Considering taking a job (fixed term contract) there. Any breezer has inside knowledge? Safe? Fun? Sailing? Peeps? Cost of living?
Any advice appreciated.

lived in PNG for many years, travelled through the South Pacific for business many trips to SI. Good place, just remember is a developing nation so everything does not work all the time. Phone Power internet.....

Most nationals are good people, but petty thieving and opportunistic crime happens, so you need to live in secure premises, which the company should provide. Basic goods are reasonable, imported expensive.

Medical care questionable....make certain the company provides good cover, particularity check the medivac clauses, you need to get out quickly if need be. Remember malaria is prevalent....you can't take anti malarials long term.

Boating/fishing diving is great....not always sailing, lack of wind particularly as you go north, but you can get breezes in the afternoon.

Its a small town but generally the expats are welcoming.

Select to expand quote

felixdcat said..
Considering taking a job (fixed term contract) there. Any breezer has inside knowledge? Safe? Fun? Sailing? Peeps? Cost of living?
Any advice appreciated.

I spent a fair bit of time (with the Military) in the Solomon's and two (female) family members have just returned from a week in Honiara (for work). They did not enjoy the experience, due to standing out like the proverbial "sore thumb" and being blonde, they attracted unwanted attention from the local populace (males) to the point of feeling threatened and fearful, as a result spent most of the time "hunkered down" with the 'ex pat' community. I personally never had any issues with the locals, they were/are a basically friendly lot although extremely inquisitive. Local produce is the staple for most although I would avoid buying fish from the open air markets.

The Solomon Islands are in a rebuilding phase, the local economy and Government 'may' be described as corrupt, poverty (on a western scale) is prevalent. A good start is:

www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/pacific/solomon-islands

As for "water sports" the place is an absolute dream for divers and fishos, if you can get around to the opposite side of Guadalcanal to the aptly named "weather coast' the prevailing winds would make for some amazing sailing. Alas the weather coast has very little infrastructure or facilities. Gizo (north of GC) had an active resort catering for all of the aforementioned. The area has hundreds of Islands and is a fascinating part of the Pacific.