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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Types of Accommodation

Common Stays

  • Hotels

    Limited number of hotels on South Tarawa, with basic amenities.

  • Guesthouses

    More common, offering simple rooms and local hospitality.

  • Fishing Lodges

    Mainly on Kiritimati, catering to anglers with full packages.

  • Local Homes

    Informal stays with local families, especially on outer islands.

Booking Considerations

  • Advance Booking

    Confirm accommodation well in advance, especially for Kiritimati.

  • Online Availability

    Some smaller guesthouses may not be listed on major platforms.

  • Payment Methods

    Cash payment upon arrival is common, verify in advance.

  • Water Supply

    Freshwater availability varies; some rely on rainwater tanks.

Finding Your Stay

Securing accommodation in Kiribati might require direct communication due to limited online presence for smaller establishments.

Online Platforms

Pros
  • Convenience
  • Reviews
  • Secure payment options
  • Wider selection for listed properties
Cons
  • Limited number of properties
  • Not all local guesthouses listed
  • Potential for higher prices
  • Less personalized service

Direct Booking

Pros
  • Personalized communication
  • Potential for local discounts
  • Access to unlisted properties
  • Direct support to local businesses
Cons
  • Slower response times
  • Payment complexities
  • Less formal confirmation
  • Limited recourse if issues arise

Specialty Stays

Pros
  • Authentic cultural experience
  • Unique settings (e.g., fishing lodges)
  • Opportunity for immersion
  • Support to local families/communities
Cons
  • Very basic facilities
  • Limited privacy
  • Language barriers
  • Reliance on local customs for comfort

Accommodation Tips

Availability

Hotels on Tarawa are few; Kiritimati fishing lodges are popular and book out. Outer island stays are scarce.

Budget

Prices vary greatly. Budget stays are very basic. Higher-end means more amenities but at a higher cost.

Practical Information

Standard Services

  • Check-in: Often flexible, inquire directly. Standard times around 2 PM.
  • Check-out: Usually by 10 AM or 11 AM, but local variations exist.
  • Wi-Fi: Available at most hotels and some guesthouses, often for a fee or with limited bandwidth.
  • Air Conditioning: Common in hotels, less so in guesthouses; fans are typical.

Additional Amenities

  • Airport Transfers: Often arranged by hotels/lodges upon request.
  • Vehicle Rental: Limited, but some accommodations may assist with car or scooter hire.
  • Business Services: Basic services like printing or fax might be available at larger hotels.
  • Swimming Pool: Very few properties offer pools.

Local Stay Experience

Guesthouse Culture
  • Expect simple, clean rooms.
  • Shared bathroom facilities are common.
  • Meals may be prepared by the host family.
  • A direct cultural exchange is a possibility.
Village Stays
  • Authentic local immersion.
  • Facilities are very basic.
  • Adapt to local customs and rhythms.
  • A unique opportunity to connect with communities.

Affiliate Resources

Booking.com

A global platform for hotels and guesthouses. Visit Booking.com

Agoda

Strong presence in Asia-Pacific for hotels. Explore Agoda

Hostelworld

For budget-friendly guesthouses and dorms. Find Hostels

Sustainable Stays

Choosing sustainable accommodation respects the local environment and culture in Kiribati.

Community Support

Local Ownership

Prioritize guesthouses and small hotels that are locally owned and operated.

  • Directly contribute to local families.
  • Experience genuine local interactions.
  • Funds stay within the Kiribati economy.
  • Support small enterprises.
Employment Practices

Inquire if the accommodation employs local staff and suppliers.

  • Create local job opportunities.
  • Promote skills development.
  • Source local produce and goods.
  • Strengthen local supply chains.

Environmental Impact

Water Conservation

Atolls face freshwater limitations; use water sparingly.

  • Take shorter showers.
  • Reuse towels.
  • Report any leaks promptly.
  • Support rainwater harvesting initiatives.
Waste Management

Proper waste disposal is for atoll environments.

  • Minimize single-use plastics.
  • Dispose of trash responsibly.
  • Recycle where facilities exist (limited).
  • Avoid littering in any form.

Eco-Friendly Practices

  • Energy Efficiency

    Turn off lights and air conditioning when leaving your room.

  • Renewable Energy

    Some accommodations may use solar power; a bonus where present.

  • Sustainable Sourcing

    Support places that source local, seasonal food and materials.

  • Coral Reef Protection

    Choose operators committed to protecting marine ecosystems.

Cultural Sensitivity

  • Local Engagement

    Engage with staff and locals respectfully, learn a few I-Kiribati phrases.

  • Cultural Etiquette

    Adhere to local customs, especially concerning dress code and photography.

  • Authentic Experiences

    Seek out genuine local experiences rather than staged interactions.

  • Feedback

    Provide constructive feedback to establishments on their sustainable practices.

Before You Book

Read Reviews

Check recent reviews for insights on service quality, amenities, and local conditions.

  • Focus on comments about cleanliness.
  • Note details on water and electricity.
  • Observe remarks on staff friendliness.
  • Look for mentions of local area.
Contact Directly

Direct communication with your chosen accommodation helps confirm details and preferences.

  • Confirm airport transfer options.
  • Inquire about meal arrangements.
  • Ask about available activities.
  • Clarify payment methods.

Making a Difference

Choose Wisely

Select accommodation that demonstrates commitment to environmental protection and local communities.

Be Mindful

Your actions as a guest directly influence the local impact of tourism.

Leave No Trace

Carry out what you carry in and dispose of waste properly.