Category Archives: Transport
Another ‘Dive Munda Award’, congratulations goes to Dive Munda, Solomon Islands Reply
ANOTHER DIVE MUNDA AWARD!
JOIN DIVE MUNDA THIS WEEKEND TO EXPEREICNE AWARD-WINNING SERVICE AND WORLD CLASS DIVING!
Dive Munda has been in the news lately, not only for recently certifying the very first female dive instructor in the history of this country, but they also walked off with the Tourism Business of the Year Award at the SICCI Business Excellence Awards held at the Pacific Hotel & Casino.
Recognition of the important role the Solomon Islands’ diving sector plays in bringing international visitors to the destination, the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has presented Dive Munda with its inaugural ‘Tourism Business of the Year’ Award. Congratulating Dive Munda on its success, Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto said the company continued to play an instrumental role in promoting the destination’s world-class diving to a truly global audience and was truly deserved of the SICCI recognition.
The SICCI accolade caps off an amazing 12-month period for Dive Munda, the company having again been awarded the Diving Company of the Year Award by luxury travel guide, Global Awards and a South Pacific Tourism Organisation Social media award focused on creating awareness for sustainable tourism and development, both for the second year in a row. Additionally 12 months ago Dive Munda owner/operator and operations director, Belinda Botha Operations was named runner-up in the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Business Excellence Awards ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ category.
If you want to experience Dive Munda at its very best, join them this weekend for their “Munda Special” in partnership with Solomon Airlines and Agnes Gateway Hotel. 4-night dive, fly and stay package for an incredible $1185 AUD.
Or better yet, stuck in dusty Honiara for the holidays? Well join Dive Munda for their New Years Eve Bio-fluoro Night Dive & Snorkel! Experience a different kind of fireworks! NYE with a Hapi Isles twist and a bit of Munda Magic.
Join Dive Munda on NYE for their now famous bio-fluoro night dive or snorkel. Their bio-fluoro night dive was made famous by visiting film crew from Canon USA and Hollywood Director, Klaus Obermeyer visiting Magical Munda on a dive/film expedition in March. The mission was to find (which they did!) and film (which they did, with Canon’s new ME20F-SH lowlight camera) the bio-fluorescent Hawksbill turtle discover by renowned biologist Dr. David Gruber in the Solomons. Gruber stunned the world with this discovery in 2015 and he is heading back to the Solomons for a third time over the holiday season to explore more bio-fluoro magic in Munda. No wonder Klaus Obermeyer described his trip as his “mind-altering trip to magical Munda”.
But come see for yourself! This amazing dive will have you surface on a remote island paradise as the clock strikes midnight with a glass of bubbly waiting. This exclusive trip has limited availability. Join Belinda and the Dive Munda team for this extraordinary event. Book early on to avoid disappointment! Contact them via email at divemunda@dive-solomon.com
Dive Munda is a multi award winning SSI Instructor Training Centre in the Western province of Solomon Islands committed to sustainable dive eco-tourism. Scuba dive unexplored reefs, WWII history, Kastom culture, hard and soft coral, cuts and caverns along with pelagic life and shark action, all in one of the last wild frontiers left on planet ocean.
Kind Regards,
Belinda Botha
Check out the latest Canon USA underwater commercial shot on location with Dive Munda here: Canon – See beyond darkness
Operations Director
SSI IT #48303 & PADI MSDT #211565
Cell: + 677 789 6869 or Office: + 677 62156 (Solomon Islands)
belinda@dive-solomon.com or for bookings: divemunda@dive-solomon.com
Find us now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TripAdvisor
Solomon Islands, ‘Taka dive cruises’ has a weekend trip to the Florida Islands.. need only 8 to make it happen Reply
Hello fellow divers …
We have an opening on board Taka this weekend and thought we would throw a quick weekend trip to the Florida Islands together if we can get enough participants. We only need 8 to make it happen!
Pick up: Friday November 17th, 6pm at Kokonut Café
Return: Sunday November 19th, 8pm at Kokonut Café
Cost per Person: $4000SBD Upper Deck, $3500 Lower Deck
(Sorry – I messed up the conversion on the first email)
Includes accommodation, meals, all diving, reef fees.
