On board the MV Bilikiki, the only dive vessel that covers the very remote areas of the
Solomons, over 900 islands East of Papua New Guinea and a pivotal area of the
Pacific war in WW2.
The name Bilikiki s a local name for a bird, the Beach Stone Curlew, that we actually
saw in Australia on our way to Honiara, the main city and airport on the island of
Guadalcanal.
The dive company has been operating since 1989 and over the years has built up close
relationships with the local villages who own, protect and preserve the dive sites. All
of the fresh produce served on board is grown by the different islanders on our
journey. It was great for a delicious taste of the unexpected. As was the diving which
ranged from beautiful reefs to murky waters, both laden with new and interesting
creatures.
Certainly a worthwhile trip with a lot of air travel even now. It's hard to imagine the
war years and the vast distances covered by ships and propellor aircraft when you
are in a Boeing jet, at 38,000 feet and 600mph ground speed, wanting it to be only
another hour to go!
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