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Honiara

Solomon Islands, Pacific

Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, which is situated on Guadalcanal, has a population of around 130,200 and is located o...

string(1895) "Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, which is situated on Guadalcanal, has a population of around 130,200 and is located on a coastal stretch overlooking Iron Bottom Sound. The town centre has a shopping plaza, cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops and, of course, the Central Markets. Major meeting places can be found in private clubs that welcome visitors. The Mataniko Falls, a two-hour walk from Honiara, has pools for swimming and an impressive stalagmite-covered cave which is home to vast numbers of swallows. Climb Mount Austin, passing Solomon Peace Memorial Park, for sweeping views of the northern coastal plains. Other historic sites include the Red Beach on the coastal plain. East of Tenaru is the Tenaru Falls, an impressive 60-metre waterfall. And situated in a westerly direction from Honiara town is Bonegi Beach, five kilometres west of Poha. At the eastern end of Guadalcanal is Marau Sound, a coral paradise. Here there are huge reefs of coral in unique and beautiful shapes which are home to a teeming array of tropical fish and fascinating sea life. There are also giant clams and some of the world’s rarest sea shells. About 250 kilometres south of Guadalcanal is Rennell Island. On the south side of the island, the large Lake Tengano contains some 200 tiny coral atolls and is home to a prolific bird population. Access to the lake is by tractor, canoe and jungle walk. The Florida Islands are the closest island group to Guadalcanal and was the pre-war Solomon capital of Tulagi. It was turned into a navy shipbuilding and repair facility during the war. Savo Island is a cloud-shrouded place, and its waters house the graves of at least four ships that were sunk during the Battle of Savo. Today it is an ideal picnic spot and a divers’ paradise with its sunken ships, sleepy villages and magnificent crystal-clear waters. "
Micronesia Yap Holiday Hotels Yap

Micronesia, Pacific

Part of the Federated States of Micronesia, Yap is situated in the Western Caroline Islands, between Guam and Palau. It is made...

string(3333) "Part of the Federated States of Micronesia, Yap is situated in the Western Caroline Islands, between Guam and Palau. It is made up of four main islands, Yap South, Gagil-Tomil, Maap and Rumung.The landscape consists of rolling hills with lowlands covered in thick jungle-like vegetation. Most of the coastal areas are mangrove with occasional coral beaches. Like other FSM islands, there is a coral reef, so snorkelling is popular as is diving in the clear lagoon with the giant manta rays which appear throughout the year. The town of Colonia on Yap Main Island is the capital and is more urbanised than the village areas. Yap also has about 130 outer islands stretching nearly 1000 kilometres east of Yap Main Island. Most of the outer islands are coral atolls and are sparsely populated by a people that differ from those from the Yap Main Island both in culture and language. Four indigenous languages are spoken. These are Yapese Main Islander, Ulithian, Woleaian and Satawalese. English is the official language spoken every day, though some local government organisations still conduct business in their own vernacular. Because of its position, Yap was minimally affected when the Spanish colonised Micronesia in the 1500s, and again during German occupation from the end of the 1800s to the beginning of the First World War. The same thing occurred during the Japanese occupation, so by Micronesian standards, Yap remains relatively unaffected by modern society and influence. Most of the lands outside of Colonia downtown are privately owned properties so visitors are asked not to litter or to take any pictures of people without securing their permissions first. The stone money of Yap (largest in the world), though not legal tender in the international currency marketplace, is still used as legal tender on the island. The value of these limestone, disk shaped coins varies, though not according to size but to the stories behind them. Today, the money is still owned but not moved, even though ownership may change. Visitors can still see some of the traditional houses in the villages. The villages of Yap Main Island still retain the foundations of meeting houses and platforms used by the elder male residents to discuss community matters. Only a limited number of tourists visit Yap each year, and the locals, who are naturally warm and friendly, are more responsive to those who respect their culture and customs. All land and beaches on Yap Main Island and the outer islands are privately owned by the traditional leaders and chiefs. If you want to get off the beaten track, request to explore further by asking permission from the village/island elders. You may also have to pay a small fee for the privilege. Yap remains a distinctive destination because of the way the people value their culture, custom and history. The traditional dress is brightly coloured loin cloths for men and colourful grass or woven hibiscus skirts for women. The official currency is the US dollar and credit cards are accepted at tourism accommodation properties, restaurants, supermarkets and the main shops. It is recommended that you bring some US$ cash or you can use any of the two bank ATMS on the island, which allow for cash withdrawals using international credit and debit cards. "
Coral Coast & Pacific Harbour

