Your Dream Vacation is Here
Kiribati
Created by: Tarimwe Mwea
Kiribati
- Transportation
- Hotel/ Accommodations
- Food & Beverage/ Restaurants
- Recreation/ Entertainment
- Itinerary
- Reference
Introduction
Location: Kiribati
Kiribati is a land famous for the white sandy beaches, and the waves crashing upon the shore, and with the most beautiful sunset. It is one of the smallest islands on Earth, with a lot of beautiful sites that no other islands or countries have. It is unique in its own culture, values, and tradition. In general, Kiribati is made up of 33 islands. It is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and a three hours flight from Fiji to Kiribati.
History
There are four main groups of the Kiribati Islands. There is Northern, Southern, the Middle group, and the Line and Phoenix Islands group. The Line and Phoenix Islands group is the farthest out, but much closer to Hawaii. All these groups use the same language – the Kiribati language but with different idiomatic parts of the language. Cultures are slightly different in these groups as well. Kiribati Islands, also known as the Gilbert Islands became a British Protectorate in 1892 and it was later a Colony in 1915. It was said that the Kiribati ancestors came from Samoa and South East Asia between the 11th and 14th centuries. Kiribati practiced the Chief’s ruling and Unimwane (Elderly men) system back in the days. We don’t use it nowadays, except for The Unimwane System, in some parts of the Kiribati Groups. However, Kiribati received its Independence on 12th July 1979. The President is the Head of the Government and manages it with its Cabinet Members (Ministers). The population is more than 50,000 people. The currency used on Kiribati is the Australian currency. The Kiribati is part of the Micronesian group in the Pacific. In 2000, Kiribati was recognized as the first country in the world, where the sunrise is seen. Kiribati is lucky enough to be free from natural disasters like tsunami, hurricanes, or cyclones. It is probably known to be one of the safest places on Earth.
Weather
Kiribati has only wet and dry seasons. The temperature is mostly between 25 to 30 degree Celsius every day. It is nice and warm, and there are many rainy days as well. Rainy days are not usually the best times to go out. Rainy days can be a bit tricky in Kiribati because it sometimes rains all day. It is usually sunny during the daytime and it rains during nighttime, so it shouldn’t be a problem. There are days when it is cloudy, and those are the best days to go fishing or to do outdoor activities in the ocean, or on the beach because it is not that hot.
Tourism
There are a lot of tourists coming to visit Kiribati. Most of them come from Europe, Asia, America, Australia, New Zealand. Most of these tourists visit Kiribati for fishing and vacation purposes. Recently, there has been a lot of new accommodations available at the Outer Islands. They are mostly local accommodation built in an Island and a bit of Western building style. All Kiribati islands have their own resorts, so when visitors come, they have a nice place to stay. At these accommodations, there are western and local food available, recreational activities, shows, karaoke, beach night activities and so many more. For example, one of the resorts in Abaiang (the Northern Group) known as Terau Beach Bungalow, provides boat tours around the island of Abaiang. This is also the time for tourists to see turtles, dolphins and other beautiful sea creatures. They go from one island to another. On Christmas Island (Phoenix Group) the activities such as fishing for pet fish are available for tourists. Christmas Island is known to have the most beautiful pet fish anyone could ever ask for. They come in different sizes and colors and they are very beautiful. Tourists usually stay in Kiribati for not less than four days and not more than 10 days. There are so many things to do on the islands, such as day and night shows. Local dances are performed with singing and beach activities. The sunset and sunrise are something that all tourists love. They usually spend afternoons and early mornings sitting on the porch or anywhere close to the ocean and wait for sunset or sunrise. They take photos and just wait there to see the sun go down. At night, there are stars that can be easily observed unlike in many big cities where there is big light pollution. In Kiribati Islands, there are no tall buildings, so anyone can easily see the stars. Everyone is welcome to come and see what Kiribati has to offer. It will be an experience you will never forget!
Transportations
There is only one way to get to Tarawa (the Main Island) in the Kiribati Group at the moment. Because of Kiribati low economy incomes, the Government tries to do its best at improving its touristic offer. Air transportation is the only way to get to Tarawa at the moment.
Air
Tarawa has only one International Airport in Bonriki, on South Tarawa. To reach Tarawa, you must go through either Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Nauru or the Solomon Islands. The cheapest airlines are the Solomon Airlines, and the Marshall Islands. There are flights to Tarawa only on Mondays, and Thursdays with Fiji, on Sundays, there are flights with Marshall Islands Airline and Nauru Airline, and on Wednesdays, you can fly with the Solomon Islands.
