Nauru, a tiny island country in Micronesia, Northeast Australia, holds the title of the third smallest country by area in the world after Vatican City and Monaco. Yet, despite its diminutive size, Nauru is packed with unique attractions and stunning natural beauty that can charm any traveler. Here’s a look at the top 7 tourist places in Nauru that showcase its cultural heritage and natural splendor.
1. **Anibare Bay**
Nestled on the eastern side of Nauru, Anibare Bay boasts a magnificent crescent-shaped beach bordered by lush tropical vegetation. The bay features some of the best swimming spots on the island due to its sheltered waters from the Pacific Ocean. The fine white sand and clear turquoise waters make it ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.
2. **Buada Lagoon**
This freshwater lagoon located inland offers a stark contrast to the surrounding ocean-dominated landscape. Encircled by palm trees and dense greenery, Buada Lagoon is a serene escape from coastal winds, providing visitors with a peaceful spot for picnics and relaxation. While swimming is not recommended due to its stagnant water, the lagoon’s scenery makes it worth a visit for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
3. **Command Ridge**
As Nauru’s highest point, Command Ridge holds historical significance from World War II when it was used as a lookout by Japanese forces. Today, visitors can explore remnants of wartime relics including bunkers and guns. The ridge also offers panoramic views of almost the entire country, making it a perfect spot for sunset watchers and history buffs alike.
4. **The Nauru Parliament House**
For those interested in political history or architecture, visiting the Parliament House in Yaren can be quite enlightening. Although it may not compare to grand parliamentary buildings found in larger nations, this site gives insight into how this small island nation governs itself.
5. **Central Plateau (Topside)**
Once notorious for phosphate mining which has significantly shaped Nauru’s economy and environment over decades, Central Plateau offers an otherworldly landscape unlike typical tropical attractions. Visitors can tour abandoned mining equipment and structures that speak volumes about Nauru’s complex economic past.
6. **Nauruan Culture at Menen Hotel**
For travelers looking to experience local culture more deeply, Menen Hotel – one of the two hotels on Nauru – offers cultural nights with traditional music and dance performances by local artists alongside delicious seafood freshly caught from surrounding waters.
7. **Japanese Guns**
Scattered across various locations on Nauru are several large artillery guns left over from Japanese occupation during World War II; these historical artifacts attract those interested in military history or simply looking to learn more about how global events have touched even this tiny Pacific island.
Despite its small size, there is no shortage of intriguing sites to explore within Nauru’s six square miles (21 square kilometers). Each spot tells part of a story about this fascinating island nation – from its natural beauties like Anibare Bay to poignant remnants of human conflicts at Command Ridge. Whether you’re an avid historian or just someone who appreciates nature’s wonders away from crowded tourist paths – Nauru welcomes all sorts of travelers with open arms.