Kiribati - a bit of an update

The flight from Majuro (Marshall Islands) to Tarawa is operated by Our Airline nowadays. It is pretty cheap for flights in the Pacific at 172 AUD one way with their lowest fare this time around. They fly only every two weeks though.

There are no taxis, so when arriving at the airport have a hotel pick you up or hitch a ride. Public transport is by minibuses, which are often full when they pass. I had to wait a while or walk a few times.The road in South Tarawa from Betio to Butio is in terrible shape, but being redone right now. It will be a while though till they finish.
There is no one from the tourist office meeting incoming flights, but their office in Betio merits a visit. They have a few brochures to give to you. Their website is good, but the online booking there does not really work.

There is new hotel in Betio called George. They charge 88 AUD with breakfast for a nice room with breakfast. Betio is good for the leftovers from WW II. Not much else there for tourists.

You might not want to spend too much time in South Tarawa anyway. North Tarawa is for tourists. The Tabuki retreat and Tabon Te Keekee are both good, yet not cheap. (99 AUD +). There is also a community guesthouse on Abaokoro and the San Fernando Homestay.

Anyone with copies from the good old days when Kiribati was still covered in the South Pacific LP: The Buariki Hideaway has closed years ago and the Buota Lodge is also closed and up for sale right now so it may reopen.
The tourist office has informations about the community guesthouses on outer islands.
The ANZ bank ATMs worked fine during my stay. Air Kirirbati was busy on their domestic flights.

Enjoy your trip