The flag of Kiribati is red in the upper half with a gold frigate bird (Fregata minor, in Gilbertese: te eitei) flying over a gold rising sun (otintaai), and the lower half is blue with three horizontal wavy white stripes to represent the ocean and the three groups (Gilbert, Phoenix and Line Is- lands). The 17 rays of the sun represent the 16 Gilbert Is- lands and Banaba (former Ocean Island).

KIRIBATI FOR TRAVELLERS MAURI from the Islands of Kiribati! The word “MAURI” is a simple and warm greeting in Kiribati which simply means “Good Health to you” or “Hello.” It also important that you also know how to pronounce “KIRIBATI” the right way; it is pronounced (Kiri - bass).

Kiribati is an island nation of 33 Islands grouped into 3 island archipelagos: the in the West; the Protected Area in the center; and the Line Islands in the East. We are part of the division of the Pacific islands that is known as Micronesia. The islands straddle along and across the Equator right at the true heart of the Pacific where the Equator meets the International Date Line. Kiribati is also the only country in the world situated on all four hemispheres of the Earth – northern, southern, eastern and western. It was also the chosen one to witness the dawn of the new Millennium in the year 2000.

Kiribati is one of those hard to reach places with only a true traveller can take pride in visiting and experiencing it. The country itself is not one of those high end luxury holiday destinations however, it is one of the few places where you will find tranquillity and the friendliest people. It is for those real travellers who seek adventure in discovering and learning about new places, experiencing unique cultures, great fishing, great dive exploration and discovering simple things in life.

Come discover, explore and experience Kiribati with us! WHAT MAKES KIRIBATI A UNIQUE TRAVEL DESTINATION  Kiribati is located right at the true heart and center of the Pacific Ocean where the Equator and International Date Line (Prime Me- ridian) meet. Kiribati also is the only country in the world that is situated on all four hemispheres of the Earth – northern, southern, eastern and western.

 Friendly and peaceful, Kiribati is a destination for travellers who would like to experience simple things in life; for those who have a passion for exploring and discovering new destinations, new cultures and adventures to places from the usual tourist trail, and for those who want to understand a country, culture and its people - not just see it.

 Our Kiribati culture is unique and vibrant which can be experienced across the islands of Kiribati. Among our uniqueness is our danc- es and our Kiribati Sailing canoe renowned as the lightest and fastest sailing canoes of the Pacific. The Gilbert Islands is where the culture is and the main stay of the Kiribati people where the true essence of Kiribati culture and community lifestyle can be experi- enced. The natural scenic beauty of the islands; its beautiful beaches, blue turquoise waters, coconut trees & tropical vegetation, and the peacefulness, are an added bonus to cherish and enjoy. What makes each island unique is that, each one has its own unique story to tell of its own traditions, history and place.

 Kiribati was the first country in the World to witness the third millennium of the year 2000, marking Millennium Island (formerly known as Caroline Island) in the Southern Line Islands group to celebrate this milestone.

 We have one of the world’s largest and deepest Marine Protected Area - the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA), offering poten- tially great diving and fishing explorations, and an experience of an untouched underwater haven.

 We have the world’s largest coral atoll, Kiritimati Christmas Island with 388 square kilometres (150 sq mi), the greatest land area of any coral atoll in the world.

 Kiribati has one of world’s most unspoilt coral reef ecosystems in the remote and uninhabited islands of the Southern Lines Group that includes Millennium, Starbuck, Flint, Vostok and Malden. These islands can only be reached by chartered sea expeditions.

 We have a world class saltwater fly-fishing destination, Kiritimati Christmas Island, a fishing paradise for anglers who are keen to take on the fighting bonefish and the mighty Giant Trevally and more from the waters of Kiritimati Island.

 The Kiribati Line and Phoenix Group are home and sanctuaries to an abundance of seabird colonies including our very own endemic bird, the Christmas Warbler, found only on Kiritimati Island.

the capital of Kiribati was historically known for one of the bloodiest battles of WWII in the Pacific; the “Battle of Tarawa.” TOURISM IN KIRIBATI Travel & Tourism in Kiribati offers an off the beaten track destination; someplace different than the usual where travellers can explore, discover and experience the 33 Islands of Kiribati. Holiday is focused on special interest activities that target small special interest groups and Free Independent Travellers (FITs). Our Tourism Activities include: Fishing Holidays: Cultural Experience& Surfing in Fanning and World class salt water fly-fishing and Outer Island Kiritimati Island Experience & Explore world-class blue water fishing in Kiritimati Island, Adventure Holidays surfing in Fanning Island and Kiritimati Fanning Island (Tabuaeran), Kanton Experience the unique Kiribati Culture Island in the Northern Line islands. Atoll in the Phoenix Islands Protected and explore the natural beauty of our “Your Wave, Your Surf, No crowds” Area (PIPA), Nonouti Island, Tarawa islands while taking an adventure in and other islands. North Tarawa or in the Outer islands of the Gilbert Islands group