Getting Around Kiribati :
Once you arrived in South Tarawa (the main Island), it is easier for you to go to the Outer Islands. The hotel you choose to stay in is usually the one which offers you a car ride at the airport. There are also rental cars at the hotels where you can rent a car for either $50-70 per day. The price depends on the car type you want to rent. There is a bus too if you want to go around. The good thing is that there is no exact time for the bus to arrive and leave. You can just stand by the roadside and wait a bit for the bus to arrive. The bus fare costs 70 cents for adults and 40 cents for children. You just keep adding additional 10 cents per bus stop. To get to the Outer Islands resorts or for sight-seeing, you can take the speed boat or the ship (small ships). The fares for adults are usually $15-$20 and $10 for children. We do not have taxis, only buses, and rental cars.
Hotel / Accommodations
HOTELS / RESORTS
| Name | Category | Cost | Amenities | Audience | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Otintaai | Hotel/economy | $55-$70 per night with free breakfast | Karaoke
Bar night
BBQ night | Adults, not good for children | Not applicable |
Slim Price | Airport Transit Hotel/economy | $75 - $120 per night with free breakfast | Karaoke
BBQ on Fridays | Good for families | Not applicable |
Mary’s | Motel/economy | $75-$120 per night with free breakfast | Fishing
BBQ night | Good for families | Not applicable |
Betio Lodge | Hotel/economy | $55-$110 per night with free breakfast | BBQ night
Bar night
Karaoke | Good for adults, not good for children | Not applicable |
Buariki Resort | Resort/economy | $20 per night. Food is separate | Island Tour
Local Dance show | Very good for families | Not applicable |
Terau Beach Bungalow | Resort/economy | $20 per night. Food is separate | Boat Island Tour
Fishing
Karaoke
Local Dance show
Inland Island Tour | Very good for families | Not applicable |
Food & Beverage / Restaurants
Casual Restaurants
| Name | Cuisine Meals | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Japanese Curry House | Lunch, dinner | Eat inside. Has fan. Food is fast | Low - $3.50, High - $15 |
Koakoas Corner | Lunch, Dinner | Food is so good. Eat under a maneaba (local open shelter). Very wonderful view of the sunset as the restaurant is by the lagoon side. | Low - $5.00, High - $25.00 |
Pacific Restaurant | Lunch, Dinner | Has a separate room for privacy. Food is Chinese dish and great! | Low - $4.50, High - $25.00 |
Fine Dining Restaurants
| Name | Cuisine Meals | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Chatterbox Cafe | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Chairs are very comfortable, has aircon, and service is fast, with good food | Prices range from $4.50 - $15.00 |
Mary’s Motel Restaurant | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Eat under a patio, has television, food is great | Low - $5.50, High - $25.00 |
Utirerei Restaurant | Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Eat in an open space, place looks like a floating boat, very comfortable chairs, they have cushion chairs for relaxation. | Prices range from $4.50 - $25.00 |
Fast Food Restaurants
| Name of restaurant | Type of cuisine served | Meals served | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mary’s motel Restaurant | Seafood, Burgers and fries, Local food and grill | Lunch, Dinner | Take out & delivery | Range from $5.50 - $25.00 |
Betio Lodge Restaurant | Seafood, grill, fries | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Take out & delivery | Range from $5.50 - $25.00 |
Fries (they have the best fries) grill, Mexican foods | Seafood,
Polynesian,
European | Lunch, Dinner | Take out | Range from $6.50 - $30.00 |
Recreation / Entertainment
Kiribati is a tiny little island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Kiribati covers a very large part of the Pacific ocean. There are no mountains on the Island. There are an ocean and the unique creatures in it. There is the most wonderful sunset view from any place on the Island. The white sandy beaches are what make the Islands beautiful and special place where it is possible to see both the Ocean side and Lagoon side at the same time.
Water Activities:
- Dive and Snorkeling
- Beach Bond fire
- Beach BBQ and Local Performances Dance night
- Boat Island Tour
- Dolphin, Whale and turtle watching
- Fishing
Land activities:
- Island Tour
- Sightseeing at Historical places
- Visiting Museum
- Camping and Beach Walk
Explore More Kiribati