Scattered across the south-west Pacific, The Solomon Islands promise an unforgettable adventure. Wild jungles, volcanic islands, unspoiled reefs and idyllic lagoons all sit beside a strong sense of national identity. For visitors, this offers a rare chance to experience a Pacific island without the distorting lens of westernised resorts. The islands of Rennell and Bellona offer fantastic hiking trails that cut through a jungle littered with WWII-era wreckages. From tanks and guns to Japanese aircraft, it’s as though time has stood still since these old contraptions first appeared. This forest is also home to many wild bird species, rare orchids, and secluded leaf-hut villages. Diving and snorkelling in the superb coral reefs is another of the main pastimes on the Solomons, particularly around the islands of Gizo and Munda. Here you’ll swim through caves, narrow tunnels and reef walls that are home to moray eels, manta rays, sharks, turtles, among many other weird and wonderful sea creatures. On the island of Guadalcanal is Honiara, the capital of this laid-back archipelago and gateway to yet more jungle trails. Take a short bus ride out of the city to find one that leads to a 60-foot-high waterfall known as Tenaru. Though there are some hotels in Honiara, most accommodation, both here and on other islands, comes in the form of private apartments, homestays and and eco-lodges.
