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Kolombangara: meaning 'Water Lord' , is an island in the Solomon’s Western Province, almost perfectly round, 30 kms across, and at its peak of 1,800 mts, the extinct volcano, Mt. Rano. 80 rivers and creeks flow down the slopes.   Kolombangara forms one of the highest mountains in the Solomon Islands outside of the Guadalcanal region. This area has been preserved from logging and is therefore home to dense jungle with a large variety of wildlife such as the local endemic birds the Kolombangara White Eye and local endemic frogs. Leleana Resort Kolombangara   is idyllically situated between the ocean and the lakes, with the mountain 'Heribangara'   poised behind the lakes, ready for your hiking or overnight trekking adventure. If the ‘ Mt. Rano 'extinct volcano'  expedition is out of your reach...do not miss out on ' Heribangara'.   Our guides are waiting for you. I will let the pictures tell the story! The Resort area is managed for conservation and is the perfect escape for those interested in adventure. Guests can trek the mountains, birdwatch, snorkel or enjoy other rainforest and river walks. All Leleana Resort  hikes are accompanied by our guides.  Elson, Leleana Resort's Tour guide, at the peak of Mt. Rano. Trekking to Mt Rano with Simon, guest from Denmark. (Below) The legend map, showing trekking approach and river/streamlines. View from Heribangara trek location...overlooking Leleana Resorts lakes and ocean frontage. Ancestors seat...part of the Heribangara ancestral trek. Don't miss out!

In the warm blue waters of the Solomon Islands, an island chain in the South Pacific, lies one of the world’s largest sea creatures. Roughly the size of two basketball courts, it’s neither a whale nor a giant squid. It is a single piece of coral. On Wednesday, a team of researchers and filmmakers exploring the Solomon Islands revealed that they found what they claim is the world’s largest individual coral colony. The coral, a communal organism comprising millions of animals called polyps, is 34 meters wide and 32 meters long — and so large it can be seen from space. A typical coral reef is made of many different coral colonies, most of which are genetically distinct, whereas this is just one individual. In new photos shared by the research team, the coral, a species known as Pavona clavus, looks like a lumpy brown mound covered in knobs. Closer views reveal bits of yellow, green, and purple. Given its size and the slow speed at which corals grow, this individual is likely several centuries old. The mega coral is so large it dwarfs the diver alongside it. “It’s a dream to see something unique like this,” Manu San Félix, an underwater photographer and marine biologist who first saw the coral last month in the Solomon Islands, told Vox. “When Napoleon was alive, this thing was here.” San Félix discovered the coral while filming near an island called Malaulalo for an ongoing National Geographic expedition. The expedition, a collaboration with the Solomon Islands government, is part of National Geographic’s Pristine Seas project, which aims to help countries establish more marine parks, in part by documenting sea life. It’s the biggest known animal of its kind.  Measuring 34 meters wide, 32 meters long and 5.5 meters high, with a circumference of 183 meters, the gigantic organism is a complex network of coral polyps. Visible from space, the mega coral is three times larger than the previous record-breaker, is believed to be about 300 years old, storing a record of ocean conditions from past centuries." Malaulalo is an uninhabited island in Solomon Islands ; it is the central one of the Olu Malau (Three Sisters) Islands located in Makira-Ulawa Province . Malaulalo Island is a beautiful island complete in itself and with a great attraction for ecotourism. Apart from its white sandy beaches and natural coastal landscapes, the island has a rich natural ecosystem and marine biodiversity. Let Leleana Resort Kolombangara get you there! Come stay...discover!

