Nauru was a part of my solo 7 weeks Micronesia trip, which had the following itinerary:
EU - (Cathay Pacific) - Philippines - (United Airlines) - Guam - (United Airlines) - Yap (FSM) - (United Airlines) - Majuro (RMI) - (Nauru Airlines) - Kiribati - (Nauru Airlines) - Nauru - (Nauru Airlines) - Pohnpei (FSM) - (United Airlines) - Palau - (United Airlines) - Philippines - (Cathay Pacific) - EU
Apparently, Nauru is the least visit country in the world in terms of tourists, but there are a lot of foreginers working there, mostly on international aid programmes.
I have a EU passport and Nauru is the only (beside the American territories), which require a visa.
The requirements can be read here:
http://www.naurugov.nr/about-nauru/visiting-nauru/visa-requirements.aspx
Here is how I got the visa:
1) I send an email to: visa@naurugov.nr
2) Received back the next day the visa application along with the requirements: filled out visa application, copy of passport, flight tickets, hotel booking, employment letter.
3) I returned everything they had asked for and waited.
4) After 14 days with no reply, I send a check up email.
5) 2 days later I received from a new email adresse (simposon.atto@gmail.com) an invoiced, where 50 AUD should be wired to an Australian bank.
6) I returned proof of payment 2 days later and waited.
7) After 9 days with no reply, I send a check up email.
8) Received the visa the next day.
Since everything have to be transported to the island and since there are a lot of foreginers with company accounts, Nauru is expensive.
But at the Chinese restaurants a meal cost between 6-12 AUD.
There are bus stops, but I never saw a bus.
At Menen Hotel, where I stayed, a rental car costed 90 AUD per day.
I tried to rent a scooter, but there isn't any official scooter rental anywhere on the island. One of the employee at my hotel found a local, who wanted to rent his off-road bike out for 50 AUD per day, but the brakes didn't work, so I declined. This was the only one the employee could find, so I ended up not renting, and just walked around.
I got a lift a few times from both locals, foregin workers and even a refugee from Somalia on his motorbike.
There are 4 options:
Menen Hotel
Phone: +674 5578020 /+674 5578021 / +674 5578022
Email. menhotreservation@yahoo.com
I stayed here. 185 AUD per night for a selfcontained unit with washing machine, only cash. Wifi costed 20 AUD per 24 hours (not possible to login and out). It looks run down, but it's the main hotel on Nauru, where government functions are held (I saw the President there for lunch). Have both restaurant and bar. It's a bit out of town, but just a walk to two "nice" restaurants in Anibare.
Od-N Aiwo Hotel
Phone: +674 5585177
Email: odnaiwo@yahoo.com odnaiwohotel@gmail.com
In the main town. Looks aged, but alright.
Ewa Lodge
Phone: +674 557 1000 / 557 1001 ext 113 or Mob: 557 1055
Email: cpreservations@eftel.net.au
On top of Capelle supermarket on the other side of the island
Budapest
I just walk past it, as it's on the other side of the island.
Anibare Boat Harbour (previous Mr. Chippies)
Served maybe some of the best Chinese on Nauru, 6-12 AUD. It's a walk from Menen hotel.
Bay Restaurant
Next door to Anibare Boat Harbour. A bit more upscale than their neighbours. They have sashi and beer on the menu.
Menen Hotel
Though it's the finest hotel on Nauru, the food is surprisingly bland, but they have Indian options.
There are many Chinese restaurants in Boe, all with the same nondescript cheap menu.
There is a cafe at Capelle on the north side.
Nauru isn't quite a smorgasbord of sights, but there are few worth emphasising: The Buada Lagoon, The Japanese gun at the pinnacles along with the Japanese jungle jail and the Moqua Cave (bring swimwear and flashlight).
Vicious dogs, so carry rocks in your pocket and take them in your hand when passing dogs, so they know you have them.
© Bo Løvschall
© Bo Løvschall
© Bo Løvschall
