Discover Isabel: Birds, Panpipes and Surfing

In Isabel, birdwatching, surfing and music offer different ways to shape your travel plans. On Santa Isabel, you can look out for three distinctive bird species, and Santa Isabel Province is one of the Solomon Islands’ two best-known surfing regions. In Isabel Province, you can also attend a panpipe concert.

Nature and Island Setting

A visit to Santa Isabel offers the chance to observe the Black-faced Pitta, the Fearful Owl and the Solomon Frogmouth. These three species give wildlife watching a specific focus. Sightings are not guaranteed, but if birds are among your travel interests, you can include this opportunity in your plans.

The Arnavon Islands are located near the destination. They consist of four small islands in Manning Strait between Isabel and Choiseul provinces. Naming both provinces places the island group geographically and adds to the picture of Isabel’s island setting.

Surfing and Music in Isabel

Santa Isabel Province is one of the Solomon Islands’ two best-known surfing regions. For travelers interested in surfing, that is a clear reason to include Isabel in their destination choices. The province’s status makes surfing a distinct focus alongside wildlife watching and culture.

In Isabel Province, you can attend a panpipe concert. This offers a cultural experience alongside activities in nature as another reason to visit. If you plan to attend a concert, check the dates in advance.

More Highlights in the Wider Destination of the Solomon Islands

Beyond the experiences directly connected with Isabel, the Solomon Islands offer a variety of nature and cultural experiences. East Rennell includes brackish Lake Tegano, with its rugged limestone islands and numerous endemic species, including an endemic sea snake. At 15,000 hectares, the lake is the largest in the insular Pacific. East Rennell was also the first natural area to be inscribed on the World Heritage List under customary ownership and customary management.

Another nature experience in the Solomon Islands is the two-day trek on Kolombangara. It leads from the coastal plains up steep slopes to the crater rim of the 1,770-metre-high, cone-shaped volcano. The overnight stay is in a camp in the rainforest. If you are considering this trek, confirm the arrangements locally. Its duration and overnight camp stay make it a multi-day undertaking.

Traditional music in the Solomon Islands includes group and solo vocals, as well as ensembles featuring slit drums and panpipes. At Hotomai Cultural Village, visitors can take part in traditional weaving, cooking and gardening, and experience performances of traditional songs and dances. The wider destination’s cultural offerings thus range from musical traditions to activities in which visitors can participate themselves.

Discover more destinations: Buala, Kia, Western Province.

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