Tulagi

Introducing Tulagi

In the middle of the Nggelas, on Tulaghi island, Tulagi was the Solomons’ former capital; it was also a Japanese base during WWII. This laid-back town, where time moves at a crawl, has a few useful services for travellers, including a post office, an ANZ ATM (but bring cash in case it gets wobbly), a Telekom office and a couple of places to stay. Boat building and the administration of provincial government are its main activities. There’s a beach on the western side of the island, but don’t expect powdery sand. It’s a leisurely two-hour walk following the 9km gravel track around the island.

There’s fabulous diving off Tulagi, including world-class wrecks. Based at Vanita Motel, Tulagi Dive (32131, 32052; www.tulagidive.com.sb) is a highly professional dive shop run by Australian Neil Yates, who adheres to strict safety procedures for deep dives. Top marks for its excellent gear, too. Prices start at S$350 for a reef dive (S$450 for a deep dive). Gear hire is S$400, and transfers from Honiara cost S$500 return.

Most divers bunk down at Vanita Motel (32074; fax 32186; r without bathroom S$180, r with bathroom S$230-250), next door to Tulagi Dive. It’s a no-frills place with bog-standard two-bed rooms, but it’s clean, quiet and affordable; perfect if you want to save your bucks for the lovely diving. Food (meals from S$30) is average.

Women travellers who’d like to interact with local women can stay at the friendly Mothers’ Union & Women Resource Centre (32116, 32113; r without bathroom S$150), a surprisingly well-kept house on the other side of the island. There are six fan-cooled rooms with laminate floors and a kitchen for guests’ use. Meals can be arranged on request. No alcohol is allowed.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009