How to Find Luxury Hotels in Kiribati

Each new day begins in Kiribati--the International Date Line makes a detour around the islands. Formerly known as the Gilbert Islands, Kiribati is located in the central Pacific Ocean and is made up of 33 islands and atolls. South Tarawa is its capital and largest city.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Credit card
• Computer with Internet access
• Passport
• Visa
• Telephone

Find Accommodations

1. Stay at Takoronga Lodge, which features three rooms equipped with air conditioning, king size beds, TVs with DVD players, settees and private bathrooms. The Takoronga is one of the more "luxurious" hotels the island has to offer. Rates are cheap by U.S standards. Call 011 ([phone] to book a reservation or contact the Kiribati National Tourism Office, either online (see Resources below) or by phone at 011 ([phone].

2. Call the Kiribati National Tourism Office to make reservations. You can view a list of accommodations on their Web site.

3. Book a bone-fishing or fly-fishing package that comes complete with accommodations. Check with the Kiribati National Tourism Office for more information.

4. Arrange a stay in a guest house with the island councils and submerge yourself in local customs. Although guest houses may not be up to international standards, they do give you an opportunity to experience life on the outer islands.

Explore Kiribati

5. Visit Abemama, the first island on which Captain Davis hoisted the Union Jack during World War II.

6. Witness the ancient tradition of binekua, or "the calling of the whales to come ashore," performed by Kuma villagers on Butaritari Island.

Tips & Warnings

• 011 is the dialing prefix used for telephoning abroad from the United States. If you're calling from another country, check which international dialing prefix to use. All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.
• Obtain a single-entry visa for a nominal fee or a multiple-entry visa for slightly more.
• Tourist facilities are not widely available.
• Due to the island's lack of resources, securing luxury accommodations will be difficult--there are only 16 tourist facilities in the entire island chain.