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Digital Resources

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for the Destination

Navigation & Communication

  • Offline Map App

    Download maps of South Tarawa and Kiritimati on apps like Google Maps or Maps.me.

  • Translation App

    Install Google Translate and download the I-Kiribati phrasebook for offline use.

  • Messaging Apps

    WhatsApp and Messenger are widely used for contacting accommodations.

  • Weather App

    Check forecasts, though local conditions can change rapidly.

  • Airline Apps

    Download apps for Fiji Airways or Nauru Airlines for flight status updates.

Planning & Research

  • Kiribati Tourism Authority

    Search for their official tourism website for current information.

  • Government Websites

    Check official government sites for entry requirements and health information.

  • Airline Websites

    Visit Fiji Airways, Nauru Airlines, and Air Kiribati for schedules and booking.

  • Weather Forecast Websites

    Use regional meteorological services, like Fiji Meteorological Service.

  • Accommodation Booking

    Check international platforms like Booking.com or Expedia for available listings.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

Guidebooks specifically on Kiribati are rare. Search for regional Pacific guides.

Historical Accounts

Books on the Battle of Tarawa give deep historical context for WWII sites.

Cultural & Climate Books

Explore anthropological texts on I-Kiribati culture or climate change impacts.

Local Insights

Local Publications

  • Local newspapers (e.g., Kiribati Newstar)
  • Community newsletters for local perspectives
  • Government bulletins for official announcements
  • Local story collections (often in I-Kiribati)

Specialized Guides

  • Specialized fishing websites for Kiritimati
  • Birdwatching guides for unique species
  • Sailing charts for inter-island navigation
  • Traditional recipe collections

General Information

Basic Facts

  • Capital: Tarawa
  • Population: ~120,000
  • Official Languages: I-Kiribati, English
  • Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)

Geography Overview

  • Comprises 32 atolls and one raised coral island
  • Spans a vast area of the Pacific Ocean
  • Low-lying, susceptible to sea-level rise
  • Equatorial climate

Economic Focus

  • Fishing licenses (tuna)
  • Copra production
  • Limited tourism
  • Remittances from overseas workers

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Numbers

  • Police: 999
  • Fire: 999
  • Ambulance: 999
  • Mainly for South Tarawa

Medical Contacts

  • Tungaru Central Hospital: +686 751 26122
  • Located in Bikenibeu, South Tarawa
  • Smaller clinics on outer islands
  • Medical evacuation for serious conditions

Consular Contacts

  • Check home country's foreign office website
  • Most cover Kiribati from Fiji
  • Note down contact details
  • Assistance with emergency travel documents

Health Preparedness

Pre-Trip Health Measures

  • Necessary vaccinations
  • Consult a travel doctor
  • Malaria prevention (if applicable to specific areas)

During Your Stay

  • Stay hydrated
  • Protect from sun exposure
  • Prevent insect bites

Safety Protocols

Personal Safety

  • Keep valuables secure
  • Limit night-time activities
  • Seek local advice

Natural Hazard Readiness

  • Familiarize with tsunami warnings
  • Adhere to storm protocols
  • Follow instructions from local authorities

Lost & Found

Lost Belongings

  1. Report lost items to local police immediately.
  2. Check with your accommodation and transport providers.
  3. Reach out to local contacts for assistance.
  4. Utilize travel insurance for lost items.
  5. Keep a record of all reports.

Theft Procedures

  1. Obtain a police report for stolen items.
  2. Contact your embassy or consulate for document replacement.
  3. Cancel any stolen credit or debit cards.
  4. File a claim with your travel insurance provider.
  5. Have emergency funds accessible.

Important Advice

Be aware of limited infrastructure and services in Kiribati. Plan accordingly for self-sufficiency.

Further Reading

For more detailed information on emergency protocols and medical facilities, consult official government advisories and medical travel guides.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries & Media

Visual Media

  • Documentaries

    Search for films on WWII, climate change, or traditional life in Kiribati.

  • Historical Footage

    Look for archival footage related to the Battle of Tarawa.

  • "The Land Will Swallow Us Whole"

    A documentary focusing on climate change impacts on low-lying islands.

Auditory & Literary

  • Podcasts

    Seek podcasts discussing Kiribati's culture, history, or climate challenges.

  • Traditional Music

    Listen to Kiribati music, featuring drumming and vocal harmonies.

  • Robert Louis Stevenson

    Explore his writings for observations from his time on Abemama.

Online Communities & Resources

Traveler Insights

Travel forums dedicated to the Pacific region provide valuable insights from other travelers.

Kiribati Social Presence

Search for Kiribati Tourism Authority on social media platforms like Facebook for updates.

Niche Interests

Online groups focused on Kiritimati fishing or Pacific travel share specific experiences.

Language Learning & Cultural Deep Dive

Language Basics

  • I-Kiribati language guides and phrasebooks
  • Basic I-Kiribati phrasebooks for common situations
  • Learning common greetings demonstrates respect
  • Even a few phrases enhance local interaction

Cultural Arts

  • Traditional dance (Ruoia) and its significance
  • Visual arts and traditional attire
  • The Maneaba system, governing social life
  • Traditional skills: fishing, sailing, resource use

Future Travel Inspiration

Other Pacific Atolls

  • Tuvalu for similar low-lying island experiences
  • Tokelau (very difficult to access, unique)
  • Marshall Islands for comparable atoll environments
  • Continue exploring remote Pacific locations

Broader Pacific Experiences

  • Fiji for more developed tourism amenities
  • Samoa or Tonga for cultural depth
  • Cook Islands for a different island charm
  • Discover a wider range of Pacific activities

Ethical Travel Guidance

Support local businesses and minimize your environmental footprint to contribute positively to Kiribati's future.