There are no roads in Marovo Lagoon. All transport is by canoe on the lagoon, or walking. There are no ‘bush walking’ trails as such, but there are rough pathways between villages that can be walked. It is best to take a guide with you. Guides can be hired for $200SBD per day.
There is no reticulated water in the village. All fresh water for drinking and washing comes from water tanks or from the headwaters of the creek. Guests may like to bring puritabs to help purify unboiled water.
There is no electricity in the village, although Tibara (like most villages in the lagoon) does have solar panels and batteries that power lights in the evening, and provide opportunities to recharge phones and watches. The battery power is limited, so use of electronic devices needs to be carefully managed to ensure there is enough power to run lights at night. It is recommended that guests bring personal solar charges to facilitate re-charging of personal electronic devices. There is no refrigeration in the village.
There is phone reception throughout the lagoon and it is reasonably reliable, but international roaming does not work well. Guests are advised to purchase a Solomon Islands’ Sim card (widely available in Honiara or Munda) and use the ‘top up’ facility (available in many places in the lagoon, Honiara and Munda) to pre-pay for phone/text and internet. Internet in the lagoon is relatively reliable, and is best in the mornings.
Because Tibara is a remote village, guests need to ensure they are fit and healthy, as medical attention is not close at hand. There is an excellent but basic clinic at Batuna township, an hour away by motorised canoe. The clinic regularly runs out of basic supplies like antibiotics and Panadol. Guests are advised to bring their own supplies of Panadol and it is also advisable to bring a course of broad spectrum antibiotics in case this drug is recommended by the clinic nurse.
Guests should consult their doctor regarding vaccinations and anti-malarial medication prior to travel.
Guests MUST have their own travel insurance.