7-Day Itinerary for Nauru: A Refreshing Escape with a Gentle Pace
When most people think of island destinations, Nauru isn’t the first place that comes to mind. Yet, this small island country offers a unique and laid-back experience. You won’t be rushing from one place to another here; instead, you’ll explore at a leisurely pace and soak in the local culture. Here’s a 7-day itinerary that balances relaxation, history, and natural beauty.
Day 1: Arrival in Nauru
Nauru is tiny; you can drive around the island in about 30 minutes. On your first day, take it easy. You’ll land at Nauru International Airport and likely feel a sense of quiet as you get off the plane.
Once you’ve settled in, go for a relaxed walk around the Yaren District. It’s the unofficial capital of Nauru, and you’ll find local government buildings, the airport, and some small shops here. You might also pass scenic views of rugged coastline and patches of forest.
Where to stay:
There aren’t many hotels in Nauru, but you can stay at Menen Hotel. It’s one of the more comfortable choices on the island.
Evening activity:
Head to Anibare Bay for sunset. The beach here is quiet, and you won’t have to fight crowds. It’s a perfect place to sit back and enjoy the soft colors as the sun goes down.
Day 2: Exploration of Yaren and Buada Lagoon
Start your day with a deeper look into Yaren. Visit the Nauru Parliament House to get a sense of the island’s governance. It’s a small, unassuming building but an important one.
Then, check out the Nauru Police Station, which houses a relic of WWI, a Japanese gun. While there, you can get a closer look at some wartime history.
Afternoon at Buada Lagoon:
In the afternoon, head to the center of the island to visit Buada Lagoon. It’s a freshwater lagoon surrounded by palm trees and taro gardens. The relaxing atmosphere here is a great break from the coastal heat. Take a walk around the lagoon and maybe chat with locals tending their gardens.
Day 3: Discover Nauru’s Mining Past at Aiwo
On your third day, dive into Nauru’s phosphate mining history. Aiwo is one of the districts affected most by phosphate mining, and there’s plenty to see here.
Visit to the Phosphate Mines:
Take a guided tour of the phosphate mines. You’ll see the remnants of the once-thriving industry that fueled Nauru’s economy. The landscape has been heavily altered, so expect to see large pits and odd hills created by past digging.
Afternoon visit to the Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation:
If you’re interested in how the island is being restored after years of mining, head to the Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation. The group works on projects to rehabilitate the land. It’s an eye-opening experience seeing how difficult it has been to make the land usable again.
Day 4: Scenic Drive Around the Island
Nauru is only 21 square kilometers, so it’s perfect for a full day circumnavigation. Rent a car, motorbike, or even a bicycle and take your time circling the island.
Key Stops Along the Drive:
– **Anibare Bay:** Stop again to enjoy a swim. The calm waters and quiet beach make it great for cooling off.
– **Command Ridge:** At the highest point of the island, you’ll find WWII remains like Japanese bunkers and communications towers. The view from here offers a stunning panorama of the island.
– **Moqua Caves:** These limestone caves are located near Buada and have an underground lake. You can explore the depths and enjoy the cool air inside the caves.
Evening along the Coast:
End your day right by driving to the coastal edges of Aiwo to grab dinner. Enjoy the simple, fresh seafood as you watch the gentle waves come ashore.
Day 5: Visit to the Nauru Museum and Historical Sites
Start your day by visiting the **Nauru Museum**. It’s a small museum, but it’s packed with information on the island’s history, including artifacts from its colonial past through the mining period and into modern independence.
World War II Historical Sites:
In the afternoon, continue to explore Nauru’s WWII history. Although the island is tiny, it played a role in the Pacific battles. Visit relics like the **Japanese Pillboxes** scattered along the west coast. These bunkers make for great historical exploration, often perched right along the beach.
Relax at Anibare Bay:
Later in the day, choose Anibare Bay again for snorkeling. It’s one of the few good spots on the island for it. The reefs are shallow, and you can float above colorful fish and coral.
Day 6: Hiking Nauru’s Interior
By day six, you may feel relaxed enough to take on some light hiking. Nauru isn’t known for massive hills, but parts of the island’s interior are worth an easy hike.
Inland Phosphate Pits Hike:
This hike takes you through the center of the island, where you’ll see the surreal remains of the mining pits. It’s wild to think that so much phosphate was dug out here to be exported worldwide.
Bring some water and sunscreen, as there can be little shade. While the area is rocky and dusty, you’ll get a good perspective of Nauru’s dramatic past.
Relax in Yaren:
After the hike, head back to Yaren for a quiet evening. Rest up at your hotel or find a small local café to enjoy some fresh fruit and unwind from the day of walking.
Day 7: Final Beach Day and Departure
Your last day in Nauru is all about taking it slow before your flight. After breakfast, head to Anibare Bay again. There’s something uniquely peaceful about this beach, and you’ll appreciate the relaxed vibe after a week of exploring.
Farewell Local Market Visit:
Before you leave, stop by a local market to pick up any small souvenirs. Handicrafts and local goods aren’t widespread in Nauru, but you may find some handmade items that represent the island’s culture.
Departure:
After your market stop, it’s time to head back to the airport and leave this incredible, off-the-beaten-path island behind.
Final Thoughts
Nauru isn’t your typical island destination full of tourists and bustling attractions; it’s quiet, calm, and perfect for those looking for something new. The pace here is relaxed, and you’ll have time to enjoy the small, but meaningful details. From its ancient lakes to its recent mining history, Nauru has more to offer than meets the eye. Enjoy the simplicity and soak in the charm of this little island.
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