Kiribati is pronounced like kee-ree-bus, which is the native pronunciation of Gilberts. This is a small island republic located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and has a population of around 70,000 Micronesians. Kiribati was previously part of the British Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony; however, in 1979 it became independent. Kiribati is comprised of three island groups, the Gilbert, Line, and Phoenix Islands. Sitting over the equator, this beautiful country has it all, deep blue ocean, coral reefs, pristine beaches, and coconut trees. The "town" of Tarawa is not a small town, rather it is a chain of small islets that surrounds the turquoise lagoon.

While visiting Kiribati on your vacation, you will want to stay at the Otintaai Hotel. It is located on the edge of the Tarawa lagoon. The hotel has 40 air conditioned rooms, along with a restaurant, a lounge and a bar. Every Saturday, the Otintaai Hotel provides a barbecue with prices that range from $6.00 to $13.00 Australian dollars. On Friday and sometimes on Saturday evening, the Otintaai Hotel will host a Dance at the Sunrise Hall. The dances starts at 7:00 pm and goes on through to 2:00 in the morning. Everyone can join in, including people from the Villages; however, it is unacceptable for you to bring your beer or spirits from outside. You can purchase them at the Sunrise Hall.

A few of the hotel amenities include modern facilities, international direct dial telephones in every room, airport pickup and delivery, conference facilities, and rental cars. Not to mention catering and bar services, workshop/conference facilities, laundry services, tour guiding, and entertainment. At one time the Otintaai Hotel was the only hotel in Kiribati and to this day it remains the best one. This is the place that most of the business travelers go. The not only offer superior rooms, but they offer budget rooms as well. Even the budget rooms are large with a double bed, refrigerator, air conditioning, desk, bathroom and a balcony facing the lagoon. You will get gorgeous lagoon views, a very friendly staff, and free internet service if you have a wireless laptop. The location is great and the price is reasonable. Also, the hotel offers islet tours on Saturdays.

It is not hard to find things to do while you enjoy your vacation on Kiribati. You can relax in your room or go to the beach. If you enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving, then you can enjoy that as well. While snorkeling you will see many vividly colored fish and maybe even a shipwreck or two. There are many war relics dating back to World War II on Tarawa. You may even want to visit Red Beach. It was named so because the sand is not so much red, but it is darker in color than the typical white sand beaches of Kiribati. Another good place to visit is Betio. This is the busting population center of Kiribati. It is a great place to find good shopping, facilities, and nightlife. If you head to the harbor and walk along the lagoon going west, you will get a good view of the many different shipwrecks that are close to shore.