Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a true tropical paradise that time has forgotten and tourism has overlooked. Those travellers who are fortunate enough to make the journey to this incredible country become immersed in an array of experiences found nowhere else on the globe. Primitive tribal cultures, active volcanoes, unique flora and fauna which is so extraordinary it has to be seen to be believed, superb indigenous artwork and artifacts, unsophisticated villages ringing with the laughter of curious children, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, wartime history and relics – all combine to create an unforgettable experience.

European explorers first sighted this rugged volcanic island, 85% of which covered by dense rainforest, in 1511 – almost 500 years ago. The Spanish named the island Novo Guinea, after the country in West Africa, and claimed it for Spain.

Since then various European powers, most noteably Britain, the Netherlands and Germany, have all laid claim and counter-claim to the territory. Colonial influence came to an end on September 16th, 1975 when the eastern section island became the new nation of Papua New Guinea.

The Solomon Islands is a nation in Melanesia, east of Papua New Guinea, consisting of nearly one thousand islands. Together they cover a land mass of 28,400 square kilometres. The capital is Honiara, located on the island of Guadalcanal.

The Solomon Islands have been inhabited by Melanesian people for at least 30,000 years. The United Kingdom established a protectorate over the Solomon Islands in the 1890s. Some of the most bitter fighting of World War II occurred on these islands. Self-government was achieved in 1976 and independence two years later. The country remains a Commonwealth Realm.