“MAURI” is a simple and warm greeting in Kiribati which simply means “Good Health to you” or “Hello.” It also important that you also know how to pronounce “KIRIBATI” the right way; it is pronounced (Kiri – bass).
Kiribati is an island nation of 33 Islands grouped into 3 island archipelagos: the Gilbert Islands in the West; the Phoenix Islands Protected Area in the center; and the Line Islands in the East. The islands straddle along and across the Equator right at the true heart of the Pacific where the Equator embraces the International Date Line. Kiribati is also the only country in the world situated on all the four hemispheres of the Earth – northern, southern, eastern and western. It was also the chosen one to witness the dawn of the new Millennium in the year 2000.
Most of Kiribati’s islands are pristine and flourishing with rich marine life, untouched by human hands. The majority of the atolls are barely more than 6 meters above sea level and are surrounded by barrier reefs creating picturesque lagoons for fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming, and other water sports.
But not only its location and its stunning marine life makes the country unique and special, is its people and their culture, history and the Kiribati national heritage. Each of the 33 islands has its own unique customs, rituals, myths, legends, and lifestyle. It is indeed a place of simple pleasures and one of those hard to reach places with only a true traveller can take pride in visiting and experiencing it. The country itself is not one of those high end luxury holiday destinations however, it is one of the few places where you will find tranquillity and the friendliest people. It is for those real travellers who seek adventure in discovering and learning about new places, experiencing unique cultures, and discovering simple things in life.
The people of Kiribati enjoy a peaceful, tranquil life where fishing, singing, and dancing play an important role in island life.
Please let us walk you through the Kiribati learning chapter. To make it easier for you to navigate, we have divided the information into the following sections:
Along the way you will find references to the South Pacific Tourism Organization website, the Kiribati website, and other links. They are vital sources of information about the region.
For Visitor Information, contact:
Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK)
Tabon Takoronga (opposite Battle of Tarawa WWII Relic guns)
Betio, Tarawa.
P: (686) 74026003