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Tag: South Pacific travel

  • Play Golf in the South Pacific – The Most Beautiful Courses in Island Region

    The South Pacific region in Oceania is famous for its picturesque location and laidback lifestyle, but you might not know that the area is also home to some of the world’s most beautiful golf courses.


    In this article we take a look at some of the island location's best. Not far from Fiji's international airport you'll find the Denarau Golf and Racquet Club. It’s the sporting hub of the Denarau Island Resort, but you don’t need to be a guest to enjoy its facilities. The course isn't very challenging, but it is beautiful with its palm trees and sea borders. The wet stuff makes for some interesting water shots, although most players should reach the pin in a stroke over par. It’s probably not for the serious golfers, but casual fans of the sport will get a kick out of the sea-creature shaped bunkers and greens.south pacific golf photo In Apia, a 40-minute drive from Samoa's international airport you'll find the Royal Samoa Country Club. It has a very regal name and surrounds to match; the 5445 meter course is considered one of the most beautiful in the South Pacific. In its years it's also attracted the right clientele. His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili was a regular here before he sadly passed away in 2007. Even he was challenged by the sixth hole which is totally blind. Related: Golf Courses in Hawaii So make sure that you pack your clubs when you set off for the South Pacific!

  • Samoan Travel Guide – When to Travel to Pacific Islands

    Samoa is a tropical paradise, where life moves at a snail’s pace to please both the locals and tourists alike. Such a beautiful part of Oceania is a pleasure to visit at any time of year, but you may like to consider a few factors before you set off.

    Most tourists travel to Samoa with dreams of clear blue skies and warm sunny days.

    But if you visit during December or January, rainy weather may spoil your picture-perfect paradise. Between November and April, the humidity also makes it a little hard to enjoy that tropical heat. The weather is optimal between May and October, a time which happily coincides with most of the island's fun festivals. If big game fishing is your thing, you might like to travel during May to see the Samoa International Game Fishing Tournament. The rising of the palolo, which sees palolo worms rise from the coral reefs, happens in October or November. It might sound a bit disgusting, but these worms are eaten as a delicacy the way caviar is in the rest of the world. Even if you don't want to partake in the dish, watching their ascendancy is fascinating. But the biggest event in Samoa is the Teuila Festival, held every September. This is a spectacle of local culture, with fire knife dancing, choirs, float parades, traditional sports and more all adding to the fun. May to October is Samoa's dry period, and the peak of the Pacific Island's tourist season. Yet thankfully, most tourist operators don't raise their prices at this time of year. That makes some careful planning for the weather and activities sound even more enticing.

  • Travel Safety Tips for Your Papua New Guinea Vacation

    If you’re tired of the tourist centers of Oceania, a visit to Papua New Guinea can prove exhilarating.

    With virtually no tourism infrastructure, the country offers a truly authentic South Pacific experience. However, this wild and untamed allure means visitors should take a few extra safety precautions. Before embarking on your journey, consider protecting yourself against some of the more serious diseases found in the country. Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B and typhoid fever are recommended. If you are visiting the southern part of PNG, including Port Moresby, consider adding the vaccination for Japanese B encephalitis to your list of jabs. While urban centers including Port Moresby, Lae, and Mt Hagen have a reputation for high levels of crime, you should not let that stop you experiencing all the country has to offer. Tourists are rarely victims, and using common sense should ensure you don't fall prey to the country's bandits, known as raskols. Visit heavily populated areas, as you are unlikely to encounter trouble with crowds around you. It's also wise to downplay your wealth; keep cameras hidden away and flashy jewelry to a minimum. It's smart to keep around K50 in your pocket to appease any would-be thieves. Stash the rest of your money discreetly away in a shoe or money belt.papua new guinea trip advice Papua New Guinea’s mosquitoes generally prove to be more of a problem for travelers than bandits. While their bites and buzzing can be an annoyance, there is a more serious side to mosquitoes as they can spread malaria and Dengue fever. Cover yourself in insect repellent to minimize the chance of bites and illness. Papua New Guinea has its fair share of land and sea nasties. Its home to a handful of dangerous snakes, including the death adder and taipan, although these reptiles will not attack unless provoked. Be careful when walking in areas with limited visibility, such as long grass or leaf covered ground, as you may startle these dangerous creatures. If you are bitten apply a compression bandage and stay still until medical help arrive. Major medical centers are well stocked with antivenins to deal with these emergencies. It’s common to encounter leeches when hiking through Papua New Guinea's jungle areas. While they are generally not dangerous, they can cause bleeding when removed. Insect repellent can help to ward them off, while insecticide can aid in their removal. Crocodile attacks are uncommon, but you should heed local warnings to ensure you don't become one of the rare victims. Jellyfishes should also be avoided when swimming, as their stings can be painful. Sea snakes and poisonous cone shells are also common in coral reefs, so keep your eyes peeled on diving expeditions. All of these dangers can seem overwhelming, but by exercising caution travelers can stay safe and enjoy their Papua New Guinea vacation.

