Search Airline Tickets to Kiribati
An island group in Micronesia, in the Central Pacific, Kiribati is famed for its white-sand beaches and lagoons. Formerly under British rule, the nation encompasses 33 coral atolls and isles. Kiribati is spread across three main archipelagos - the Phoenix Islands, Gilbert Islands, and Line Islands. Many of Kiribati’s islands are inhabited, making it the perfect remote setting for bird-watching and fishing. Kirtimati is the country’s lagest atoll and known for surfing, bonefishing, and diving. When in Kiribati, visitors can indulge in local cuisine and beverages. Toddy is the beverage of choice for the locals. The drink is made from the sap of a coconut tree and a variation with alcohol is extremely popular. Nightlife in Kiribati is limited to a nightclub in Tarawa and a handful of bars spread across betio and Ambo. The country’s events and festivals reflect the culture of Kiribati which boasts of a heritage of over 2,000 years. National Day Festival, National Youth Day, Independence Day, Betio Game Fishing Competition, and Kiribati Music and Dance Festival are the major annual events in Kiribati.
Popular Destinations in Kiribati
South Tarawa
Capital of Kiribati, South Tarawa is home to roughly half of the nation’s
population. The city is a part of the Gilbert Islands. South Tarawa
comprises small islets from Tanaea and Bonriki in the east to Betio in the
west. The crowded capital is known for traditional handicrafts and folk
dancing. The city is the political, commercial, and educational hub of
Kiribati. All major institutions are located in South Tarawa, namely, High
Court, Government Ministries and Foreign High Commissions, University of
the South Pacific campus, Government High School, and the central hospital.
Notable landmarks in South Tarawa are the State House, Roman Catholic
diocese, King George V and Elaine Bernachi School, House of Assembly,
Kiribati Protestant Church, and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints.
Kiritimati
Also known as the Christmas Island, Kiritimati is a Pacific Ocean raised
coral atoll. The island is a part of the northern Line Islands, located
just west of the International Date Line. Kiritimati is the largest (by
land area) coral atoll in the world. Kiritimati’s shoreline exceeds 48 kms
and comprises several sandy beaches. A haven for bird watchers, Kiritimati
is home to over 35 bird species. Visitors will come across rare species
such as Eastern red-tailed tropicbird, Micronesian black noddy, Polynesian
storm petrel, Christmas shearwater, Wedge-tailed shearwater, and
Indopacific red-footed booby.
Phoenix Islands
The Phoenix Islands are a group of two submerged coral reefs and eight
atolls spread across 28 square kilometers. The Phoenix Islands became the
site of the British Empire’s last attempted colonial expansion. Today, the
Phoenix Islands Protected Area is among the world's largest protected
areas. The islands are home to over 500 species of fish and 120 species of
coral. The island group is mostly uninhabited with Kanton
Island being the sole inhabited island among the island group. Other remote
islands include Enderbury Island, Birnie Island, McKean Island, Rawaki
Island, and Orona Island.
Best Time to Visit Kiribati
The best time to take Kiribati flights is from September to November during the dry season when the temperatures are moderate. For those who wish to avoid crowds and get economical flights, May to August is the ideal time to take cheap flights to Kiribati.