Kiribati – Unique and remote countries in the World

Kiribati becomes all the more fascinating given its location on the Equator and even splits over the International Date Line. Kiribati is therefore among those countries that get to greet a new day and a new year first in the world. It is due to this that Kiribati became of huge interest during the celebration of the new millennium. In spite of its isolation, Kiribati has a rich culture and a lifestyle that respects nature due to its surrounding environment, which is mostly covered by oceans. This report is going to give a clear explanation about Kiribati and its related environments.

Geography and Natural Setting of Kiribati

Kiribati is made up of three major groups of islands, which include Gilbert Islands, Line Islands, and Phoenix Islands. These groups of islands stretch over a distance of thousands of kilometers. In Kiribati, most of the islands belong to a group of low-lying coral islands, which refers to those islands raised a few meters above sea level. This implies that the sea is a very integral part of the daily activities of Kiribati. The islands are ringed by turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, and deep sea waters that are full of marine life. Coconuts thrive in most places, and the beaches are characterized by sandy shores. Freshwater is in short supply, and thus harvesting rainwater is a significant practice in the country. The aesthetics of Kiribati are in its simplicity, virgin state, and tranquility of the place. Visitors seeking solitude and nature find a visit to Kiribati very rewarding.

Climate and Best Time to Visit Kiribati

Kiribati has a tropical climate. This makes the climate warm all year around. The temperature ranges from 26 to 32 degrees Celsius. There are two seasons in Kiribati: the drier season and the wet season. The drier season makes the seas calm and is a better time to travel. Since Kiribati is close to the Equator, the length of its days remains relatively consistent throughout the year. Visiting Kiribati may be ideal during the drier seasons of the year, during which there is less rainfall and the waters are clearer. Additionally, activities such as snorkeling, fishing, and exploring the islands become ideal during this season. Nonetheless, Kiribati remains a tropical destination that experiences showers during the rainy seasons.

History of Kiribati

The history of Kiribati is intertwined with the ocean. The early settlers reached the islands many years ago, using the stars, ocean currents, and wind to navigate the Pacific Ocean. The early Kiribatis showed impressive sea-faring ability and formed a community that was close to each other.Over time, the norms, stories, and social patterns of each island became distinctive. Later, European explorers settled in Kiribati, along with Christian missionaries and colonial powers. The island chain was also known by the name Gilbert Islands when it was a colony of the United Kingdom. During World War II, some of the islands became major battlegrounds of conflict, particularly the island of Tarawa, which was the site of one of the most intense battles of the Pacific War conflict. The country of Kiribati acquired its independence in 1979 to become a sovereign nation.

Culture and Daily Life in Kiribati

The culture of Kiribati is very straightforward and humble. Families always stick together. Neighboring villages help each other. Many aspects of the national culture include respect for elders, eating from one pot, and taking care of the land. The national language, I-Kiribati, is widely used. English is also used in schools and in the government.

Tourism Sites in Kiribati 

Kiribati is a tranquil tropical nation in the Pacific Ocean that boasts pristine nature, a relaxed living style, and a profound culture. Tourism in Kiribati does not target luxurious holiday destinations or popular spots. Rather, it revolves around natural wonders, living in a traditional village, visiting historic sites, or engaging in aquatic activities. Visitors traveling to destinations like Kiribati are in search of secluded locations, a clear understanding of the culture, and unique experiences away from the madding crowd. In effect, the tourism destinations in Kiribati provide simplicity, authenticity, and naturalness rather than entertainment.

Tarawa Atoll

The Tarawa Atoll is the main body of Kiribati and the first stop most tourists make. The atoll is divided into South Tarawa, which has gotten more development, and North Tarawa, which has remained tranquil and unspoiled. South Tarawa is where the capital city and general government offices are located, and then there are markets and basic tourist amenities. Tourists are free to roam the residential areas and experience the islandlife of the residents firsthand. At the same time, North Tarawa has villages, coconut palms, and expansive beaches ideal for tourists to have a moment of peace and soak in the beauty of nature.