Excludes gear rental, nitrox, courses, bar tab
Gear Rental: full kit $600SBD
Nitrox: $400SBD
Itinerary:
Friday night – dinner, boat orientation, steam to Tulagi
Saturday – 5 dives
Sunday – 3 dives, return to Honiara
To book:
Email us back to let us know you want to join
Fill out the attached booking form (and rental form if you need gear)
We will confirm numbers by Wednesday night
We will collect payment on board on Friday.
Shaz Kozak
Solomon Islands Dive Expeditions
+1 877 300 9487 (North America)
+1 206 925 3953 (International)
Cell: 604 315 5932
Let’s talk about ‘awa’, ‘wai’.. yes, WATER.. life giving, replenishing, it’s abundance, how important it is to all life that lives in it, on it, beside it.. #WaterIsLife, #HeOraTeWai, #Marcus Matawhero Lloyd.. #StrongHeartHikoi.. Marcus is on a 10,000 steps hikoi (walk) around East Coast/ Central of North Isl New Zealand to bring attention for saving ‘WATER’, the pollution in our creeks-rivers- streams- oceans of New Zealand are being polluted, and around the world.. what was once pristine is being threatened.. if you wish to add your own favourite original story & photo, of your ‘water scene/ place’, just follow #WaterIsLife Reply
#WaterIsLife, #HeOraTeWai, Marcus Matawhero Lloyd.. #StrongHeartHikoi
This is dedicated to an important subject, #Water, ‘awa’, ‘wai’, our lives depend on it..!
one that Marcus is creating alot of noise & attention for, and rightly-so.. he is on a 10,000 steps hikoi (walk) around East Coast, North Island New Zealand’s to bring attention to an important ‘resource’ for our planet and every single living thing on it.. ?
“Life giving WATER”.. with out this resource, we all are in alot of trouble..
The ‘WATER we drink is being polluted, help protect ‘WATER’ .. follow Marcus by clicking on the highlighted name is the start of this post, see what else is happening & how you can help.. this affects you too, it affects all of us..
Most of my immediate family/ grandparents/ cousins/ uncles & aunties – that can relate to my ‘korero’ (story).. since I was a lil girl, (a 2 year old- dad & mum tell me) I have ’embrased the waters around Mahia like a ‘fish’, I could swim at 2 years of age (2yo) confident & keen ‘young protege scuba diver’ from 7yo, and I still dive today, now a keen GoPro underwater photographer & editor for a Tropical Pacific nations Website..The Pineapple Post, Solomon Islands I have been fortunate to snorkel & dive off some of the most stunning Solomon Island tropical iconic dives sites, best in the world, and photograph/ video these.. but, what I did notice, was pollution, plastic bags & other domestic waste floating in these waters.. sad to say these are now destroying the once pristine oceans around these tropical islands that make up the 900+ islands..
Aotearoa: ..when I was old enough to remember’ 4yo-13 year old, We’d drive back here with my family, dad Arthur and my mum Joy, my 4 siblings back in mid-1960’s-1980’s life there is relaxed, slow & abundant.. with plenty of kai moana gathered by my dad (local diver), plenty of hungi’s, gathering for events at the marae, lamb’s tails cooking & that distinct smell of ‘burning wool, up the air’, I remember eating ‘paua, kina, crayfish, snapper..
It was always a very long productive day on the boat scuba diving/ spear fishing..
I love the ocean, connect to it, respected it’s constant change & dangers, and, I’ve always been a passionate advocate for ‘Water’, loved this journey..
My childhood journey as a protege scuba diver with my dad, AAotearoa:.. my dad & my uncle/s would always do a “karakia” to bless our activities for this day.. -we always returned tired, but with a blessed abundant catch.. ready to share our catch with the Opoutama whanau..
I have been raised by the water’s here, protected by the ‘wairua’, guided by the ‘tipuna’..
Today, I am proud to say, Water Is My Life, and let’s protect what resources we have left..
I endeavour, to return home to Aotearoa from Oz, where I have lived for many years..returning to learn the ‘traditional Māori ways of wairua, te reo Māori, Rongomaiwahine te iwi, Waipiata te awa’ and return to help keep our traditional lands sacred & protected..
