tarawa travel guide

Out of Your Comfort Zone

The art of backpacking & adventures to get out of your comfort zone – tips and advice, the ultimate guide to visit kiribati (3-day tarawa itinerary).

Last Updated on February 23, 2024 by Talita

Planning a trip to the Kiribati or Tarawa? Wondering what to do, where to stay, what you should know, how to see the Tarawa WWII sites, and more? Then read on for all you need to know! 

As the third least visited country in the world, there are few places more “off-the-beaten-path” than the island nation of Kiribati.

Although the country may not have many of the “usual” attractions that draw tourists in…

It IS rich in history, geopolitical intrigue (it’s at the crossroads of American, Chinese , and Australian foreign interests), and friendly, curious people who will wonder why the heck you are there (and will just about always offer you a ride if you need one). 

But as you can probably imagine, Kiribati’s remoteness and general unknownness makes it a bit tricky to plan a trip to. In fact, I didn’t find a *single* blog talking about Kiribati when I searched before our trip! 

With that in mind, I wanted to put together this article to give you the Kiribati info I wished I had before my trip. 

So let’s get to it! 

Table of Contents

• 1    Kiribati Fast Facts 
• 2    How to plan a trip to Kiribati 
• 3.1 Day 1: Settle in and scope things out 
• 3.2 Day 2: Day trip to North Tarawa 
• 3.3 Day 3: Visit WWII sites in Betio 
• 4    Final tips and things to know before visiting Kiribati 
• 5 In conclusion… 
• 7 Planning your next trip?

   Kiribati Fast Facts 

      1.1 How do you say Kiribati? (Hint: it’s probably not how you think!) 

It’s “Kiri-bas.” 🙂 

      1.2 Where is Kiribati located? 

Kiribati is a Micronesian island nation located in the central Pacific Ocean.

In general, Kiribati is quite isolated. Its nearest neighbor, the tiny island nation of Nauru, is about 300 miles away. The next closest neighbor is Tuvalu, coming in at 600+ miles away.  

A traditional, open-air thatched home in Kiribati

      1.3 How many islands make up Kiribati? 

Kiribati is composed of 33 atolls and reef islands. Due to the large distances between these islands, Kiribati has claims to a vast area of Pacific maritime territory. 

Normally, Kiribati’s islands are divided into 3 groups: 

• Gilbert Islands: the northernmost group of islands, known as the Kiribati capital region and home to the main population centers, including Tarawa 
• Phoenix Islands: the southeastern group of islands (there are no passenger ferries or scheduled flights to this region, so you’re unlikely to visit as a tourist) 
• Line Islands: the easternmost group of islands, includes Kiritimati (also known as Christmas Island), which is the largest atoll in the world by land area and famous for sport/fly fishing 

      1.4 What islands to visit in Kiribati? 

As a tourist, the only islands people really go to are Tarawa (the capital, and the island we’ll be talking about in this article) and Kiritmati/Christmas Island, which attracts primarily those interested in sport and fly fishing. 

Note that the distance between Tarawa and Christmas Island is some 2,000 miles apart, and there are no direct flights or passenger ferries available. So, you’ll probably just want to focus on one island for your trip. 

Tarawa, Kiribati

In which case, unless you happen to really like fishing, I’d recommend Tarawa to get the “full” Kiribati experience. 

      1.5 Who makes up the population of Kiribati? 

Kiribati’s population is primarily composed of Micronesian people, with a number of different ethnic groups present in the country. The citizens of Kiribati are called I-Kiribati and, due to the remote island setting, have a unique culture and heritage. 

Most of the population is concentrated in South Tarawa, making overpopulation a serious issue on the island. Due to the limited land area and economic challenges, many I-Kiribati have migrated to larger neighboring countries, such as New Zealand and Fiji.  

Other than the I-Kiribati, you’ll also find a handful of foreigners – primarily aid workers from New Zealand, Australia, or with the UN – who have made Kiribati a temporary or permanent home. 

      1.6 What’s the weather like in Kiribati?

Kiribati has a tropical climate, making it very hot and humid for most of the year.  

      1.7 What language do they speak in Kiribati? 

The official languages of Kiribati are Gilbertese (also known as Kiribati) and English. 

Gilbertese, an Austronesian language, is the mother tongue of the majority of the population and the primary language for everyday communication. 

English is used in official government matters, education, and business. However, at least in our experience, not everyone speaks the language comfortably. 

      1.8 Is Kiribati safe? 

As a whole, Kiribati is a very safe destination. While it may be characterized as poor and underdeveloped, the country has a strong sense of community, and citizens generally have a high degree of trust in one another. 

With this in mind, it’s unlikely you’ll have any problems as a tourist. But of course, use common sense and take basic precautions like avoiding walking around with fancy jewelry or flashing wads of cash in public.

You will, however, have to deal with this chaos at the South Tarawa airport on your departure!

      1.9 “The name ‘Kiribati’ sounds familiar. Aren’t they one of those island countries that are sinking/will be underwater with rising sea levels and climate change?” 

Given its remoteness and size, it should come as no surprise that most people haven’t even heard of Kiribati. 

But if they’ve heard anything, it’s either A) that it was the site of WWII’s bloody Battle of Tarawa, or B) that this small atoll is going to be one of the first to end up underwater and uninhabitable due to climate change.

However, we talked to locals on the ground in Kiribati, and they told us that, although Kiribati may feel the effects of climate change in other ways, the country is not actually in any danger of disappearing. 

Yes, Kiribati’s highest point is just 3 meters above sea level!

Sea levels may be rising, but, interestingly enough, many low-lying islands in the Pacific are actually increasing their land area and growing. This growth is attributed to the natural process of coral accretion in atolls. (However, I’m not an expert here, so please don’t quote me on the specifics!) 

   How to plan a trip to Kiribati 

      2.1 How to get to Kiribati

You won’t find passenger ferries or cruise ships that make their way to Kiribati, so you’ll have to fly in. 

Given that the country has just one international airport, Bonriki International Airport located in south Tarawa, this will most likely be your entry point to the country. 

Few countries fly direct to Kiribati, so expect a layover or two (or three). 

If you’re having trouble finding a reasonably-priced flight, it might be worth looking into buying one ticket from your home country to Fiji, and then a separate ticket from Fiji to Tarawa. 

View from Dreamer’s Guesthouse, Kiribati

Note that flights to Kiribati, no matter how you do it, are expensive. If you can, we recommend flying with miles. 

      2.2 How to get around Kiribati 

Once you’re in Tarawa, getting around is fairly straightforward. Given the narrowness of the island, there’s really just one main road that can conveniently take you anywhere. 

South Tarawa’s “main” road

Along this road, you’ll find regular buses. Since there’s just one bus line, you don’t have to worry about catching the wrong one. 

Other than that, we had pretty good luck hitchhiking. (In fact, people were so friendly that, even when we were waiting for the bus, they stopped and offered to give us a ride!) 

Finally, we were surprised to see that Tarawa is quite bike-friendly, with a bike lane stretching the entire length of the main road. So if you’re able to get your hands on a bike (see section 2.3 below for more on this), it could be a fantastic way to explore the island at your own pace. 

      2.2 Where to stay in Kiribati 

As mentioned in section 1.4, there are really only two islands in Kiribati that you might consider visiting as a tourist: Tarawa or Christmas Island. 

Since our visit was limited to Tarawa, this article will primarily focus on info about this particular island. 

      2.3 Where to stay in Tarawa 

There are a few budget-y guesthouse options in Tarawa. 

The cheapest option in Kiribati is Mary’s Motel, a fan favorite that’s located at the beginning of the causeway that connects Bairiki to Betio. 

Mary’s Motel is one of the few, if not the only, option in Kiribati that you can book directly online from their website here . 

However, we chose to pay a bit more and stay at Dreamer’s Guesthouse. With just 3 rooms, availability may be limited. But it’s worth staying at, if you can. 

Dreamer’s Guesthouse, South Tarawa, Kiribati

Personally, we loved staying with the British-Kiribati family that runs Dreamer’s (Richard, in particular, was a wealth of knowledge and fascinating to talk to…and his wife and “better half,” Beto, was incredibly kind as well). 

Plus, the views overlooking the lagoon were nothing short of spectacular. 

Rodrigo getting some work done while enjoying the view from Dreamer’s

Accommodations include self-contained units with a bedroom, a small kitchen, and a bathroom, along with free airport transfers and a tasty breakfast. 

Generally, Richard also has free kayaks that you can borrow to take out on the lagoon and bikes to traverse the island. If you’d like to use the bikes, just make sure you email him before your trip so he can have them ready for you. 

One downfall: Dreamer’s doesn’t have A/C. But in our experience, the breeze coming from the lagoon is strong enough most nights that you don’t really need it. 

As a final option, you could also consider staying at one of the rustic, open-air “eco-lodges” in North Tarawa. Do be aware that this will require a bit more planning and coordination, particularly in terms of transportation. 

Open-air eco-lodge accommodation in North Tarawa

Here is a list from the Kiribati tourism board of some of the eco-lodges to look into . 

      2.4 How long to stay in Kiribati/Tarawa 

Due to flight schedules, you’ll have to have a 3-day minimum stay in Kiribati. But to be honest, unless you plan to spend some time at any of the North Tarawa eco-resorts I mentioned above, 3 days should be plenty. 

   What to do in Kiribati (Tarawa 3-day itinerary) 

Truthfully, there’s *not* a ton to do in Tarawa as a tourist.

In fact, the highlight of our time in Kiribati was far less about what we actually did, and far more about all the interesting people we met.

Traditional, open-air thatched accommodation North Tarawa

For example, we had the chance to learn from Richard and his family at Dreamers , befriend a fellow Brazilian who moved to Kiribati for love, connect with Australian aid workers involved in essential projects like building desalination plants and waste management, and engage with UN staff on the island to promote vaccines. 

Because of this, as I said in section 2.4, a 3-day itinerary in Tarawa is likely plenty. 

Day 1: Settle in and scope things out 

Depending on your arrival, you might not have much time to explore on day 1. 

In our case, we settled into our guesthouse, went to the supermarket to stock up on supplies, and spent the evening chatting with our host and the other guest (a UNICEF worker in the country for a vaccine initiative) about Kiribati and life. 

If you’re staying at Dreamers, you could also use your first day to take out Richard’s kayak, paddleboard, or simply walk out in the flats at low tide. 

Lagoon in front of Dreamer’s, Kiribati, at high tide

Day 2: Day trip to North Tarawa 

While South Tarawa bustles as the country’s administrative and commercial center, North Tarawa, a car-free series of islands north of the airport, offers a peaceful contrast with small settlements and villages.

No cars allowed in North Tarawa

Separated by water, there are no bridges connecting North Tarawa and South Tarawa. However, at low tide, it becomes shallow enough to walk across. 

Crossing to North Tarawa on foot at low tide

Alternatively, you hitch a boat ride across for a few cents during high tide. 

Crossing back to South Tarawa by boat at high tide

North Tarawa doesn’t have specific “must-do” attractions. Rather, its charm lies in going for a stroll and seeing what you find. 

An eco-lodge in North Tarawa

During our visit, we came across a clam farm, a boat factory, a local school (where enthusiastic students wanted to take a pic with us!), and several small villages. 

Clam Farm in Kiribati

The students of North Tarawa were excited to see visitors!

You can find the clam farm and boat factory on the shore to the right, just after you’ve crossed into North Tarawa. 

Getting to the crossing point from South Tarawa to North Tarawa may require a bit of creativity as there are no buses that go this far. We were lucky that Richard from our guesthouse was kind enough to drive us one way, and hitchhiking back was relatively easy. 

There’s also a ferry that connects South Tarawa and North Tarawa. We were told it comes once per day from North Tarawa to South Tarawa in the morning, and once per day from South Tarawa to North Tarawa in the afternoon/evening. 

In other words, you won’t be able to take the ferry unless you do an overnight in North Tarawa. (In which case, check out section 2.3 for eco-lodge recommendations.) 

One crucial tip: you won’t find any facilities, food, or drinks in North Tarawa unless pre-arranged with one of the eco-lodges. So make sure you bring what you need for the day. 

Day 3: Visit WWII sites in Betio 

Like many islands in the Pacific, Kiribati (and Tarawa, specifically) saw intense fighting between the Americans and the Japanese during WWII. 

WWII relics in Betio, Kiribati

Betio, a small islet on the southwestern tip of South Tarawa, was the main target of the American landing during the Battle of Tarawa in November 1943. 

The island was heavily fortified by the Japanese before this landing, and the remnants of this, including bunkers, anti-ship guns pointing to the sea, a Japanese command center, and other relics, can still be seen in the area today. 

WWII anti-ship gun in Betio, South Tarawa, Kiribati

While some of the bunkers and fortifications are located right off the main island road and thus easy to find, others are more hidden.

WWII bunker in Kiribati (can be found right behind the Betio police station)

   Final tips and things to know before visiting Kiribati 

      4.1 That beautiful turquoise lagoon might not be as clean as you think (AKA proceed with caution if you choose to swim!) 

Open defecation is still practiced in the lagoons that surround Kiribati. 

So unless you’re in North Tarawa and far from the city, it’s advisable to consider skipping that swim, no matter how inviting the water looks (or how badly you want to cool off from the heat!)

Thankfully, you should be good to swim here in North Tarawa!

If you *really* want to go in the water, at the very least make sure you keep your head above it. 

      4.2 Keep cash on hand. 

Like many developing countries, cash is king in Kiribati. Thankfully, there are a handful of ATMs. Though we didn’t see it, we were told there was one at the airport. Otherwise, you’ll find one near the parliament building (the guards will let them through if you tell them you are there for the ATM), one in Bairiki, and one in Betio. 

The “Broken Bridge” in North Tarawa

      4.3 Be prepared for a bit of an adventure. (This isn’t Tahiti or Fiji, after all!) 

Unlike many other Pacific island nations, Kiribati isn’t exactly a place you go for luxury, comfort, or even a relaxing beach holiday. 

On Tarawa, overcrowding, lack of sufficient waste management, and things like clean water access are daily issues for much of the population. And as a visitor, you’ll find infrastructure and tourism services to be limited. 

