Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands archipelago is scattered in the southwestern Pacific, east of Papua New Guinea. The group comprises most of the Solomon Islands (those in the northwest are part of Papua New Guinea), the Ontong Java Islands, Rennell Island and the Santa Cruz Islands, which lie further to the east. The capital, Honiara, is situated on Guadalcanal Island, which also has the highest mountain, Mount Makarakombu, at 2447m (8028ft). The Solomon Islands are a remote and unspoilt travel destination, with a slowly developing tourist industry. The superb marine life in the surrounding waters makes the islands a diver’s paradise. Guadalcanal, Malaita, Choiseul, New Georgia, San Cristobal and Santa Isabel are the main islands. Honiara, the capital on Guadalcanal, has a museum, botanical gardens and Chinatown. Villages and scenic drives are within easy reach. Popular tours include the World War II battlefields and various carving villages on the islands of Rennell and Bellona. Miniature daggers, spears and clubs are very popular. Local recipes include tapioca pudding and taro roots with taro leaves. The restaurants tend to serve both Asian and European food.