Fiji, Pacific

The Coral Coast is 80 kilometres of fringing reefs and beaches on the sheltered southern side of Viti Levu about halfway between N...

string(3580) "The Coral Coast is 80 kilometres of fringing reefs and beaches on the sheltered southern side of Viti Levu about halfway between Nadi and Suva. The region is named for its stretch of fringing coral reef that hugs this coastline making it an excellent place to snorkel off the beach. The temperate climate and great variety of accommodation—from self- contained ‘bure’ cottages to international five-star resorts— make it a popular tourist retreat. The resorts offer great recreational facilities, restaurants and cultural performances while the pristine waters and reefs create an underwater paradise for snorkelling and diving. You can throw in a line with the locals or take out a charter vessel for game fishing. There are great places to surf at Fiji Beachouse, Hideaway Resort and Natadola beach – the latter of which is arguably the best beach on the island and a great place to learn to surf. Also at Natadola is the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course. For those wanting to take in some nature, history and culture, visit the Sigatoka Sand Dunes national park where shifting sands and archaeological digs continue to reveal skeletons and pottery artefacts. Fiji’s only wildlife park, the Kula Wild Adventure Park in Korotogo displays rarely seen indigenous species such as the banded iguana and Fiji peregrine falcon. Head for the hills into the beautiful Sigatoka Valley, aptly named The Salad Bowl of Fiji, a colourful patchwork of agricultural fields, Fijian villages, Indian settlements, temples and volcanic hills. It offers spectacular scenery and a fascinating history of the Tongan tribes who were the last to resist Christianity. Sigatoka River Safari jetboat and cave tours into the valley villages are very popular. At Tavuni Hillfort near Sigatoka Town you can walk amongst the ruins of an ancient hill fort built during a period of tribal warfare. Sigatoka River Safari’s cave tour takes you inland to Naihehe Caves to see the spectacular rock formations and remnants of where people took shelter in the past. There is also a waterfall tour at Biausevu Village where you can learn about plant medicines on a rainforest trek, participate in a welcoming kava ceremony with a village chief and swim in a beautiful tropical waterfall. Robinson Crusoe Island near Natadola is fringed with white sandy beaches and offers great snorkelling and Pacific Island entertainment. In the bustling town of Sigatoka, locals and tourists blend when eating, shopping and socialising. Farmers barter their wares in the central marketplace and there are duty free shops, supermarkets, tailors, bars and cafes. There are quaint roadside markets right along the Coral Coast stretch, so even those just driving through will be able to enjoy this lovely area. PACIFIC HARBOUR & BEQA LAGOON This region, around 30 kilometres west of Suva, is distinct from the Coral Coast and renowned for its adventure type activities. Thus renowned as the Adventure Capital, this region is famous for activities such as the world-class shark dive at Shark Reef, great scuba diving in the Beqa lagoon, zip-lining, off-road buggy rides, white-water rafting in the Upper Navua Gorge, river tubing and world-class surf at the Frigates offshore surf break. Pacific Harbour was originally established in the 1970s as a recreation oriented, residential community as well as a resort area. Not too far from Pacific Harbour is the legendary Beqa Island, home of the Fijian firewalkers who perform their ceremonies at several major Fijian hotels and resorts. "
The Marianas

Micronesia, Pacific

The Marianas are a crescent-shaped chain of islands in the western Pacific, a tropical paradise offering white and black sand beac...

