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Backpacking the Solomon Islands
After traveling all the way to Papua New Guinea, I knew I had to take the opportunity to visit another country in the region—specifically, one of the Pacific island nations. With few direct flight options from Port Moresby, Honiara in the Solomon Islands became the obvious choice. Where are the Solomon Islands? The Solomon Islands is an island nation located east of Papua New Guinea and west of Fiji, in the region of Melanesia. Melanesia is a subregion of the Pacific comprising several island nations, including Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. The term “Melanesia,” coined by European explorers in the 19th century, means “islands of black…
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Ultimate Guide to Papua New Guinea: Travel, Culture & Hidden Gems
Papua New Guinea is about as off the beaten path as you can get. Little is known about this Melanesian nation, and if you ask a stranger to describe it, you’ll probably hear stories of cannibalism or extreme tribal violence. The reality, however, is far different. Commonly referred to as PNG, Papua New Guinea is a nation of extraordinary cultural diversity, pristine rainforests, and rugged mountains. It is home to hundreds of indigenous communities and more than 800 languages—more than any other country in the world. PNG has been on my bucket list for years, so I was beyond ecstatic to finally visit. How to get to Papua New Guinea…
