NAURU- THE TINY PLEASANT ISLAND
Nauru is a unique island in South Pacific known for its extraordinary history and even bigger hospitality. It is one of the smallest island nations in the world and has a history of being one of the world’s richest nations. It was formerly called the Pleasant Island in Micronesia having Banaba Island as its nearest neighbour. Nauru is not very accessible for travelers to visit subject to the quirk of weather, transport and immigration department. The island became almost isolated from the world in 2005-06 when their national and only carrier Air Nauru ceased operations due to big recession. The island is rich in phosphate rock with deposits close to the surface which have been ravaged by years of phosphate mining.
Nauru has maritime climate being surrounded by water and equatorial due to its proximity to the equator. The island is ringed by a striking coral reef and tempered by north east trade winds from March to October. The island does not have a sea port due to the presence of this reef although several artificial channels have been made for easy access of small boats to the island. The rainfall is heavy from November to February so travelers are advised to carry light wear and waterproof clothes all year round.
ECONOMY
The economy of Nauru flourished in 1980s making it one of the richest countries in the world due to the heavy industry of phosphate mining. The island is a major exporter of phosphate since 1907 and continues mining until the deposits are depleted in 1980s thus crashing their economy. Due to its close ties with Australia, the local currency of Nauru is Australian dollar though US dollars can also be used for commercial purposes. Apart from phosphate, there are many coconut palms on the fertile coastal areas of the island. The other natural crops grown here are bananas, pineapples, and the tomano tree. Before the discovery of phosphate, Nauru supplied Australia with profuse fertiliser. In spite of the current economic gloom due to the depletion of phosphate, tourists travel to this island country to catch glimpses of its former pleasantness.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
The main settlers in Nauru are the Micronesian and Polynesian people in the 19th century. Presently, more than half of the population consist of Nauruan and other ethnic groups present are Pacific Islander, European and the Chinese. Most of the Europeans are of British origin which settled here during the World War II. Nauruan is also the official language here spoken widely by 96% of the people. English is another main language mainly used for administration and business and as an international language. Christianity is the main religion practised on the island comprising of two thirds of Protestants and one third of Roman Catholics. There is also 10% Bahai population and 3% Buddhist population. Even though, the constitution provides freedom of religion there are still some restrictions on secularity here. Almost 96% of the population of Nauru is literate and the island has a campus of University of the South Pacific for college educations. The people of Nauru are considered one of the most obese people in the world having the highest level of type II diabetes in the world.
Although the main culture of Nauru is descended from Micronesian and Polynesian people who worshipped a female deity, most of them have become extinct in the 20th century. The Nauru’s celebrate Angam Day on the account of the recovery of the indigenous Nauru population that survived after the two World Wars. The colonial invasion has displaced the native culture with significant western influences. There are still several old customs that have been preserved including arts and crafts, fishing and traditional music. Football is the most popular sport in Nauru though people engage in other sports like cricket, tennis, golf and sailing.
ATTRACTIONS
• Anibore
Tourists can relax and enjoy the Anibore bay which is the most stunning beach on the island. It is ideal for swimming and other water activities unlike other beaches which are too shallow and rocky.• Game Fishing
Visitors can try out their luck in deep sea game fishing with the help of the local people owning their private boats. The trips can be organised through the hotels too. Tourists can explore the Pacific blue and catch a huge variety of fish including yellow fin, marlin, tuna, skipjack, barracuda and others.• Frigate Bird Game
This is a traditional sport of the island which the tourists must watch because of its popularity and the distinctive style. There are several famous ball games and wrestling games also unique to the island. Tourists can also enjoy looking at the national weight lifting team in training which had international success in the Commonwealth games. • Shopping
The shopping lovers must shop for the arts and crafts of the local people here. The boutique of the hotel sells exotic gifts and books along with tobacco and alcohol which are duty free here. There is also a range of sought after Philatelic issues of Nauru offered by the Nauru Philatelic Bureau. Every district of Nauru has its own artisans selling their own piece of artworks. • Command Ridge
Tourists can walk up to the highest point of the island, Command Ridge and see the splendid vies of the entire island. Along with this interesting walk around the pinnacle, tourists can also explore the remains of the phosphate mines on the way. The green belt encircling the island provides good roads for driving and walking.• Yaren
Visitors can spot the old remains of Japanese guns, bunkers and pillboxes left over from the Second World War in Yaren as this area was colonised by Japan in those days.• Scuba Diving
Adventure lovers must try scuba diving in the crystal clear water and an unspoilt reef which is a trendy activity here. The equipment can be hired easily near the beaches. The activity offers a variety of marine life and a significant wreck to dive.• Phosphate Mining
Travelers should take a tour of the island’s interior where years of phosphate mining have uncovered pointy coral summits leaving a bizarre lunar like landscape.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
There is a variety of international cuisine available at Nauru but the island has very little local fruits and vegetables due to poor soil. There are several restaurants serving Chinese food which includes very little fresh fish and beef. Seafood is their delicacy here. Tourists can enjoy having all international brands of alcohol served here in the local bars. Tourists can also enjoy the nightlife in certain bars and Chinese restaurants. Some hotels also offer Western food along with Thai and Indian dishes.
The accommodation facilities are very limited in Nauru as tourism has never been featured highly on Nauru’s agenda. There are two main hotels on the island namely, The Menen Hotel which is a big modern hotel having all facilities of leisure like pool, tennis court along with a bar and a restaurant. It is situated at a beautiful location and has warm hospitality and services like TV, radio, fridge and tea, coffee making facilities. It is also popular among business official as it provides good conference facilities for groups up to 200 people. It also arranges for rental cars and for pick ups from the airport. The other hotel Od’n Aiwo is relatively less expensive and ideal for backpackers and families. This hotel provides facilities for water activities like deep sea fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving. Island tours to the mined areas can also be arranged for the travellers.
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
The transport facilities are very limited but have become better now after the repossession of the national airline Air Nauru which has started operations again with the monetary aid from Taiwan under the name of Our Airline. The flight has weekly service in Australia, Solomon Islands, Nauru and Tarawa. Nauru international airport is the only airport on the island catering other flights like Solomon Islands, Air Pacific, Qantas, and Aircalin. Tourists can also reach by water from Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Travelling within the country would be hard as there are no public transportation or car rentals on the island. Many local people commute by scooters and bikes. The roads are in good condition for bicycle riding which can be easily borrowed.
The communications system in Nauru is quite developed having satellite phones and internet facilities available. There is one internet café in Aiwo district and the international telephone calls can only be made through an operator. The island has one post office and no regular news publication. Nauru Bulletin is the main newspaper publishes every week in Nauruan and English language. The radio and TV is all government owned broadcasting programmes from Australia and New Zealand.
Travelers must visit this lovely island to experience a truly unique island visit. The gigantic ocean and the sea birds dipping over the island’s cliffs are very welcoming. It is a remarkable discovery to explore a holiday in a world far away from your own.
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