  • Traditional Hangi, a Pacific Underground Feast

    A hangi is a traditional meal enjoyed in the island nations of New Zealand and the South Pacific. In Samoa it is called umu, and in Fiji it’s known as lovo.

    Hangi refers both to the food eaten, the method it is cooked, and the underground oven it’s cooked in.

    At a hangi, different meats and vegetables are wrapped in leaves or aluminum foil, then placed in a pit lined with hot stones. The parcels are covered with wet cloths and earth to trap the heat inside. The dishes then steam for several hours until the vegetables are flavorsome and the meats are fall-apart tender. Chicken, beef, fish, and kumera are traditional dishes served at a hangi. Today pork, lamb, potatoes, and pumpkin are also often prepared this way. The unconventional cooking method imbues the food with a delicious earthy, smoky flavor. The decision to cook food underground may seem unusual to Westerners, but it makes sense when understanding that the native Islanders believe that the earth gives all life. As all life comes from soil, it seems right to return that life-giving food to the earth. A hangi is a communal experience, where food is shared freely amongst old friends and new ones. Traditionally a hangi was reserved for special occasions where a village came together to celebrate. All members of the family would assist in the feast, with the men preparing the underground oven and the women tending to the food. [caption id="attachment_3379" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A Maori warrior"]A Maori warrior[/caption] Today many hotels and cultural villages in tourist towns regularly serve hangi feasts. These allow visitors to experience the country's culture, and are often accompanied by traditional music and dancing. Tourists can enjoy a hangi meal at many locations throughout New Zealand and the South Pacific including Tamaki Maori Village in the New Zealand city of Rotorua, Lalati Resort in Fiji, and Princess Tui Inn (NOTE: Fire destroyed the building in late 2010) in the Samoan beachside town of Apia.

    [Image Source: Geoftheref/Flickr]

  • Get Married in the South Pacific – Tropical Weddings in Oceania

    The South Pacific has become a hot destination for couples wanting to get hitched and enjoy their honeymoon at the same time. Most resorts in the Oceanic region offer wedding packages, with ceremonies typically performed on the tropical locale’s beaches.south pacific wedding

    A marriage license should be obtained on arrival in the South Pacific. This is generally a simple process, but both bride and groom must ensure they have their identity documents. These include a passport, certified copies of your birth certificate and, where applicable, copies of decrees of divorce or death certificates if widowed.

    Fiji is the most popular destination for South Pacific weddings. It has numerous resorts providing wedding packages, and many even have their own chapels. If you hope to invite more than 30 guests, a large resort is the best option.

    While the atmosphere may be less personal, these hotels are able to cater for a sizable party. For something more intimate, the smaller resorts on Fiji's outskirts are more appropriate. The Cook Islands' capital, Rarotonga, offers weddings at almost every resort. The packages are varied, offering everything from a traditional wedding on a beach, to a church wedding backed by a full choir or a private ceremony on an uninhabited isle. Samoa has a fledgling wedding industry, with only a handful of resorts offering beach weddings. These include Le Vasa Resort, Siufaga Beach Resort, and Le Lagoto Resort. While the back-to-basics style may not suit flashier couples, it's ideal for those looking for something low-key and romantic. Tahiti poses the most challenges for couples, with an exhaustive amount of paperwork required before the ceremony. Thankfully resort staff will be happy to help should you get stuck. The effort is worth it though, with Tahiti offering some of the most indulgent wedding packages in the South Pacific. Traditional ceremonies and dance performances are designed to make your big day memorable. Tonga is the most conservative island in the South Pacific, and as such it does not permit beach weddings. Instead Tonga encourages couples to have a Christian ceremony in one of the island’s many churches.

  • Stay in New Caledonia for Less – Your Budget Guide to the Isle of Pines

    The picturesque charms of the Isle of Pines, the southernmost tip of New Caledonia, attract travelers from far and wide.

