Things to Do in Bellona

Bellona sits as one of the most remote and culturally distinct islands in the Solomon Islands archipelago, roughly 160 kilometers south of Guadalcanal. This raised coral atoll, known locally as Mungiki, maintains a fascinating blend of Polynesian heritage within a predominantly Melanesian nation - you'll actually hear more Rennellese-Bellonese language here than Solomon Islands Pijin. The island stretches about 10 kilometers long and 2.5 kilometers wide, with limestone cliffs rising dramatically from the ocean and creating a landscape that feels surprisingly different from the volcanic islands elsewhere in the Solomons. What makes Bellona particularly compelling is how traditional life continues largely unchanged despite modern influences. The island's roughly 3,000 residents still practice customary land tenure, maintain strong kinship ties, and participate in traditional ceremonies that have been passed down for generations. You might find yourself genuinely surprised by how intact the cultural practices remain - from traditional fishing methods using outrigger canoes to the complex social hierarchies that govern daily life. The island's isolation has been both a challenge and a blessing, preserving traditions while making access somewhat complicated for travelers.

Bellona's food scene revolves entirely around traditional Polynesian cuisine and whatever can be grown or caught locally. You'll find meals typically center around root vegetables like taro, sweet potato, and cassava, accompanied by fresh fish from the reef and occasional chicken or pork. Coconut features heavily in cooking, both as milk and oil, giving dishes a distinctive rich flavor. Most meals are prepared in traditional earth ovens or over open fires, creating wonderfully smoky flavors. Don't expect restaurants or cafes - meals are typically arranged through your accommodation or village contacts, and eating often becomes a communal social activity. The local specialty is traditionally prepared fish wrapped in leaves and cooked in coconut milk, which you'll likely encounter at most meals.

The dry season from May through October offers the most reliable weather for reaching and exploring Bellona, with less rainfall and calmer seas making boat and air transport more dependable. During these months, you'll find cave exploration more comfortable with lower humidity and reduced water levels in underground systems. That said, Bellona's tropical climate means it's warm year-round, and the wet season (November-April) brings lush vegetation and fuller water features, though travel can become more challenging due to weather-related transport cancellations. The cultural calendar doesn't follow tourist seasons - traditional ceremonies and community activities happen throughout the year based on local customs and church calendars. If you're hoping to witness specific cultural events, you'll need to coordinate with local contacts regardless of when you visit.