KIRIBATI INFOMATION Comprising 33 coral atolls scattered over an area of 3220km straddling the equator, Kiribati is surrounded by waters teeming with colourful sea life, while the atolls are covered with coconut palms and pandanus. The main visitor centres of Kiribati are Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands (west) and Kiritimati in the Line Islands (east). In between lie the largely inaccessible Phoenix Islands. With traditions and culture thriving and visitors regarded as a curiosity, it is the Pacific of yesteryear. Tarawa is the capital of Kiribati with South Tarawa being the urban hub, with a large concentration of the population, commercial activity and hustle and bustle. Venture away from the commotion of South Tarawa and you find the unspoilt tranquillity of North Tarawa and the outer islands, where villagers live by traditional methods, harvesting coconuts and fishing by net. To visit only South Tarawa is to miss the gentler side of Kiribati. Culture and history remain strong in Kiribati. Local dance is often performed; Kiribati outrigger canoes, said to be the fastest in the Pacific, are raced in the lagoons; Second World War relics of the bloody Battle of Tarawa litter the beaches and islands. Increasingly, as tourism slowly grows, other activities are being developed for visitors; game and bonefishing, diving and cultural tours, homestay accommodation. Tourism is in its infancy in Kiribati and, for many, that is its appeal. KIRIMATI Kiritimati (Christmas Island) on the eastern boundary of Kiribati, presents a different Kiribati to Tarawa and the Gilberts Islands. Although theculture and traditions are strong, it is the natural environment, particularly the marine environment that is the attraction. Kiritimati is emerging as a destination for nature-based tourism, with visitors attracted by the remote, unspoilt environment. Internationally renowned as a destination for bonefishing, Kiritimati presents fishermen with endless white flats and crystal clear waters, teeming with astounding numbers of fish which lead many fishermen to return year on year to Kiritimati. Additionally, offshore fishing is also possible with Giant Trevally, yellow fin tuna, wahoo and sailfish and many others being found in the Kiritimati waters. If fishing isnt your thing or you just want a change, then scuba diving or snorkelling the Kiritimati waters can reveal a magical underwater kingdom of coral and colourful fish of all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately the standards of equipment and qualifications of the few dive operators on Kiritimati has not yet been ascertained. Diving can be arranged but it is entirely at your own risk. Bird watchers are overwhelmed by the thousands of migratory seabirds found nesting throughout the islands protected areas; birds everywhere, close enough to touch, making bird watching on Kiritimati an unforgettable experience. Increasingly surfers are discovering the waters of Kiritimati, with reliable uncrowded surf breaks off the island. Additionally, Fanning Island, another island in the Line Group is popular for surfers but is limited by its relative inaccessibility. Kiritimati offers a more active adventure in Kiribati, in a unique, remote setting.
Posted on: Tue, 22 Oct 2013 00:50:27 +0000
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