Kiribati

Quick Facts

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Capital

Tarawa

Population

99,000

Government

Republic

Religions

Christianity (Catholic, Protestant)

Languages

Kiribati, English

Calling Code

+686

Nationality

I-Kiribati

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Introduction

Kiribati (pronounced kee-ree-bus) is a collection of coral atolls lying just east of the date line and just south of the equator. While Western hands have had their sphere of influence, Kiribati is yet to be overrun by tourists and has managed to maintain traditional aspects of its culture. The result is a unique holiday for those few travellers who head to Kiribati. This is certainly not the place to expect a brilliant package tour: part of the adventure of Kiribati is that you have to get out there and arrange your own activities. But with a wealth of WWII relics dotting the islands and an abundance of aquatic beauty to enjoy, it shouldn't be too hard finding things to do.

Brief History

Geography

Regions/Islands

Kiribati can be divided into three groups of islands.

• Gilbert Islands comprises 16 atolls
• Phoenix Islands comprises 8 atolls and coral islands roughly 1,800 km southeast of the Gilberts.
• Line Islands comprises 8 atolls and a reef roughly 3,300 km east of the Gilberts.

Another island not included in those groups is Banaba, an isolated island between Nauru and Gilbert Islands.

Cities/Towns

• South Tarawa, the capital, located on Tarawa Atoll

Sights and Activities

Abaiang

Abaiang which basically means north land is the most easily accessed of the outer islands. Still, like many island of Kiribati it offers a fantastci remote experience. For example, children shout a mauri to an I-Matang (white person) and women can be seen weaving thatch or salting clams to send to Tarawa. Activities include a bit of hiking or biking towards the Catholic church, which has rainbow-coloured window frames. It is a 15 minute plane ride or a 4 hour boat ride from Tarawa.

Abemama

Abemama almost became the capital of Kiribati after WWII when the islands were still called the Gilbert Islands. In the end though, Tarawa won out because of the easier access through its surrounding reef. The island has its own royal family and apart from culture, there is nature to explore as well. For example a meeting with a rare species of tiny yellow 'barking' frog, which probably was introduced from Tuvalu to prevent the mosquito population growing to fast. In 1889, famous Robert Louis Stevenson dropped by and the British placed the Kingdom of Abemama under their protection in 1892, and it was declared a Crown Colony in 1911.

Butaritari

Another, Butaritari is one of the Outer Gilbert Islands and is in fact the greenest island of Kiribati. You can see breadfruit, coconut, pandanus and other fruit-bearing trees flourishing on its rich soils. Apart from nature, Butaritari also has something to offer for fans of culture and history: there is a lopsided wreckage of a Japanese seaplane near Butaritari village.

Other sights and activities

• Christmas Island - good for the so-called bonefishing
• Taiwan Park - views across the ocean, swimming
• Ambo Lagoon Club - South Tarawa, relaxing, lounging, swimming at beautiful white beach

Events and Festivals

Weather

Getting there

Plane

Both Tarawa and Christmas Island are served by international flights. Tarawa is served by Our Airline (Air Nauru) from Nauru.
Air Pacific flies to Christmas Island from both Nadi (Fiji) as Honolulu on the Hawaiian Islands.

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Getting Around

By Plane

Air Kiribati, the national airline provides regular services to most of the major islands from Bonriki International Airport on Tarawa. The airline currently operates two aircraft, a CASA C-212-200 and a Harbin Y-12 II ^[1]

By Car

It is possible to rent a car in Kiribati, providing you are aged over 17 years old and have a valid overseas driving license. Be aware that driving is on the left in Kiribati and the speed limit is 40 km/h in the towns and up to 60 km/h on the highways.

You can try the following rental agencies.

• Toyota Rent-a-Car, Bairiki, Tarawa. Phone: (686) 21 090
• Mary’s Motel, Bairiki, Tarawa. Phone: (686) 21 164 Fax: (686) 21 362
• Otintaai Hotel Bikenibeu, Tarawa. Phone: (686) 28 084

By Bus

Privately owned buses provide a cheap and efficient way to get from the airport to the main centres on South Tarawa. Flag one down on the main road and get off at any point. Shout out "I-Kai" to let them know you want to get off. If they sound their horn when you are trying to get a ride, it means they are full.

By Boat

Ships travel to all the outer islands from Betio, Tarawa, although you might have to wait a while if you want to go to one of the more out-of-the-way destinations. The MV Supercat is the fastest, most comfortable option available, ph: (686) 22 538 .

Red Tape

Money

Kiribati uses the Australian Dollar (AUD). Australian Dollar notes come in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 and coins come in 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1 and $2.

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