Betio and World War II Historical Sites

Betio, situated on South Tarawa, is the second most historic tourist destination in the country of Kiribati. Betio was the location of the Battle of Tarawa in World War II, and it was one of the most devastating battles fought in the Pacific during the war. The tourist can observe the bunkers, the coastal guns, and the sunken warships along the shore. The historic sites are scattered around the location and are a reminder of the historic events in the past and offer a great deal to those tourists in the history domain, as the location is emotionally filled and symbolizes sacrifice and struggle on a distant island.

Ambo Island and Peaceful Beaches

Ambo Island is a quiet region found in South Tarawa, and it is famous for being a peaceful place. The region has open beaches, soft wave movements, and nice sunset views. Tourists are known to stroll by the beach, look for seashells, or just relax and feel the breeze from the ocean. Due to the low tourism traffic, the beaches are as if untouched by human presence. Ambo Island is a perfect destination for persons seeking a quiet environment with high exposure to nature amenities.

Abaiang Atoll

Abaiang Atoll is situated north of Tarawa and is a very popular destination for tourists outside of Tarawa. The atoll is very well-known for its clean shores and pure lagoons and is an attractive destination for tourists, as well as being a place of interest for photographers. The pace of life at Abaiang is very slow, and tourists can stay in local guesthouses owned by local families. When island-hopping, tourists can watch fishing and harvesting of coconuts. The lagoons around Abaiang are very appealing for swimming and snorkeling.

Christmas Island (Kiritimati Island)

The Kiritimati Island, also known as Christmas Island, is the largest coral atoll worldwide and one of the most renowned tourist sites in Kiribati. The island is also distant from the city of Tarawa and somehow a world of its own. The island is also renowned for its open spaces and its marvelous sea creatures. One of the main activities undertaken by those visiting this island is sport fishing and particularly bonefishing, which is of international standards in this island. Birds are also an attraction for tourists who come to see the rare sea birds that breed in and around the lakes and shores of this island to escape the notice of their predators.

Phoenix Islands Protected Area

The Phoenix Islands Protected Area is one of the largest marine protected areas in the world, along with being a world heritage site managed by UNESCO. Even with the restricted accessibility of the area, it remains of immense significance for ecotourism and research activities. The site comprises coral reefs, lagoons, and uninhabited islands having diverse marine life. Though tourism in this site remains very low due to conservation reasons, the presence of this protected area denotes Kiribati’s dedication to preserving nature, along with the addition of international significance to tourism representation of Kiribati.

Traditional Villages and Cultural Experiences

Among the most precious and rewarding tourism activities in Kiribati is the visitation of the traditional villages. Indeed, these villages stretch from one Kiribati islet to another and give the visitor an orientation about life on the atolls. There is the opportunity for the visitor to see the local houses that are built from local materials, watch local dances, and get orientation about the traditions that have been passed down from the ancestors. The orientation programs include singing and telling stories that are indicative of the high values of friendship within the culture of Kiribati people.

Local Markets and Community Centers

Local markets, particularly in South Tarawa, offer tourist sites that give a glimpse into the life of the people. There is the opportunity for tourists to see fish, coconuts, breadfruit, products made from pandanus, and other locally made goods. Local community centres are also locations that offer some kind of occasion or function that tourists can get invited to. It is through these locations that tourists learn more about the community life that is simple yet resilient in Kiribati.

Lagoon and Ocean Activities

The lagoons in Kiribati are one of its natural assets. Visitors can engage in Swimming, Snorkeling, Canoeing, and Fishing in the warm and clear waters of the island. The coral reefs along the shoreline of Kiribati offer a haven to colorful fish and marine life. The absence of pollution and commercial tourism in Kiribati makes its underwater environment pristine and healthy. Swimming in the lagoons of Kiribati has been said to be a tranquil and invigorating experience; hence, water activities are a key aspect of tourism in Kiribati.