One of the most successful expeditions Leleana Resort Kolombangara offers is the 'Local Villages and Communities Tour'. Here is a 'review' example: We stayed 5 nights with Lily at Leleana Resort. Lily not only cooked for us, but she also suggested outings each day, and where possible, she'd join us or encourage us to tag along with her as she went about her errands. This experience was a little like staying with family and by the end of our five days, we felt like we were part of Lily's family. A huge highlight was being able to snorkel and free dive off a nearby island as well as snorkel outside the Leleana bungalows. The water is about 30 degrees and just the most stunning shade of blue that I've ever seen! When we ventured out, Lily would pack a picnic lunch such as tuna sandwiches and then serve these with a fresh coconut! Other highlights included visiting the local school, where Lily once attended, as well as venturing up the river for a picnic and swim - where the local women were washing their clothes as the young kids cavorted in the water. It was wonderful to be able to dig deeper into the local community through Lily's connection. It was such a unique experience! You must come & stay with us...and enjoy this 'unique experience' for yourself.

Snorkel and free dive at Double Island... as well as snorkel outside the Leleana bungalows. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAGJlhiOWd_/?igsh=MWNlcmtzeWZyNTM3dQ== Farewell to our treasured guests...till next time!

Leleana Resort Kolombangara is idyllically situated between the ocean and the lakes, with the mountain 'Heribangara' poised behind the lakes, ready for your trekking adventure. If the Mt. Rano 'extinct volcano' expedition is out of your reach...do not miss out on ' Heribangara'. Our guides are waiting for you. I will let the pictures tell the story! Kolombangara: meaning 'Water Lord' , is an island, 30 kilometers across, and at its peak of 1,800 metres, the extinct volcano, Mt. Rano. 80 rivers and creeks flow down the slopes. The Island is 400 kilometers from capital, Honiara.

What an amazing collection of wonderful guests at Leleana Resort Kolombangara. The smile on their faces says it all! "Sometimes you can have a whole lifetime in a day and never notice that this is as beautiful as it gets."

Lily and her team have the garden surroundings looking inviting and awaiting your presence!

Lily and her team are presenting some very nice additions to the Menu! Love desserts...love Leleana...

Kolombangara Island is quite unique. It is 687 square kilometers of stunning raw wilderness, home to an extinct volcano, dense jungle and an extraordinary array of wildlife. But if it is snorkeling and just plain walking you prefer, you have come to the right Resort. Leleana Resort: Beautiful in name, beautiful in nature. At Leleana Resort Kolombangara , the hand-crafted bungalows are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they are also completely solar-powered. Unplug and unwind!

' Unwind in a beautiful setting on a vibrant island Loved my stay, highlight of my journey. Felt like being part of the family. The views are amazing, as were the nature walks and boat trips through the lagoon. Great spot for birding, or just reading a book. Pick-ups and drop-offs went perfectly. Highly recommended!' Review from Maurijn de Heus from Netherlands. Enjoying the beauty and the mysteries of life on Kolombangara Island... and its many treasures, ...we have a fine array of visitors to Leleana Resort  from far and wide. Chris Cowan and son Andrew from Aussie travelling the ocean. Camelia from Romania being welcomed by Lavinta on arrival. Soltuna Managers and Staff enjoy at 'Vinarpoha'. ABA Gizo store managers and staff ' at 'Vinapoha' Bar/Restaurant Leleana's guests: the 'Heritage Expeditions' yearly visit from the ' Heritage Explorer ' ship. Our Investor guests at Imbu Rano Lodge , on the crater slopes of the 1800m high Kolombangara stratovolcano, Mt. Rano.

Its new! A welcoming hut... Just in time for our 75 Heritage Explorers 'Bird Watchers' visitors from our good client 'Heritage Expeditions' in New Zealand. Lily and her team have created a wonderful decking, with traditional 'leaf-hut' ceiling...ideal for a business or social gatherings. The broad space is located right on the lakeside, in close proximity to 'Vinarpoha' Bar/restaurant, with expansive views of the Heribangara ranges and the imposing Mt Rano, and placid lakes. Come visit and see for yourself! Don't forget August is 'Special Rate' month. Book now!

Owner/Manager Lily Duri has 'green fingers' when it comes to establishing beautiful surrondings at Leleana Resort. Worth the visit alone to see these wonders.