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Introduction
Kiribati is remote and tourism is very much in its infancy. However, after Kiribati changed the International Dateline to make its uninhabited Caroline Island the ‘first to see the year 2000’ (causing hefty arguments with neighbouring ‘first-dawn’ contenders Fiji and Tonga in the process), the country has moved further into the tourist spotlight. The islands boast superb white sandy beaches and crystal-clear lagoon waters. There are excellent facilities for snorkelling and deep-sea fishing. It is also possible to charter boats for sailing across the Tarawa Lagoon.
The capital of Kiribati, Tarawa is fast becoming one of the most densely populated areas in the Pacific, being similar in density to Hong Kong. The President’s Office, Parliament building and International Airport are all situated on Bonriki. A number of war relics can be seen on Betio and visits to World War II battlegrounds and natural history expeditions can be organised.
Stretching for almost half the land mass of Kiribati, Christmas Island is covered in lakes and ponds and boasts some of the largest colonies of birds. Trips with studies of the local birdlife are available. The main towns are London, Paris and Banana. Game fishing is extremely popular on the island.
There are also trips to see outrigger canoe races and dancing contests. Visitors are always welcome in the maneaba, a traditional community meeting house, where they may enjoy traditional dancing, singing and storytelling – local culture is still the dominant influence in these islands. A fine way to get the whole picture of Kiribati is to take a ‘flight-seeing’ trip on board frighteningly small planes. Tours take in the islands of Abaiang, Abemama, Maiana and Tarawa – other islands can be visited on request.
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