Since Tarawa is one long strip, there are buses that run up and down the island frequently. On the most part, these are small passenger vans. There is a driver and a fare collector (usually the wife of the driver). Some buses only go as far as a particular point – so make sure to ask.
You can flag a bus at designated bus stops. To get off the bus just simply shout the word “I-kai” or “Taiaoka I-kai,” meaning “stop here.”
If they sound their horn or flash their light it means they are full. On South Tarawa, buses travel from Betio to as far as Tanaea and Buota in North Tarawa.
Bus fares on Tarawa range from 60 cents to $2.00 AUD depending on how far you are travelling.
One day we were returning from the ferry terminal to Dreamers and all the buses were full. They were full for over an hour, so we decided to walk. After 2 hours of walking in the dark Rob flagged down a pick up truck. Since Kiribas is considered relatively safe, hitch hiking is a mode of transport that is accepted here.
5 Comments
Wow it looks like a real tropical paradise. Those beach bungalows seem like the perfect place to stay and so cheap. A great post.
Thanks so much, Wendy. I think you, David and the girls would love it here. It is quiet and beautiful with so much to do. I know you are on the other side of Australia making it a bit farther to travel, but it is worth it!
Wow!! I’ve only been to fiji and the Cook Islands in the South Pacific. The Gilbert islands are lookin good too!!
I would highly recommend the island of Abaiang in Kiribas, or New Caledonia – a French island in the South Pacific, Lannie. Those places are amazing. We have not yet been to the Gilbert Islands so I cannot comment. Tuvalu in my opinion is more for folks who are trying to get to every country in the world.
Wow! `This is really a paradise. I’ve actually been looking for a honeymoon destination, and I had not considered the Gilbert Islands. Your post just gave me a lot of good ideas. 🙂