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Dina Essawy
Dina Essawy
Kiribati is officially the Republic of Kiribati. It is an island country located in the central Pacific Ocean. It consists of 33 islands, 20 of which are inhabited, spread over a massive area of the ocean. Kiribati stretches 1,800 miles eastward from the 16 Gilbert Islands. The population is concentrated in 3 of the 16 Gilbert Islands. The islands of the Phoenix group lie in between. The total land zone is 313 square miles.
The locals are Micronesian, and most of them speak Gilbertese. However, English is the official language commonly spoken, especially in Tarawa. For years, the population of most islands has remained relatively fixed due to the migration to the fast-growing urban centres of South Tarawa, where over two-fifths of the population settled. Most people stay in single-story accommodations. The rural population of Kiribati settled in villages influenced by Western-style churches and large open-sided roofing halls. Houses of Western-style structures are seen on outer islands and are prevalent in Tarawa.
The 33 islands are distributed throughout three island groups that form Kiribati. The Gilbert, Phoenix, and Line Islands are these three island groups. Let’s check the list of the islands:
Gilbert Islands
- Abaiang
- Abemama
- Aranuka
- Arorae
- Beru (Island)
- Butaritari (Makin)
- Kuria (atoll)
- Maiana
- Makin (atoll)
- Marakei
- Nikunau
- Nonouti
- Onotoa
- Tabiteuea
- Tamana, Gilbert Islands
- Tarawa
Line Islands
- Flint Island
- Kiritimati (Christmas Island)
- Malden Island
- Starbuck Island
- Tabuaeran (Fanning Island)
- Teraina (Washington Island)
- Vostok Island
Phoenix Islands
- Canton Island
- Birnie Island
- Enderbury Island
- Manra Island (Sydney Island)
- McKean Island
- Nikumaroro (Gardner Island)
- Orona (Hull Island)
- Rawaki Island (Phoenix Island)
West of the Gilberts
- Banaba
What Do You Know about the Gilbert Islands in Kiribati?
The Gilbert Islands are a group of 16 coral islands and atolls located in the west-central Pacific Ocean. It is also 2,800 miles northeast of Australia. The low-lying islands are surrounded by pandanus and coconut palms. The locals of the Gilberts are Micronesians. Spanish explorers may have located some islands at the beginning of the 16th century. In 1765, the British commodore John Byron found out about Nikunau; in 1788, Capt. Thomas Gilbert located Tarawa, and Capt. John Marshall sighted Aranuka. Other Europeans located the remaining islands between 1799 and 1826. The islands were named Gilbert Islands in the 1820s. The islands became part of the independent Republic of Kiribati in 1979.
How to Get to the Gilbert Islands in Kiribati?
There are two major international flight airports in Kiribati. Bonriki International Airport is located in Tarawa in the Gilbert group. The second airport is Kiritimati (CX), in the Line group.
When to Go to the Gilbert Islands in Kiribati
According to the climate and weather in the Gilbert Islands, the ideal time to go is October. The average daytime temperature is around 30 C, and Humidity is commonly around 70.
The Most Exciting Tourist Attractions on the Gilbert Islands in Kiribati
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch: You can enjoy watching the birds. There are almost 200 species noticed here. You can also enjoy the free Friends of Audubon Arizona Family Bird Walk on the third Saturday of any month between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. You can visit the park any day of the week and have a great walk through its beautiful surroundings. The park features picnic tables and many clean bathrooms as well.
Hale Centre Theatre presents family-friendly shows and is expected in the town for its beautiful productions. The theatre also produces its children’s shows. What adds to the uniqueness of the theatre is that all the 350 chairs are arranged in a round design instead of a rectangle. All the seats in this venue are close to the stage, ensuring a good view for everyone! The theatre’s accessible location in downtown Gilbert makes it easy to enjoy a meal at nearby restaurants before or after a show.
Downtown Gilbert: Although it is a small area a few blocks long, the location features a great choice of excellent restaurants to please all palates, including BBQ, Mexican, Italian and country fare. Every Saturday, the area holds the farmer’s market located just behind the water tower. You can also enjoy watching local bands perform in various music genres. You can also have a coffee or soda while enjoying the sunshine with the family after a walk. You can also explore this fun area.
St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Church: This new church brilliantly combines technology with the warm feeling of a traditional church. If you attend one of the many daily rites headed by the much-honoured Father Sergio, you can learn why he is such a well-known priest. Inside the church is also a full-sized imitation of Michelangelo’s La Pieta, one of only eight worldwide. On a Sunday, the Knights of Columbus offers a reasonably priced breakfast.
Freestone District Park: It is a fantastic park that is convenient for all family members of all ages. The park features basketball, volleyball, tennis courts, three Ramadas, a skating area, seven open picnic tables with BBQ grills, and six shaded picnic tables. You can enjoy five acres of a lake area filled with fish for the anglers of the family. You can also find the model railroad, entertainment area, mini Ferris wheel and carousel for the little kids.