The country may be beautiful, but trash is a serious problem

It’s a unique experience, to be sure. And as long as you arrive with an open mind and with some knowledge of what to expect…

I’m sure you’ll have a great (or at least interesting!) time 🙂 

In conclusion… 

And that’s it! Still have questions about your trip to Kiribati? Or have you already been and have something to add?

Let us know in the comments area below and we’ll get back to you! 

(P.S. If you’re going to the Solomon Islands before or after your trip to Kiribati, then make sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Solomon Islands as well!) 

Planning your next trip?

 Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, our article with The 6 Best and Cheapest Websites to Find & Reserve Accommodation can help you out. You’ll also find some promotions and discount codes .

 Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at our page with 16 Tips to Save on Flights where you’ll also find the 4 best websites to buy your plane tickets. 

And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then surely our page with The 5 Best and Cheapest Websites to Compare and Rent Cars Around the World will help you choose the best rental car and find a good deal.

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Next stop….The DMZ, South Korea

Young Pioneer Tours

A Travel Guide to Tarawa, Kiribati

Ever heard of Tarawa? Tarawa is the capital “island” of the Republic of Kiribati. Not so fun fact, the country might not exist in 20 years if we don’t fix global warming! Ok gloom aside, let’s talk about the place.

The Republic of Kiribati was once a major battlefield during WW2, with the place being littered with enough WW2 stuff to keep even the most avowed war geek happy.

It is also one of the Least Visited Countries in the world, which is why we picked it for our inaugural tour.

What are the basic facts?

• Its the capital of the Republic of Kiribati
• They use the AUD$, which is pretty convenient
• Its considered to be very safe

There’s lots to do on Tarawa!  Here is our ultimate Tarawa travel guide for you!

What do you do in Tarawa on the least visited countries tour?

Day 1 is arrival, rest, catch up on the internet before heading out for the WW2 tour. Its a little bit hot, but is a wet dream for history buffs. Most of the local people still live a village type lifestyle, and they are also extremely friendly. Lots of photos with kids and locals alike. I even tried the local sport which is hurling a really heavy ball at an opponent, potentially to maim them I guess.

On day 2 we took a day trip to a tropical island village, that was beautiful and fascinating in equal measure. We were supposed to get home at 6 pm, we got home at midnight. Gotta love island time. We also got to try Kava, and have drinks with the minister of the environment. A good day was had by all!

Can I go explore Tarawa by myself?

There’s a bus service, but not much in the way of taxis, as well as boats to the other atolls and islands. Keep in mind island time is REAL in Kiribati, so always have a plan B.

Is it worth staying here longer?

If you are joining the YPT Least Visited Countries Tour, it would be possible to double back here from Honiara, in the Solomon Islands.

As for if it’s worth staying longer? Of all the countries I visited on this trip, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, Kiribati is the one place I would truly love to come back to. Of my now 131 countries I have visited, I would say Kiribati is now one of my favorites for sure.

When is your next tour to Tarawa?

Young Pioneer Tours currently run one tour per year to Tarawa as part of our Least Visited Countries Tour, but are looking at adding more. Check out our 2018 tour , or contact us for more details on travel to Kiribati

About Post Author

Alistair Riddell

Spending most of his time in Cuba, Alistair leads both our Central and South American tours. He particularly enjoys the lesser-seen side of Cuba where regular tourists don’t venture, such as relics of Cuba’s Soviet relations and also exploring the ‘new’ Cuba – seeking out new restaurants, bars and other private businesses.

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Mauri ... this is Hello and Welcome in Kiribati!

Kiribati is for travellers – those who have a passion for exploring and discovering, people who like an adventure off the tourist trail to places where few have been before, and people who want to understand a country – not just see it. Kiribati will challenge your view of how life should be and show you a less complicated way of living where family and community come first.

Situated in the equatorial pacific, in the east Kiribati offers world class fishing (both game and bone fishing) from Kiritimati Island . In the west is the Gilbert Group of islands, which offer amazing and unique cultural experiences. The country’s capital of Tarawa has historic sites and artefacts where one of the bloodiest battles of World War II , the Battle of Tarawa.

If you are visiting as part of your work, we would encourage you to explore Kiribati to experience these delights – South Tarawa should not be the only Atoll you visit when you have 33 to choose from, even the nearby North Tarawa offers a very different perspective!

We Are Ready For You

Travel info.

Here’s a quick breakdown of all of the practical information that you need to know when planning a trip to Kiribati

Places To Stay

Check out our list of best places to stay in Kiribati and book your accommodation online

What's New?

Read our blog to learn a little more about what’s on offer in Kiribati

See You in Kiribati

Tarawa Travel Guide: All You Need To Know

Tarawa is the capital and the most developed atoll of the Republic of Kiribati in the central Pacific Ocean. It offers a mix of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and a glimpse into the local way of life. Here’s a travel guide to Tarawa:

Places to Visit in Tarawa:

Bairiki: This is the administrative center of South Tarawa and home to government buildings, including the official residence of the President of Kiribati.

Betio: The western part of South Tarawa, known for its World War II history. Visit the war memorials and bunkers.

Ambo: Located at the southern tip of South Tarawa, it’s a good place to experience traditional Kiribati life. You can observe local customs and traditions.

Teinainano Urban Council (TUC) Beach: A popular beach in Bairiki for swimming and relaxing.

Bonriki International Airport: The main gateway to the country. While not a tourist attraction, you’ll likely arrive and depart from here.

Best Time to Visit Tarawa:

The best time to visit Tarawa is during the dry season, which runs from April to September. The weather is pleasant, and outdoor activities are more enjoyable during this period. Keep in mind that Tarawa has a hot and humid tropical climate.

Things to Do in Tarawa:

History and War Memorials: Explore World War II remnants, including bunkers, pillboxes, and war memorials. Betio is a significant site in this regard.

Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in the local culture by participating in traditional activities and ceremonies. You can often find local performances, dances, and music.

Beach Activities: Relax on the beautiful sandy beaches, swim in the clear waters, or try snorkeling and other water sports.

Local Markets: Visit the local markets in Bairiki to shop for souvenirs and experience daily life.

How to Get Around in Tarawa:

Walking: South Tarawa is relatively small, and walking is a practical way to explore the local attractions.

Bicycles: Renting a bicycle is a common mode of transportation for both locals and tourists.

Taxis: You can find taxis in South Tarawa for longer journeys.

Where to Eat in Tarawa:

Dining in Tarawa is a mix of local cuisine and some international options. You can try i-Kiribati (traditional feast), seafood, and coconut-based dishes. Restaurants and guesthouses often serve local food.

Famous Street Stalls in Tarawa:

While street stalls aren’t common in Tarawa, you can find local food vendors selling traditional dishes and snacks in markets and at local gatherings.

Where to Stay in Tarawa:

Accommodation options in Tarawa include hotels, guesthouses, and lodges. Some popular places to stay in South Tarawa are:

Utirerei Hotel Mary’s Motel Tungaru Central Hotel Travel Tips for Tarawa:

Respect Local Customs: Respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when not at the beach, and ask for permission before taking photos of people.

Health Precautions: Drink bottled water, use sunscreen, and take necessary precautions to avoid heatstroke.

Language: English and Gilbertese are the main languages spoken. Learning a few basic Gilbertese phrases can enhance your experience.

Currency: The currency is the Kiribati Dollar (AUD). Ensure you have enough cash for your stay, as ATMs may be limited.

Time Zone: Tarawa operates on its own unique time zone, UTC+12.

Tarawa offers an intriguing blend of cultural experiences and historical sites in a beautiful tropical setting. Enjoy the local hospitality and take the time to explore the unique charm of this atoll.

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Explore Tarawa Atoll

Plan Your Trip to Tarawa Atoll: Best of Tarawa Atoll Tourism

Essential tarawa atoll.

Tarawa Atoll Is Great For

Unveiling History's Depths

Your gateway to a unique fusion of history, adventure, and culture, untold stories of valor and enchantment.

Welcome to an exclusive voyage into the heart of Tarawa, Kiribati, where history, adventure, and culture intertwine harmoniously. As trailblazers in private tourism for this mesmerizing destination, we invite you to join us on an unparalleled expedition. Immerse yourself in the poignant chapters of World War II as you explore the submerged remnants and wrecks beneath the pristine waters.

Yet, our journey isn’t confined to history; it’s also a celebration of the vibrant present. Discover the spirit of the Pacific through the embrace of local traditions, the allure of untouched beaches, and the enchantment of a place where every moment resonates with significance. Your voyage of a lifetime awaits.

Discover World War II Relics in Tarawa: A Journey

Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Kiribati

The Battle of Tarawa: Unveiling Kiribati’s Historic Past

Embark on Your Extraordinary Expedition Today!

Are you ready to dive into a realm where history and culture intertwine? Join us in unearthing the secrets of WWII wrecks beneath Tarawa's azure waters and immersing yourself in the captivating tapestry of Kiribati's traditions. Your adventure begins here – a journey that promises memories etched in time. Book your voyage today and be part of an experience like no other.

Kiribati travel guide, including map of Kiribati, key facts, travel tips, culture, things to do in Kiribati, accommodation, transport and weather in Kiribati

Kiribati doesn’t just offer one island idyll; in fact, it is a string of 33 coral atolls scattered nearly 4,000 km across the Pacific .

Formerly known as the Gilbert Islands, these tropical isles are truly remote; the capital Tarawa lies about halfway between Hawaii and Australia. It’s one of the poorest countries in the world and the locals eke out a living by selling coconuts and relying on the ocean for food.

While Tarawa is busy, life on many of the 21 inhabited islands is slow – villagers work the copra plantations or go fishing before retiring to huts fashioned out of coconut and pandanus trees .

Food is fresh and simple and folk music and dance (involving chanting and body percussion) has evolved into an art form .

Visitors can wander World War Two relics , enjoy fishing and diving on the endless reefs or take in some traditional entertainment . Other than that there’s not a lot to do, apart from soaking up the sun on the ubiquitous Robinson Crusoe-esque beaches of course.

Wanderlust recommends

• Tap your feet to a rousing song and dance performance
• Take to the water to explore never ending Pacific reefs
• See the remnants of World War Two on Tarawa and Butaritari Atoll where guns, bunkers, tanks and shipwrecks can still be found. Guided tours are available on Tarawa
• Go bird watching on Kiribati Island and keep your eyes peeled for the endangered Phoenix Petrel and White Throated Storm Petre
• Select a beach , sit back and relax

Wanderlust tips

Laws forbid revealing swimwear so pack accordingly.

You can’t buy many things on the islands so come prepared : take your own sunscreen, insect repellent and medicine.

Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation .

Further Reading

Travel in kiribati: vital statistics.

• Capital of Kiribati: Tarawa Atoll
• Population of Kiribati: 112.8 thousand.
• Languages in Kiribati: English, Gilbertese  
• Time in Kiribati: GMT+12*
• International dialling code in Kiribati: +686
• Voltage in Kiribati: 240 AC, 50 Hz<
• Visas for Kiribati: Kiribati visas
• Money in Kiribati: The Kiribati dollar . There are a small number of ATMs. Credit cards are rarely used. Most places will only accept cash.
• Kiribati travel advice: Foreign and Commonwealth Office
• Kiribati tourist board: Kiribati tourism

*On 1 January 1995, Kiribati proclaimed that all of its territory was in the same time zone as its Gilbert Islands group (UTC +12) even though the Phoenix Islands and the Line Islands under its jurisdiction were on the other side of the International Date Line.

When to go to Kiribati

The islands hug the equator making the weather hot and humid , with year round temperatures of between 26 - 32ºC.

The rainy seasons are February - May and September - November. Typhoons can occur any time, but they usually happen between November and March.  

International airport

Bonriki (TRW), 22 km from Bairiki.

Getting around in Kiribati

With three island groups (the Gilbert Islands, Line Islands and Phoenix Islands) stretching such long distances across the Pacific , getting around can prove tricky. Certain islands are very hard to reach.

Two airlines, Air Kiribati Ltd and Coral Sun Airways, fly between the islands.

Supercat , a fast, privately-run boat service based in Betio operates an inter-island service. Most months Kiribati Shipping Services Ltd sends passenger ships to the outer islands.

There are regular minibus services on Tarawa although these can get crowded. Self drive car hire is an option but roads are poor.        

Kiribati accommodation

Commandeering your own private island is a distinct possibility as Kiribati boasts no fewer than 12 uninhabited isles. You will have to rough it though.

Failing that, there are a range of accommodation options from hotels and homestays to council guesthouses and traditional kia kia or buia dwellings.

Throughout Tarawa accommodation is readily available and you can choose from air conditioned hotels with attached restaurants to a village based kia kia.

The outer islands have at least one council guesthouse on each although standards vary and many are poorly equipped. You may need to take your own water.

Kiribati food & drink

As you would expect, seafood dominates local cuisine , particularly fresh fish , shrimps , crabs and shellfish .

Most meals are accompanied by rice . Dishes are livened up with an array of spices and sauces .

Fruits include coconuts, bananas and breadfruit . Coconuts are used in both main meals and desserts such as macapuno (jam) and bibingka (rice and coconut milk pudding).

Chinese restaurants can be found in some areas.       

Health & safety in Kiribati

Kiribati is generally very safe . The high level of poverty may make tourists attractive to thieves so take the usual precautions and don’t roam around after dark in Beito or along the beach in South Tarawa, especially if you are a lone female.

Tuberculosis, hepatitis A and dengue fever pose a risk.

Be cautious when swimming – Tarawa Lagoon is heavily polluted and ocean-side reefs can be dangerous.

Locally caught fish can cause food poisoning (ciguatera) even if they have been cooked or frozen. When travelling on the roads be extra careful as the mixture of pigs, buses, cars, dogs and people can cause accidents.

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Fishing – a Kiribati way of Living

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Te Wa – Kiribati’s link to its most Valued Resource, the Ocean

Travel Guide Oceania Micronesia Kiribati Gilbert Islands Tarawa

Introduction

Tarawa is the capital of Kiribati . Sometimes called South Tarawa, it is located on the Tarawa Atoll. It is the administrative centre of the country, but is of no particular interest for travellers. The South Tarawa population center is made up of several small islands and all separated islands are joined by causeways, forming one long island. The Japanese Causeway links South Tarawa to Betio. The country and city are not your typical tropical dream destinations and not many visitors go here. As a result, infrastructure, hotels and other facilities are limited.

