Solomon Islands: Growing with Kilikau Tabu Lodge
Offering a community based cultural experience for guests in a spectacular natural setting, Kilikau Tabu Lodge in the Solomon Islands is expanding!
Located an hour boat ride north of Honiara on Ngella Island, the lodge owned by Casper K Tugua, currently offers accommodation for 50 people, but it is set to expand in August with a brand-new facility on nearby Tulaghi Island.
In 2024, Casper accessed a BLP Business Support Grant to be more cost efficient, less dependent on fossil fuels and provide improvements for guests. “We were grateful for the BLP support to help us improve our existing operation. The grant allowed us to purchase a number of upgrades, including the installation of solar lighting into the lodge and other items like a freezer and new bedding.
Owner Casper K Tugua says, “We started out as a home stay facility to give people an understanding of what it is like living in a traditional Solomon Island Village.” The Lodge is popular for workshops, meetings and small conferences, he says. “It’s also a great place for total relaxation and to unwind in a tropical setting.
Focused on continuous improvement and learning from client feedback he says, “Guest feedback encouraged us to open an accommodation facility on Tulaghi Island, which is a short 3-minute boat ride away.” Casper says the new Lodge will still offer guests the same traditional Solomon Island experience, just with a bit more privacy.
The accommodation buildings are traditional leaf bungalows and will also include a kitchen and a bar. “The island and the waters around it are a protected area and will be a draw for guests to explore.”
“To build the traditional experience for guests, we’ve been working on a small project to build a traditional war canoe. It will provide a uniquely different experience, which I think guests will always remember.”
Supporting employment in the area, Casper says the expansion will result in an increase in staff employed, in line with the growth in guests to the island. “We currently employ six people, but we are looking to employ a professional cook, bar staff in the new operation and maybe a manager in the future.”
Excited for the future, there is much to do Casper says, “It’s early days, but we’ll be working with BLP to help us better market the Lodge and improve our bookings on the internet.” With a continuous improvement mindset, the future looks brilliant for Kilikau Tabu Lodge!
BLP facilitates access to business advisory services and financial support. To start your journey with BLP, you can self-assess your needs by using the free online tools available to help small- and medium-sized businesses diagnose areas in their businesses that an advisor could improve.
The first step can be the online Business Health Check. You can also check your business’s resilience to respond to crises or climate change challenges on the Business Continuity Planner and the Climate Action Sensor. If you prefer to meet a local BLP representative in person to discuss your business, get in touch with our local partners to arrange a face-to-face Diagnostic.
