Thorn Tree travel forum

South Pacific FAQ

Welcome to the branch, which will take you to some of the most beautiful paradise islands on earth, some of the best beaches and some of the best dive sites...

This branch covers the Pacific Islands as well as Papua New Guinea, often referred to as PNG. Please read this thread to find the answers to common questions, and ways to find solutions fast.

THIS BRANCH DOES NOT COVER AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND; please post your questions on the AUS & NZ branch.

For questions related to Hawaii, you might also want to check out the USA branch. And as quite a few people visit the South Pacific for scuba diving, also check out the <a target=new... more »

December Weather

Hey all,

Am thinking about heading across to Fiji from NZ next week, but have been told some horror stories about the weather at this time of year.

I've had a good look around various sites, and climate charts, but would rather go off someone in the know's advice.

If I do go it will only be for a week, so what do you reckon. Any advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Money in PNG

Hi, I am after advice on the best way to access money in PNG.

The LP says that there are ATMs in the places we are going (Goroka, Madang and Wewak) but I imagine it's not a good idea to rely only on these. How much cash would people recommend taking for a three week trip? Is it worth taking traveller's cheques or are they not worth the hassle?

Thanks in advance!

Amy

Advice on where to stay in Samoa

Hi all. My brother is getting married in Samoa in March at Aggie Greys Resort. We found a package deal that wasn't too bad (compared to booking the resort separately), but then I heard that the resort might not be that great? That made me think maybe we should stay in Apia - but then I also read somewhere that Apia isn't anything to get too excited about!

So looking for some advice. Plan to stay in Samoa approx 7 - 8 days.
Thanks heaps

URGENT URGENT Visa PNG Airport

Dear All,

I need **URGENT** update information about getting a Visa on Arrival in Port Moresby ( PNG)
I have a European passpoort, I have 100Kina (So I don`t need to change money anymore).

Please Please Please give some information about this.......

I`m already waiting for 5 weeks to get a visa from Brussel Embassy and still nothing!!!!
And i`m leaving end of this week....

LP says it is ok at airport, but this is information from May 2008 !!!!

PLEASE HELP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you

how to get there from europe?

So, I was checking Paris-Rarotonga, the cheapest ticket in march is 1600e. Is there any cheaper option, how is it possible to get there?
And is march ok weather?

Thank you

The Samoa Tsunami: Photos and a personal account.

I was in American Samoa on Ofu Island when the Tsunami hit. It was one of the most humbling and terrifying things I've ever witnessed. Fortunately, Ofu received minimal damage. Four days after the disaster we were able to make our way over to Lalomanu beach in Independent Samoa where we had stayed previously. The destruction was overwhelming. The survivor stories even more so. Here are photographs from Lalomanu Beach and the stories of some of the survivors. http://www.michaelandersongallery.com/gallery.php?gallery=samoatsunami

To help the survivors, you can go directly to the websites of the families involved: http://www.samoabeachfales.com/ or http://tinadesuza.blogspot.com/2009_10_01_archive.html more »

6 days in Tonga - one or two on Eua?

Hi all,

I arrive at Tongatapu on December 10th, and leave again at the 16th. I have a bit of trouble of coming op with a rough itinerary, as I'm guessing that Sundays in Tonga are... well... empty. That rules out flying or sailing to or from one of the other islands on that day, so I was thinking of maybe spending Sunday on Eua. Take the ferry on Saturday, fly back on Monday. Would this be a good idea? Does any of you know if, for example, Hideway organises tours on Sunday? Could I paddle my rental bike across the island withour disturbing or offending people? And what would you say - is one full day on Eua enough, or would a second day be just as much fun?

I have been thinking about flying to Ha'apai or Vava'u, but it seems much more expensive, and just quickly go there for some tropical beaches would probably not be worth it for me.

Fiji on a budget

Just left Fiji after an amazing week at the Beachouse. Would have stayed longer but was concerned about the costs after reading various forums. After Australia Fiji is a bargain, we averaged about $60 (Fiji) a day each, including an evening meal and beers. Dorms are $35 and the tent $25 which seems alot, but includes breakfast and an afternoon snack. Add on about $12 for an evening meal and whatever you can drink- beers only $2.50 during happy hour and only $3.50 after. We were getting over $3 to the pound.

Avoid the Nadi downtown packpackers- a depressing place not helped by its aggressive manager. Very noisy during the night and $5 for a small beer!