Tarawa has a large lagoon, 500 square kilometres total area, and a wide reef. Although naturally abundant in fish and shellfish of all kinds, marine resources are being strained by the large and growing population. Drought is frequent, but in normal years rainfall is sufficient to maintain breadfruit, papaya and banana trees as well as coconut and pandanus. North Tarawa consists of a string of islets, with the most northern islet being Buariki. The islets are separated in places by wide channels that are best crossed at low tide. On South Tarawa, the construction of causeways has now created a single strip of land from Betio in the west to Buota in the northeast.

Events and Festivals

New year’s day.

Kiribati is the first country in the world to welcome in the New Year, albeit at the Line Islands, and events go off nationwide. All bars and guesthouses have something going on, along with traditional celebrations at the local maneaba (meeting house).

Independence Day

This is the main event on the Kiribati social calendar, celebrating the day the Gilbert Islands gained independence from Great Britain in July of 1979. Though the holiday officially takes place on July 12, the festivities last for several days, starting around the 9th. South Tarawa sees most of the action, including obligatory canoe races, kite-flying and traditional dance, along with wrestling, rugby and other sports ventures.

August 4 sees the forward-thinking government focus its energy on the Kiribati youth, with the promise of better opportunities through various workshops and programs. Churches and meeting houses see most activity.

Locals attend church followed by much eating, gift-giving and merriment, just like they do back home. In Kiribati, however, there’s also choir singing, dancing, canoe racing, and a myriad of other sports right up until New Year. Locals also go camping in Taiwan Park and visit nearby islands.

New Year’s Eve

A huge event in Kiribati due to its position in the world, this island nation is the first place to countdown the New Year. There are low-key parties on the beaches and in the towns, while all expat bars and guesthouses put on special events.

Betio Game Fishing Competition

This is a popular event among expats in South Tarawa, with a monthly competition and weight-ins at Captains Bar in Betio to see the biggest catches.

Tarawa enjoys a pleasantly warm, but humid tropical climate. Daytime temperatures hoover around 30 °C yearround with little variation throughout the year. Nights are still pleasantly warm and generally above 20 °C . The wetter period lasts from December to May and concentrates more on the northern part of the island chain. Trade winds blow from March to October. The most pleasant time, weatherwise, is from May to September. Tropical storms can hit the islands during the wet season, but are rarely a reason not to visit the islands during this time, although the humidity and heath combined with the absence of tradewinds from December to March makes this a slightly less pleasant time to visit.

Getting There

From Tarawa's Bonriki Airport, Air Kiribati has international flights to/from Brisbane Nadi, Honiara , Air Marshall Islands to/from Majuro , Fiji Airways to/from Nadi and Nauru Airlines to/from Majuro, Nauru and Pohnpei .

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 .

Getting Around

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.

It is possible to rent a car on Tarawa, providing you are aged over 17 years old and have a valid overseas driving license. Be aware that driving is on the left in Tarawa 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

The variety of food on Kiribati is limited. If a shipment of imported food has just come in, buy it now, as it won't last long! The variety and amount is increasing and improving all the time as is the number of supply boats that arrive.

While Western style products will always be slightly limited you will find that the basics are generally available. Fruit and vegetables availability is limited.

The staple diet of the I-Kiribati is fish and rice and this is reflected in many of the eating outlets on Tarawa. It is worthwhile trying the local sashimi which is supplied straight from the ocean to your plate.

Western-style meals are best found at the two hotels: Marys and the Otintaai. There is also a variety of Chinese restaurants.

The local drink is toddy made from the sap of a coconut tree. This sweet toddy can then be fermented for a couple of days into the alcoholic sour toddy that is favoured by locals. The original sweet toddy can also be cooked into a syrup called Kamaimai. The Kamaimai can then be drizzled on sweet buns or ice cream.

Kava is also easily found throughout Kiribati with a large number of Kava bars appearing throughout Tarawa.

The two main bars in Tarawa are Captains Bar in Betio and the Lagoon Club in Ambo. Friday nights at the Otintaai is dance night. Supply of wine and spirits is limited, however there is a good supply of beer which is always cold.

There is a single night club in Tarawa called the Midtown which is open till late.

• Dreamers Kiribati , Banraeaba (A few hundred meters before the parliament building), ☎ +686 22606, e-mail: [email protected] . Check-in: Flexible, check-out: Flexible. A family-run eco guesthouse. Has three self contained rooms with kitchen. This place is right on the beach with one of the best views on the island. The family that run it also runs an NGO. 60A$.
• Mary's Motel , Bairiki, ☎ +686 22227, fax: +686 21362, e-mail: [email protected] . A small private motel on Bairiki next to the causeway to Betio. Clean Rooms with hot water. Restaurant on-site and Wifi.
• Otintaai Hotel , ☎ +686 28084. This government run hotel is the best and most pricey in Kiribati. However, it is at most a three-star hotel, and some people only give it two stars.

View our map of accommodation in Tarawa

External Links

Accommodation in tarawa.

We have a comprehensive list of accommodation in Tarawa searchable right here on Travellerspoint.

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Tarawa : The Venice of the Pacific

Sightseeing

Tarawa is the capital city of the Republic of Kiribati located in the central part of the Pacific Ocean. Part of the Pacific islands referred to as Micronesia, the Republic is made up of 33 islands which are clustered into three groups; the Phoenix Islands, Line Islands, and the Gilbert Islands based on their location. Only 21 of the 33 islands are inhabited with almost half of the population residing in Tarawa. The northern part of the Tarawa atoll consists of a number of islets separated by wide channels best crossed during low tide. The southern part is home to the country’s main port and airport with a series of artificial causeways that have interconnected many of the islets.

table of contents

1. Betio Island

2. kiritimati island, 3. tabiteuea island, 4. banaba island, 5. abaiang island, 6. butaritari island, 7. marakei island.

Photo by Shevelev Alexey/shutterstock.com

Betio Island in South Tarawa is a must visit while in Kiribati. It is home to the main port in the country as well as being its main commercial center. It is best known as the location of the bloody Battle of Tarawa during the Second World War when it was captured by the Japanese and consequently liberated by the American Army. Before the 1970s, Phosphate mining on Banaba Island was the main source of foreign exchange for the country. When the mines were shut, Betio Island took over as the hub of economic activity with exports of copra, fishing, and commercial seaweed farming taking over as the main economic activities. The island is among the most densely populated places in the world and the best place to mingle with the locals as you plan your journey to the rest of the Kiribati Islands.

Name：Betio Island Address：Betio, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, Kiribati Related Site：http://www.kiribatitourism.gov.ki/islands-to-explore/tarawa-island/

Kiritimati is a straightforward pronunciation of Christmas in the Gilbertese language. As such, the island is widely known as Christmas Island and is among the most fascinating places to visit. It has the largest land area of any coral atoll in the world, about 390 square kilometers which is also about 70% of the total surface area of the Republic of Kiribati. The island is in the farthest forward time zone UTC+14 and is a popular destination for New Year’s Eve celebrations. The entire island is a protected wildlife sanctuary home to a wide variety of rare and endemic plant and animal species. Apart from being a natural paradise, it offers visitors a recreational haven for a variety of watersports making it a must visit while in Kiribati.

Name：Kiritimati Island Address：Kiritimati Island, Line Islands, Kiribati Related Site：http://www.kiribatitourism.gov.ki/islands-to-explore/kiritimati/

Tabiteuea is an atoll in the Gilbert Islands located south of the Tarawa Atoll which consists of two main islands covering 38 square kilometers and home to around 5,000 people. The island is an interesting place to visit not only for its natural beauty but also to learn about its rich historical past. Previously known as Drummond’s Island, it was the location of the Battle of Drummond in April of 1841 when a sailor from an American exploration vessel was captured by the Islanders leading to a conflict between the two which left a dozen islanders dead and many more wounded. From learning about the island’s history and culture of its people, relaxing, playing, to enjoying the beautiful scenery, you are bound to enjoy every minute at Tabiteuea.

Name：Tabiteuea Island Address：Tabiteuea Island, Gilbert Islands, Kiribati Related Site：http://www.kiribatitourism.gov.ki/islands-to-explore/tabiteuea-island/

Banaba Island is located about 400 kilometers west of the Gilbert Islands and is home to the highest point in Kiribati at 87 meters above sea level. It was annexed by Britain in 1900 largely due to its phosphate deposits and mining was started soon after until the 1970s when the deposits were fully exploited. It is now a relatively quiet island with little activity and an ideal place to unwind and relax far from the hassle and bustle of the main island of Tarawa in Kiribati. These attractions coupled with the island’s pristine sandy beaches make it a must visit while in Kiribati.

Name：Banaba Island Address：Banaba Island, Kiribati Related Site：https://www.britannica.com/place/Banaba

While in Tarawa, you ought to pay a visit to Abaiang Island, also previously known as Charlotte Island. Situated close to the Tarawa Atoll, it is famous for its pristine sandy beaches and its clear lagoon which are visible on a clear day from Tarawa. There are many historical landmarks from which you can learn about the history of the island including the first church built in Kiribati as well as many other colonial buildings. The island’s historical and cultural attractions coupled with its beautiful resorts and its strategic location near the nation’s capital make it one of the most marvelous destinations while in Kiribati.

Name：Abaiang Island Address：Abaiang Island, Kiribati Related Site：https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abaiang

Photo by commons.wikimedia.org

Butaritari Island is one of the larger atolls in the Gilbert group of islands in the Republic of Kiribati. It is best known for being the island where Robert Louis Stevenson lived in the late 1800s. It is an agriculturally rich island exporting bananas, pumpkins, and other foods through its harbor located on its deep lagoon’s shores. The lagoon’s clear cool waters make it a popular swimming and fishing spot as it is home to a wide variety of fish species. The island is home to over 5000 people who are friendly and eager to share their unique history and culture with visitors. There is plenty to do and see on Butaritari making it a worthy stop on your Kiribati travels.

Name：Butaritari Island Address：Butaritari Island, Kiribati Related Site：https://wikitravel.org/en/Butaritari

Photo by et.wikipedia.org

Marakei Island is a beautiful ring-shaped atoll that is part of the Gilbert group of islands in the Pacific Ocean. Unlike other Kiribati islands, it was relatively undisturbed during the World War II with its natural environment and traditional lifestyle largely unchanged. First-time visitors are treated to a welcoming traditional dance known as Te Katabwanin ushering them into the calm island which has a lot of attractions and plenty of things to do. It covers around 13 square kilometers and is only a fifteen-minute flight from Tarawa. There are accommodation facilities, however, it is advisable that you carry additional supplies as the island is remote and communication can at times be a hurdle. If you are looking for a place to unwind, relax, and explore while in Tarawa, Marakei is your best bet.

Name：Marakei Island Address：Marakei Island, Kiribati Related Site：https://wikitravel.org/en/Marakei

If you are looking for a tropical island retreat where you can escape the hassle and bustle of our busy cities, Tarawa is among your options for a laidback and exhilarating getaway. Apart from the renowned sandy beaches, the island has a lot to offer visitors with a variety of attractions showcasing its unique natural beauty, rich history, and culture. It is also the best place to plan and prepare for your onward adventure to the other surrounding islands. With an international airport and a famous port, it is easily accessible with a variety of transport options for travel on and off the island. Tarawa is one of those places you just have to visit and witness yourself. Trust me, it will be worth your time and money.

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Introducing Kiribati

About kiribati.

• Images of Kiribati
• History, language & culture
• Weather & geography
• Doing business & staying in touch

Plan your trip

• Travel to Kiribati
• Where to stay

While you’re there

• Things to see & do
• Shopping & nightlife
• Food & drink
• Getting around

Before you go

• Passport & visa
• Public Holidays
• Money & duty free

Book your flights

Kiribati travel guide

White sandy beaches and crystal-clear lagoon waters characterise the Republic of Kiribati, which is made up of over 30 coral islands scattered across the Pacific. Kiribati is remote, and the tourism industry remains very much in its infancy – all the more reason to visit sooner rather than later.

They may be relatively unknown, but the isles are peppered with swaying coconut palms, swathed in balmy breezes, and waters glistening in every direction. And so it's hard to feel anything other than intense holiday escapism. While lazing on desolate beaches is a huge draw, Kiribati does have an interesting population of both human and wildlife.

Capital Tarawa is fast becoming one of the most densely populated areas in the Pacific, while Christmas Island, stretching for almost half the land mass of Kiribati, is carpeted with lakes and ponds great for game fishing, and boasts some of the largest colonies of birds.

Other islands include Phoenix, Line and Gilbert – during British rule in the 19th and 20th centuries, Kiribati was known as the Gilbert Islands. In World War II, the islands were occupied by Japan, while in the post-war era the US and UK used Christmas island for nuclear weapons tests. The islands finally became independent in 1979.

Despite Kiribati's colonial history, many of its islands have remained much the same as they've ever been. Locals live off breadfruit, fish and coconuts to this day. The inhabitants of the main island Tarawa also continue to live in raised thatched huts like their ancestors.

You needn't fear a total separation from civilisation, however, as bars, cinemas, cars and the internet are increasingly a part of life in Kiribati. The people aren't unwelcoming, but you're more likely to be greeted by the children than adults, who tend to eye visitors cautiously. Once you break the ice, you'll find a fascinating culture, and plenty of glorious nature to explore.

The tiny nation is only 800 km sq, but if you include the many atolls, this rises to a 3.5 million km square-swathe of the Pacific. Better get the swimming costume on.

811 sq km (313 sq miles).

114,405 (UN estimate 2016).

130.3 per sq km.

President Taneti Mamau since 2016.

Travel Advice

Before you travel.

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:

• women travellers  
• disabled travellers  
• LGBT+ travellers  
• solo and independent travel  
• volunteering and adventure travel

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Kiribati set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Fiji High Commission in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Kiribati.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Kiribati, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have at least 2 blank pages.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can visit Kiribati without a visa for up to one month.

You must hold a ticket for return or onward travel and enough funds for your stay.

The authorities will normally grant you a one-month stay on arrival. You can apply for one-month extensions, up to a maximum of 3 extra months, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration in Bairiki. Your passport must remain valid to extend your stay.

