Kiribati Travel Guide
Kiribati accommodation, Kiribati activities and attractions, Kiribati maps, transportation to and around Kiribati - the ALL NEW Jasons Kiribati Destination Travel Guide is your complete visitor guide for Kiribati.
The tranquil paradise of Kiribati lies in an unspoilt corner of Micronesia. Formerly known as the Gilbert Islands, the Republic of Kiribati was granted independence from the UK in 1979. Comprising the Gilbert, Line and Phoenix island groups, Kiribati's low-lying atolls are fringed by white sand beaches, beautiful lagoons and extensive coral reefs. The islands saw fighting during World War II, when thousands of lives were lost in the Battle of Tarawa. There are many war relics scattered around Kiribati.
Traditional sailing canoes are still the main mode of transport in the outer islands of Kiribati. The people of Kiribati are renowned for their hospitality, skilled dancing, weaving and canoe building. There are wildlife sanctuaries on most of the Line Islands (with birdwatching on
Christmas Island), and excellent game fishing and diving in the ocean waters. Travel to Kiribati and explore this piece of paradise in Micronesia.
Kiribati Visitors BureauMinistry of Communication, Transport and Tourism Development
P O Box 487
Tarawa
Geographic Location
Central Pacific Ocean, near the equator between 173-177°E longitude and 4°N and 3°S latitude. The islands are roughly mid-way between Hawaii and
Australia.
Population
98,549 (July 2003 est.)
Climate
Humid, tropical, marine climate moderated by trade winds.
Temperature: 25º-33ºC.
Wet season: December to May.
Capital City
Tarawa
Time Zone
GMT plus 12hrs (Tarawa); GMT plus 14hrs (Christmas Island)
Major Attractions
World War II relics, cultural Shows, Bikenibeu Cultural Centre, handcrafts, game fishing, diving, wildlife, Christmas (Kiritimati) Island, Tabuaeran Island, Abemama Island, Marakei Island, Independence Day celebrations, watersports.