    But most come away from their Oceanic vacation stay with a rather hefty bill. A getaway in the location known as the Jewel of the South Pacific doesn't have to cost the earth though, if you follow our advice. Rather than bunking down at one of the area's many resorts, consider camping at Roller Bay instead. Its beachfront views are just as good as you'll find in any luxury hotel, and with each site offering water and electricity you won't feel like you're slumming it. Each site has its own thatch covered table, but if you want to make new friends you can eat in the central dining area. You can prepare your own meals, but if you'd prefer to take it easy your hosts will happily whip up breakfast or dinner on a day's notice. You'll need to travel with your own tent, but the oceanside sunsets are free. [caption id="attachment_3231" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Beautiful Upi Bay in the Isle of Pines, New Caledonia"]Beautiful Upi Bay in the Isle of Pines, New Caledonia[/caption] If you plan to make your own meals, you'll need to be organized. The area has no supermarkets or stores, so you'll need to visit the weekly markets for your fresh fruit and vegetables. Local fishermen sell seafood, and there is a bakery but you'll need to get up early. Most days all the food is sold out by 11 am, so sleeping in is discouraged! Some of the greatest activities around the Isle of Pines won't cost you a cent. The weather is ideal for swimming all year round. If you have a snorkeling mask, you can take a look at the area's ocean residents, or you could simply enjoy a walk along the sea shore. With some careful planning, you can enjoy a stay in New Caledonia for much less than you'd think.

  • Vacation Like a Star – Celebrity South Pacific Getaways

    When the stars want to escape the glare of the paparazzi they fly out of Hollywood and head across the world to the South Pacific.

    And with the region's pristine beaches, tropical weather, and exclusive resorts, who can blame them? Wakaya Resort is a favorite of a host of stars, with Bill Gates, Pierce Brosnan, Keith Richards, Michelle Pfieffer, and Russell Crowe amongst its famous guests. It's not hard to see why these celebs keep coming back; with just 20 guests allowed to stay at any one time Wakaya offers the sort of privacy few resorts can match. Of course, the stars pay for the privilege with luxury cottages starting from $1900 US a night. But that's just the tip of the luxury iceberg. Most celebs splash out the exclusive House in the Clouds, which costs $7600 a night. That buys the very lucky occupants their own fitness center and cliff-side swimming pool, so there's no risk of unflattering exercise snaps ending up in the tabloids. Nearby Turtle Island, also in Fiji, is another haven for Hollywood stars. It didn't help their marriages last, but high-profile couples Britney Spears and Kevin Federline and Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey all enjoyed honeymoons on this privately owned island. There is just one resort, which caters for no more than 28 guests at a time. They get to enjoy paradise: 14 sparkling beaches and 100 staff eager to serve. [caption id="attachment_3044" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Mount Otemanu in Bora Bora"]Bora Bora[/caption] Their lodgings are private cottages known as bure, each equipped with a plush bedroom, bathroom, private bar, and a Bure Mama. This kindly soul takes care of the housekeeping and laundry, leaving you free to enjoy yourself. While you can set out on your own, she's also happy to tag along as tour guide and personal photographer. It costs $2000 US per night to stay on Turtle Island, but if you've got cash to spare you can reserve the entire isle for a week. That extravagance costs $300, 000. The final stop on our South Pacific star tour is the St Regis Hotel in Bora Bora. This decadent spa resort's guest list includes famous lovebirds Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, and basketball star Tony Parker and Eva Longoria. These stars stayed in one of 100 private villas, and enjoyed the attentive services of a 24-hour butler. There's a private beach and jacuzzi for cooling down, and a private chef for those special meals for two. Compared to the other South Pacific spots we've profiled, a stay here almost seems cheap. Rooms start from $925 US a night.

  • Swim with Whales in Tonga – South Pacific Adventure with Gentle Giants of the Sea

    Many coastal tourist destinations around the world invite visitors to swim with seals and dolphins, but you’ll need to travel to Tonga if you hope to swim with whales.

    The South Pacific nation is known as The Friendly Islands, and its humpback whales are just as genial as the natives. More than 160 of the marine mammals return to Tonga's calm waters each year to mate. They stay there until their babies are born, nursing them in the warm Pacific waters before returning to polar oceans. WhaleSwim is Tonga's premiere whale experience company. Owner Rae Gill was inspired to create the business after meeting her first humpback whale off the coast of the Dominican Republic. Along with a team of conservationists, a marine biologist, and wildlife photographers, she leads three, four, seven and nine-day snorkeling tours. This crew of ecotourism experts ensures the expeditions are run with whale conservation in mind. During the tours you'll learn a lot about the humpback whales, both from the guides and from your own up-close interaction with them. You'll hear their famous songs through a hydrophone on the tour boat, and take home video footage of your time on the tour as a souvenir. This is the kind of footage you'll want to show your friends! [caption id="attachment_3007" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The magnificent humpack whale"]The magnificent humpack whale[/caption] The tours are a little expensive, with the short three-day option costing $600 AUS. However, with expeditions restricted to a maximum of 12 people, and five on the photography expeditions, you are guaranteed to receive a quality experience. This price also includes airport transfers, all meals and accommodation at the Hilltop Hotel and Blue Lagoon Resort. WhaleSwim Adventures conducts tours between late July and the middle of October.