Have an Exciting time at TopGolf: TopGolf is an entertainment place with a high-tech driving range. It features a luxurious lounge providing drinks and games to its customers. You can enjoy unlimited play and a tasty lunch before or after your game at a reasonable price. Kids can also enjoy the great inject your doughnuts with cream or jam! This is a fabulous outing for couples, friends, and family.
Top-Rated Restaurants on the Gilbert Islands in Kiribati
Chatterbox Cafe is one of the top-rated restaurants. It is located in Bikenibeu village, Upper Tarawa, near the Airport Republic of Kiribati. The cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Dine-in or takeaway service is available, as there is no delivery option. Working hours are from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, including weekends.
Fair Price Golden Restaurant is also one of the top-rated restaurants in the Gilbert Islands. It is located in Mid-South Tarawa, Republic of Kiribati. The restaurant mainly serves Chinese food and bakery products. It is spacious, modern, and clean. It offers good quality food and fair prices. It features a stunning view of the exquisite lagoon.
Best Hotels on the Gilberts Islands in Kiribati
Dreamers Guest House is one of the top-rated hotels in the Gilbert Islands, located in Tarawa Atoll. It offers free parking, complimentary breakfast, and free high-speed internet. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a restaurant, a beach, airport transportation, and kid- or family-friendly children’s activities. It also features vast en-suite rooms with a shared beachside terrace. There are also snorkels, kayaks, bicycles, and masks.
The George Hotel Kiribati is one of the top-rated hotels between SDA & KPC Church Compound Betio, Tarawa Atoll. It offers free parking, complimentary breakfast, and paid high-speed internet. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including laundry service, a concierge, a bar or lounge, a nightclub or DJ, a restaurant, a snack bar, airport transportation and many more. It also features car hire, Karaoke, bicycle rental, 24-hour front desk, ironing service, baggage storage and more.
Guests can choose from a variety of room options. Most rooms include AC, housekeeping, room service, clothes rack, refrigerator, complimentary toiletries, and safety. The hotel can also arrange for a wake-up service or an alarm clock. Pets are allowed in the hotel as well. Prices vary depending on the room type and the facilities.
Utirerei Motel is one of the top-rated hotels in Ambo Village Tarawa. It offers free parking and complimentary breakfast. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including laundry service, conference facilities, a bar or lounge, a restaurant, airport transportation, self-serve laundry, and more.
The clients can choose from two main room types: non-smoking rooms and suites. Most rooms feature AC, a refrigerator, room service and more. Prices vary according to the room type and facilities.
What Do You Know about the Line Islands in Kiribati?
The Line Islands consist of 11 atolls and coral islands in the central Pacific Ocean. The island chain extends northwest to southeast across 193 square miles, causing it to be one of the most extended island chains in the world. Kiritimati, one of the group islands, features the most significant land area of any atoll in the world. Nine atolls were created by volcanic activity, while the Kiritimati and Tabuaeran atolls and Teraina island are permanently inhabited. Kiribati includes eight of the atolls, while the other three, Kingman Reef, Jarvis Island, and Palmyra Atoll, are parts of the United States included with the United States Minor Outlying Islands.
How to Get to the Line Islands in Kiribati?
There is an international airport on Kiritimati Island, which is part of the Line Island group.
When to Go to the Line Islands in Kiribati
The climate in Line Island is hot, muggy, windy, and partly cloudy. The temperature ranges from 25 C to 30 C throughout the year. The ideal time of year to visit Kiritimati Island is from late May to late November to enjoy hot-weather activities.
The Most Exciting Tourist Attractions on the Line Islands in Kiribati
Fenua-ura: It is situated on Fanning Island, one of the stunning remote islands in the Pacific Ocean. You can enjoy walking in the village, snorkelling, and buying souvenirs. Locals live a simple, rather happy life. People are friendly and welcoming. The beach features clear waters and some shade under the big trees. I’ve spent the whole day in and out of the water.
Best Hotels on the Line Islands in Kiribati
Captain Cook Hotel is a top-rated hotel in Main Camp, Kiritimati. The hotel offers free parking, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary breakfast. It provides a variety of amenities, including airport transportation, a restaurant, a shuttle bus service, a bar or lounge, a business centre with internet access, conference facilities, meeting rooms, dry cleaning, a concierge, self-service laundry, and more.
Clients can choose from four room types: non-smoking rooms, family rooms, suites, and smoking rooms. Most rooms feature air conditioning, room service, a microwave, refrigerator, mini-bar, kitchenette, and more. Prices vary according to the room type and facilities.
