Tulagi: The Hidden Gem of the Solomon Islands

• HelloAló
  [ah-LOH]
• GoodbyeTata
  [TAH-tah]
• YesOo
  [OO]
• NoKare
  [KAH-reh]
• Please/You're welcomeTangio
  [TAHN-gee-oh]
• Thank youTangio tumas
  [TAHN-gee-oh TOO-mahs]
• Excuse me/SorrySori
  [SOH-ree]
• How are you?Oli ia?
  [OH-lee EE-ah]
• Fine. And you?Heva. Oli ia?
  [HEH-vah. OH-lee EE-ah]
• Do you speak English?Oli save toktok long Inglish?
  [OH-lee SAH-veh TOHK-tohk lawng ING-lish]
• I don't understandMi no save hem
  [mee noh SAH-veh hehm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi wantem lukim menu plis
  [mee WAHN-tehm LOO-keem MEH-noo plees]
• I don't eat meatMi no save kaikai mit
  [mee noh SAH-veh KAI-kai meet]
• Cheers!Wanem olsem!
  [WAH-nehm OHL-sehm]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi wantem peim, plis
  [mee WAHN-tehm peh-eem, plees]

• Help!Helpim mi!
  [HEHL-peem mee!]
• Go away!Go lusim!
  [goh LOO-seem!]
• Call the Police!Kolem Polis!
  [KOH-lehm POH-lees!]
• Call a doctor!Kolem dokta!
  [KOH-lehm DOHK-tah!]
• I'm lostMi lesim
  [mee LEH-seem]
• I'm illMi sik
  [mee seek]

• I'd like to buy...Mi wantem baem...
  [mee WAHN-tehm BAH-ehm...]
• I'm just lookingMi jes lukim
  [mee jehs LOO-keem]
• How much is it?Hao moa?
  [HAH-oh moh-ah]
• That's too expensiveHem i moa strong tumas
  [hehm ee moh-ah STRAWNG TOO-mahs]
• Can you lower the price?Yu save pulum daun pris?
  [yoo SAH-veh POO-luhm down prees?]

• What time is it?Hao tam?
  [HAH-oh tahm?]
• It's one o'clockEm i wan
  [ehm ee wahn]
• Half past (10)Haf pasten
  [hahf PAH-stehn]
• MorningMornim
  [MOHR-neem]
• AfternoonAftanun
  [AHF-tah-noon]
• EveningIvinin
  [EE-vee-neen]
• YesterdayDei ya
  [deh YAH]
• TodayTudei
  [TOO-deh]
• TomorrowTomoro
  [toh-MOH-roh]
• 1Wan
  [wahn]
• 2Tu
  [too]
• 3Tri
  [tree]
• 4Fo
  [foh]
• 5Faiv
  [fahyv]
• 6Siks
  [sihks]
• 7Seven
  [SEH-vehn]
• 8Eit
  [ayt]
• 9Nain
  [nayn]
• 10Ten
  [tehn]

• Where's a/the...?Wea em i...?
  [WEH-ah ehm ee...?]
• What's the address?Hao long nom?
  [HAH-oh lawng nohm?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Yu save soim mi (long map)?
  [yoo SAH-veh SAW-eem mee (lawng mahp)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Hao long bus ia?
  [HAH-oh lawng boos EE-ah?]
• A ticket (to ....)Wan tiket (long ....)
  [WAHN tee-KEHT (lawng ....)]

Tulagi, the former capital of the Solomon Islands, was established as a British protectorate in 1893. The British selected Tulagi, a small island in the Nggela Islands, due to its strategic location and natural harbor. The town quickly developed into a bustling colonial administrative center, characterized by its European-style buildings and infrastructure.

During World War II, Tulagi became a focal point in the Pacific Theater. In May 1942, the Japanese forces occupied Tulagi, recognizing its strategic importance. However, this occupation was short-lived. In August 1942, Allied forces launched the Guadalcanal Campaign and Tulagi was fiercely contested. The Battle of Tulagi, part of this campaign, was pivotal in the Allied efforts to regain control of the Pacific. The island's landscape still bears remnants of this intense conflict, including war relics and sunken ships.

Following World War II, Tulagi's importance dwindled. The capital was relocated to Honiara on Guadalcanal in 1952, which was better suited for expansion and development. Tulagi, once the administrative heart, became a quieter town, retaining much of its colonial charm and historical significance.

Today, Tulagi is a blend of historical landmarks and vibrant local culture. The indigenous Melanesian communities continue to thrive, maintaining their traditional customs and practices. Visitors can experience local life through cultural performances, traditional food, and crafts. The island's small population is welcoming, often sharing stories of their ancestors and the island's storied past.

Tulagi has embraced its rich history as a draw for tourists. Key sites include the remains of colonial buildings, war memorials, and relics from World War II. The island's natural beauty, with its pristine waters and coral reefs, also attracts divers and history enthusiasts alike. Guided tours provide insights into both the colonial and wartime history, making Tulagi a unique destination for those interested in the past.

Tulagi is located in the Solomon Islands, and the nearest international airport is Honiara International Airport on Guadalcanal Island. From Honiara, you can take a domestic flight to Henderson Field and then a boat transfer to Tulagi. Alternatively, you can take a direct boat from Honiara to Tulagi, which takes approximately 1-2 hours depending on the sea conditions.

Tulagi is a small island, and most attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local boats and taxis are available. Renting a small boat can also be an option for exploring the surrounding areas and nearby islands. Be sure to negotiate fares beforehand as there are no metered taxis.

The official currency in Solomon Islands is the Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD). Credit cards are not widely accepted in Tulagi, so it is advisable to carry sufficient cash. ATMs are scarce, and it's best to withdraw enough cash in Honiara before traveling to Tulagi.

Tulagi is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but always stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available on the island. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting local villages or religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people or sacred sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous to locals. Don't expect strict schedules; island time is more fluid. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'good morning.' Handshakes are less common but appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Tulagi like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Solomon Islands goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island's history and culture. Don't miss visiting historical sites related to World War II, as Tulagi was a significant battleground. For a unique experience, explore the underwater shipwrecks and coral reefs, which are popular among divers.