THIS IS LIFE IN THE SOLOMON ISLANDS - The most SECRET island on earth¿Documentary

The Solomon Islands, a paradise covered in mystery and legends, is still waiting to be discovered by tourism. It's an archipelago of close to 1,000 islands with ancient remains said to be created by giants. It's surrounded by an underwater paradise that is part of the Coral Triangle. With over 1,000 species of reef fish and more than 500 species of coral, it's a tropical dream. If you have the chance to visit, it will leave you in awe, and if you've ever visited before, I'm sure you'll agree. The nation's landscape is as diverse as the ocean surrounding it, with rugged mountains like the volcanic Mount Popomanasiu, rolling hills, and dense rainforests. The capital city, Honiara, is located on the island of Guadalcanal, the largest in the group. The country's terrain is not just scenic, but also rich in biodiversity. The rainforests are home to unique flora and fauna, including several endemic species of birds, like the Solomon Islands Sea Eagle, and mammals, such as the marsupial Cuscus. Positioned along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Solomon Islands are prone to seismic activities, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions from one of its volcanoes, like Tinicula. These are the same forces that formed the beauty of the Solomon Islands. The islands also face natural threats like tsunamis and cyclones, which have a significant impact on the environment and the livelihoods of the inhabitants. The Solomon Islands' unique geography means you can experience multiple ecosystems in a single day. Start your morning hiking through a misty rainforest, spend your afternoon relaxing on a sun-soaked beach, and end your day with a sunset boat ride over a vibrant coral reef. It's like visiting several different worlds without ever leaving the islands. Local legends tell us that giants built ancient walls, terraces, and stone roads scattered across parts of the Solomon Islands, particularly on Guadalcanal. These structures are often found in remote or difficult-to-access areas, leading to speculation that they could not have been built by ordinary human settlers using traditional tools. Some versions of the legend even suggest that the giants created these structures as part of their own civilization, long before the modern inhabitants of the islands arrived. Some say that these giants, often described as standing between 10 and 15 feet tall, are still hidden on the islands to this day. One of the crown jewels of the Solomon Islands' natural heritage is East Rennal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area is known for its unique ecology and biodiversity, particularly its dense forest and Lake Tigano, the largest enclosed body of water in the insular Pacific. The lake is home to several endemic species, including a flightless bird. East Rennal serves as a living example of how isolation and adaptation can lead to the evolution of distinct species found nowhere else on the planet. The Visitors are drawn to the country's pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and historical World War II sites. These attractions offer a unique opportunity for sustainable development, potentially providing economic benefits while preserving the island's natural beauty. Six major islands include Guadalcanal, Malaita, New Georgia, Santa Isabel, Makira, and Shwezil. The islands are known for stories about small, mischievous creatures called duendes, or kakamora. They're like the island's version of leprechauns, believed to live in the forests and cause mischief. The Solomon Islands has a population of around 700,000 people. Most people live in rural areas, relying on agriculture and fishing. While English is the official language, most people speak Pidgin, a type of Creole. There are also about 70 different indigenous languages spoken throughout the islands. Local folklore speaks of gigantic eagles once believed to roam the islands, large enough to carry away pigs or small children. The currency of the Solomon Islands is the Solomon Islands dollar. The climate is tropical, with temperatures usually ranging between 25 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius. The islands experience high humidity and significant rainfall, especially between November and April. The economy is largely based on agriculture, fishing, and forestry. Key exports include timber, fish, copra, and palm oil. The Solomon Islands are home to tree kangaroos. These marsupials live in the forest canopies and are rarely seen by outsiders. The Solomon Islands were originally settled by Melanesians over 30,000 years ago. European contact began in the 16th century when Spanish explorer Álvaro de Mendaña discovered the islands in 1568, who named the islands because he believed they held great wealth, similar to the biblical King Solomon's mines. Despite the island's small population, soccer is a huge passion, and the national team has performed remarkably well in the Pacific region. The Solomon Islands played a major role in World War II, particularly during the Battle of Guadalcanal. This battle was a significant turning point in the Pacific theater. The Matanaco River was a site of several significant battles during World War II. The islands gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1978, becoming a sovereign nation. Music and dance are integral to social and ceremonial events. Traditional music employs instruments like panpipes, bamboo flutes, and slit drums. Panpipe ensembles, known