1. **Anibare Bay**
Anibare Bay is arguably the most beautiful beach on Nauru. Sheltered by a coral reef, the bay boasts pristine waters and excellent conditions for swimming and snorkeling. The surrounding area, with its towering palm trees and soft white sand, provides a perfect setting for relaxation and picnicking.
2. **Buada Lagoon**
Nestled in the heart of Nauru, Buada Lagoon offers a rare patch of greenery amidst the island’s predominantly rocky terrain. This freshwater lagoon surrounded by palm trees is not suitable for swimming due to its stagnant water; however, it’s an ideal spot for a scenic walk or a peaceful afternoon.
3. **The Command Ridge**
As the highest point on the island, Command Ridge holds significant historical value. During World War II, it served as a lookout point for Japanese forces. Visitors can still see relics from the war today, including guns and bunkers. The summit also provides panoramic views of virtually the entire island.
4. **The Japanese Guns**
Scattered around the island are remnants of WWII in the form of Japanese artillery pieces. The most accessible guns are located near Command Ridge and Anibare Bay. These historical artifacts are stark reminders of Nauru’s strategic importance during global conflicts.
5. **Nauru National Museum**
Located in Yaren District near Parliament House, this museum offers insights into Nauruan history, culture, and natural environment through its collections of artifacts, photographs, and traditional crafts. Although small, it is packed with information essential for understanding this unique island nation.
6. **Moqua Well**
Moqua Well lies inside Moqua Caves beneath “Topside”, which was once mined extensively for phosphate rock formations that resemble moon craters due to their rugged landscape structure—making this site doubly significant both geologically and historically.
7. **Parliament House**
Visitors can tour Nauru’s Parliament House during sessions or when tours are organized—offering insights into one of the world’s smallest parliamentary systems at work.
8. **Central Plateau (Topside)**
Once utilized as phosphate mining sites until reserves were exhausted around 2006, these pockmarked landscapes now offer otherworldly vistas that capture dystopian beauty—a stark contrast against tropical scenes elsewhere on the island.
9. **WWII Relics Tour**
For those interested in history particularly related to World War II impacts on Pacific Islands—the guided tours around various sites including bunkers and lost weaponry provide extensive knowledge imparted by local guides familiar with their national lore.
10. **Capelle & Partner Supermarket**
More than just a shopping destination; Capelle & Partner Supermarket is something of a social hub where tourists mingle with locals—a place where one can observe day-to-day life in Nauru while checking out local products alongside imported goods.
Despite its diminutive size compared to other nations’, these attractions exemplify how Nauru offers visitors diverse experiences ranging from exploring devastating impacts of human conflict to enjoying serene natural beauty spots untouched by time’s passage—making it truly an enigmatic place worth visiting on your Pacific adventure!