Ecocultural tourism: FAQ

Do I need experience or specific knowledge?

No. Narasirato can work with learners, master classes, academics, musicians and non musicians, dancers and non dancers.

Are there limits on the number of people doing a course?

The courses are for individuals or a maximum of four people per course.

What languages are spoken?

Lessons will be taught in English. The villagers also speak Pigin English but Are'are is their first language.

How long do I need?

Each course of learning is for five days duration, four hours per day. Getting to and from Oterama will determine the length of your overall stay.

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit is between April and August, which is the drier time of year. Remember, Narasirato in translation means "crying for sunshine"!

What do the workshops teach?

It depends on how quickly and what you are endeavouring to learn! You could learn every aspect of one dance in five days, or five dances (one per day). If you can already play pan pipes or another wind instrument you may absorb the techniques and melodies quickly. So, it is up to whether you want to focus or gain an overview.

Is there electricity?

There is no electricity in Oterama although a generator may be able to be hired from a nearby village, with advance notice.

What do I need to bring?

Any course and learning materials, accommodation, bedding, mosquito net and all meals are provided. You bring all your own personal and medical (see below) requirements. You will be expected to take out any rubbish which you bring, such as plastic water bottles, cans, food wrappings, etc., so as to minimise your impact on the local environment.

Is there a shop to buy food, batteries and other items?

No, there is no shop at Oterama, so bring everything you might need.

What health precautions do I need to take?

The closest hospital is up to six hours away by motorboat and charges to cover petrol costs will apply to all motorboat transport. You should consult your medical practitioner to ensure that you have adequate information and medication for any existing condition and for health problems, including malaria, which may occur in tropical areas.

Can you provide vegetarian meals?

Yes, with advance notice.

What are the costs?

The costs for each person, in US dollars, are as follows:

Workshops (5 days) $280.00
Accommodation (5 nights) $75.00
Meals (a mix of traditional and western meals for 5 days) $100.00
Local travel arrangements fee $60.00

So the basic cost for five days is US$515.00

How do I get to Narasirato's home village?

Oterama is the small village where Narasirato live. Once in Honiara you can either fly, or take the fast ship or the slow ship. You will be picked up in a motorised boat from the landing point.

You can decide to make all your own travel arrangement or we can organise everything.

Brisbane-Honiara-Brisbane   Phone: 1300 304 688

From Honiara to Oterama Village there are three main options:

1. Slow ship at a cost of approximately US$45.00
2. Fast ship at a cost of approximately US$75.00
3. Flight to Afutara airstrip which costs approximately US$125.00

Added to this would be the cost of local motorised boat to pick up an return to your point of arrival and disembarkation. The cost for this is approximately US$30.00

Therefore the total cost for each person for the course is US$515 + boat/flight + pickup.

If we make travel arrangements for you then we will ask you for your preferences, in order. Note that as flight and ship departure and arrival times vary greatly, we may not be able to provide your preferred dates exactly as requested. To confirm your booking we will require a A$400.00 deposit. This is not refundable, as it will be used to transport food supplies, confirm internal transport, and for all arrangements to be confirmed well in advance of your arrival.

Can you give me an example of how a visit might be timed?

A suggested itenerary, which fits in with current timetables and involves modest cost, is as follows:

Arrive Honiara on Sunday
Fast ship from Honiara to Wairokai on Tuesday
Pickup by outboard canoe arriving Oterama on Tuesday afternoon
Workshops on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Monday
Tuesday rest day
Fast ship departure for Honiara on Wednesday