Solomon Islands Travel Information

The Solomon Islands is a breathtaking archipelago of 992 islands located in the South Pacific. With its crystal-clear waters, stunning coral reefs, and lush rainforests, the Solomon Islands is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. From exploring underwater caves to hiking to hidden waterfalls, there's something for everyone in the Solomon Islands.

1. Dive or Snorkel in the Coral Reefs

The Solomon Islands is a diver's paradise, with an abundance of vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Popular dive sites include the Marovo Lagoon and Ghavutu Island.

2. Explore the Munda War Museum

The Munda War Museum is a must-visit for history buffs, offering an insight into the Solomons' WWII history and the role it played in the Pacific War.

3. Visit the Melanesian Cultural Village

The Melanesian Cultural Village offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the Solomon Islanders. Visitors can see demonstrations of traditional dances, music, and crafts, as well as try local food.

4. Hike to the Popolzac Waterfall

The Popolzac Waterfall is a hidden gem in the Solomon Islands, located in a remote rainforest and accessible only by a strenuous hike. The reward for reaching the waterfall is a breathtaking view and a refreshing swim.

5. Take a Boat Trip to the Mary Island

Mary Island is a small island located off the coast of the Solomon Islands, offering pristine beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities.

6. Visit the Russell Islands

The Russell Islands are a group of small islands located near the Solomon Islands, known for their stunning beaches and WWII history.

7. Dive at the Iron Bottom Sound

The Iron Bottom Sound is a famous dive site in the Solomon Islands, known for its abundant marine life and its WWII shipwrecks.

8. Visit the Mataniko Falls

The Mataniko Falls is a stunning waterfall located near the capital city of Honiara, offering a peaceful escape from the city and a chance to take a refreshing swim.

9. Explore the Marau Sound

The Marau Sound is a beautiful coastal area located on the east coast of the Solomon Islands, known for its pristine beaches and excellent diving opportunities.

10. Visit the Bonegi I and II WWII Wrecks

The Bonegi I and II WWII wrecks are two shipwrecks located near Honiara, offering a glimpse into the Solomon Islands' WWII history and excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling.

Climate

• Tropical marine climate with high humidity and temperatures averaging 25-30°C.
• Wet season: November to April, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
• Dry season: May to October, with little rainfall and mostly sunny weather.

Best Time to Visit

• May to October, during the dry season for more favorable weather and outdoor activities.
• June to August for peak diving season, with clear waters and abundant sea life.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Available in the capital city Honiara and larger islands, offering a range of amenities and services.

Resorts

Located on some of the smaller islands, offering secluded and luxurious stays with beachfront access.

Guesthouses

Budget-friendly options available in Honiara and some of the larger islands.

Homestays

Experience local culture by staying with a local family in rural areas.

Camping

Permitted in some remote areas with prior permission from landowner or local authorities.

Air

The Solomon Islands have an international airport in Honiara and several domestic airports, with regular flights connecting to other islands and Australia.

Ferry

Inter-island ferries provide regular transport services between the larger islands.

Bus

Available in Honiara and some of the larger islands, but may be limited in remote areas.

Taxi

Available in Honiara and some of the larger islands, but may be limited in remote areas.

Car Rental

Available in Honiara, but limited in other parts of the country and may not be available on all islands.

Bicycle and Motorbike Rental

Available in Honiara and some larger islands for exploring at your own pace.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.