Lagoon View Resort is one of the top-rated hotels in London Village, Chrismas Island. The hotel provides various amenities like internet, beach, shuttle service, a restaurant, airport transportation, a non-smoking hotel, and more. It also features a large dining hall, clean rooms, and an unstable internet connection.
The Villages: It is one of the top-rated hotels in London Town on Christmas Island. The hotel provides a variety of amenities, including a bar or lounge, a restaurant, a beach, airport transportation, and many more. There are various rooms for clients to choose from. Most of the rooms feature an air conditioner. The staff is friendly and welcoming. The hotel also features paid laundry service and daily room service as well.
What Do You Know About the Phoenix Islands in Kiribati?
The Phoenix Islands are a territory of the Republic of Kiribati, located east of the Gilbert Islands in the central Pacific Ocean. They consist of eight atolls and two aquatic coral reefs, with a combined land area of 28 square kilometres. Canton Island is the only island of any commercial significance. The other islands Enderbury, Rawaki, Birnie, Nikumaroro, Orona and McKean.
The Phoenix Islands Protected Area was established in 2008. It is one of the largest protected areas in the world. The area is home to around 120 species of coral and over 500 species of fish. The Phoenix Islands are uninhabited except for Kanton Island, where a few families live.
How to Get to the Phoenix Islands in Kiribati?
The main island is Kanton Island or Abariringa. It features services such as an airstrip and port. The island is rarely visited and is restricted to sailing yachts and charters. The government provides ship visits several times a year.
When to Go Phoenix Islands in Kiribati
November is the ideal month to visit the Phoenix Islands. The weather is hot throughout the year. The average temperature during the daytime is around 30 C, while at night, it is around 20 C.
The Most Exciting Tourist Attractions on Phoenix in Kiribati
Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA): The Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) is in the Republic of Kiribati. It is the Pacific Ocean’s most significant marine protected area, extending to 408,250 km2. The Phoenix Islands Protected Area was the first large, mid-ocean, truly deep-water marine protected area worldwide.
The ocean floor is the most significant part of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area, with a water column over 4,000 metres deep. An essential characteristic of Phoenix Islands Protected Areas is the abundance of extinct, large underwater volcanoes. These underwater mountains cause submerged reefs, a wide variety of marine habitat types, low reef islands, deep seabed, seamounts, and open ocean habitats.
PIPA includes low reef islands and all eight atolls of the Kiribati area of the Phoenix Islands: Nikumaroro, Rawaki, Enderbury, McKean, Birnie, Kanton, Manra and Orona. Kanton is the only island currently inhabited by a non-permanent population. The population is less than 40, including government workers and their families. PIPA also has Carondelet Reef, two submerged reefs, and Winslow Reef, with Carondelet Reef.
Birnie Island is a tiny, uninhabited coral island, 20 hectares in size. It is situated around 100 km SE of Kanton Island. It measures only 0.5 km wide and 1.2 km long. There is no port, but landing can take place on Lee Beach. The island is specified as the Birnie Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Kiribati announced the Phoenix Islands Protected Area in 2006, extending the park in 2008. The 164,200-square-mile marine reserve has eight coral atolls, including Birnie Island.
Birnie Island is low and arid, with a tiny, shallow lagoon in its southeast section, which is all but arid. There are no trees, and the area is filled chiefly with grasses and low shrubs. Rabbits once used it as a home. It features vegetation and large masses of seabirds that perch there. Due to its calm nature, Birnie Island was announced as a wildlife sanctuary in 1975. It is now part of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area.
What Do You Know about the West of the Gilberts in Kiribati?
Banaba consists of coral and phosphate and is in the west-central Pacific Ocean. It is situated 250 miles west of the Gilbert Islands. It is located at the most elevated point in Kiribati, up to 285 feet above sea level. Britain acquired it in 1900, and Britain started mining and shipping phosphate from the island. The Japanese forces occupied the island from 1942 to 1945. The Japanese expelled many local Micronesian inhabitants to the Gilbert and Caroline Islands. During the 1970s, Banabans tried to separate themselves from the Gilbert Islands. Since independence, Banabans have been ensured ownership of Banaba.
How to Get to the West of the Gilbert in Kiribati?
There is no direct flight to Banaba from Tarawa. Instead, you can choose the cargo option or travel with an official government trip to Banaba.
When to Go to Banaba
Banaba has warm temperatures all year around, varying between 30°C and 31°C. The rainy season occurs in January, February, March, and December, and this is the period when the majority of Banaba’s annual rainfall occurs. September is the warmest and driest month of the year, with the highest temperature of 31 C, while August is the most chill month, with the highest temperature of 30 C.
The Most Exciting Tourist Attractions in Banba
- You can explore the place and get to the island history
- You can also explore the sacred cave of Banba
- You can navigate the phosphate mining area
Best Hotels in Banba
Visitors can rent private homes at a reasonable price.
