Solomon Islands

Getting around

Boat

Dinghies

Outboard-powered dinghies are the most common means of transport in the Solomons, supplying goods to stores all over the country. People pay a fare to travel a sector. Charters cost around S$1000 per day for the boat and a driver, but maybe not fuel (S$20 per litre in remote areas).

Inter-island ships

Most shipping companies have offices near Honiara's main wharf. Getting around by freighter is a slow process.

Wings Shipping (Honiara in Honiara 22811) services the Western Province and Malaita, Trans West Shipping (in Gizo 60240; fax 60421) goes to the Western Province and Choiseul, and the Isabel Development Corporation (in Honiara 22126; fax 22009) goes to Santa Isabel.

Passenger boats

The MV Pelican Express (28104; elite@solomon.com.sb) is an excellent service between Honiara, Western Province and Malaita. In Western Province Go West Tours (62180) offers a regular shuttle between Munda and Gizo.

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Hitching

If you want a ride through the countryside, flag down a passing vehicle and ask the driver the cost of a lift. In rural areas most vehicles double as public transport.

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Bus & tram

Bus

Public minibuses are only found in Honiara. The flat S$3 fare will take you anywhere on the route, which is written on a placard behind the windscreen of the bus. Elsewhere, people pile into open-backed trucks or tractor-drawn trailers.

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Car & motorcycle

The country has around 1300km of generally dreadful roads. International driving permits are accepted, as are most driving licences. Driving is on the left side of the road.

Hire cars are only available in Honiara.

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Air

Solomon Airlines (20031; www.solomonairlines.com.au; Mendana Ave, Honiara) services the country's 20-odd airstrips with its De Havilland Twin Otters and Britton Norman Islanders. Baggage allowance is set at 20kg per passenger. Be sure to confirm your flight at least 24 hours before your departure. Domestic airfares in this chapter include S$160 in taxes. Note that travelling by boat is less expensive than flying between islands.

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