South Pacific Shore Excursions

We were met by our Guide "R2" (I'm sure his name isn't spelt like this) and taken to an air conditioned coach. We visited R2's village were he explained the origin of the indigenous people along with life in the village. This was the highlight of the tour. We visited the orchid garden (previously owned by the late actor Raymond Burr. R2 was an excellent guide and made this tour extremely interesting. I would recommend this tour.

The day started with a very warm welcome to all on our cruise ship from singers and dancers of the local community - what a lovely heartwarming sight. We joined our tour and Tour Guide "R2" yes his name was R2, perhaps spelt differently. What a warm, welcome and knowledgeable guide. He took us to his local village (the highlight of the tour for us) and told us about village life, the Chief ancestory and their for founders. Thanks for a lovely day thouroughly enjoyed it and the company of R2 our guide.

We were pleased we met R2 the guide we had the previuos day. His enthusiasm and knowldge of island life was boundless. He was willing to answer any questions put to him. The tour was made by the Guide and the stories he told, the Museum we visited and many other highlights we seen. Thanks again to R2 - hope we get to visit your island again and get to see you again.

Tour gave us a good overview of the city, although it did miss out the WWII gun which was advertised. Enjoyed the kava ceremony and especially enjoyed where we had lunch, which was included.

Our guide was Artu. He was great. He told us of the local history and of its way of life. He spoke of being related to all people and the society where respect is normal. We saw the sites, the fish markets and the governmental buildings. We were taken to a bowling club where we learned all about the coconut and kava from experts who showed us how the coconut is used down to the last bit of fiber. It was an amazing demonstration of skill and pride. We were treated to a lunch at an old trading post restaurant. The photos and posters on the wall tell the story of its history in films, but the meals placed before us told the story of welcome guests of today. All along, Artu was with us. He and our bus driver joined us for lunch and entertained us with stories we loved to hear. If you are in the area, find Artu and tell him "Bula" from his friends from our tour. He will teach you what that word means and what it means to the folks you will meet. It's a good thing. Bula.