Arohanui e Para Siempre
‘Anuha’, Solomon Islands, Sunday 30th April 2017.. cruising in comfort on the 360 Flyer.. beach picnic & fishing cruise.. Reply
Sunday 30th April 2017.. looking for something to do for the day.. Cruising in comfort on the 360 Flyer..beach picnic & fishing cruise
Suboko.. North-East Guadalcanal Easter Long Weekend activity..15-17/04/2017: take your camera for an action packed weekend of: trekking/ tropical forest walk/ mountain climb (1 1/2hrs to top), tents, food, tube rafting, cave sighting, local bonfire by the river, look out plateau, basket weaving.. Reply
Are you still looking for something to do this Easter Long Weekend.. Suboko.. North-East Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.. this Easter 2017 Long Weekend, Vota & the team have a variety of action packed adventure & activities: from Easter Saturday 15/04- Monday 17/04/2017: take your camera for some stunning rain forest scenery and island landscape shots of breat taking views of Malaita, Isobel and Central Province from the mountain look-out..
- trekking
- bush/ hill climb (1 1/2hrs to top),
- tents,
- food,
- tube rafting,
- cave sighting,
- local bonfire by the river,
- look out plateau,
- basket weaving..
Suboko is a tiny hamlet located in the Paripao Ward, the same river flowing down the Bokokimbo River. Suboko offers one of the best trekking in the Guadalcanal. It is a trekking full of surprises in an overgrown tropical rain forest with the Popomanaseu clear in sight and the breath taking views of Malaita, Isobel, Central Province from the mountain look-out.
Just one & half hour up the mountain to Paepae Village, home to some of the best master weavers of the Guadalcanal’s neatly woven traditional baskets.. then 2 hours to the drop off point.. then trek down the hill for 1 half hours down to the village by the river bank for the activities: Suboko.. tube rafting, cave sighting, local bonfire by the river, look out plateau, basket weaving..
cost: $1200 SBD… for your; accommodation, transport, food, trekking fee, porters to carry food supplies..
Contact Vota for more detailed information or bookings: +677 710 5092
Email: debzluk@gmail.com
Bilikiki Dive & Cruises- Solomon Islands.. 1 space available for Easter 2017 14/04-17/04/2017 .. 3 nights- 3 days.. are you a solo traveller this Easter Wknd.. 1
Bilikiki Dive & Cruises- Solomon Islands
All inclusive in cost of cruise.. diving in some of the best spots in the Solomon Islands, your accommodation (twin share cabins) all your meals, also for non-dive-ticket-holders: there is snorkelling, fishing (not near divers), swimming, relax.. speak or contact the Bilikiki team if you want more detailed information, contact info attached below..
There are also 1 or 2 island stops, if fishing interests you, notify them in-advanced and the Bilikiki team will arrange a tinny and one of the team will take you to an allocated spot.. (fishing is not permitted within the Islands & reefs)
If you think you’ve missed out this time, you & frens will get another opportunity, Bilikiki Dive & Cruise Solomon Islands has planned another dive cruise for 28/04-30/04/2017.. look for post towards the end of this week.. or contact them
contact: enquiries or bookings/ Honiara office: +677 20412 …. located upstairs near Yacht Club
Email: bilikiki@solomon.sb…
‘Maravagi Resort’.. on the island of Mangalonga, part of Florida Islands area.. snorkelling is just so easy to do here, out front of your room, service was friendly, food plentiful.. discover the boat wreck and coral reefs (soft), heaps of tropical fish, huge clams, baitball, manta rays.. stunning & vibrant colours, warm water.. great for underwater photographs Reply
Maravagi Resort: Part of the Florida Island area.. Solomon Islands..
Just returned from a snorkelling weekend away @ this stunning area, (underwater shots done on my gopro camera).. heaps of tropical fish, baitball, ship wreck, manta rays (not this time), sandy beaches, bush/ hill walk (check with hosts), basic & humble accommodation, good food (daily menu) great company.. quiet & peaceful too..
just laze away the hours, snorkelling just right next to island, took my ukulele to play quiet easy listening music, there is walking on the stunning beach, or take photo’s (ask permission to take photo of local people)..
