Munda Dive Sites: Underwater Paradise in the Solomon Islands

• HelloAllo
  [ah-loh]
• GoodbyeTata
  [tah-tah]
• YesOo
  [oh]
• NoAe
  [eye]
• Please/You're welcomeTangio
  [tang-ee-oh]
• Thank youTangio tumas
  [tang-ee-oh too-mahs]
• Excuse me/SorrySagaria
  [sah-gah-ree-ah]
• How are you?I gat bel?
  [ee gat bell]
• Fine. And you?Bel ia. Yu?
  [bell ee-ah. you?]
• Do you speak English?Yu save toktok long Inglish?
  [you sah-veh toktok long Ing-gleesh?]
• I don't understandMi no save
  [mee noh sah-veh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi laek lukim menu, plis
  [mee lie-ehk loo-keem menu, plees]
• I don't eat meatMi no kaik abus
  [mee noh kah-ee-kah-ee ah-boos]
• Cheers!Kampei!
  [kahm-pay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi laek fo pei, plis
  [mee lie-ehk foh pay, plees]

• Help!Helpim mi!
  [help-eem mee]
• Go away!Go awe!
  [goh ah-weh]
• Call the Police!Kolem polis!
  [koh-lehm poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Kolem dokta!
  [koh-lehm dohk-tah]
• I'm lostMi las
  [mee lahs]
• I'm illMi sik
  [mee seek]

• I'd like to buy...Mi laek fo bel...
  [mee lie-ehk foh bell]
• I'm just lookingMi jas luk onli
  [mee jahs look ohn-lee]
• How much is it?Hao mas?
  [how mahs]
• That's too expensiveIumi sae ia hemi moa espensiv
  [you-mee sah-eh ee-ah heh-mee moh-ah es-pen-siv]
• Can you lower the price?Yu ken lukaotem prais?
  [you kehn loo-kah-oh-tehm prah-ees]

• What time is it?Hao taem nao?
  [how tah-em now]
• It's one o'clockHemi wan o'klok
  [heh-mee wahn oh-klok]
• Half past (10)Haf pasten
  [hahf pah-stehn]
• MorningMonin
  [moh-neen]
• AfternoonApunun
  [ah-poo-noon]
• EveningIvinin
  [ee-vee-neen]
• YesterdayDei ya
  [day yah]
• TodayTudei
  [too-day]
• TomorrowTumora
  [too-moh-rah]
• 1Wan
  [wahn]
• 2Tu
  [too]
• 3Tri
  [tree]
• 4Fo
  [foh]
• 5Faiv
  [fah-eev]
• 6Sikis
  [see-kees]
• 7Seven
  [seh-vehn]
• 8Eit
  [ayt]
• 9Nain
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [tehn]

• Where's a/the...?Hao long...
  [how lawng]
• What's the address?Wanem adris?
  [wahn-em ah-driss]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Yu save soim mi long map?
  [you sah-veh soy-mee mee lawng map]
• When's the next (bus)?Hao long namba wan?
  [how lawng nahm-bah wahn]
• A ticket (to ....)Wan tiket long ...
  [wahn tee-keh lohng]

Munda Dive Sites in the Solomon Islands are steeped in history, particularly due to their role during World War II. The area was a significant battleground between Allied and Japanese forces. The Battle of Munda Point, which took place in 1943, was a critical part of the Solomon Islands campaign. The Allies aimed to capture the Japanese airstrip at Munda, which was strategically important for controlling the region. The remnants of this period, such as sunken ships, downed aircraft, and military artifacts, now serve as underwater attractions for divers.

The Munda Airfield, originally constructed by the Japanese in 1942, became a focal point during World War II. After intense fighting, the airfield was captured by the United States Marine Corps in August 1943. Today, it serves as a poignant reminder of the past and offers a unique historical dive experience. Divers can explore wrecks and artifacts scattered around the area, providing a vivid glimpse into the wartime history of the Solomon Islands.

The Munda region is also rich in cultural heritage, being the traditional land of the Roviana people. The Roviana Lagoon, which is adjacent to the dive sites, has long been a center of Roviana culture and history. The lagoon is home to ancient shrines, traditional fishing methods, and legends that have been passed down through generations. Exploring the cultural aspects of the Roviana people provides a deeper understanding of the local traditions and their connection to the sea.

One of the notable historical discoveries in Munda Dive Sites is the wreck of the USS John Penn, a US Navy transport ship. The ship was sunk by Japanese aircraft on August 13, 1943, just off the coast of Munda. The wreck lies in relatively shallow waters, making it accessible for divers. Exploring the USS John Penn offers a tangible connection to the naval battles that took place in the Solomon Islands during World War II.

Several Japanese transport ships were sunk during the battles around Munda, and their wrecks now lie scattered across the seafloor. These wrecks are a testament to the intense naval engagements that occurred in the area. Divers can explore these underwater relics, which often house thriving marine ecosystems, adding to the allure of historical diving in Munda.

The Coastwatchers played a crucial role in the Solomon Islands during World War II. These Allied intelligence operatives, often stationed in remote areas, provided vital information on Japanese movements and operations. Their reports were instrumental in the success of several key battles, including those around Munda. The legacy of the Coastwatchers is an integral part of the history of Munda Dive Sites, highlighting the bravery and resourcefulness of these unsung heroes.

Munda is located in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. The nearest international gateway is Honiara International Airport (HIR) on the island of Guadalcanal. From Honiara, you can take a domestic flight to Munda Airport (MUA), operated by Solomon Airlines. The flight typically takes about one hour. Alternatively, you can reach Munda by ferry or private boat, but this option is less frequent and takes longer.

Once in Munda, the most common mode of transportation is by boat, especially for reaching dive sites and nearby islands. Taxis and minibuses are available for getting around on land. Bicycles and scooters can also be rented for short trips. Walking is feasible for exploring the immediate town area.

The official currency is the Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD). Credit cards are accepted at some hotels and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Munda, but it's wise to bring sufficient cash, especially for remote areas.

Munda is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep your belongings secure. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but petty theft can occur, so stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. Munda has a local police station and a medical clinic for basic healthcare needs. For more serious medical emergencies, you may need to be evacuated to Honiara. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting villages and religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your hat and shoes when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be polite and greet the driver when boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. Use 'Gudfala morning' (good morning) or 'Gudfala afternoon' (good afternoon). Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Munda like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and handmade crafts. Engage with the local community, as they are friendly and often willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss visiting the WWII relics and the Skull Island. For a unique experience, try a traditional Melanesian feast, often arranged by local resorts.