Overview

Kiribati is a Micronesian Island group that is located right on the equator. It was the scene of some of the worst fighting during World War II. The island group cannot be categorized into the league of the Hawaiian nations. Discovered by two British Captains, Marshall and Gilbert, the Republic of Kiribati was earlier known as the Gilbert Islands. The archipelago constituted by 33 low-lying coral isles and enveloped by extensive reefs gained independence from Britain in the year 1979.

Sitting astride the Equator, the islands are situated to the immediate west of the International Date Line and hence most visitors set out for Kiribati simply because it is famous for being the first place to experience the new millennium, the first place to experience a date change! In regards to the climate, the temperature is quite reasonable; however, the humidity more than compensates, giving the impression of a sauna.

Activities & Attractions

The biggest attraction of the islands is the sightseeing and historical significance it had as a nation during World War II. The area is littered with remains from battles during World War II. Many ships were sunk and plenty of historical artifacts can still be spotted in the place. The most common tourist activity, therefore, is shipwreck diving off the island of South Tarawa. The other islands of the nation offer great places to dive but you will have to plan in advance. Famous restaurants include the Royal Bar, the Ambo Lagoon Club, and the Night Spot. The place also offers plenty of shopping possibilities.

You can also visit the Ambo Islands in Tarawa if you want to hang out at a beautiful beach. Also, you can visit the Bairiki Island to see the Parliament Building.

Lodging

There are not many places to stay in Kiribati. The number of accommodation facilities in Kiribati is relatively limited, but there are still some basic hotels that can be rented out in the South Tarawa region. A few of these hotels offer air conditioning and generators in case a blackout occurs, while most of the others offer only fans for battling the heat. The Otintaai Hotel is one to be recommended which ensures a high level of quality and price. Some others in the list include the Tarawa hotel at the Kirkitamati Island, the Captain Cook Hotel, and a guesthouse on North Tarawa. In addition, there are quite a few motels to stay as well.

Transportation

Apply for a visa as soon as you have decided on Kiribati as your vacation destination. The airlines and boats are the standard means of getting to the country. Once you are there, the best way to get around the varied islands is via turboprops which should of course be planned in advance. By booking in advance you can ensure that you will have the requisite transportation facilities, which is quite important in a place like Kiribati and for moving from island to island.