WWII Battlefield tours and Commemoration Events Explore the Battle of Tarawa and the Battle of in the Gilbert Islands. Attend Commemoration events on the 20th November. Diving & Snorkelling The vast waters of Kiribati offers great diving and snorkeling opportunities to explore intact coral ecosystems and rich underwater life. Cruising Kiribati Birdwatching We are open to attracting small to The Kiribati Line and Phoenix Group medium scale cruises such as Adven- are home and sanctuaries to an abun- ture Cruises, Expedition cruises and dance of seabird colonies including Ocean Cruises who would to explore our very own endemic bird, the our islands, our culture, our marine Christmas Warbler, found only on life and enjoy our shore excursion Kiritimati Island. activities KIRIBATI INBOUND TOUR OPERATORS The following are our list of local inbound tour operators providing travel and holiday arrangements to serve your Holiday travel needs in Kiribati:

Tourism Operator Kiribati Destination Type of Operation Activities & Services Contact Details (A-Z)

Coconut Tours Kiritimati Island, Fanning Inbound Tour Operator Sightseeing, birdwatching, Contact: Mr Ritemba Moantau Island and Teraina Island fishing, etc Email: [email protected]

Christmas Island Surf Kiritimati Island and Fanning Inbound tour operator Surfing Kiritimati and Fanning Mr. Buraing Tion (Manager), Island (Northern Line Islands for surfing Island (Surfing Holiday Email: [email protected] of Kiribati) packages) Or contact: Peter Harding Ph: (+64) 274 484 598 E: [email protected] W: www.christmasislandsurf.com

Coral Sun Aviation Anywhere in Kiribati and Flight Charters & Tour Charter Flights to anywhere in Contact: Mr. Jeff Jong Pacific including Kanton Atoll Agency Kiribati, and flight charter holi- E: [email protected] (PIPA) day fishing package in Kanton FB: Coral Sun Airways Island (PIPA)

Maneiko Travel Tarawa & the Gilbert Islands Inbound Tour Operator Provides travel and holiday P: (686) 75022154 or 75022154, & Travel Agent arrangements for accommoda- E: [email protected] tion, transport, tours activities E: [email protected], and holiday packages. W: www.maneikotravel.co.nz

Molly’s Tours Tarawa & the Gilbert Islands Inbound Tour Operator Provides holiday arrangements Contact Molly Brown for accommodation, transport, P: (686) 73001016 tours activities and holiday E: [email protected] packages.

Shipping Agencies of Cruising any where in Kiribati Cruise Agent SAOK agency offers the follow- Kiribati (SAOK) ing services to cruise ships: - Contact: Mr. Tekaai Mikaere (Managing Director) Cruising logistics assistance; P: (686) 72026430 or 72026472 Arranging of timely vessel clear- E: [email protected] or ance with Authorities; and [email protected] Arranging and organizing of Website: www.saok.com.ki shore excursion activities.

Tobaraoi Travel & Tarawa & the Gilbert Islands Inbound Tour Operator Provides travel and holiday Contact: Susan Barrie Kiribati Holidays & Travel Agent arrangements for accommoda- P: (686) 74028715, E: [email protected] or tion, transport, tour activities [email protected] or in- and holiday packages. [email protected], W: www.kiribatiholidays.com or W: www.tobaraoi.com GETTING TO KIRIBATI 3 international airlines provide weekly air service to Kiribati: Fiji Airways, Airlines and Solomon Airlines.  Fiji Airways: Tarawa Flights are Mondays & Thursdays out of Nadi, Fiji and returns.  Fiji Airways: Kiritimati Island Flights are every Tuesdays (Midnight or Wednesday very early morning flights). The Flight arrives Kiritimati on a Wednesday morning and continues on to Honolulu () arriving on Tuesdays (minus one day) and back again to Kiritimati on Wednesdays and continues on back to Nadi, Fiji. Fiji Airways code shares with Qantas and Cathay Pacific with connec- tions available from Australia, , and now from Europe through Hong Kong.  Nauru Airlines: Tarawa Flights are Fridays out of Brisbane (transit in Honiara, Solomon Is.) and Sundays out of Pohnpei (FSM) via Majuro (Marshall Islands) and continues on via Nauru (transit) to Nadi and Brisbane via Honiara.  Solomon Airlines: Tarawa Flights are Wednesdays out of Brisbane via Honiara on Departs Tarawa on a Thursday.

DO YOU NEED A VISA? Most citizens of major countries such as USA, United Kingdom, EU countries, , Australia, Taiwan, New Zealand do not need a VISA to travel to Kiribati. But if you do need a VISA you can always contact the Kiribati Immigration Division (Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Immigration) to assist you in your VISA need. For more information contact: E: [email protected] T: (686) 75021342 W: www.mfa.gov.ki/immigration/

CONTACT US: For travel interests and more information, please contact: Email: [email protected]

Look us up for more Kiribati travel and tourism information: www.visitkiribati.travel

Kiritimati Christmas Island

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