• The capital of Kiribati, Tarawa is fast becoming one of the most densely populated areas in the Pacific, being similar in density to Hong Kong. The President’s Office, Parliament building and international airport are all situated on Bonriki. A number of war relics can be seen on Betio and visits to WWII battlegrounds and natural history expeditions can be organised.

• Stretching for almost half the land mass of Kiribati, Christmas Island is covered in lakes and ponds and boasts some of the largest colonies of birds. Trips with studies of the local birdlife are available.

• The main towns are London, Paris and Banana. Game fishing is extremely popular on the island.

• There are also trips to see outrigger canoe races and dancing contests.

• Or visit the maneaba, a community meeting house, where visitors may enjoy traditional dancing, singing and storytelling.

• A fine way to get the whole picture of Kiribati is to take a ‘flight-seeing’ trip on board frighteningly small planes. Tours take in the islands of Abaiang, Abemama, Maiana and Tarawa – other islands can be visited on request.

• The islands boast superb white sandy beaches and crystal-clear lagoon waters. However, swimming in south Tarawa Lagoon is not advisable due to the extent of its pollution, and extreme caution is recommended on oceanside reefs. There are excellent facilities for snorkelling and deep-sea fishing. It is also possible to charter boats for sailing across the Tarawa Lagoon. Game fishing on Christmas Island is also popular.

• Birdwatching is popular, especially on Christmas Island where millions of birds swarm everywhere.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.