Explore one of the worlds least visited countries, Nauru, shrouded with its own fascinating history, modern controversy and mystere.
Nauru delivers dramatic unexpected landscapes of piercing pinnacles left over from the countries wealthy phosphate mining era tangled with lush jungle and a pancake like island ringed with pristine reef. WWII relics can be found high on hill tops and strangled by undergrowth. War prisons, hidden caves bunkers…
Nauru’s phosphate mining put the country on the map. It was the world’s wealthiest country per capita for a short period, before the island of ‘guano’ created from thousands of millennia of seabirds nesting here, became exhausted and the country’s economy plummeted. The controversial processing centre is one of the few lifelines of income to the island of Nauru, but again, this is only a short term solution. Meet the refugees who keep this island ticking (for the moment) – running the local supermarkets, the barbers, the restaurants. Understand the real meaning of isolation and let your tourism dollars make a difference, even it does seem small.
The future for Nauru is simply an unknown.
Welcome to Nauru! Flying into Nauru is quite incredible. This flat pancake like island nation, seems to just bob in the middle of the Central Pacific with ocean blue as far as the eye can see. Best known as a phosphate rock island and for the mining which raised and then destroyed the country’s economy as well as Australia’s refugee processing centre, Nauru is one of the smallest countries on earth as well as being one of the least visited.
Upon arrival at the airport, transfer to your hotel for check in and lunch. This afternoon there will be an excursion to Anibare Bay. Formed by the underwater collapse of the east side of the volcano that underlies Nauru, a large arc shaped block slid away from the side of Nauru and rotated out. You will find a classic Polynesian sandy beach, cool ocean breezes, and pristine blue waters at Anibare Bay. Stroll along a fine stretch of white sand surrounded by palm groves and take a dip amongst the beautiful coral pinnacles. Be sure to pack a snorkel! Dinner this evening will be included at The Bay restaurant. (L & D)
Overnight at Ewa Lodge or similar
After breakfast, it is time to set off to explore what would be Nauru’s capital if it had one. This morning you will visit the Parliament Buildings and the High Court. Lunch today will be at Odn Aiwo.
One of the myths about Nauru, is that the refugees are locked away in the processing centre peering at the outside world through chicken wire fences. This is not the case at all. The refugees are what makes Nauru so fascinating. They are the people running the restaurants, barber shops, hospitals, local supermarkets, bars on the beach – many are business owners contributing to the country’s economy. The refugees are welcoming and laid back. We make time to speak with the local refugees not just today, but every day we are here on the island to hear about life on Nauru, life before Nauru and their hopes for the future. Life is tough on Nauru, but not necessarily in the way we may think. This is an incredibly empowering educational experience and will really shape your impression of Nauru and life on the island. (B,L)
Overnight at Ewa Lodge or similar
Did you know that Nauru was occupied by Japan during WWII from 1942–45. And prior to that German occupied in WWI and that the islands original name was Pleasant Island. Nauru is covered in hidden bunkers, secret caves, shipwrecks and artillery. After breakfast, it is time to explore the WWII relics at Yaren. Visit some of the machine gun nests on the hillsides as well as the double-barrelled anti-aircraft guns which are still on their mountings on Command Ridge near ‘Topside’ Phosphorus mines. Take in some of the sites from the now abandoned mines and the lunar like landscape left behind. Vegetation is only now slowly starting to come back to the island after years of being baron post mining. From Topside, you will also see the processing centre from above.
For lunch today, enjoy a fish and chip picnic before continuing onto Buada lagoon, the only body of water on the island. This is a very picturesque spot in the lower middle of the island. The lagoon is surrounded on all sides by dense palm trees and other vegetation. Swimming is not recommended here. (B,L)
Overnight at Ewa Lodge or similar
After breakfast, get your walking shoes on and walk the entire perimeter of the island (approx 19km). We set off early as it gets hot once the sun is up! Nauru is one of the few countries in the world where you can walk the entire country in around 5 hours. Pass stunning beaches, rusty remains of the phosphorus mines, hidden bunkers and slow island life. Chat with the locals as you stroll – some may join you for the walk! Lunch today will be in a local Chinese restaurant. (B,L)
Overnight at Ewa Lodge or similar
Today is yours at leisure until it is time to head to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 2 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
Stay up to date with the latest travel trends and new destinations opening up. To be the first to go, you need to be the first to know.
This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Back to Pacific & Oceania
