Taro Island: A Hidden Gem in the Solomon Islands

• HelloAlu
  [ah-loo]
• GoodbyeBubulu
  [boo-boo-loo]
• YesAe
  [eye]
• NoAu
  [ow]
• Please/You're welcomeTangio
  [tang-ee-oh]
• Thank youTangio tumas
  [tang-ee-oh too-mas]
• Excuse me/SorrySori
  [sore-ee]
• How are you?Yu stap gut?
  [yoo stahp goot]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Na yu?
  [goot. nah yoo]
• Do you speak English?Yu save toktok Inglish?
  [yoo sah-veh tohk-tohk ing-gleesh]
• I don't understandMi no save lukim
  [mee no sah-veh loo-keem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi laek lukim menu, plis
  [mee lake loo-keem menu, plees]
• I don't eat meatMi no kaik karem
  [mee no kai-kah kah-rem]
• Cheers!Tingim
  [teen-geem]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi laek fo peim, plis
  [mee lake foh pay-eem, plees]

• Help!Helpem!
  [help-em]
• Go away!Go we
  [go way]
• Call the Police!Kolem Polis!
  [koh-lem poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Kolem dokta!
  [koh-lem dok-tah]
• I'm lostMi lusim
  [mee loo-seem]
• I'm illMi si
  [mee see]

• I'd like to buy...Mi laek fo baem...
  [mee lake foh bah-em...]
• I'm just lookingMi jes lukim
  [mee jess loo-keem]
• How much is it?Hao moch?
  [hah-oh moch]
• That's too expensiveIu moch fiya
  [yoo moch fee-yah]
• Can you lower the price?Iu save daunim praes?
  [yoo sah-veh down-eem prys]

• What time is it?Hao taem nao?
  [hah-oh tah-em now]
• It's one o'clockWan taem
  [wahn tah-em]
• Half past (10)Haf paes
  [hahf pah-ess]
• MorningMonin
  [moh-neen]
• AfternoonApinun
  [ah-pee-noon]
• EveningIvinin
  [ee-vee-neen]
• YesterdayDei befo
  [day beh-foh]
• TodayTudei
  [too-day]
• TomorrowTumoro
  [too-mor-oh]
• 1Wan
  [wahn]
• 2Tu
  [too]
• 3Tri
  [tree]
• 4Fo
  [foh]
• 5Faiv
  [fah-eve]
• 6Siks
  [siks]
• 7Seven
  [sev-en]
• 8Eit
  [ate]
• 9Nain
  [nayn]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Wei ia...
  [way yah...]
• What's the address?Wanem adras?
  [wah-nem ad-dras]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Iu save soem iu...
  [yoo sah-veh soh-em yoo...]
• When's the next (bus)?Hao nao namba...
  [hah-oh now nahm-bah...]
• A ticket (to ....)Wan tiket (go...)
  [wahn tee-ket (goh...)]

The history of Taro Island dates back to ancient times when it was first settled by the indigenous peoples of the Solomon Islands. These early inhabitants were skilled navigators and fishermen who relied on the rich marine resources surrounding the island. Archaeological evidence suggests that the island was inhabited for thousands of years before European contact.

Taro Island, like much of the Solomon Islands, came into contact with European explorers in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Spanish explorer Álvaro de Mendaña was among the first Europeans to sight the islands in 1568. This period marked the beginning of intermittent European interest in the region, though significant settlement did not occur until later.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Taro Island and the surrounding region fell under British colonial rule. The British established the Solomon Islands Protectorate in 1893, which included Taro Island. This period saw the introduction of Western education, religion, and trade, significantly impacting the island's traditional way of life.

World War II had a profound impact on Taro Island and the Solomon Islands as a whole. The island was strategically significant due to its location in the Pacific Theater. While Taro did not see major battles, the presence of Allied and Japanese forces in the region led to heightened military activity and the construction of infrastructure that would later benefit the island's development.

After World War II, Taro Island began to develop more rapidly. The establishment of infrastructure such as airstrips and communication networks facilitated greater connectivity with the rest of the Solomon Islands and the world. This period also saw an increase in educational and healthcare facilities, improving the quality of life for the island's residents.

In 1995, Taro Island became the capital of Choiseul Province. This designation brought administrative importance to the island and spurred further development. Government offices, schools, and other public services were established, solidifying Taro's role as a central hub in the province.

Despite the waves of change over the centuries, Taro Island has managed to preserve its rich cultural heritage. Traditional practices, dances, and ceremonies continue to play a vital role in the community. The island's cultural festivals attract visitors and provide a glimpse into the enduring traditions of the Solomon Islands.

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on environmental conservation on Taro Island. Efforts to protect the island's unique marine and terrestrial ecosystems have been initiated, involving both local communities and international organizations. These initiatives aim to ensure that Taro Island's natural beauty and biodiversity are preserved for future generations.

Taro Island is located in the Choiseul Province of the Solomon Islands. The nearest international airport is Honiara International Airport (HIR) on Guadalcanal Island. From Honiara, you can take a domestic flight to Taro Airport (TIZ). Alternatively, you can travel by boat from Honiara or other nearby islands. The journey by sea can be lengthy but offers a scenic view of the Solomon Islands' natural beauty.

Taro Island is small, and many areas are accessible on foot. For longer distances, you can use local taxis, which are available but not abundant. Renting a bicycle is another good option for getting around the island. There is no formal public transportation system on Taro Island, so plan accordingly.

The official currency in the Solomon Islands is the Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD). Credit cards are rarely accepted on Taro Island, so it is advisable to carry sufficient cash. There are no ATMs on Taro Island, so ensure you withdraw enough funds before arriving. Some larger businesses may accept major foreign currencies like USD, but it's always best to have local currency on hand.

Taro Island is generally safe for tourists. However, standard travel precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night and be mindful of your belongings in public spaces. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always recommended.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. There is a local police station and a small medical clinic on Taro Island. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, basic medications can be found at the local clinic.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting local villages and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and religious practices. Always ask for permission before taking photos in sacred areas. Public Transport: Do be respectful to other passengers if using any transport services. Don’t expect a formal schedule for transportation. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hello' or 'Halo' (local greeting). Shaking hands is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Taro Island like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Solomon Islands goods. Engage with the locals who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don’t miss out on local festivals or events if your visit coincides with them, as they offer a unique insight into the local way of life.