Zipolo Habu Resort
Located on dreamy Lola Island in Vona Vona Lagoon in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands, Zipolo Habu Resort is the lost paradise of our childhood dreams. Nestled within a perfect blue lagoon and fringed by white sands and tall green palms, Lola truly reflects a quintessential island paradise. The resort is the result of many years of hard work by owners Joe and Lisa Entrikin who, along with their children, designed a place for those keen to enjoy a true island living experience.
While the specialty here is mostly sportfishing in the lagoon or beyond the reef, the resort can also arrange diving, surfing or tours to many outstanding sites all close by. There’s a wide range of accommodation options to suit a variety of budgets and group sizes. All the bungalows are constructed using traditional Vona Vona building materials of sago palm leaf, lawyer cane and wild betel nut trees, which gives your bungalow an authentic island living experience, while not compromising the comforts of home. Each are equipped with 240 volt power, fans and a kitchenette equipped with gas stove, refrigerator/freezer and cooking utensils. Fresh rain water is provided, along with tea and coffee making facilities. Mosquito nets are provided in each bedroom, they are seldom needed.
The waterfront Deluxe Bungalows have ensuite bathrooms, while the traditional and semi-deluxe utilize shared facilities conveniently located behind the bungalows amongst flowering orchids and frangipani. All bathrooms are fitted with hot water systems – brilliant for a warm shower after a day diving, fishing or surfing. There’s 24 hour electricity available except in the Traditional Bungalows where power is provided 11am to 11pm.
The kitchen loves to provide international food, infused with local flavors through local cooking techniques. Sseafood is the absolute specialty – whether it be barbecued crayfish, cuttlefish soup, chilli mud crab or sashimi tuna. Often, the local fishermen catch it and it’s on the table within hours. The restaurant also loves to prepare your own catch of the day to your liking as we all know that what we catch ourselves always tastes the best. There’s also a Waterfront Café for light bites and drinks. The bar is known for serving the coldest beer in the Western Province!
Fishing charters
When it comes to fishing, they are the professionals in the Solomon Islands. They offer lagoon, deep sea, river, estuaries and outer reef fishing. Guests regularly catch marlin, sailfish, mahi mahi, giant trevally, wahoo, spanish mackerel, coral trout, red sea bass and plenty more. fleet and onsite tackle shop, they’re also a great place to visit if you love diving, surfing and exploring.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
Through their partnership with local scuba dive operation ‘Dive Munda’ we are able to offer divers and snorkelers incredible diving opportunities, paired with personalized and professional service. Dive Munda are a PADI Dive Centre offering courses at all levels and specializing in showcasing the spectacular dive sites that the Munda area has to offer. The local dive list boasts a amazing array sites including unique fresh/salt water cave dives, stunning reef and drop offs, together with an ever-growing range of WWII wrecks. Dive Munda offer a free pick up and drop off service to all Zipolo Habu guests.
Surf Skull Island Break
Although the local surf can be extremely inconsistent, when the surf is up, you have it all to yourself. The resort break – ‘Skull Island’, which is almost paddling distance, is an extremely long, right hand break over deep coral reef – nice and safe. When it’s breaking, it’s usually very clean. There are two other confirmed surf breaks 5 to 20 minutes from the resort. A range of boards are available for hire from the resort at modest rates.
Exploring the Wild West
We have a range of tours designed to help you explore the local area. Here are some favorites:
Bikiki Island
Located only 5 minutes from the resort, spend the day on your own uninhabited island. We provide the picnic mat, snorkeling gear and can organisz a packed lunch and refreshments.
Duration: half to full day dependent on your wishes.
World War II Tours
The Solomon Islands played host to some of the fiercest battles of WWII and many remnants of that era still exist today. Close by you can see, amongst other things, a fully intact US Tank, Japanese bunker systems, an underground clinic, 140mm shore battery guns and a sunken Japanese freighter.
Skull Island Warrior Chief Shrine
For those interested in local history take a trip to nearby Skull Island to visit the shrine of the local warrior chiefs and get a taste of the unique head hunting past of the area.
Rainforest river trip
Take a boat ride to one of the nearby tidal rivers that run through lowland rainforest and experience, firsthand, this unique environment which is home to rare freshwater fish, exotic tropical birds and saltwater crocodiles.
Vona Vona Excursion
Tour the beautiful and complex passages through the unspoiled Mangrove edged Island Lagoon system. Visit Skull Island and a Basket Weavers Village. A 3 hour boat ride through the stunning Vona Vona Lagoon to the Blackett Straits and return.
Mantaray Island trip
A full day on a stunningly beautiful deserted island with picnic lunch, world class snorkeling, and fishing expeditions all included. We can also include a visit to nearby resorts for lunch or a cold drink.
Resort activities
There’s plenty of other activities right here on Lola Island and the great thing about them is they are free of charge for guests.
Lola Bush Walking Track – is a great walking track which weaves through the rainforest to the beach on the far side of the island. Enjoy the large array of local wildlife which include rare bird species.
Beach Volleyball Court – located on the foreshore and available for groups at any time.
Fishing from the private pier – a great place to find your dinner and when the fish are biting, you’ll be surprised what you can catch from there.
Kayaking - have a quiet paddle or circumnavigate the island. Kayaks are free for guests and available any time.
Relax in a hammock - scattered throughout the island, these are a perfect place to relax in the cool island breeze.
Book swap – free for guests and full of some everchanging great titles.
Board games - brilliant on the odd rainy day, we’ve got a great selection of board games including a brilliant locally carved chess table.
Solomon Airlines operate numerous flights daily to Munda from Honiara. Flights to Munda can also be purchased from other regional airports in the West such as Gizo and Seghe. Zipolo Habu Resort is located on Lola Island in the beautiful Vona Vona Lagoon, Western Province of the Solomon Islands.
The resort is only 20 minutes scenic boat ride from Munda airport or Noro Shipping Wharf or they can provide a connection by motorboat from other areas in the Western Province.