Departure tax

You must pay a 20 Australian dollar departure tax at the airport.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Kiribati guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Kiribati. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

There is a strict quarantine regime for importing food, plant and animal (including fish) products to Kiribati. For further information, contact:

Biosecurity Services SPC-Plant Protection Service Private Mail Bag Suva, Fiji Islands Phone: (679) 3370 733 Fax: (679) 3370 021 Email: [email protected]

Taking Kiribati handicrafts to Australia or New Zealand

Strict Australian or New Zealand import regulations may apply to some Kiribati handicrafts, including straw products and shells. Check Australia travel advice and New Zealand travel advice for details. You can get a phyto-sanitary certificate in Kiribati, but the customs authorities may still confiscate items.

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.   

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Kiribati

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Kiribati, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal id.

You must always be able to show an official form of ID such as your passport. The police will usually accept a printed copy.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Possession or trafficking of drugs is a serious offence in Kiribati, and prison sentences may be heavy.

Public nudity

You should respect local customs about dress, including swimming costumes. Local laws ban public nudity and revealing swimming costumes.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual acts are illegal. If found guilty, the penalty could be up to 14 years imprisonment.   

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Internet and phone services

Internet and mobile phone services are available in some parts of Kiribati. Not all of the outer islands are connected. Services can be unreliable and expensive because of the country’s remote location.

Stray dogs have bitten visitors. Be cautious, particularly on the beach. If a dog approaches you, do not run. Reaching down as if to pick up something off the ground can be enough to scare dogs away. If a dog bites you, seek medical attention immediately.

Very few places accept credit cards in Kiribati. There are ATMs at branches of the Bank of Kiribati and ANZ in Betio, Bairiki and Bikenibeu on Tarawa atoll.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming and boating safety.

Do not swim in the lagoon in south Tarawa, as it is highly polluted.

Take great care when swimming in the sea around Kiribati. There are very strong rip tides along coast and reef areas.

Always wear safety equipment during boating trips. Squalls can happen at very short notice.

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Transport risks

Road travel.

If you are planning to drive in Kiribati, see information on driving abroad .

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Kiribati. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit ( IDP ) as well.  

Road conditions are poor on Tarawa, but driving standards are reasonable. Minibuses can be dangerously overloaded.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards .

During the wet season, which normally runs from November to April, there can be strong winds and sea swells. Flooding and coastal inundation can cause disruption to essential services and infrastructure.

Monitor regional and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organization , the Fiji Meteorological Service and local newspapers.

There can be severe droughts in Kiribati. The authorities may put water restrictions in place.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 994 and ask for an ambulance.   

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Kiribati
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Kiribati .

Drink and use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Do not eat local shellfish or lagoon fish on Tarawa.  

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Healthcare facilities in Kiribati

Medical facilities at the general hospital in Tarawa are modest. Elsewhere, nurse practitioners generally staff clinics.

Pharmaceuticals – both prescription and non-prescription medicines – are generally not available. Bring any medicines you need with you.

If you need any non-basic medical treatment, you will usually need medical evacuation from Kiribati. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover evacuation by air ambulance plus the cost of medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Kiribati

Telephone 999 (ambulance, fire, police) or local numbers:

Ambulance: 994

Police: 992    

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• getting help if you’re a  victim of crime
• what to do if you’re  in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online .

Help abroad in an emergency

If you are in Kiribati and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand , who help British nationals in Kiribati.

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

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Everything you need to know about Kiribati

Kiribati (pronounced Kiribas) is one of the most unique countries in the world and, with around 5,000 visitors a year, also one of the least visited . 

But its peculiarities don’t end there. Geographically, the country is on both sides of the Equator , the northern and southern hemisphere, as well as, factually, on either side of the Date Line.

From its vast geographical expanse, 3,500,000 square kilometres, 99.9% of which is water, to the fact that it is one of the three most threatened nations by climate change, to the fact that the capital island of Tarawa is in sections just as wide as a causeway, Kiribati is a singular place to visit.

Since 1995, Kiribati decided that the entire country would be on the same timezone along with the rest of the Pacific nations, and so the International Date Line had to be modified. A similar thing happened in American Samoa , although the other way, as the island wanted to remain on the same as the US of which it is a territory.

Where is Kiribati

Kiribati is made of three island groups, the Gilbert Islands, the Line Islands and the Phoenix Islands, a UNESCO site and one of the world’s largest marine protected areas . 

All three island groups are located near the Equator and spread from the Marshall Islands in the West to the Cook Islands on the southeast. 

The country was originally called the Gilbert Islands but uses the local translation of the name since independence from the British Empire in 1979, like Tuvalu .

Despite its large size, only a small portion of the country is made of land, around 811 square kilometers of the 3.5 Million, 75% of which is made up by Kiritimati Islands (also known as Christmas Island which is the local translation, “ti” is pronounced as “s” in I-Kiribati language). 

The majority of Kiribati is made of coral atolls, 32 of them, and highly susceptible to climate change because of its low altitude. There is also one raised coral island called Banaba.

The capital of Tarawa is part of the Gilbert Islands and it is where a large portion of the population live. However, the population is widely spread across 21 islands and there is a network of internal flights with Air Kiribati and ferry services that connect the main islands.

Is Kiribati sinking?

Like Tuvalu and the Maldives , and other delta cities like Dhaka , it is widely accepted that Kiribati is sinking, drowning under the rising seas, as reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scenarios which estimates that the 1.5 degree Celsius increase in global temperature will generate a global sea-level rise of between 1.7 and 3.2 feet by 2100.

As Kiribati’s highest point is only 3m, the country is at a very tangible and immediate risk of largely disappearing under the sea.

The country has seen scientists and researchers come write studies on the impact of climate change and, on the ground, the risk is visible.

I visited Kiribati after an unusually high tide and the guest house I was staying at, right by the sea, had to place sandbags all round it to prevent the waters from flooding it. 

Interestingly, the owner, a British national born and raised in Tarawa to civil servant parents during colonial times, insisted that the country was not sinking and that coral atolls, living creatures, would rise and flow with the rising seas.

The former President, Anote Tong, seems to think otherwise. He has been a pioneer supporter of the idea of climate change impact on low-lying atoll islands through published articles, a 2015 TED talk , and even a movie. 

After his third term ended, Tong championed a film about the impact of climate change on Kiribati that premiered at the 2018 Sundance Festival: Anote’s Ark . 

Tong coined the term “ migration with dignity ” which he prefers to refer to his country’s situation instead of the media’s preference for climate refugees. For that, he was in government in 2014 when Kiribati purchased land in Fiji to relocate its population in case Kiribati disappears.

History of Kiribati

Kiribati was populated by Mircronesians believed to come from Southeast Asia or Indonesia before the arrival of Samoans and Fijians between the 14th to the 16th century. 

Its English name was given by an English explorer called Gilbert who visited the islands in the 18th century, before they became a British Protectorate in 1892 together with Tuvalu , and a colony in 1916.

Unlike Tuvalu, Kiribati was invaded by Japanese forces during WWII and suffered major destruction. Some of the remnants of the war can be seen in the Japanese guns found on Tarawa’s shore.

Like Nauru , phosphate was discovered in some parts of Kiribati and mined by the British, who even relocated the population of Banaba Island to Fiji to facilitate mining at the end of WWII.

Together with neighbouring Marshall Islands, Kiribati was the site of various British and US nuclear tests after WWII called operation Grabble mostly launched on Kiritimati Island and Malden Islands between 1957 and 1962.

The results of the test were catastrophic on the local population and the civilian and military personnel from the US, UK, New Zealand, Fiji and Australia, all of which were British colonies at the time. Marine and wildlife were also affected.

Today, Kiritimati is a protected area and an important fishing destination worldwide.

Things to do in Kiribati

The majority of the visitors to Kiribati will either visit Tarawa or Kiritimati . Given that they are not connected and that there are very few flights to either, it is unlikely that you will visit both, although I highly recommend it.

If you are going to only visit one of the two, the below should help you figure out which one will be of most interest.

Things to do on Tarawa Island

The island of Tarawa is relatively large when compared to similar atoll islands but it is quite small overall so you will be able to see and do everything in a couple of days as the Nauru Airlines flights allow. 

Between a third and half of the population of Kiribati lives in Tarawa, the majority of them in South Tarawa which has proper infrastructure, paved roads and urban centers. 

Since 2017, South Tarawa causeways have connected the south from Betio to Buota. Given the 40km/h speed limit, it takes an hour to drive end to end.

In contrast, North Tarawa is made of sparsely populated islands connected at low tide and without any paved roads.

The majority of visitors will stay in South Tarawa and perhaps venture to North Tarawa on a day excursion or book a simple hut for a couple of days in true isolation.

Rent a car and explore.

WWII remnants

The Battle of Tarawa, known as Operation Galvanic , is an infamous part of WWII because as many US personnel died in the 72 hours of the battle as they did in the 6 months of the Solomon Islands Battle of Guadalcanal. 

The battle was expected to be a stepping stone in the US liberation of the Pacific, from the Solomon Islands to the Marshall Islands, and subsequently towards Japan . But the US troops encountered lots of challenges on their arrival which not only delayed the victory but also caused many life losses.

Today, you can still spot the remnants of the Japanese occupation on the island if you look closely. There is a set of four anti-aerial guns placed on the beach where they were left by the Japanese when they wanted to secure the island from invasion. 

There is also a Japanese Command Bunker by the side of the road that is easily found when you drive and today fenced off and not possible to visit, and located on the grounds of a Mormon church. 

Photograph colorful churches

As you explore Tarawa you will notice the island is dotted with colorful churches with beautifully decorated facades and front gates . I have not seen such a style anywhere else in the Pacific and they are all well worth a stop.

Inside, the walls are sparsely decorated and there are no benches, instead, devotees sit on the floor for service.

Explore North Tarawa

North Tarawa is the set of islets separated by narrow canals and interconnected by some bridges or canoes to South Tarawa. For the most part, the only way to cross the canals is by walking at low tide.

One of the nicest things to do on Tarawa is to walk from the last point on South Tarawa (cars can also drive there), and all the way to Tabuki Retreat. You could walk further but bear in mind that the only way to get back is to retrace your steps.

The walk along island paths takes about 1.5h each way and is mostly shaded by pandan and coconut trees. At times, the path is as narrow as a person, other times it can accommodate a small car (although they can only come when the tide is low and the canals are dried out).

What you see on the way are the various small communities with a community hut, cooking huts, a well, and the locals living there who are extremely friendly and happy to chat, Mauri is Hello in the I-Kiribati language which everyone will say as they walk past you. 

There are also lots of dogs, pigs and chickens. You can also walk along the shore, where the beaches are fluffy white, albeit suffering from a trash issue, and take pictures of the palm trees. 

The entire atmosphere of North Tarawa is incredibly peaceful, quiet, almost silent , except for the screams of children when they see a foreign visitor and will come to shake your hand. Locals use bicycles to get around, sometimes you hear a scooter, but you are more likely to hear a rooster or a piglet.

Sleep in the open

Like in Samoa, traditional I-Kiribati homes are wooden huts with open walls and there are a couple of lodges in North Tarawa and Abaiang where you can sleep in this simple accommodation and be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves.

Two of the most recommended options are Tabon Te Keekee , right across the canal from Buota Island, and Tabuki Retreat which has a few concrete huts too but is only accessible by boat or by a 1.5h walk through the various island paths.

Both hotels offer all-inclusive rates (there is nowhere else to eat around) and you can also stop there for lunch if you are walking along North Tarawa.

Visit the Parliament House

Kiribati’s Parliament House is a pretty building with as sailing theme that is well worth a stop. The entire building as well as the island it is located on, are designed in the shape of a sail and surrounded by a mote. In front of the main building is a colored yet slightly faded, map of Kiribati.

As the Parliament building is not used a lot, there are only three meetings a year, the guard will let you walk in if you make it there, so you can explore the area at your own will. Make sure to go there when the tide is high and the mote filled. 

At the back of the Parliament House there is a bar that has great views of the sunset and is occasionally, but unpredictably, open. It only sells beer and a couple of fizzy drinks from a fridge but you can also bring your own and go sit at the back dock, which is the tip of the sail, from where you have great views of the horizon and the sun coming down.

It is possible to dive in Tarawa, although the infrastructure is not as readily available as it is in other Pacific destinations like Chuuk , Yap or the Solomon Islands.

You should contact Tobaroi Travel or the accommodation you are staying at so they can point you in the right direction. You can also visit Tobaroi in person if you have a bit more time in Tarawa, they are at the Chatterbox Cafe.

Try kava at a kava bar

Kava is a traditionally a root and crop of the South Pacific grown across many countries and consumed in many more, most commonly in Vanuatu and Fiji , and it has recently made its way to Tuvalu where you can drink it at kava bars.

Kava is considered a drug in many countries and a prohibited substance, although you can import it into Australia since 2019. Locals drink the broth that is created from soaking the root and use it to relax. The word comes from the Tongan and it means bitter, which tells you something about its taste.

Kava was originally drunk at traditional religious and spiritual ceremonies but is today widely available to tourists in tourism complexes, cultural villages or even at hotels. Most of the places offering it to tourists try to replicate the ancient tradition, with large shared bowls and coconut husks used as glasses. 

I first tried it in Vanuatu where it is usually stronger than in Fiji, at my hotel’s evening kava ceremony, and passed out completely for about half an hour.

The plant is a depressant and, as such, relaxes you, so it is common to have it in the evening. In Kiribati, the crop does not grow so in recent years, the powder form has been making its way here from Fiji where a lot of I-Kiribati live.

Kava bars are not bars per se, they don’t sell anything other than kava, and are rather bare affairs with plastic chairs and tables, but more of a unique experience in Tarawa. 

Buy postcards

I collect postcards from remote places and even mail them and Kiribati is not an exception. Visit the Post Office and you will be able to get your hands on idyllic South Pacific postcards and stamps.

Walk over to a heart-shaped island

When I first moved out and started living on my own I bought a stunning coffee table book by Yann Arthus-Bertrand that had a heart-shaped vegetation patch in the Amazon. 