Maravagi Island, part of the Florida Group of Island
Solomon Islands
Traditional owners are the hosts, with the help of family members.. (Some work & live on site)
Maravagi Resort contacts:
Bookings: John: +677 885 5470
Joyce: +677 873 8777
Mathias: +677 732 4472
{Editors notes: some of the easiest and best snorkelling & photography I’ve done.. everything was easy access..just returned from 2 days & nights out on Maravagi Resort, service was friendly & helpful, meals plentiful..couldn’t eat it all.. rooms were basic but, after plenty of activities like snorkelling, photographing everything, walking, and playing my ukulele and a shower.. anywhere to sleep was welkam..
If you walk outside the boundaries of the resort, ask your hosts; where ‘not’ to walk, ask for information of where to go, what the track is like.. stick to the tracks, let someone know where you’re going and approx time of return.. wear clothes that cover your legs/ arms (or sarong & open cotton L/S shirt) because of sandflies & mozzies..
One thing you might notice.. it’s peaceful & quiet, plenty of places to sit and while-away your time, read a book, watch everyone swim or snorkel.. everything is within walking distance..
unfortunately didn’t get to see the ‘manta rays this time’ but there was plenty to do & see.. (only confident swimmers/ snorkellers need try this, they feed in strong currents, banana boat ride out to these is separate cost, if you don’t see any, you don’t pay for it)
Pack a parker/ rain coat (light-weight): One thing I wished have packed was my ‘raincoat/ parker’, it rained off & on, that wasn’t a problem I was already wet, but I needed it for the early banana boat ride back to civilisation..
What I packed: travel towel, toothbrush/paste/ travel bottle with sml amount of shampoo/ conditioner/ moisturiser/ liq soap, Easy enuf to pack a foldable wide brimmed hat, mozzie repellant (there are mozzies), togs & snorkel gear, light clothes (sarong, best to pack cotton gear to wear: long comfy pants/ cotton dress/ long sleeved top etc), pack your thongs, comfy walking shoes/ or rock shoes, I took my own water bottle (3 small frozen filtered alkaline water from home).. note: they did have sum small bottled water for sale.. pack sum plastic seal-up bags (if your boat trip is a wet one- your stuff may stay dry).. my ukulele was in a hard case, on the banana boat, there is storage space to put your stuff, they supply life jackets.. but if you got one- take it.. the boat trip takes between 1 1/2- 2 1/2 hours all pending weather & ocean (crossing) conditions..
* Accommodation is basic bungalow, sheets & pillow, mozzie net, fans provided (please ask for one)..
* Banana Boat trip there & back is separate cost.. take a group or share with others (5-8) share cost of boat.. note: separate to accommodation cost
* 3 meals a day on offer, daily menu, was separate cost to accommodation & boat trips, plenty to eat, when we were there we all enjoyed fruits, fish pieces, fish whole, fish soup, chicken, curried dishes with rice, beef sausages, beef mince (variety of dishes), eggs, vegetables, salad (loved the salad), plenty of rice & the best hand made bread & rolls.. (made & baked onsite)
*vegetarians please notify when booking
I’d just like to say a big tankiu tumas to frens & the former editor of pineapplepost, Gerald & his wife Cat for the invite & for helping out, you made my snorkelling weekend a memorable one..
and thank you to all the team that work & live on-site, all local people on Maravagi Resort.. the service was friendly, food plentiful..
Arnavon Island Easter 2017 Weekend Package, also staying at Vavaghio Guest House via Santa Isobel Island Reply
Some of my best bits of Honiara and beyond 2
Leaving on a jet plane, I don’t know when I’ll be back again, oh babe I’m set to go. (Now all the Australians of a certain age have their hands in the air swaying from side to side with the music.) But Oh what a time to leave Honiara. Just when my email inbox tells me there are thousands of local hotties wanting to meet me … oh well always best to leave them wanting more.
Before I go a quick summing up of some of my peak experiences of the Solomons before Veronica and team take over the editorship. And, of course, a chance to share some of those contacts I have been too slack to get out there before this.
Playing with the dolphins at Dolphin View Beach:
You can go out on the boat from Dolphin Beach and chase the local pod of dolphins up and down the coast. It can feel a bit like you are harassing them. But they can swim two or three times the speed of the boat and hold their breathe for an hour and yet they keep coming back and frolicking in the bow wave and leaping and spinning for your entertainment, so you have to figure they are not two upset by it all. And they are still there by the time your petrol starts running out. Of course you have to get in the water and try and swim with the dolphins but they never let anyone get close. More…
The Pineapple Post 