Kiribati Flag
Why visit Kiribati?
Relatively undeveloped islands offer travelers beaches, birdwatching, boating, culture, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, scuba diving, sport fishing, and surfing.
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Pure coconut virgin oil and mauri wear.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Batata Mash (potato mash). Crab Cocktail. Glazed Mahi Mahi. Pumpkin Coconut Soup. Samoan Poi (mashed coconut dessert). Te Inai (fried parrotfish).
- Local Drink to Try: Karewe (palm wine).
Fun Facts
- On Nikumaroro Island remains of Amelia Earhart (1897-1937), American Aviator plane was discovered (1930).
- In 1979, became independent from the United Kingdom.
- In 1999, the National Space Development Agency of Japan leased land on Christmas Island for 20 years. Later cancelled by Japan (2003).
- In 2014, won their first medal during the Commonwealth Games in weightlifting.
- Rests on both sides of the equator.
- Millennium Island was formerly called Caroline Island.
- The United States incorporated the Northern Line Islands into territories.
- Comprises 32 atolls.
- Only country in the world located in all four hemispheres.
- Kiritimati Island (aka: Christmas Island) has the largest land area of any coral atoll in the world.
- Imported canned goods are considered luxury goods.
- Banaba (Ocean Island) is a raised-coral island.
- Has 21 inhabited islands and divided into three island groups.
- Christmas Island was used for hydrogen bombs and nuclear weapons testing.
- Tabiteuea Island (formerly Drummond Island) consists of two main islands: Eanikai (north) and Nuguti (south).
- Has no military, relies on Australia and New Zealand for military defence.
- Their alphabet does not include letter s.
- Has three ecosystems: Central Polynesian, Eastern Micronesia, and Western Polynesian.
- Group islands include: Banaba, Gilbert Islands, Line Islands, and Phoenix Islands.
- Home to the world’s largest marine protected area (Phoenix Islands Protected Area - PIPA).
- Uninhabitable Line Islands include: Flint Island, Caroline Island, Malden Island, Starbuck Island, and Vostok Island.
- Smiling while dancing is considered vulgar as Kiribati Dance is a form of storytelling.
- Breastfeeding mothers eat coconut and mud crabs for milk production.
Kiribati Islands:
- Gilbert Islands: Makin, Butaritari, Marakei, Abaiang, Tarawa, Maiana, Abemama, Kuria, Aranuka, Nonouti, Tabiteuea, Beru, Nikunau, Onotoa, Tamana, and Arorae.
- Phoenix Islands: Kanton (or Abariringa), Enderbury, Rawaki (formerly Phoenix), Manra (formerly Sydney), Birnie, McKean, Nikumaroro (formerly Gardner), and Orona (formerly Hull).
- Line Islands: Kingman Reef, Palmyra Atoll, Teraina (Washington Island), Tabuaeran (Fanning Island), Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Jarvis Island, Malden Island, Filippo Reef, Starbuck Island, Caroline Island, Vostok Island, and Flint Island.
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (monthly) Betio Game Fishing Club, (July) National Day, and (November) WWII Battle of Tarawa and the Battle of Makin Commemoration.
- Holidays: New Year's Day, International Women's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, National Health Day, Gospel Day, National Culture & Senior Citizens Day, National Day, Youth Day, Education Day, Human Rights & Peace Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
Good to Know
- Does not have the lush or mountainous backdrop compared to other Pacific nations.
- Kanton Island is accessible only by private flight and boat charters.
- Majority of the population resides on Gilbert Island.
- Includes Gilbert Islands (western group), Line Islands (eastern group), and Phoenix Islands (middle group).
- Not a shopping destination.
- Natives speak Gilbertese (Oceanic language) few speak English beyond the capital.
- Tarawa Island has a large lagoon.
- Importing any animal products, animals, fruits, part of plants, soil, or vegetables is strictly governed by law and subject to quarantine.
- Importing any ammunition, counterfeit goods, counterfeit money, explosives, indecent publications, knives, or pornography is strictly prohibited.
- Only Master Cards and VISA credit cards are accepted.
- Sanitation conditions are usually below our standards.
- After heavy rains and high tides, some roads temporarily flood.
- Major medical is directed to Guam or Hawaii.
- Christmas Island offers the best birdwatching.
- Relevant diseases include: Chikungunya, Dengue, Giardia, Leprosy, Tuberculosis, and Typhoid Fever.
- Exporting artifacts over 30 years old, dancing ornaments, suits of armor, traditional fighting swords, or traditional tools is prohibited.
- Some islands do not offer accommodation stays.
- Offers no cremation, embalming, or funeral homes services.
- Banaba, is known amongst Europeans as Ocean Island.
- Do not consume tap water.
- Traffic moves on the left side of the road.
- Homosexuality is illegal, subject to a penalty of up to 14 years in prison.
- Banaba and Phoenix Islands are not served by air carriers.
- Westerly winds often prevent island hopping (December).
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Tourist VISA not required for visits under 30 days.
- Currency Restriction for Entry $5,000AUD.
Fanning Island. Photo Credit: Ramona Mona Denton/Pixabay
- Best Time to Visit: April - October
- Coolest Month: February
- Hottest Months: May - June & November
- Peak Season: June - August
Your Must-See & Do
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Phoenix Islands Protected Area
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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