Trip to the Solomon Islands: Nature and Tribes

Discover the highlights of this trip to the Solomon Islands

Exploring Melanesia from Australia

To begin with, our trip to the Solomon Islands starts in Brisbane, an Australian city with a colonial past. We will rest from our international flight and take a stroll through the city centre to explore its history. The following day, we will fly to Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, located on the island of Guadalcanal. Upon arrival, we will meet the local team, visit the National Museum, and explore several traditional neighbourhoods. In this way, we will gain an initial insight into the country's social and political reality.

Heading to Malaita Island

We will continue our trip to the Solomon Islands by sailing to Malaita Island. This is one of the most conservative and densely populated islands in the archipelago. There, we will begin an ethnographic expedition that will give us a deeper understanding of Malaitan culture. For example, we will explore Auki, its capital, and visit the local market. Malaita has traditionally been ruled by chiefs, priests, and warriors. Its history of contact with the outside world is recent and limited.

Life among corals and tattoos

Afterward, we'll explore the Langa Langa lagoon, a coastal strip dotted with dozens of artificial islands. These structures were built to protect against inland attacks. Also, we'll learn about the art of shell-coining, an ancient practice practiced by local women. Indeed, many of them retain traditional tattoos on their faces, chests, and forearms. These designs reveal an aesthetic and symbolic foundation deeply rooted in the local culture. Thus, the trip to the Solomon Islands also becomes a journey into the living past of Melanesia.

Meeting with the fishermen of Laulasi

We'll also visit Laulasi Island to meet the Kwara'ae people. They make their living from traditional fishing and coastal rituals. There, we'll spend time with the locals and learn about their customs.

Coexistence with the Moro tribe

Therefore, we will sail to a remote area of ​​the archipelago to live with the Moro tribe. These people still wear traditional clothing made of fibers and bark. Also, they participate in rituals that preserve their worldview. For three nights, we will live with them and learn their philosophy of life. The trip to the Solomon Islands allows us to experience communities far removed from globalization. During this trip to the Solomon Islands, we will explore the Moro Movement. This spiritual movement was born in the 1960s, inspired by the visions of its founder. We will visit the House of Customs, which houses weapons, clothing, and ritual objects. There, we will understand the complex relationship between tradition and modernity in the Solomon Islands. Therefore, this experience brings us closer to Melanesian spirituality.

Skull Island and traditional Rovian culture

In fact, one of the most striking moments of the trip to the Solomon Islands will be a visit to Skull Island. This sacred islet preserves the remains of ancient chiefs and warriors. There, we will learn about the ancient practice of headhunting. An elder will also guide us through an introductory ceremony to Rovian culture. In addition, on New Georgia, we will visit remote Rovian villages and participate in their daily activities. The Rovian were among the first people to convert to Christianity in this region. Despite this, tehy maintain ancient traditions related to war, the sea, and their ancestors. Also, we will enjoy the area's marine life with water activities.

© Photos by Gilly Tanabose at Unsplash and Christian Jutvik at Pixabay taken during a trip to Solomon Islands

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