It isn't easy to board the wrong bus in Rarotonga. Only two routes exist and signs clearly identify them as "Clockwise" or "Anti-Clockwise".

They take 40 minutes to circle the paved rim of the Cook Islands' main isle, passing through tiny coastal villages. Jump on the wrong bus and the worst that happens is that you arrive slightly late. But, hey, it's island time where Swiss-style precision seems a world away.

Tourists love taking the bus for shopping trips to Avarua, the small capital. Alternatives are rented beach buggies, scooters and bicycles.

Bus routes are one of quirky Rarotonga's many pleasant surprises.

My first comes moments after I emerge from the aircraft. The nice immigration man tells me I should go to jail. What's more, his shift is about to end and he'll drive me there.

Somehow we're talking about ukuleles (it's that sort of place) as he thumbs slowly through my passport. He mentions that the best of these musical instruments - the Cook Islands' most popular souvenir, stocked by many a tourist shop - are crafted in the local prison.

I promise I'll take his advice and go to jail, though politely decline his offered lift. I insist I'll find my own way. Travel teaches that you never argue with an immigration officer.

When I arrive I'm told there are only six prisoners. A warder says speeding, public drunkenness and occasional burglaries are "usual" crimes - generally committed by people who've spent time in developed New Zealand where they've learned "bad habits". Less footloose Cook Islanders are quickly "put right" by their families.

Prisoners have various chores - with ukulele-making among them. Customers are tourists, turning up at the front gate, and souvenir stores.

Tourism is the Cook Islands' biggest industry - more important than fishing, pearl-farming and agriculture.

View original post here:

Cook Islands has no traffic lights