string(4107) "The Marianas are a crescent-shaped chain of islands in the western Pacific, a tropical paradise offering white and black sand beaches, crystal clear waters, as well as award-winning dive sites, oceanfront golf course, luxury shopping, and much more. A commonwealth of the United States, The Marianas are an archipelago of 14 islands - including Saipan, Tinian, and Rota - in the sub-tropical Western Pacific. The Marianas are home to indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian people, as well as over 20 different ethnicities from around the world who live and work in this harmonious tropical paradise. Ancient latte stone limestone monoliths, traditional nature-based ocean navigation not reliant on modern technology, and a culture seasoned by East and West influences are just a few of the experiences found in The Marianas, where pristine sea, sand, and skies are only a 3–4-hour direct flight from major Asian gateway cities. Inter-island flights connecting Saipan to Rota, Tinian and Guam operate daily. Saipan The largest and most populated of the Northern Mariana Islands, the capital island of Saipan boasts gentle beaches and a wide lagoon on the western and southern coasts, a rugged and rocky eastern coast, a hilly interior, and dramatic cliffs in the largely undeveloped north. Plunge into a variety of water sports at any time of the year, including swimming, snorkelling, paddle boarding, kayaking, banana boat rides, parasailing, kiteboarding and windsurfing. Discover underwater wonders with a wide selection of shore, boat, wreck, and cavern dives. The Grotto, with passages to the open sea, has been rated as one of the top cavern dives in the World. In the heart of a marine conservation area, the tiny Managaha island is a short boat ride away, where the crystal waters of the lagoon offer award-winning snorkelling. Hope on a sailing canoe in the lagoon and learn about the indigenous skill of open ocean navigation using only natural phenomena like stars, the sun and moon, and ocean currents. Several professionally designed golf courses offer sit along cliff lines, offering a memorable round of stunning ocean views. The CNMI Museum of History and Culture is a good starting point for first time visitors to grasp the expanse of this island’s 4,000-year history. American Memorial Park offers a look at the island’s World War II history. Don’t miss a stop at the Last Command Post of the Japanese Imperial Army or the other historic and natural wonders of the Marpi area. Tinian Tinian is the closest island to Saipan and is easily accessible by air via a 10-minute flight. History abounds on Tinian, from Taga Stones, huge prehistoric monoliths quarried and transported by unknown methods by the ancient Chamorros. Explore the very runways and loading docks that put atom bombs aboard the Enola Gay to stop WWII. Tinian is all that and more with temple ruins in the jungle, natural trails, and quaint, boutique hotels to accommodate your visit. Tinian boasts numerous clean and quiet white sand beaches. The pristine water, colourful marine life and coral reefs surrounding the island offer an ideal environment for snorkelling, scuba diving, and bountiful fishing. Rota Known as ‘the friendly island’, beautiful Rota possesses a unique character and charm that wins over just about everyone that goes there, starting with the customary wave among drives on the island’s roads. On the western side of the island, take a refreshing dip in the cool, clear water at Rota’s famous Swimming Hole. Take some great photos at Tweksberry Park with its perfectly lined rows of coconut palms. Continue east along beautiful Sasanhaya Bay and get a great view of Wedding Cake Mountain. See two well-preserved Japanese swivelling cannons and other interesting sights in an awe-inspiring back road driving tour. No trip is complete with sampling local delicacies, from in-season ayuyu (coconut crab) to kadun pika (hot spicy beef soup), the choices abound and are served best in the company of newfound friends in this friendly community. "
Denarau Island

Fiji, Pacific

Situated on Viti Levu, the largest of the 333 Fijian islands, Denarau Island is located across a tiny causeway separating the isla...