Sunrise and Sunset Viewing Spots

Kiribati is known to be one of the earliest nations to witness the sunrise, particularly in the surrounding islands near the International Date Line. As a result, watching the sunrise and sunset becomes a memorable experience for tourists. Visitors to these Pacific islands are known to rise early to catch a glimpse of the sunrise above the horizon of the vast ocean surrounding the landmasses. Watching the sunset with the warm rays shining on the still ocean surface is equally breathtakingly beautiful.

Eco-Tourism and Nature Observation

Eco-tourism in Kiribati is slowly emerging, and it is based on sustainability and nature conservation. Environmentally conscious tourists can engage in coastal observations, mangrove forest observation, bird observation, and marine life observation. Guided nature walks and learning visits can educate tourists about the nature of life between the sea and land. The rising climatic conditions in Kiribati make eco-tourism an environmental protection and resilience campaign.

Religious and Community Sites

Churches are significant in the society of Kiribati and are widespread on the islands. One of the most noticeable aspects of this country for tourists is the simple yet significant church buildings, where people gather every week. Visiting a church service could also turn into a cultural experience since music and singing are engrained in the local traditions. These are definitely not places of tourist attraction in the conventional sense, though they are a reflection of the spiritual elements of this society.

Activities for Tourists in Kiribati

The tourism in Kiribati revolves around nature, culture, and unwinding. Fishing takes the lead among the most preferred activities for tourism. Deep-sea fishing and fly fishing take the lead. Snorkeling and diving enable visitors to discover coral reefs with a variety of creatures. The lagoon swimming is safe. Visiting villages enables tourists to learn and discover customs and culture, as well as food and storytelling traditions. Walks on beaches, sunsets, and stargazing are also a click, as light pollution is less. Kiribati is best suited for those tourists that prefer slow travel vacations.

Surrounding Places Near Kiribati 

Kiribati is an island country that finds itself situated in the Pacific Ocean, far away from any major countries that it borders. In its current geographic location, it has mostly open waters around it; however, there exist various island nations, ocean areas, or even pacific regions that find themselves close to it. These regions can be of significance to Kiribati, considering that they can easily impact its trade, travel paths, climatic environments, or even cultures. In fact, for those that visit Kiribati, they usually visit other pacific locations that surround it to get an understanding of life within this portion of the planet.

Marshall Islands

To the northwest of Kiribati, there are the Marshall Islands, which are another island country comprising coral atolls and low-lying islands. The Marshall Islands are quite similar to Kiribati, with traditional fishing communities, living around lagoons, and a close connection with the sea. The Marshall Islands are encircled by crystal waters, coral reefs, and marine life, offering attractive spots for diving and snorkeling activities. Historically, the states of Kiribati and the Marshall Islands passed through colonization and military strategic interest, thus helping to form their modern identity.

Tuvalu

Situated to the south of Kiribati, Tuvalu is among the smallest countries in the world in terms of size and population. Just like Kiribati, Tuvalu is composed of small coral islands that lie just a few meters above sea level. Owing to this fact, Kiribati and Tuvalu face the same problems pertaining to climate change and sea levels. The peaceful villages, narrow strips of land, and calm lagoons of Tuvalu closely resemble those of Kiribati. This aspect brings great familiarity to the traveler. The pace of life in Tuvalu is very gradual and conforming to tradition. Fishing, social meetings, and church affairs form the focal point of life in Tuvalu. Although it lacks proper transport links, Tuvalu is one of the nearest cultural neighbors of Kiribati.

Nauru

Nauru is located west of Kiribati and known as one of the smallest island nations worldwide. While Kiribati consists of a number of atolls, Nauru is a single island with a rich history of phosphate mining. Despite the many differences between the two island nations, the people of Nauru have a pacific island culture that thrives on the values of the family, respect, and community. The island nation is protected by coral reefs and deep sea waters; thus, it’s an ideal tourist destination for fishing and sea exploration. Movement between Kiribati and Nauru is rare but significant.

