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Nauru Travel Guide

The latest travel Information on Nauru, includes ideas on Things to See and Do, Local Events, Consulate & Embassy Contact Addresses and much more, all from a first-time visitors point of view.

Nauru Information

Overview

Nauru is not your typical Pacific island. Although ringed by a beautiful coral reef, the island’s interior has been ravaged by decades of phosphate mining. The sea is subject to strong currents, meaning swimming and diving are more or less off limits.

Tourism has never featured highly on Nauru’s agenda, but there are a couple of hotels and a handful of attractions - remnants of the Japanese WWII occupation, small beaches, a Chinatown of sorts and the lunar-like landscape of the mined centre.

This tiny island republic has gone from being one of the world’s richest nations (in terms of per capita income) to a country on the edge of economic ruin. When the phosphate began to run out, the economy took a downward turn.

Nauru’s airline has recently been resurrected and signs of vegetation are beginning to appear inland, so perhaps a few more curious travellers will begin to visit.

Top Things To See

In Yaren, spot the remains of Japanese guns, bunkers and pillboxes left over from WWII.

Take a look at the island’s bizarre interior, where years of phosphate mining have exposed jagged coral pinnacles, leaving a lunar-like landscape.

Watch the local teams battle it out at an Australian rules football match. The national game is played all through Saturday at the Linkbelt Oval sports field.

Catch a more traditional sport. The Frigate bird game is the most distinctive, and there are several popular ball games and wrestling games of local origin.

Look out for Nauru’s national weighlifting team in training. The team has had some recent international success, notably at the Commonwealth Games.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Top Things To Do

Relax at Anibore Bay, probably the most beautiful beach on the island (although the sea currents are dangerous).

Take a dip in Anibore Harbour, which is the best bet for swimming, as most beaches are too shallow and rocky.

Head out to sea and try your luck at game fishing.

Walk up to Command Ridge, Nauru’s highest point, and view an entire country.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Going Out

Food and Drink

Cultivation is difficult on Nauru owing to the poor soil, irregular rainfall and the impact of mining. There are no local fruit or vegetables and most of the available food is canned, refined and imported. Fresh food is limited to a small amount of fish and, very occasionally, beef. The island is, however, very well served with restaurants with a wide range of international dishes, especially Chinese, but little is fresh. Hotels sometimes offer Western food. Most international brands of alcohol are available.

Tipping: Not generally practised.

Nightlife

Nightlife is limited to a bar and restaurant at the Menen Hotel and a handful of Chinese restaurants.

Shopping

There are a number of shops on the island, although service and goods at government shops tend to be of poor quality. There are numerous supermarkets, the largest being Capelle’s, but visitors should buy essential goods in advance. There are no sales taxes but customs duties are levied on a range of goods.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700, Sat 0900-1300.

Climate

A maritime, equatorial climate tempered by northeast trade winds from March to October. The wettest period is during the westerly monsoon from November to February. If global warming causes sea levels to rise, the habitable low-lying land areas will be at risk from tidal surges and flooding.

Required Clothing

Lightweight cottons and linens with waterproofing all year.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
31 Jan Independence Day.
21-24 Mar Easter.
17 May Constitution Day.
26 Oct Angam Day.
25-26 Dec Christmas.

2009
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
31 Jan Independence Day.
10-13 Apr Easter.
17 May Constitution Day.
26 Oct Angam Day.
25-26 Dec Christmas.

Health

Diphtheria

Special Precaution: Yes

Hepatitis A

Special Precaution: Yes

Malaria

Special Precaution: No

Rabies

Special Precaution: No

Tetanus

Special Precaution: Yes

Typhoid

Special Precaution: Yes

Yellow Fever

Special Precaution: No*

Health Care

Nauru has two hospitals – Nauru General Hospital and Nauru Phosphate Corporation Hospital. There are no medical specialists, and serious or complicated cases are sent by air to Australia for treatment. Travellers are advised to take out full health insurance prior to departure.

Note

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from areas with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

The Australian Dollar (AUD; symbol A$) is legal tender. For further information, see the Australia section.

Currency Exchange

The only place to change money is the Bank of Nauru in Aiwo district. Visitors are advised to bring Australian Dollars in cash.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

Credit cards are not usually accepted. There are no ATMs.

Passport/Visa

British