Little did I know that there is a heart-shaped island in Kiribati located by Dreamers Guest House, which I discovered when flying my drone from the guest house garden. 

The island is located in the shallow lagoon and, at low tide, you can walk to it. It is lush and green with lots of palm trees, and a sandy shore. Just be sure to walk back before the high tide.

So you are on an island, and an atoll island at that, so it would make sense that swimming is one of the best things to do in Tarawa and you are not wrong.

However, because of pollution, I recommend you swim either in the shores of North Tarawa, in the area near Dreamers Guest House or in the canal around the bridge that connects South Tarawa with North Tarawa.

Try to avoid swimming too close to the main urban centers which are more prone to plastic rubbish. 

Tarawa is a great fishing destination and Betio Lodge , one of the most popular places to stay on the island, also operates a charter fishing company which can organise fishing trips in the lagoon and beyond.

However, the best fishing in Kiribati is in Kiritimati Island , which is known worldwide as a great fishing destination yet to be discovered.

Things to do in Kiritimati Island

Kiritimati is the world’s largest atoll and unlike other islands in the Pacific and Tarawa itself, it is a pretty large island measuring over 600 square kilometers. 

That means you can rent a car and go explore London, Paris and Poland, all names of villages on the island, without driving around the country 20 times in half a day like it happened to me in Nauru. 

Because of its geographical location and the fact that the country chose to be on the same time zone as Tarawa, Kiritimati is the first place to see the New Year together with Samoa .

If you thought that few people make it to Tarawa imagine how few make it to Kiritimati. There are roughly 1,000 to 1,500 people visiting the island every year and only a fraction are tourists, the majority are officials and others working for international agencies.

Kiritimati island is best known as a world class fishing destination . Since the island and atoll have been a protected marine area for years, marine wildlife thrives and attracts eager fishing fanatics all year round, especially because it is one of the best fly fishing destinations in the world. 

Kiritimati is the mecca for bone fishing and accessible for giant trevally. There are several fishing lodges and charter companies, the most popular are Ikari House and Christmas Islands Outfitters.

Kiritimati is also well known as a surfing destination to the pros with a couple dozen surfable breaks with consistent waves. They are ready to please any surfer from June to April with both Southeast and Southwest as well as Northwest swells. 

Best of all, you are most likely going to be on your own and very few people make it to the islands and those who do, are here for fishing. Bring all your equipment and get in touch with Christmas Island Surf .

Diving is also possible on Kiritimati and the same lodges who provide fishing support can help you organise a diving trip. Make sure you plan ahead and check what will and will not be provided, it’s not like the diving tourism is very developed. 

Bird watching

Kiritimati is a nesting place for many birds and a great place to see them all year round. The island has a lot of potential to develop as a tourism destination for bird lovers. 

Other islands to visit in Kiribati

There are several other islands that are well worth a visit in Kiribati but beware, they are really remote places so you should plan enough time (there may only be a couple of flights a week there and weather can cancel them) and the expectation of simple living.

Located at a 2h ferry ride away from Tarawa or a mere 20min flight with Air Kiribati, Abaiang is a step beyond North Tarawa in seclusion, remoteness and peace.

This small atoll island north of Tarawa has all the makings of a Pacific island with fluffy white sand beaches, minimal pollution, swaying palm trees and clear waters. Accommodation is modest, in the open air hut format, and affordable. 

Also known as Fanning Island , Tabuaeran is  hardly visited island most known to foreigners for its surfing possibilities. It is part of the Line Islands of Kiribati and only connected to Tarawa via ferry services. 

There are also some cruise ships that make stops on the island, most popular Holland America’s 51-day Pacific cruise or shorter ones which include only Hawaii and Marquesa Islands. The same cruise ships also stop on Kiritimati.

Restaurants in Kiribati

On the main island of Tarawa there are a handful of places to eat and that is even more limited on Kiritimati. Here are a few of the Fanning Island .

Koakoa Corner

I wish we had discovered this casual hut earlier because the menu looked promising. Simple set up serving from breakfast to dinner (not easy to find a breakfast place in Tarawa) and a few local dishes (beyond the typical Chinese fare). 

Betio lodge

Highly recommended by many, this simple lodge has a fun bar called Beer & Bullshit and a decent restaurant to have simple Chinese dishes and fish . It is popular with travelers and a fun place for a drink.

A unique combination of menu items including toasted sandwiches, fantastic iced coffee and milkshakes, and instant ramen noodles, plus, if you don’t have a local SIM you can buy time-based internet access here. This is also the place to come get souvenirs , books and any travel arrangements through the in-house travel agency.

iMART 

This supermarket has an attached bakery with some outdoor tables and serves a different dish at lunch time everyday. It also has lots of pastries and even ice cream for sale.

Capitol Grille

Popular Chinese restaurant in Betio serving all the typical Paciifc Chinese dishes like fried rice, chopsuey, grilled meats, etc. Located by the side of the road and with simple plastic chairs.

Public market on Bairiki

If you are looking for a really simple meal or for some snacks, there is a laid-back market in Bairiki along the main road where locals sell a meal in a plastic bag including tide, causes and fried/grilled chicken. 

Hotels in Kiribati

There are not a lot of places to stay in Kiribati but here are the best choices from my experience and recommendations from others who have been.

Dreamers Guesthouse

I stayed here . This family-run guesthouse right on the lagoon offers three very large apartment-rooms with two beds that can easily accommodate three people. There are small kitchens in the room and fans (no AC), but the sea breeze was enough to sleep. No hot water in the shower.

The rooms are a bit dated and could do with a layer of paint but the set-up is pleasant and the sunrise views from the small garden are great. The I-Kiribati and English owners will gladly share anecdotes and stories and rent you one of their cars. They can also organise whatever ferry or plane tickets you need ahead of time and are quick to respond via email. 

Breakfast is served continental style, with toast, fresh fruits from their garden and French press coffee. WiFi is included via a mobile dongle connection. The owner will pick you up from the airport.

Pro tip : Dreamers can prepare dinner if you ask in advance and accommodate vegetarian options and it is the only “local” food I had in Kiribati . 

Simple lodge in Betio popular with single travelers because of the fun bar which is popular with the (very small) expat crowd. Rooms are sparse but come with small fridges and AC. There is free WiFi in the common areas and they will pick you up from the airport. 

The lodge is the base for the Game Fishing Club so they can help you organise diving and fishing trips as well as any other tours or car rentals. If you don’t plan to rent a car, this lodge is a good place to stay because you are in a village and walking distance from the WWII relics. 

Pro tip : There is a set of new rooms, ask for one of those instead of the older ones.

Fema Lodge 

This is the only accommodation on Kiribati that is bookable via a hotel booking site, Booking.com in this case. 

Rooms are simple but better than at Betio, and newer, and they come with AC and hot water . Some of them are spacious and have fully equipped kitchenettes. Wifi is not free and can be expensive (AUD4 for 1h) so consider buying a SIM card. 

This is the preferred hotel for business travelers like those from the World Bank. Location right across from Kaokao restaurant is a plus.

Pro tip : Ask for a room in the new wing.

Practicalities and other information for visitors

Because Kiribati is such a remote and unique place, there are a lot of things that need to be well thought-out before your trip.

How to get to Kiribati and around

Getting to Kiribati is not easy as there are not that many flights , but it is easier than getting to Nauru or Tuvalu.

There are flights to Tarawa via Nauru on Nauru Airlines once a week as well as Nadi with Fiji Airways , twice a week. Kiritimati is also connected to Fiji on a weekly service (reinstated in 2011) that continues onwards to Honolulu with Fiji Airways. There are no other international flights with any other airline.

Air Kiribati operates small propeller planes that connect the various islands. Some flights are as short as 20min others a few hours. There is no flight from Tarawa to Kiritimati so you would have to go via Nadi in Fiji or Tabiteuea Island with Air Kiribati. 

You can book flights online with Fiji Airways, but Air Kiribati is not online so flights can only be booked in person at the ticketing offices in Kiribati. Your hotel or guest house can help buy them for you in advance or you can go to Chatterbox Cafe where there is a travel agency desk, Tobaraoi Travel .

When you book your accommodation, make sure to confirm the airport pick up , they all offer it in the price of the room. You won’t be able to get a taxi when you land as there are none so you need to be picked up. 

The best way to get around in Kiribati is by renting a car or scooter. There is limited public transportation available and if there is at least two of you, a car makes more sense than a scooter. It is also more practical because of how hot it is and the 80+ speed bumps on Tarawa (I counted them!).

If you want to rent a car it is best to ask the place you are staying at. Chances are they have cars you can rent. No need to sign contracts or show driving licenses, you are basically borrowing someone’s car and it is all pretty casual. It takes about an hour to drive Tarawa end to end because the speed limit ifs only 40km/h.

Best time to visit Kiribati

The best time to visit Kiribati is in the dry season, which runs from July to October. When it rains, because of rising sea levels, flooding and bad weather make a visit difficult as most of the activities are outdoors and rely on good weather .

Temperatures in Kiribati are practically the same all year round with temperatures between 24 and 31 degrees, but high humidity makes the sensation of heat much higher during the stay, especially if the sun is shining.

Money matters

Unlike other countries in the Pacific, it is relatively easy to get cash in Kiribati. Credit cards are practically useless and not accepted anywhere, but there are several ATMs from ANZ Bank that accept international cards and are usually stocked.

Visa for Kiribati

The majority of the passports do not require a visa for Kiribati making it a relatively easy country to visit. You will have to fill in a landing card when you arrive, and complete customs and agricultural quarantine questionnaires. You can find the visa requirements via the Emirates website which uses IATA information.

What to pack and bring to Kiribati

The country’s remoteness means that a lot of the things that you would regularly and easily find in most places may just not be available in Kiribati so you should bring everything you need with yourself.Because this is a tropical holiday with a chance for swimming, diving or lazing by the beach, I would suggest to pack the usual suspects. Plus, not to exacerbate the country’s garbage management efforts, I highly recommend taking your trash with you when you leave. 

Here is a list of the things you should take with you to Kiribati.

This is a must, the sun is hyper strong in the Pacific and you are right by the Equator so bringing high SPF sunblock and applying it regularly and continuously is a necessity. I always love and use Biore which is non stick

A hat or cap

You really need to protect yourself from the sun, especially at the conservation area, on the boat ride, and while walking around. This is not a place for a pretty Instagram hat but for a practical one with lanyard so it does not fly away on the boat.

This one for women is good, and this one for men. I would usually think that a cap is enough but after severely burning my neck I know that you need to make sure to cover that part too so a wide brim option is best.

Mosquito repellent

Mosquitoes in the Pacific are vicious and ever present . I used three pots of repellent in my ten days and just moderate spraying did not protect me, I had to literally douse myself in repellent, also when I went to sleep. 

You really need a repellent that has DEET in Kiribati, eco-friendly options with ingredients like citronella will not work.

OFF is a reliable brand and this one has 25% DEET (I brought it to Kiribati). Or if you are really prone to mosquito bites try Coleman which has 40% DEET. Make sure to thoroughly wash hands after applying it, DEET is really toxic and will upset your stomach.

I am practical in this department, just like with the mosquito repellent and hat. You can wear designer glasses to the luxury resort in Taormina , but you need to bring heavy duty sunglasses to Kiribati. 

Because the sun rays are strong and you need to protect your eyesight from the sun and the wind. I am a big fan of Oakley, they are heavy duty, they last, they are polarised and not too expensive. I have been using them since I was a lifeguard at age 16 and spent 8 hours a day staring at the ocean, sand and sun.

These simple black ones are good for men, or in brown if you prefer. For women, Oakley has come a long way from the manly, heavy-duty models to cute cat eye versions in brown and in black .

Although I will admit I have bought the same black Oakley sports model for years and love it because it holds my hair when I place them on my head and doesn’t let any sun or sand get into my eyes because it covers them all the way.

Clothes and swimwear

In terms of clothes, I highly recommend shorts and t-shirts and long sleeve cotton or linen shirts which both protect you from the sun and the mosquitoes. A sarong or kaftan is useful for many things and helps you if you want to get in the water in the main island.

If you want to go swimming, consider wearing a rash vest, shorts or a sarong, or at least a full swimming costume rather than a bikini. Nobody will say anything if you just bathe in a bikini but you will blend in better the more you cover up.

Given how strong the sun is, I strongly suggest bringing a rash vest , I always wear them to protect from the sun when snorkeling so I don’t sunburn without realising it. Make sure it is long sleeved and has SPF protection.

For women, they make some really cute ones these days and I like the ones with a zipper which can be taken on and put back on easily. This flowery one is very cute and ticks all the boxes and this black one is more plain and goes with everything. Or get a super sexy onesie or Billabong’s silver shinny one (beware it does not cover your arms).

Other things to pack

You should bring any medical and personal hygiene products with you because the range of options available is very limited and regularly runs out. Any prescription medication should also be carried with you because it may not be available on the island.

Kiribati has limited medical facilities and only one anesthesiologist shared with Tuvalu. That is, the doctor spends six months in each country. 

Travel insurance

You should never leave home without travel insurance and remember that this needs to be bought before your trip. 

World Nomads is a very widely used insurance company with affordable prices. You can get a quotation and purchase insurance pretty quickly and easily with the box below. 

• Check if you need a visa, get help processing it at iVisa .
• Never ever leave without travel insurance. Get affordable coverage from World Nomads or long term insurance from Safety Wing .
• I find all of my flights on KAYAK . Check their Deals section too.
• Search for all your transportation between destinations on the trusted travel booking platform Bookaway .
• I book all my day trips and tours via GetYourGuide , they are the best and their tours are refundable up to 24h in advance.
• Get USD35 off your first booking with Airbnb .
• Compare hotels EVERYWHERE at HotelsCombined and book with Booking.com .
• Compare car rental prices at Rentalcars.com

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• 3.1 History
• 3.2 Climate
• 3.3 Visitor information
• 5.1 Visa requirements
• 5.2 By plane
• 6.1 By plane
• 6.2 By ship
• 9.2 South Tarawa
• 9.3 Outer Gilbert Islands
• 9.4 Kiritimati Island
• 12.1 South Tarawa
• 12.2 North Tarawa
• 12.3 Gilbert Island Group and Council Guesthouses
• 12.4 Kiritimati Island
• 14 Stay safe
• 15 Stay healthy

Kiribati (pronounced Kiribahs ) is a remote archipelago nation in Micronesia , at the equator. It consists of 33 atolls widely dispersed through 3.5 million km² of sea territory. Kiribati is a tranquil paradise. While most of its local lifestyle remains communal, its main highlight are aquamarine waters set around an 800-km² island backdrop.

