Straddling the equator and right on the International Dateline, Kiribati (pronounced Kiribass) is a nation of 33 widely spread atolls that are good for diving, bird watching and enjoying Micronesian culture. Racked by battle in WWII, ravaged by Cold War thermonuclear devices and spooked by rising sea levels today, this country of low-lying islands is as unique and remote as they come.
The Nation Kiribati is one of the worlds smallest but if you take the Ocean surrounding it and its islands its one of the biggest. Kiribati have 3.4 million square kilometres of water, and should be wealthy as a nation but the EU is warning Kiribati by concerns about the country’s capacity to control fishing activities by foreign fleets. They are Fishing illigaly in Kiribatis waters.
The region is comprised of three groups; the Gilberts, where the capital Tarawa is. The Line Islands, site of the famous Christmas Island (not the Australian one), and the lesser known Phoenix group.
Most visitors head out on boating trips, dives or by sea plane to see paradise islands. I diddent do any of these tours as there arnt to many tourists here and it is expensive renting/chartering alone. But i did walk the entire stretch of land from Betio to Abatao, along the way you can see the life of the islander, some war relics as guns, shipwrecks and tanks. The Parliament house is worth the picture, but its the people and the storys that are really interresting here.
The locals are friendly and welcoming and love to show their culture during Island nights, cava ceremonies and showing their handicrafts. The cuisine is largely sea-based and very basic, while expat bars and guesthouses often have western stuff. The nightlife is nothing to write home about, which suits most visitors seeking relaxation, while accommodation, for the most part is basic but clean. Kiribati is not hard to get to, but the cost of a flights here could be as much as 1500 US roundfare from Fiji.
More photos:
Getting around in Kiribati you stop this type of cars and pay s small amount after how far you will go!
In Betio there is no paved roads so then you get this!
Locals getting their goods.
Betio is a village that is extremely over populated, with that pollution comes as a result. Here is at the beach were they still have s bit room.
Kiribati is paradise - but there are dangers such as rising sea levels, pollution and that there are no investment that lurks!
Kids at the beach, Betio!
Hi there, South Tarawa, Kiribati!
Its easy to go for s swim!
Generators big as containers helping out with powersupply in Betio, Kiribati!
My room at George Hotel in Betio!
This is s normal sight today in most oceans around the world. Sadly plastic is s materiale that dont naturally go away, and the oceans are filling up!
Sunset, lagoon side, Kiribati!
I spent a few hours here!
Infront of the Kiribati Parliament. The colours in their flag is the same as on the statue.
There were always small kiosks that sold water and basic goods, this helpes familys to get some more money for everyday life.
The only road in Tarawa, Kiribati.
This is someones home. In the western world this huts is something kids build to have fun when they are young.
Christianity has been here for some time!
Kids playing around at dusk before the darkness arrives.
A local Betio father and his grand daughter. He was conserned about the rising sea levels and asked me what i tought was going to happend. Not the usual conversation to have, but a very special moment!
The only travel agent/tourist info in Tarawa!
In the only modern, clean cafe in Tarawa we postcards, sick milkshakes and aircon.
The biggest problem in Kiribati is the rising sea levels. To try to compete against the sea, people try to plant mangrove trees to protect the erosion!
Basic play but still fun!
Kiribati consists of a small strip of land and the transport here either goes up or down the island.
Dennis - a Aussie working in Kiribati took me around in his pick up, we also stayed at the same Hotel in Betio.
Kids playing, south Tarawa!
A dutch guy i met i Tarawa, he was here to said from Kiribati to The Philippines!
Karen from New Zealand and Olivia from California.
Fabrics in the supermarket!
Outside the only ATM in betio!