locally as arrearre, produce harmonious melodies that are unique to the region. Many Solomon Islanders believe that certain sharks are reincarnations of ancestors and can communicate with humans. Christianity is the dominant religion, with about 95% of the population being Christian. The largest denominations are Anglican, Roman Catholic, and the South Seas Evangelical Church. Alongside Christianity, some people still follow traditional beliefs that involve ancestor worship and nature spirits. About 87% of the land in the Solomon Islands is under customary ownership, meaning it belongs to specific tribes or families rather than individuals. Some of the islands have peculiar blue lagoons that are free of fish due to the unique composition of the water. Most islanders live in villages, where life revolves around subsistence farming and fishing. Communities are tight-knit, and extended families often live together. The diet is based on root crops like taro, sweet potatoes, and cassava. Fish and coconut are also staples, and many dishes are cooked using coconut milk. Some villages celebrate a yam festival, marking the time for planting and honoring the importance of yams in their diet. Given the island geography, seafood is an essential part of the diet. Fish is often grilled or smoked, and shellfish like crabs and lobsters are also common. Canoes are vital for transportation between islands, especially in rural areas. Traditional canoes are still handmade from local materials. On some islands, the local people revere Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, as a godlike figure. This Prince Philip movement even made international headlines. Handicrafts, including woven baskets, mats, and wood carvings, are important in Solomon Islands culture. Many of these crafts are sold to tourists or used in daily life. The term castem refers to traditional laws, customs, and social practices. These customs vary between islands, but often govern relationships, land ownership, and dispute resolution. In rural areas, women traditionally wear grass skirts made from tanna, a plant fiber, especially during ceremonial occasions. Solomon Islands society is traditionally organized into tribes, and tribal chiefs hold significant power. Chiefs often play a key role in mediating disputes and maintaining order. In some parts of the Solomon Islands, shell money is still used for ceremonial purposes, such as paying bride prices or settling disputes. It's made from small shells that are carefully polished and strung together. The islands are home to a rich variety of ecosystems, including rainforests, mangroves, and coral reefs. These ecosystems support a wide range of plants and animals, many of which are unique to the region. There are over 20 unique varieties of coconut, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. One of the biggest threats to the environment in the Solomon Islands is logging. Deforestation, often by foreign companies, has caused significant environmental damage and soil erosion. Another key industry is mining, particularly for gold and nickel. However, mining activities have led to disputes over land ownership and environmental concerns. There isn't a single McDonald's or other global fast food chain, keeping the islands relatively free from typical western fast food culture. While education is theoretically free and compulsory, access to schools can be difficult, especially in rural areas. Many children drop out before completing primary school. Healthcare services in the Solomon Islands are limited, especially outside Honiara. Most healthcare is provided by government-run clinics and hospitals, but many communities rely on traditional medicine. From 1998 to 2003, the Solomon Islands experienced a period of ethnic tension and civil conflict. This conflict was mainly between people from Guadalcanal and Maleta, and resulted in significant political instability. The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands was a peacekeeping mission led by Australia from 2003 to 2017. It helped restore order and rebuild the country's institutions. Tourism is a growing industry, but it's still relatively underdeveloped compared to other Pacific Islands. Popular activities include diving, snorkeling, and hiking. To preserve their rich marine life, several areas around the Solomon Islands have been designated as Marine Protected Areas, where fishing and other harmful activities are restricted. Festivals are important in the Solomon Islands, where people celebrate their culture through music, dance, and traditional food. One of the biggest is the annual Guadalcanal Festival. The islands are divided into nine provinces, each with its own cultural and linguistic diversity. The Lau Lagoon on Maleta has man-made fish ponds, some of which are considered sacred and are believed to be controlled by ancestral spirits. In the northern part of Malaita, you'll find stilt villages where homes are built above the water and lagoons. Some tribes, particularly in remote areas, have had very limited contact with modern civilization. In some communities, tattooing is part of cultural identity, with specific designs marking important life stages. The Solomon Islands is home to a unique species of pigeon, known for its colorful plumage and found nowhere else on Earth. Historically, islanders used to trade with Papua New Guinea, especially exchanging goods like shells and carvings. Islanders often travel between islands by canoe, some paddling for hours or even days between distant