Kiribati is one of Oceania's poorest countries, and a demanding destination, with few hospitality venues but there aren't many countries where the people are more friendly.

Regions [ edit ]

Except for Banaba (Ocean Island, 6 km²/2.3 sq mi, population c. 300 ), all the main islands are in one of 3 three groups: the Gilbert Islands, the Line Islands, and the Phoenix Islands.

Cities [ edit ]

• 1.433333 173 1 Tarawa – the country's tiny capital

Understand [ edit ]

With few natural resources and geographic isolation, income per capita is very low. Most of it comes from remittance, foreign aid, and fishing.

Half the population, most of them being very poor, live on South Tarawa.

Other islands have far fewer people, and getting to them can be difficult, and conditions are even more primitive. Most tourists, especially from the US, go to Kiritimati (Christmas Island). Conditions there are somewhat better than in the rest of Kiribati.

While the islands are on both sides of the 180th meridian, the International Date Line has been drawn east of them all, placing Kiribati islands in the same day, in time zones UTC +12, +13 and +14. The Line Islands are in the latter time zones, and are therefore the first part of Earth to see every new day and the first place to celebrate the New Year.

History [ edit ]

Kiribati was inhabited for 2000 years prior to European contact. Under British colonial rule, it was known as the Gilbert Islands.

In the Pacific War , Kiribati saw harsh combat between American and Japanese troops, with the devastating Battle of Tarawa in November 1943.

Kiribati was granted self-rule by the United Kingdom in 1971 and complete independence in 1979. The US relinquished all claims to the sparsely inhabited Phoenix and Line Island groups in a 1979 treaty of friendship with Kiribati. The name "Kiribati" is pronounced "Kiri-bass", which is the closest local equivalent to "Gilberts".

The Phoenix and Line Islands were generally held to be on the east side of the International Date Line and are in different time zones from the Gilbert Islands group, but on 1 January 1995, Kiribati proclaimed that all of its territory was on the same calendar day (skipping 31 December 1994 in those island groups), effectively extending the Date Line further eastward to accommodate this. This makes the Line Islands the farthest "ahead" of any territory on the planet.

In 1995 Kiribati suspended diplomatic relations with France to protest the latter's decision to resume nuclear testing on Muraroa Atoll . In 1999 the government claimed that two atolls had been lost due to sea level rise and, in 2002, joined with Tuvalu and the Maldives to take legal action against the US for refusing to sign the Kyoto Protocol.

The presence of gun emplacements and ship wrecks from Second World War battles on South Tarawa makes shipwreck diving a common tourist activity.

As Kiribati is perhaps the most vulnerable country to global warming due to rising sea levels, the country has looked to purchasing land at Fiji where its entire population will eventually migrate supposedly if their islands are submerged in the future.

Climate [ edit ]

Whoever coined the phrase, "It's not the heat, it's the humidity" may have had Kiribati in mind. The average high temperatures are quite reasonable compared to other well-known places in the tropics (such as Bangkok , Singapore , Manila ). But the humidity more than makes up for this, making it feel very sauna-like. The wet season varies, but is usually December to March, give or take a month. Severe drought also occurs at times.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• Kiribati Tourism website

Talk [ edit ]

English is the official language of Kiribati along with the native Kiribati or Gilbertese. While English is used heavily in South Tarawa, the further away from the capital you go the stronger the Kiribati tongue. Most people on Kiritimati Island speak some English.

Get in [ edit ]

Visa requirements [ edit ].

Nationals and citizens of the following countries are exempted from obtaining a visa before entering Kiribati where the intended duration of their stay is 30 days or less: Belize , Federated States of Micronesia , Macao (only in respect of holders of Macao Special Administrative Region Passports), Marshall Islands , Palau , Republic of China ( Taiwan ), Republic of Korea (South Korea) .

Nationals and citizens of the following countries specified are exempted from obtaining a visa before entering Kiribati:

Antigua and Barbuda , Australia , Austria , Barbados , Belgium , Bulgaria , Canada , Cook Islands , Cyprus , Czech Republic , Denmark , Estonia , Fiji , Finland , France , Germany , Grenada , Greece , Hong Kong (only in respect of holders of British Nationals Overseas passports and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports), Hungary , Ireland , Italy , Jamaica , Japan , Kenya , Latvia , Lesotho , Lithuania , Luxembourg , Malawi , Malaysia , Malta , Mauritius , Nauru , Netherlands , New Zealand , Niue , Poland , Portugal , Romania , Saint Kitts and Nevis , St. Lucia , Saint Vincent and the Grenadines , Samoa , Seychelles , Sierra Leone , Singapore , Slovakia , Slovenia , Solomon Islands , Spain , Sweden , Switzerland , The Bahamas , Tonga , Trinidad and Tobago , Tunisia , Tuvalu , United Kingdom , United Kingdom Overseas Territories of ( Bermuda , Cayman Islands , Montserrat and Turks and Caicos Islands ), United States of America , Vanuatu , Zambia , Zimbabwe .

There are honorary consulates in Rose Bay (near Sydney ), New South Wales, Australia; Honolulu , USA; Suva , Fiji; Hamburg , Germany; Tokyo , Japan; Seoul , South Korea; Auckland , New Zealand; and London , United Kingdom. Also, visas may be obtained by writing to the Principal Immigration Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, P.O. Box 68, Bairiki, Tarawa, Kiribati (Central Pacific). Do not apply directly to Tarawa within a couple of months or so of your departure date, or when you need your passport elsewhere. Usually, it's best to inquire at the nearest consulate abroad. There's no requirement that you be a resident of the same country that the consulate is located in.

By plane [ edit ]

If through tickets are too expensive, get to Fiji and go from there. Alternatively, if you've got plenty to spend and extra time, see how a Round the world fare on Oneworld or Star Alliance compares with the fare to Tarawa , and include this on your itinerary.

Fiji Airways has flights to Tarawa and Kiritimati (Christmas Island). Flights to Tarawa are twice weekly non-stop flights (3 hrs) from Nadi ( Fiji ), with connections from Australia , New Zealand , Japan , Canada , and the United States including Honolulu (with codeshares with Oneworld alliance members). Kiritimati is a stop on a weekly flight each way between Nadi and Honolulu. Again, connects can be easily made with flights from New Zealand, Australia and Europe. If using another airline to get to Fiji, be certain it lands in Nadi, not Suva (unless you're staying a while and can get to other side of the island).

Nauru Airlines (formerly Air Nauru ) connect Tarawa in Kiribati with Nauru, Honiara and Nadi. This service provides an improved access to Tarawa and other Pacific nations.

Air Marshall Islands operates scheduled flights every 2 weeks Majuro to Tarawa CW117 returning the same day. The price is USD330 if ticket bought in Marshall Islands. They will not issue a one way ticket unless you can provide proof of an onward ticket or Kiribati/RMI residence/work permit.

Air Marshall Islands: email [email protected] Phone number is +692 625-3733. Calling is suggested as emails often go without a reply.

Get around [ edit ]

Air Kiribati has two turboprop aircraft for inter-island travel. Flights travel to all Outer Islands in the Gilbert group regularly.

Coral Sun Airways offers a scheduling alternative to Air Kiribati and can also be chartered for private use.

Reliability of internal flights in Kiribati is improving all the time and fares are relatively cheap. It is important to reconfirm your return flight on arrival at your destination. Each airline has different booking and confirmation conditions, you need to ensure you are familiar with these to ensure a hassle free trip.

By ship [ edit ]

For ship connections within the Gilbert Islands you might ask at the harbour in Betio, South Tarawa.

See [ edit ]

Kiribati has some beautiful beach scenery , is a great place for boating or yachting and many of the atolls are lovely to explore on bike or foot. The lagoons are stunning to look at and the white sandy beaches and waving palm trees are a typical holiday brochure sight. Especially on the outer islands you'll find traditional culture is still very much alive. The Kiribati people are generally friendly and welcoming to visitors, and will include you in their celebrations if you happen to be around.

The islands of Kiribati saw some of the bloodiest fighting of World War II and remnants of that war are still all around. Tarawa (and Betio in particular), Butaritari , Abemama and Banaba island are home to the most prominent World War II sights, including coastal defence guns, bunkers and pillboxes. Tanks, ship wrecks, amtracs and plane wrecks are still visible at the coasts of Tarawa and Butaritari, especially during low tide. If you want the full story behind the remains, take a guided tour.

For anyone with an interest in sea life, the tranquil Phoenix Island Marine Protected Area (the world’s largest marine protected area) is a treasure waiting to be discovered. It boasts some gorgeous landscapes combining sandy beaches with coral islands and incredibly blue lagoons. The islands are a bird watcher's paradise and its under water coral life is practically unspoiled. However, limiting visitor numbers is an explicit goal of the authorities. Gaining access to the islands isn't easy and although there are rumours of plans to open the region a bit more for tourist purposes, you probably won't be able to dive there yet.

Do [ edit ]

Buy [ edit ], money [ edit ].

Australian dollars , denoted by the symbol " $ " ( ISO code: AUD ), are used as the official currency. While Australian banknotes are used, Kiribati issues its own coins in denominations of 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1 and $2 but it is pegged at a 1:1 rate to the Australian dollar.

Bigger stores are only available on Tarawa or Kiritimati.

South Tarawa [ edit ]

There are a wide number of local handicrafts available. These are generally made by the women groups from around the Gilbert group. Of special note are the colourful tops worn by the local ladies called Tibuta. The Catholic Women's association runs weekly classes in weaving and the making of these tops.

ATMs are located in Betio, Bairiki and Bikenebeu. There is also one located at the hospital. There is also a foreign exchange office at the Airport. ANZ operates in Kiribati.

Most shops will only accept cash, as credit cards are rarely used--except for the two hotels.

Outer Gilbert Islands [ edit ]

Cash only is used on the Outer Islands and banking services are not available.

Kiritimati Island [ edit ]

An ATM and bank are both available on Kiritimati Island. The branch is located in London.

Most shops and stores will only accept cash. Credit cards are not widely used.

Eat [ edit ]

The variety of food on Kiribati is limited. If a shipment of imported food has just come in, buy it now, as it won't last long! The variety and amount is increasing and improving all the time as is the number of supply boats that arrive.

While Western style products will always be slightly limited you will find that the basics are generally available. Fruit and vegetables' availability is limited.

The staple diet of the I-Kiribati is fish and rice and this is reflected in many of the eating outlets on Tarawa. It is worthwhile trying the local sashimi which is supplied straight from the ocean to your plate.

Western-style meals are best found at the two hotels: Marys and the Otintaai . There is also a variety of Chinese restaurants.

Drink [ edit ]

The local drink is toddy made from the sap of a coconut tree. This sweet toddy can then be fermented for a couple of days into the alcoholic sour toddy that is favoured by locals. The original sweet toddy can also be cooked into a syrup called Kamaimai. The Kamaimai can then be drizzled on sweet buns or ice cream.

Kava is also easily found throughout Kiribati with a large number of Kava bars appearing throughout Tarawa.

The two main bars in Tarawa are Captains Bar in Betio and the Lagoon Club in Ambo. Friday nights at the Otintaai are dance night. Supply of wine and spirits is limited, however there is a good supply of beer which is always cold.

There is a single nightclub in Tarawa called the Midtown which is open till late.

Alcohol is not sold on a number of Outer Islands in the Gilbert group.

Sleep [ edit ]

The range of accommodation in Kiribati varies depending on which part of the country you are in.

The two main hotels are Marys Motel and the government owned Otintaai Hotel. Both offer motel style accommodation each with a restaurant and air-conditioning. They are located at different ends of South Tarawa and the decision on where to stay is usually made based on your activities while you are in South Tarawa.

There are also a variety of other smaller properties scattered throughout South Tarawa. A full listing including a map showing locations can be found on the Kiribati National Tourism Offices website .

These hotels can get very busy throughout the year so it is advisable to book ahead.

North Tarawa [ edit ]

A visit to North Tarawa is the easiest and most convenient way to experience village life in Kiribati. North Tarawa has a number of guesthouses and traditional style accommodation.

Tabon te Keekee is the closest option, offering traditional Kiribati accommodation in an I-Kiribati family environment. Located at Abatao it is only 10-15 min north of the airport.

Biketawa Islet, run by the Otintaai Hotel, offers traditional kia kia accommodation. Run in a similar fashion to a retreat, meals and sleeping equipment can be arranged, along with boat transfers.

A council guesthouse is located at Abaokoro.

Gilbert Island Group and Council Guesthouses [ edit ]

The Outer Islands are the essence of Kiribati and not enough people make the time and effort to visit these remote islands. Each has a distinctive culture and story to tell of its history.

Each of the outer islands of the Gilbert Group have, at the least, a council guesthouse. Standards vary across the group however they are usually a mix of the local style houses known as Kia Kia’s and an open style guest rooms. Each guesthouse usually has a communal living area where meals are served and the cost is approximately $30 per night including 3 meals a day.

The facilities available vary from island to island, however they are located in isolated communities and expectations should be altered accordingly. Electricity will usually be supplied in the evening and throughout the night. Food will mainly be based on the local fare and it is recommended that you take anything additional you may need. It is also recommended that fresh drinking water is taken. Most guesthouses are perfectly located on the beach or causeway and a lovely spot to stay easy for swimming and exploring.

These guesthouses are run by the Island Councils and it is one of the very few ways the council earn revenue. Each council will normally have a truck and driver that you will be able to hire to help you discover the island. Alternatively many of the locals will be keen to hire out the motorcycles and scooters to you.

For more information on the Outer Islands, get a copy of the fact sheets .

This world renowned bone fishing destination has a variety of fishing lodges, guesthouses, and motels to choose from. Accommodation is usually booked in 7 night packages and each lodge will have the services of a fishing guide to assist you in your expeditions. For a full list of accommodation options visit www.kiribatitourism.gov.ki.