Solomon Islands

To the southwest of the Republic of Kiribati lie the Solomon Islands, a major island nation that comprises mountainous islands and dense rainforests. Indeed, the Solomon Islands present a quite distinct landscape compared to the flat corals of Kiribati, with rivers, waterfalls, and volcanic hills. However, a major cultural influence that can be found in both countries is the distinct Melanesian and Micronesia culture, particularly in oral narratives, music, and nature.

Papua New Guinea

To the further southwest is the culturally diverse Papua New Guinea. This country may not only be larger and more mountainous but also very important to the region in terms of trade, education, and transportation networks. Another contrast to the open and sea-centered lifestyle in Kiribati is the heavily forested and culturally diverse environment of Papua New Guinea, with many mountainous regions and various indigenous communities numbering in hundreds across their lands. Respect for cultures and their lands and resources can still be shared between both of these countries and those in the Pacific region.

Fiji

Geographically, Fiji is situated to the south of Kiribati and serves as a major transport and economic link for the Pacific area. Many flights to Kiribati also land in Fiji, which makes it an important point of entry. Fiji is also well known for its large islands, high-quality resorts and hotels, welcoming villagers, and dynamic cultural displays. Although it has a relatively developed tourism sector relative to Kiribati, both countries have strong sea-going traditions and island hospitality and courtesy. Quite a large number of I-Kiribatis have also settled in Fiji for education and employment opportunities.

Hawaii (United States)

To the northeast of Kiribati is the state of Hawaii, a chain of volcanic islands that belong to the USA. Although far from Kiribati, the connection between the two is in their cultural heritage, brought about by the ancient Polynesians’ navigational skills and seafaring abilities. Pacific islanders from long ago traversed the ocean routes through the stars, waves, and wind, connecting distant islands like Kiribati to others, including the state of Hawaii. However, the contrast between the volcanic ranges of Hawaii and the coral atolls of Kiribati exemplifies the great diversity of the Pacific Ocean realm.

Pacific Ocean Regions

Besides being comprised of individual nation-states, Kiribati is also encircled by immense bodies of water. One of which is the Central Pacific Ocean, and another is the Equatorial Pacific Ocean. Both of these regions contain a substantial amount of fish, specifically tunas, making fishing an essential industry within Kiribati. It should also be noted that it is in these oceans where Kiribati gets most of its climate factors, like ocean currents. In Kiribati culture, oceans serve not as a separation but a bridge between their nation and other nearby lands. Even their methods of travel, in terms of canoes, originated from their knowledge of the oceans.

Challenges and Environmental Importance

From Kiribati is frequently mentioned in international conversations about climate change. The fact that Kiribati has low land mass makes it a concern regarding climate change. Nonetheless, the people of Kiribati have continued to preserve their culture and environment. Tourists who travel to Kiribati in a responsible manner help in supporting the people of Kiribati and promoting the preservation of the environment.

Why Kiribati Is Special Around the World

Kiribati is special because of its isolation, peacefulness, and purity of culture. This is not a place for mass tourism; rather, it is for those who are looking for authenticity and can relate to nature. This country symbolizes a way of living with simplicity, social integration, and reverence for the ocean. “In a world that is changing at an increasingly fast rate, there is a place where time actually stands still, and you can live the way that the islands want you to live.”

Conclusion

Kiribati is more than just a group of Pacific Ocean islands. It is a nation that has been formed by the Pacific Ocean and the traditions that have been passed down through the years. From the ancient culture of Tarawa to the unspoiled splendor of Kiritimati and the Phoenix Islands, there is something for the visitor that will never be found elsewhere on the globe. While the various regions that surround Kiribati tie the nation into the larger Pacific world that exists today, the inhabitants have managed to maintain within themselves a lifestyle that is intimately connected with the world that exists within nature.