string(2093) "Situated on Viti Levu, the largest of the 333 Fijian islands, Denarau Island is located across a tiny causeway separating the island from the Nadi end of the mainland. This major tourism complex is a 20-minute drive from Nadi International Airport and includes The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa, Sheraton Fiji Resort, Sheraton Denarau Villas, Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa, Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, Radisson Blu Resort Fiji, Club Wyndham Denarau Island, Golf Terraces, The Palms Denarau, an 18-hole championship golf course, a golf and racquet club, waterpark and a private-berth marina. The resorts boast ocean frontage, and the Bula Bus island shuttle runs frequent transfers between the resorts and Port Denarau, while golf carts whiz guests around and between the resorts. Apart from offering a sophisticated hotel and residential experience, Port Denarau, with its shops and growing marina, has become a major marine transit hub for Fijian tourism. With many of the smaller islands in the archipelago primarily accessible by boat, it is now the main transfer point for the resorts off the coast of Nadi in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. Port Denarau is the principal departure point for vessels. Departing from the port are water taxis, chartered yachts and catamarans, island day cruises, multi-day island-hopping cruises and brigantines offering sunset dinner cruises. Sport is big on Denarau with the Denarau Golf and Racquet Club offering a spectacular 18-hole championship golf course. The course has been designed around the island’s extensive waterways. An impressive clubhouse comprising a pro shop and restaurant that overlooks the 9th, 10th and 18th holes. A driving range and adjacent tennis courts extend the club’s facilities. There is a yacht club and development is continuing on Denarau with other major up-market hotels under construction. Port Denarau is a commercial and retail centre, food and beverage outlets, and cultural attractions, making Denarau one of the leading integrated tourism destinations in the South Pacific. "
Kauai

Hawaii, Pacific

The fourth largest and the oldest of the Hawaiian islands, Kaua’i is about 888 kilometres square in area, formed from one massiv...

string(3049) "The fourth largest and the oldest of the Hawaiian islands, Kaua’i is about 888 kilometres square in area, formed from one massive volcano of which Mt Waialeale forms the eastern rim. The main road circles the coastline with the exception of a 24-kilometre stretch at the north shore cliffs which is inaccessible. When Captain Cook came ashore in January 1778 he was received as a god. Today, visitors to this beautiful island of gardens and rainbows are greeted in much the same friendly way. Lihue, the capital of Kaua’i, still has few buildings taller than a coconut tree. Yet the island offers visitors all the ingredients for a perfect holiday including luxury accommodation, gourmet cuisine, a host of watersports and activities including world-class golf. Po`ipu, a leisurely 30 minutes by car south of Lihue, has been called Kauai’s playground, with its pristine beaches protected by a necklace of offshore reefs. Just one kilometre from the resort area is sailing, diving, deep sea fishing and daily boat tours from Kukuiula Harbour. At nearby Spouting Horn, a turbulent wave action causes surf to shoot through a lava tube and out a hole in the coastal rock. This geyser sometimes reaches heights of 18 metres and more. On the west side of Kaua’i you’ll find what Mark Twain called the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’, Waimea Canyon, 1097 metres deep in parts, with red and green vistas punctuated by waterfalls. North from Lihue you can stop off to take a ride on one of the flat-bottom river boats that takes you to the Fern Grotto. Further north past the Coconut Coast you pass by the turnoff to The Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge which shelters thousands of seabirds. Near Princeville and Hanalei, made famous by the song Puff the Magic Dragon, is Ke`e Beach. Close by are the wet and dry caves, prominent in ancient Hawai’ian myth and the start of the 17 kilometres Kalalau hiking trail. Further south is Lumahai Beach the famous nurse’s beach in the movie South Pacific. On the island’s north shore the scenery runs riot, grey mists hang over the sheer Napali cliffs, waterfalls tumble into deep valleys. Much of this region and the island’s interior cannot be reached by road, so a helicopter or fixed wing plane tour can give you a perspective otherwise unobtainable. Kaua’i is called the Garden Island with good reason. The National Tropical Botanical Gardens in Lawai Valley and the Allerton Estate Gardens, as well as the Limahuli Gardens in the north, are among the major attractions that showcase nature at her best. Kaua’i’s diverse scenery has lured filmmakers to her shores for decades and such classics as Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark and of course, South Pacific mean visitors can occasionally experience déjà vu. Also Kaua’i is very popular with practitioners of the healing arts giving it the reputation of being a special place for those seeking rejuvenation and relaxation combined with a taste of traditional local culture. "

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