islands. Some tribes on the islands keep skull shrines of their ancestors in caves as a way of honoring their spirits. Buepe is a popular diving spot where the lagoon plunges into a 2,000 meter deep ocean trench, attracting divers from around the world. The island of Vanacoro is where French explorer La Perouse's expedition mysteriously disappeared in the late 1700s. In ancient times, Solomon Islanders built large war canoes, some of which could carry up to 50 warriors. Some tribes use elaborate wooden masks in traditional dances, often representing spirits or ancestors. Saltwater crocodiles are found in the Solomon Islands, especially in mangrove swamps, and are respected by the locals. The islands are home to the world's largest terrestrial arthropod, the coconut crab, which can crack open coconuts with its strong claws. Oral storytelling is a cherished tradition, serving as a means of preserving history, imparting moral lessons, and reinforcing community values. Folktales often feature themes of creation, heroism, and interactions with the spiritual world. In certain communities, societal structures are matrilineal, with lineage and inheritance traced through the mother. This system influences property rights, leadership succession, and social responsibilities. Sir Peter Canelloria was the first prime minister after independence in 1978. Weddings in the Solomon Islands are highly communal events. The ceremony is not just a union of two individuals, but also of their respective families. The entire community often participates in the wedding festivities, which can last for several days. These celebrations usually include feasting, dancing, and exchanging gifts. As there are close to 1,000 islands, here are some of the locations that are still unknown to the mainstream public. Tetepare is one of the largest uninhabited islands in the South Pacific. It is a conservation area, with no permanent human settlements, making it a hidden paradise. Visitors can enjoy its untouched rainforests, diverse wildlife, and excellent snorkeling or diving opportunities around its coral reefs. The island is also home to rare and endangered species, including leatherback turtles. It requires a boat ride from nearby islands, typically organized through the Tetepare Island Ecolodge. Morovo Lagoon is the largest saltwater lagoon in the world, yet it remains relatively unknown to travelers due to its remote location in the New Georgia Islands. Its pristine waters are ideal for diving and snorkeling. The underwater biodiversity includes colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and wrecks from World War II. The best way to get there is by small boat or plane from Munda or Gizo. Kicha Island is located in the western province, far from tourist hotspots, making it a tranquil and largely unexplored destination. The island is surrounded by rich coral reefs, making it an excellent spot for diving. It's also known for its marine life, including manta rays, sharks, and a variety of tropical fish. It is reachable by boat from nearby islands like Gizo or Munda. Located on Rennal Island, Lake Tigano is one of the most remote spots in the Solomon Islands and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its isolated location makes it less visited by tourists. The lake is the largest in the South Pacific and is filled with limestone islands, crystal clear waters, and unique wildlife, including endemic bird species. Kayaking on the lake or hiking around its shores offers a peaceful, nature-filled escape. Visitors can fly to Rennal Island from Honiara and take a boat to explore the lake. Simbo is a small volcanic island in the western province that remains largely untouched by mass tourism due to its remote location. The island offers stunning volcanic landscapes, including an active volcanic lake, Lake Barut. Visitors can also explore traditional villages and learn about local customs, including the practice of shell money as currency. It requires a boat trip from nearby islands such as Munda or Gizo. Located just north of Guadalcanal, the Russell Islands are less frequented by tourists compared to other parts of the country. The islands offer beautiful beaches, caves, and excellent diving spots with coral reefs and shipwrecks. The waters around the islands are teeming with marine life, and the secluded beaches make for a peaceful retreat. Small boats or charter flights are the best ways to get to the Russell Islands from Honiara. The Arnavon Islands are part of the Arnavon Community Marine Conservation Area, a group of tiny islands located between Santa Isabel and Choiseul. The islands are hard to reach and remain off the tourist radar. The islands are a critical nesting site for hawksbill turtles. Visitors can witness conservation efforts in action, learn about the local ecosystem, and even participate in turtle monitoring activities. Access is limited and often requires coordination with conservation groups or local tour operators. Vanganoo Island, part of the Western Province, is less frequented due to its remote location and rugged terrain. The islands' forests are home to the famous and elusive dugong. It's also a great location for birdwatching, with several rare species living in the dense rainforests. Visitors can also trek through the forests or explore the islands' volcanic history. Accessible by boat from Gizo or Munda, the Solomon Islands are a must-visit for everyone who wants to explore the beauty of the world. Subscribe, I'd sure appreciate it. Thank you, and see you on the next one!