boardwalk at Coral Sea Resort and Casino is Honiara’s newest waterfront restaurant and bar serving up delicious South East Asian street food The menu offers a variety of street food from several Asian countries including China, Malaysia and Vietnam, artisan cocktails and the most extensive beer menu in town Lead by a team of Malaysian chefs from Kuala Lumpur with over 20 years’ experience The Boardwalk has taken Asian dining to a whole new level in Honiara. It’s not the sort of place you’ll go to for a quick take-out Chinese meal – The Boardwalk uses fresh garden-grown herbs so you can smell the tastes of Asia when you walk down the timber paths. Coral Sea Resort’s open structure allows the free flow of air and filters sea breezes and sunshine. Built with local vasa timber and showcasing the talents of local carvers, Coral Sea Resort is a magnificent looking hotel. The huge open air entrance and pool side bar and restaurant just begs visitors to linger, relax and enjoy. Overlooking the tropical garden, ocean and the surrounding islands offering the most spectacular Honiara experience, The Boardwalk has added something even more special to the Coral Sea. The Resort is along the main street of Honiara, less than five minutes drive from all hotels in the capital. Open for Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner – 7 days a week
Your guide to the Hapi Isles d do... n a e e s o t what
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rrade the city life for a few days for a slower pace to enjoy the sea breeze under a coconut tree. Whether you have an interest in WWII, scuba diving, experiencing a new culture or just want to relax, Solomon Islands has a lot to offer even for a short break. This unique country is known as the Hapi Isles and this is immediately evident when you meet any local Solomon Islander. From the happy smiles to the friendly ‘hello’ or ‘morning morning’, you will feel welcome in this special Melanesian culture. If this is your first visit to the Solomon Islands, here are some tips on what there is to do in the capital. Be sure to pack your snorkel gear, sun glasses, swimwear and if you are more adventurous good hiking shoes to enjoy Honiara and all it has to offer.
Where are the Solomons?
An archipelago of 992 islands, we are located in the South Pacific, north-east of Australia between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Vanuatu.
People & Culture
Solomon Islanders are a blend of mainly Melanesian, Micronesian and Polynesian people with a population of around 550,000. Our cultural values stem back thousands of years and are very much linked to our land and surrounding seas. Most of the population still live a subsistence lifestyle where family and village community are the centre of social life.
Climate
Tropical. The drier and cooler months are April to October. It’s warmer and more humid from November to March. Average daytime temperature is around 28c.
Honiara Central Market
The Honiara Central Market is the hub for shopping especially for organically grown produce. Fishermen land their banana boats and unload large eskies full of freshly caught fish, squid and lobsters. Enjoy a vast array of tropical fruits particularly bananas, pineapples and papaya grown in a perfect Pacific climate full of flavour that is unbeatable elsewhere in the world. Cluttering the entrance to the market on a Saturday morning you will find many exotic varieties of freshly cut flowers at unbelievably cheap prices. sarongs, (locally known as lava lavas) tie-dyed and stencil-printed make a great present for family and friends. Locally crafted jewellery including
necklaces, earrings, bangles and traditional shell money can be purchased for very reasonable prices.
Diving & Snorkelling
Warm water coupled with wrecks make the Solomon Islands a diver’s dream. The best part is you don’t need to be in a boat for hours to dive a wreck and explore amazing sea-life, it is often within a short swim from shore. A 10-minute drive from Honiara are two well known dive spots – the Japanese transport ship wrecks at Bonegi I – Hirokawu Miru, and Bonegi II – Kinugawa Maru. The best part about these dive spots is they are excellent for snorkellers as well with a diverse array of sea-life visible through crystal waters. There is a small custom fee to access the beach and for diving, but enjoying a private beach, the coral reefs and beautiful scenery surrounded by coconut trees is worth it. For more dive information and gear hire contact Neil from Tulagi Dive at dive@tulagidive.com .
Nggela (Florida) Islands
Escape the capital and cross the horizon to the islands in the distance. A two-hour boat ride will take you from Honiara to the Nggela islands and more amazing dives. If you want history visit the old capital Tulagi and see the foundations of the old British residence which has a sensational view of the surrounding islands. Have lunch or stay at Raider’s Resort, which has a private beach and offers trips to neighbouring islands and escorted dive spots. Visit a local communityrun resort in the Nggelas and enjoy excellent snorkelling or relax in a hammock just a few steps from the water. If you are chasing dolphins or a volcanic trek then Savo Island is the place to visit. No matter the resort or island you visit you are guaranteed to have access to an uncrowded beach, great snorkelling and swimming in the warm waters and true relaxation opportunities to take in the island time!.
Museum & Art Gallery
Visit the National Museum for a taste of Solomon Islands culture, it is located in the central part of town and close to most of the main hotels. Solomon Islanders posses many talents particularly in the arts and like many in the Pacific, are blessed with melodic voices and Melanesian island rhythm. From knitting, tie-dying and basket weaving to crafting jewellery from shells or paper, there are beautiful items to purchase to remember your time in the ‘Hapi Isles’. Taking inspiration from the sea, Solomon Islanders craft and carve
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Relax at a beach
The tropical warm waters are just a short drive away offering a choice of pebble, coral, or fine sand beaches. The water is crystal clear and tepid in temperature. Drop into the ocean from a rope swing at Kakambona beach, a coconut-tree lined pebble beach. A local favourite is Turtle beach. Relax in the shade and shelter from the sun in little leaf huts or under the canopy of trees just metres from the beach. Take a 30-minute drive to a small Catholic convent at Visale where a picturesque bay with calm waters offers snorkelling and a coral beach. Most beaches close to Honiara have signs and a small access fee (custom fee) payable on entry. Try a local roadside BBQ for a great picnic lunch.
Fishing
Deep tropical waters provide the perfect environment for an abundance of fish. If you’re an angler but don’t have time to visit the provinces then go on a fishing charter. Henk from Ripples can organise a charter for you. The charter can be tailored to your personal requirements if you
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should want to stop at an island for a swim or snorkel. Ripples’ boat comfortably seats 12 adults and is reasonable in price. Contact Henk on ripplesfreedom@hotmail.com to arrange a charter.
Transport
Taxis are widely available in Honiara. While some have meters, it is advisable to set the price prior to commencing your trip. Ask at your accommodation reception desk prior for an estimate on trip prices. Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau staff can also assist – contact them for more information. Buses generally operate along the main East-West corridor from King George School at the eastern end to Rove and White River to the west. Services also operate inland to up to Naha. Less frequent routes also extend further afield. Rental cars are also available. Solomon Airlines flies to 22 domestic ports from Honiara. There are regular shipping services to many parts of the Solomons from Honiara.
Business Hours
Most shops in town open from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday and until noon on Saturday.
Language
English is the official language of the Solomons, but Pijin is spoken by about half the population. In the early 1900s, copra plantations were established, the labourers employed on them had also worked in Queensland where they had used pidgin English. The local variety stabilised early and several religious missions adopted it for use.
PICTURE: Diving in Munda by David Kirkland.
amazing bowls, statues and wall hangings. The carvers use several types of wood including rosewood, kerosene wood and queen and king ebony. They delicately set shell inlay for decoration to create beautiful and practical artwork. You can purchase directly from the carver at the Art Gallery best done during the week as many locals attend church on the weekends. However if you are visiting during the last weekend in the month, Sunday is ‘Art in the Park’ held at Rove playgrounds.
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