The lodges are geared around fishermen and schedule meals and activities around your fishing day. Meals are usually included in the price.

For a full list of accommodation options visit Kiribati Tourism's page.

Work [ edit ]

With very high unemployment, it is unlikely that foreigners will be allowed any work unless they have needed skills not otherwise available. Aid agencies are active in Kiribati and undertake a range of volunteer and contracting programs.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Kiribati is generally a safe place to travel. However, it may be risky to be outside after dark in Betio or along the beach in South Tarawa, especially for single females. However, virtually all problems are caused by drunk males, not career criminals.

Normal common sense applies when moving around.

Some care should be taken on the roads as the traffic can include pigs, children, dogs and buses all fighting for road space.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Don't drink the water without boiling or filtering. Chemical treatment is not recommended as it may not prevent giardiasis. The lagoon (especially around Betio) is heavily contaminated, and may make the entire island segment smell bad at times. No matter how inviting it looks, always ask first before going into the water anywhere on South Tarawa. This is also a good idea on other islands.

Get a hepatitis A vaccination, and be up-to-date on all your other vaccinations, preferably several weeks beforehand. Mosquitos can be very bad at times, so use repellent. Be sure to bring your own insect repellent and sunscreen, as these are not available locally. Don't expect any needed medications to be available either. (Some are, but you never know what is or when.)

There's no malaria , but dengue fever outbreaks (mosquito transmitted) do sometimes occur. The fish caught locally may give you food poisoning (ciguatera), so be extra careful. Ciguatera is not preventable by cooking or freezing the fish. Promptly treat even the smallest cut, sore, or insect bite, as these can become infected very easily.

Medical evacuation insurance is highly recommended for Kiribati. Many outer islands do not have airstrips, making any sort of evacuation long and difficult.

Respect [ edit ]

Before going to swim it might be a good idea to ask the landowner. There might be stone figures of religious importance around which certain rules should be followed.

Connect [ edit ]

Go next [ edit ].

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How To Travel To Tuvalu and Best Things To Do in Tuvalu

One of the least visited countries in the world, Tuvalu only receives about 2000+ visitors per year.

The official tourism website comes with the tagline, ‘Timeless Tuvalu’ – perhaps it’s a hint to expect a much slower pace once you arrive.

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Either way, if you’re planning to travel to Tuvalu, you’ll be among a very small number of curious travellers to reach this part of the world.

On the flight from Suva in Fiji, the 64-seater plane was only half full. There were a few visitors travelling to Tuvalu for business and only five people visiting for tourism.

The rest were locals probably seeking medical assistance, visiting family or studying in Fiji and returning home for a break.

Table of Contents

Here is how to travel to Tuvalu:

Getting to tuvalu.

Since not many people travel to Tuvalu each year, there is little information available online. As of Jan 2020, there are 3 flights per week with Fiji Airways that connect Tuvalu with Suva in Fiji (please note Fiji has 2 airports, most other flights arrive at NAN airport). This is the best flight to travel to Tuvalu.

The flight leaves Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday early morning and returns to Suva in the afternoon.

Fiji Airways is reliable and if you’re lucky to have QF frequent flyer points, you may be able to use them as this flight is expensive (flat fare of USD $300-$500 each-way)

The only other airline flying to Tuvalu is Air Kiribati connecting Tarawa (Kiribati) flying every Wednesday. Unfortunately, this flight is very unreliable and we do not recommend that you travel to Tuvalu with this airline. 

As it turned out, we had confirmed seats with them to move on to Kiribati from Tuvalu, however, the flight was cancelled. I’ll explain more about that later. For this reason, we’d recommend paying the extra money and booking seats back to Suva with Fiji Airways. It will save you many headaches in the long run when you travel to Tuvalu. You can find the best-priced fares on Skyscanner .

Here is our helpful guide on  How to find and book the cheapest flights to everywhere

Our travel to Tuvalu – We have arrived

Landing in Tuvalu is quite the experience. The small island nation appears in the middle of the Pacific and you can see the lagoon on your left  (hint: get a seat on the left side of the plane coming in) .

Approaching the airstrip, it feels like you’ll land in the water. Then a couple of palm trees and a tarmac appears, and you brace yourself for a quick landing.

Once we had landed and the plane was moving towards the terminal building, we could see local women waving at the plane before we step off.

As expected, the airport is very small, and while the luggage is offloaded, it’s a breezy clearance through immigration as one guy processes all arrivals. There aren’t many tourists that travel to Tuvalu, it’s mostly people travelling for work or locals.

As we retrieve our luggage, we walk outside to find many smiling locals and some with signs of the few hotels/guesthouses to stay at while on the island.

Accommodation

As mentioned, there are only a few places to stay in Tuvalu, and we were very happy with our stay at Esfam Hotel. This family-run hotel feels more like a welcoming guesthouse.

Rooms have A/C, good beds, kettle with tea/coffee and they’re very clean.

Room rates are (AUD $100 twin/double) per night or from A$75 single comes with a decent breakfast. The rates are very similar for other accommodation options on the island. The hotel is very conveniently located only a few minutes walk from the airport and the main hub of town.

Esfam hotel can also provide you with home-cooked meals for lunch or dinner of chicken/fish served with rice for AUD $15 AUD, you just need to give them a few hours notice.

Overall, the staff were fantastic here. In saying that, the people of Tuvalu, in general, were super friendly. But if you plan to travel to Tuvalu, we suggest you stay here.

Other accommodation options in Tuvalu are listed below:

Filamona Hotel  – Located just on the other side of the airport and another popular option. Rates here are A$120 per night for a double room. View price and availability here .

L Lodge  – This is also another good option, however, you must walk about 10-15 min to get here in the high heat and humidity. Room rates are A$70 single room or A$100 double room with breakfast.

To make a reservation at any of the above accommodation options, you need to email or call them. You will find that they are currently not listed on  booking.com  – this is the website we’d usually use to reserve ahead.

Getting online in Tuvalu

If you thought travel to Tuvalu is different to what you were used to, well get ready to be offline. Wifi is not common in Tuvalu. If you want it, you gotta pay quite a bit for it.

Hotels and guesthouses don’t have it, but they will tell you that the best way to get connected in Tuvalu is to go to the Telecom office and buy a voucher.

These start at AUD $5 for 250 MB or A$20 for 1GB.

Things to Do in Tuvalu

1. hang out on the airstrip.

The main sight in Tuvalu is the airstrip (the airport runway). I’m not kidding, the runway is like the social hub of the island in the evenings, as during the day it is very hot.

If you only have one time to do when you travel to Tuvalu, then this is it.

As there are only 3 flights per week arriving here, there is a loud siren that is blasted before any flight lands or departs to alert all the locals below to clear the airstrip.

In the evenings, locals come here to play football, rugby and volleyball and kids ride their bikes here. They even have their own unique sport called Te Ano. Make sure to come here one evening to chill out and see all the activities going on

2. Day trip in the lagoon

A visit to the conservation lagoon would be another major highlight. You need to organise a boat with a fisherman (about AUD $70) and also pay a conservation fee of AUD $150.

The maximum number of people in a boat is up to 7 people, so if you can organise a small group of people, the costs above can be shared. You can try to talk to other people on the flight or guesthouse when you travel to Tuvalu to see if they are interested in sharing the coast. 

Ask your accommodation provider to put you in contact with the fisherman. Maybe keep your eye out for any travellers on your arrival flight and ask them if they’re interested in sharing costs for this day trip before you arrive. A day trip in the conservation area is from 08:00 – 16:00.

3. Hire a scooter

You can hire a scooter and drive around the island. There is only one main road – you can’t get lost. Your accommodation provider may have one for you to hire.

If they don’t, they’ll refer you to a place nearby that will hire one for you. Everybody knows each other in Tuvalu, the sense of community here is strong. We loved it.

What to eat in Tuvalu – and where to find it

You probably didn’t travel to Tuvalu for food. As with other small island nations, options for good wholesome foods and fresh produce are scarce. The cooked food that you will find is mainly Chinese food or deep-fried fish and chips. Many locals live on imported goods such as 2-minute noodles, rice, canned meat and frozen food as there aren’t too many other choices. It costs more to eat more nutritious food here.

If you have the budget, I’d recommend that you eat the home-cooked food from your accommodation provider during your stay. If you’re travelling on a budget, we found a few places to eat for less below:

The small takeaway shop near the airport  – Once you exit the airport and turn left, there is a small colourful hut with 2 wooden picnic tables out front. Ladies inside here cook deep-fried fish and chips for A$4 per serve (we ate this, it was good). I saw steamed rice with chicken curry and chicken sandwiches too.

It’s affordable food and the portions are generous. This place was buzzing at lunchtime with locals stopping by to collect lunch to take away. A good option in my opinion.

Blue Ocean Chinese Restaurant  – A small place with plastic chairs and plates of Chinese food that ‘will do’. Don’t expect anything great here. We ate here when we arrived on the island (only a 5min walk from Esfam Hotel) and ordered a combination fried rice for A$6.

It wasn’t great, but it did the job. We didn’t return again during our stay in Tuvalu.

The supermarket –  We found two supermarkets on our travel to Tuvalu, but this one was by far the best one. It’s a 10-minute walk from Esfam Hotel down one road, you can’t miss it.

The best thing about this place is that they cook hot Australian meat pies for A$2. This is a cheap dinner option and filled the spot. You can also find the usual suspects such as packets of biscuits etc to get you through.

You can buy a cold beer here or from the little shops around the island for about A$2.60.

Our experience in Tuvalu

Overall we really enjoyed our time spent in Tuvalu. The people were lovely, there’s a nice tropical vibe and hanging out with the locals on the airstrip was kinda cool.

Unfortunately, due to the cancelled flight from Air Kiribati (to take us to Kiribati), we got stranded here. The flight was cancelled due to mechanical reasons and it wasn’t operating until the following week.

It was looking like we were to be stuck in Tuvalu for another 8 days which would affect the rest of our flights and plans through the Pacific nations.

We spent a day going back and forth with the Air Kiribati representative over the phone trying to arrange how we were to get off the island. In the end, we were able to get on a waitlist for the fully booked flight the following day with Fiji Airways.

Miraculously, we made it onto the flight back to Suva. We took the flight link to Nadi (where we were forced to spend two days) and then onwards to (kind of) catch up with our planned itinerary.

In saying that, we never did get to Kiribati, so that has to be rescheduled for another time. 

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Travel Tips for the Pacific

Our guide about  how to visit every country in the Pacific  will give you some useful information about schedules, flights, useful websites, and advice on how to do it. 

Don’t miss our  Vanuatu Travel Guide  and these  5 foods you must try in Vanuatu .

Also, these  10 awesome things to do in Palau  will inspire you to book a ticket to this stunning paradise, and maybe you too can swim with millions of stingless jellyfish. More about this  amazing travel experience we had in Palau right here .

We’ve got many posts about  how to save money to travel,  why you should  become a housesitter to get FREE accommodation  around the world, and even a list of  20 Jobs that PAY YOU to Travel the World.

And finally, for our best travel advice, tips, websites, and apps we use to travel the world, find them all on our  Travel Resources Page .

Travel Planning Resources

✈️ Flights : We use Skyscanner to book cheap flights worldwide.

🏨 Accommodation :  Booking.com is our preferred platform for booking hotels and accommodation.

🏥 Travel Insurance : We recommend Heymondo ( Get 5% off Heymondo)  & SafetyWing

🚌 Transportation : Trainline is the best website to reserve trains. We use Omio to book transport worldwide. For travel in Asia, we use 12Go.  

🚘 Car Rental : We use DiscoverCars to book rental cars worldwide.

👫 Group Tours :  G Adventures OR compare multi-day tours worldwide with Tourradar .

📸 Day Tours & Trips :  GetYourGuide  & Viator are the only two platforms you need.

📚 Lonely Planet: The Best Range of Travel Guides & Ebooks , and FREE Shipping! (use code RACHELDAVEY10 for a 10% discount)

🎒 Luggage :  Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack  or  Samsonite Luggage Range.

🛄 What to Pack:  Don’t forget your Universal charger and a good  power bank .  To help you pack the essentials, here is our ULTIMATE Packing List for all Travellers .

🐶 Become a House Sitter:  Join Trusted Housesitters and enjoy FREE accommodation worldwide. Use our invite to receive 25% off your new membership.

💰 Send Money Anywhere: WISE  &  Revolut  are the best online accounts that let you send money, get paid, and spend money internationally. Both are so easy to use and way cheaper than any bank transfer.

📶  Stay Connected: Airalo eSIM allows you to get connected the moment you land at your destination, and you can avoid those expensive data roaming charges. We LOVE this product! Use promo code NOMAD15 for 15% off ALL eSIMs (new Airalo users only) OR use NOMAD10 for 10% off ALL eSIMs (for existing Airalo users)

✅ Check out our Travel Gear  and  Travel Resources for more valuable tips to save you money!

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Shake off life's daily stresses and let yourself relax on your Tarawa vacation. There's nothing more rejuvenating than the smell of fresh salt air and the soothing sound of waves crashing onto the shore. Plan your trip to Tarawa the easy way by choosing one of our Tarawa packages. Many visitors opt to spend their nights close to Red Beach, a local highlight just 10 miles (16 km) from the downtown area.

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Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in tarawa, kiribati parliament building.

After visiting Kiribati Parliament Building, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Tarawa. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.

World War II Guns Historic Area

Find out about the history of Betio when you take a trip to World War II Guns Historic Area. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.

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2024 AAA Car Guide – EVs Reign Supreme

Suvs also dominate, with the addition of three new categories.

ORLANDO, Fla. (Apr. 4, 2024) – AAA awards the 2023 All Electric Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4MATIC SUV with the overall top score for the 2024 Car Guide. This year, all category winners are either electric, plug-in electric hybrids or hybrids. Additionally, the SUV category was divided into small, midsize, and large due to popularity among car buyers.   

“SUVs are a popular choice since they are a great option for families and offer loads of additional compartments for storage,” said Megan McKernan, the Automotive Research Center manager at AAA. “To help distinguish between the overwhelming number of options available, we introduced new SUV categories to make the decision process easier for consumers.”

Category Winners  

E ach of the AAA Car Guide winners has numerous ADAS safety features and performance capabilities. Announced today, the 2 023 EV Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4MATIC SUV earned the top score overall, best large SUV, and best car over $60k. Researchers noted that the Mercedes-Benz has a very comfortable ride, a quiet cabin, and excellent headlight coverage. 

The Ford F-150 Lightning ranks 1st in the pickup category. With its cutting-edge design, advanced technology, and energy efficiency, US drivers now can have everything they know and love about an F-150, designed for the electrified lifestyle. Researchers noted that the Ford F-150 Lightning has plenty of interior room for passengers and lots of standard ADAS features.   

Highest Scoring Ranked by Category:

McKernan further added, “Our research is tailored to guide consumers in making informed decisions when purchasing a new vehicle. The 2024 AAA Car Guide is here to help consumers navigate this evolving automotive marketplace by ranking and rating the newest vehicles.”

The AAA Car Guide includes comprehensive reviews of each vehicle based on 13 criteria, including the number of ADAS safety features, fuel efficiency, emissions, braking, handling, ride quality, and acceleration. These vehicles are tested, scored, and placed in one of seven vehicle type categories by the Automotive Research Center (ARC) of the Automobile Club of Southern California.    

AAA Efforts in EV Education   

If you’re an EV owner or someone interested in making the switch or trying a rental, AAA has got you covered with a range of resources and services. Since its establishment, AAA has been dedicated to advocating and educating people on mobility topics, and electric vehicles (EVs) are no exception. Don’t miss out!  

• EV 101: Online resource for anyone interested in going electric, whether shopping for new OR used.   
• #AdultingwithAAA: Car Care Electric Vehicles – Low Maintenance – No Problem: AAA series for young adults providing helpful tips, advice and life hacks on all things “#Adulting”.  
• Mobile EV Charging Pilot & AAA EV Member Benefits: Available in select cities, this service is now part of our roadside assistance and will get EV owners back on the go if they run out of charge. That’s just one of the many benefits and services we offer our EV members.  
• EV Research : AAA in-house experts conduct research about consumer sentiment around EVs and their functionality.  
• AAA Car Guide Website: For those in the market for newer used EVs, the online resources also contain links to the two prior editions in 2022 and 2023.  

AAA also provides consumers with other resources like the Y our Driving Costs calculator, estimates of the cost to own a vehicle based on financing that vehicle, owning and driving it for five years, and trading in that vehicle at the end of those five years.   

The 2023 AAA Your Driving Cost analysis revealed that EVs have the least expense associated with annual ownership costs in the categories of maintenance, repair and tire costs, fuel and licenses, registration and taxes. Check back in August for the 2024 analysis.

Overall w inners, detailed evaluation criteria, vehicle reviews, and an in-depth analysis of the ADAS technology can be found at aaa.com/carguide .   

About AAA  

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of over 64 million members across North America, including over 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA offers or become a member visit AAA.com .  

Your ultimate guide to the total solar eclipse, its path and how to watch

Mark your calendars — on April 8, a total solar eclipse will sweep across North America , blocking out the sun momentarily for millions of viewers along a path stretching from northern Mexico to Maine.

Not since 2017 has the U.S. experienced a total solar eclipse, and we won’t see another until 2044. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for this rare celestial phenomenon.

What will happen during the total solar eclipse?

A total solar eclipse is the result of the moon passing between the sun and the Earth, blocking all sunlight in a particular path.

Darkness will last for just a few moments, but a lot more will happen during totality. The temperature will drop, streetlights may briefly flicker on, and birds and plants will even act unusually . The corona, or the sun’s atmosphere, will be visible, tracing magnetic field lines. Crescent-shaped rays of light can be spotted on the ground.

You can also expect the sky to shine in other ways. Stars, planets and even a comet will be visible during the total solar eclipse. Venus will be the brightest object, but sky watchers may also be able to point out Jupiter, Saturn and Mars. Mercury will be visible but will appear faint. People will also have a rare opportunity to faintly see comet 12P/Pons-Brooks , which orbits the sun every 71 years.

There’s a slew of reasons why traveling to experience totality is worth it .

Where is the solar eclipse path of totality?

The eclipse will sweep across the United States from Texas to Maine, passing through several major cities, including Dallas, Little Rock, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Buffalo and Burlington, Vt. The path of totality is approximately 115 miles wide, and over half of the country’s population lives within 250 miles of it.

If you’re traveling for the eclipse, we spoke with locals to create a guide for what to do in multiple cities when you’re not busy watching the skies.

What will the eclipse look like near me?

Even if you don’t live in the path of totality, you can still expect at least some of the sun to be obscured by the moon. That amount will vary widely depending on where you are — luckily, we have a customizable map that can show you what to expect in your city.

The other key factor that will determine your view is cloud cover. Clearer skies will provide an uninterrupted watching experience, while more clouds make it more likely the event could be obscured. Historically, Texas and more southern regions in the United States have had the best chances of being cloud-free. Our eclipse cloud cover forecasts are updating daily with what to expect.

What will traffic be like during the eclipse?

Millions of Americans are expected to travel into the path of totality, so be prepared and expect traffic delays and gridlock on major roads before and after the eclipse. Some places have been planning for eclipse visitors for over a year — like the state of New York, which appointed an “eclipse czar” to maximize tourism while avoiding disaster.

One other concern officials are warning travelers to prepare for: possible temporary cellular network disruptions , particularly in cities where lots of people are expected to be.

Do I need special eclipse glasses? Where do I get them?

Yes. Looking at the sun with a naked eye is always dangerous , but normally its brightness triggers a pain response that prevents you from doing so. An eclipse temporarily blocks the wavelengths that trigger pain, but it doesn’t stop damage to the eye.

You can buy eclipse glasses from a variety of vendors, both in person and online. The main thing you want to ensure is that your glasses have the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 12312-2 code on the inside. The American Astronomical Society keeps a list of trusted manufacturers and vendors.

Check out our full eclipse glasses guide for tips on how to find a pair and how to identify fakes.

Can you take a picture of the solar eclipse?

Taking good photos of practically anything in space can be tricky, especially with a phone. But luckily, photographing a total eclipse is easier than you might expect if you’re properly prepared with the right tools ahead of time. With a few simple pieces of equipment like a tripod and solar filter, you can use your smartphone to capture memorable snapshots of the experience.

This solar eclipse photography guide walks through what you’ll need, how to set up your phone ahead of time and what to do in the moment.

How long will the eclipse last?

The eclipse’s duration depends on where you are. The longest stretch of darkness in the path of totality is in the center and decreases toward the outer edges. The longest period of totality will occur in Torreón, Mexico, lasting for 4 minutes and 28 seconds, but many major U.S. cities will get about 4 minutes of darkness.

That may not sound like much, but compared to other eclipses, it’s actually quite a while. During the last total solar eclipse, in 2017, the area around Carbondale, Ill., experienced the longest period of darkness — but that was only 2 minutes and 42 seconds.

How often do total solar eclipses happen?

Every 18 months or so, the moon blocks out the sun’s light completely somewhere on Earth. But many eclipses happen in remote parts of the world, and it’s pretty rare that everything aligns perfectly for American viewers. The last time a total solar eclipse passed the United States was in 2017, but before that, we hadn’t seen one since 1979. After April 8, it will be about two decades before another one is visible from the United States.

And while none of us has to worry about this in our lifetimes, total solar eclipses will eventually be impossible as the moon creeps farther away form Earth.

• Travel Insurance

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Travel Insurance For Singapore: The Complete Guide

Updated: Apr 4, 2024, 12:29pm

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Singapore Travel Insurance

What does travel insurance for singapore cover, can i tailor my travel insurance for singapore, what does travel insurance for singapore exclude, how much does travel insurance for singapore cost, how can i compare travel insurance for singapore, frequently asked questions (faqs).

Singapore has long been a holiday favourite for Australians, either as a stop-over city on the way to Europe or the Middle East or as base for exploring Asia. According to the latest figures from data portal, Statista, 566,000 Australians visited the country in 2022.

If you’re also planning to visit, travel insurance for Singapore can safeguard your trip against a number of potential mishaps, such as falling ill while away, losing your luggage and belongings or even needing to cancel the trip before it’s even begun. Singapore is a safe country, but the cost of medical care is high.  Find out more about how travel insurance for Singapore works below.

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Rental Vehicle Excess

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

On Cover-more’s secure website

Medical cover

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance (Comprehensive)

Option of Cruise Cover

Unlimited medical

Yes (some sub limits apply)

There are three main types of travel insurance policy for Singapore. These are:

• Single trip: for a one-off trip in the space of 12 months to Singapore
• Annual multi-trip : for more than one trip in the space of 12 months to Singapore or various destinations. This type of cover can work out more cost-effective than buying multiple single trip policies but not always so it’s best to compare both types of cover.
• Long-stay/backpacker : for an extended stay in Singapore, of typically 60 or 90 days, or 12 or 18 months. Cover for 24 months may be available, from certain providers.

When applying for travel insurance online, you’ll first be asked to enter your holiday destination. Depending on the insurer, you’ll need to click on Singapore, Asia or Worldwide travel excluding the US and nearby destinations such as Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada and Greenland. The latter option excludes a part of the world where medical costs are the highest, which in turn, bumps up the cost of cover. If you’re also planning to travel to the US, for example, there are separate worldwide policies that include it as a destination.

Insurers usually offer at least two or more types of travel insurance policy from basic or comprehensive cover and anything in between. Comprehensive policies offer the highest cover levels and widest range of benefits.

A key component of all travel insurance policies is emergency medical cover. You’ll find a comprehensive policy for Singapore will often offer an unlimited amount.

The standard of medical facilities and care in Singapore is similar to, or higher than in Australia, and the cost often much higher, so medical cover can prove a vital resource should you fall ill, or get injured, while away.

Note that in the case of an emergency, you’ll likely need to pay up-front first, and then reclaim the costs from your insurer, or confirm payment from your insurer with a hospital before it will provide treatment.

As standard, travel insurance for Singapore can also cover repatriation and emergency rescue, in severe medical cases, the loss or theft of your baggage and belongings and trip cancellation if you can no longer travel for reasons such as falling ill, suffering a bereavement or losing your job.

They will also likely include an array of other forms of protection, providing the most at comprehensive level. This includes cover for lost or stolen money, passports and documentation, missed departures, online fraud, and travel delay. The types of cover on offer, and cover limits, will vary between providers. You can find exactly what a policy includes in its product disclosure statement (PDS), which is usually found on an insurer’s website.

There are a number of ways you can ensure your policy fits your needs. Many insurers offer optional add-ons that you can purchase if you need specialised cover. These include insurance for gadgets (such as a smartphone or laptop), a cruise and playing golf.

If you’re thinking of participating in more high-octane activities, check your policy’s PDS. Many cover around 100 or so sports automatically. Cover for what an insurer classes as high-risk activities, such as skydiving, bungee jumping, outdoor rock climbing, and activities requiring a set of wheels, such as quad biking, may require purchasing an additional ‘sports pack’ for your policy.

While reading through a policy’s PDS, it’s crucial to also take note of any limitations of cover. These can differ between policies, but generally you can expect most insures to refuse claims relating to a pre-existing condition. This is a medical condition you had before taking out the policy. The insurer may not cover such conditions, or may refuse your claim if you did not declare your condition on applying for the policy.

An insurer is also unlikely to accept claims for an injury caused by taking part in a sport or activity where you did not wear the appropriate safety gear, such as a helmet, knee pads or a harness. Claims resulting from disorderly behaviour or being under the influence of drink or drugs will also likely be rejected.

It’s best to regularly check government advice for your destination, which it publishes on its Smartraveller website. This includes warnings about natural disasters, terrorism threats and pandemics. Visiting Singapore, or a part of the country, if the government puts it on its “do not travel” list, could invalidate your policy.

The amount you’ll need to pay for your travel insurance policy will depend on a range of factors. An insurer will consider your holiday destination, associated costs when travelling there and the length of time you’ll be travelling.

The price of a policy can rise for mature travellers and those with pre-existing conditions, as insurers view these travellers as more likely to claim on their policy.

To provide an idea of how much travel insurance for Singapore can cost, we ran quotes on the sites of the insurers we’ve rated the top five for travel insurance.

We used the profile of a family of four, aged 42, 40, 14 and 12, spending 13 to 26 May in the country, and assumed they have no pre-existing conditions, (although these providers do offer cover for pre-existing conditions should you need it).

We found basic cover ranged from around $106 to $202, while comprehensive cover started at around $241, with the most expensive policy costing just under $304.

Before choosing a policy, it’s important to shop around. An easy way to do this is to run quotes on the websites of various insurers and compare factors such as the type of cover a policy includes and cover levels against price.

To help you with your search, we’ve conducted some research and found our pick of the best comprehensive travel insurance policies .

Is travel insurance for Singapore worth it?

While travel insurance for Singapore isn’t mandatory, it can be considered a travel essential if you have no other means of covering emergency costs while away.

Emergency medical fees can easily stack up to thousands of dollars alone, and without travel insurance in place, you would have to cover them out of pocket. Travel insurance also can cover a number of eventualities that we often fail to consider, such as an airline, transport company, or accommodation provider going bust.

What is ‘excess’ in insurance?

An excess is a set amount you’ll be expected to pay on each approved claim. It’s usually levied per person on the policy, per event, per claim, but you can check the PDS for the specifics concerning your insurer. You usually can pick from a range of excess amounts, from $50 to $250 on average, when taking out a policy.

The more you choose to pay in excess, the lower your policy premium—the cost of your policy—typically will be, while paying less in excess will raise the cost. An excess is usually deducted from a claim amount, so you won’t need to pay for it out of pocket. However, it’s still crucial that you make sure it’s affordable.

Can I buy a policy while I’m in Singapore?

Some providers won’t cover a holiday if it’s already started. Others may cover you, but apply a waiting period of around 72 hours before you can claim.

The best time to take out travel insurance is as soon as you’ve booked your holiday, as you’ll be immediately covered for trip cancellation. Insurers are highly unlikely to consider claims resulting from something that happened before you took out the policy.

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I have been writing for newspapers, magazines and online publications for over 10 years. My passion is providing, in a way that is easily accessible and digestible to all, the knowledge needed for readers to not only manage their finances, but financially flourish.