Having already explored 106 of the 195 UN-recognized countries in my pursuit to see them all, my 107th destination is Nauru, the world’s smallest republic with its own compelling story. This resource is designed as a guide for solo female travel to Nauru, drawing on my experience and insights to help you travel this intriguing and rarely visited island nation.
Nauru is located in the central Pacific Ocean, just south of the Equator. Once rich in phosphate, the island has faced significant environmental and economic challenges following the depletion of these resources. The capital is informally Yaren District, as there isn’t a designated capital city. Visiting Nauru offers a starkly different experience from typical tourist destinations, providing an opportunity to witness the impacts of resource exploitation, understand a unique cultural context, and engage with a close-knit community.
The reality of traveling to Nauru is dictated by its limited flight connections. Unlike destinations with daily arrivals, flights here are infrequent. As a result, travelers often face a choice: a fleeting overnight stay or, as it happened for me, an extended five-night visit if the flight schedules don’t align perfectly. Embracing this unexpected extended stay allowed for a different kind of exploration – one that balanced intentional sightseeing with moments of quiet absorption. (more on this below with the itinerary)
After the tranquility of Tuvalu, I anticipate that arriving in Nauru will be an experience marked by a different kind of contemplation—one focused on the human and environmental consequences of rapid industrialisation and subsequent decline. It’s a place that invites reflection on sustainability and resilience. For a solo female traveler driven by a desire to understand diverse human stories and the complexities of our world, Nauru ended up being one of the sleppy destinations on my global journey.
Solo female travel to Nauru
Know before you go to Nauru
Best time to visit: When you have the time and resources. That said, the drier season, generally from March to October, is considered the most comfortable time to visit Nauru, with lower humidity and less rainfall. Temperatures remain consistently warm throughout the year.
Getting Around:
- Island Road: Nauru has a single main road that circles the island, approximately 19 kilometers long.
- Private Vehicles: The primary mode of transport is by private car or motorbike. Rentals might be limited, so inquire in advance through your accommodation.
- Walking: Given the small size of the island, walking is feasible for shorter distances, especially within the main residential and administrative areas.
- There is no formal public transportation system or readily available taxi services.
Do you need visa for Nauru?
If you are Australian yes, for others please check with the embassy in your country. I applied months in advance and chased it once, a week before my flight and received in email. You can email – ask for visa details. I got response within 24 hours advising what documents I needed to send back with payment recipt. It was easy. However, the challengae you may face is Nauru visa application requires proof of accomodation booking. Highly recommend getting that sorted asap so you have enough time for visa etc.
Where to stay in Nauru?
There is not much options in Nauru when it comes to accommodation. Two airbnbs and handful of hotels and lodges, which are not all registered/visible in booking or other accomodation sites. As of April 2025 there is only 1 in booking.com So, you have to email rest of them to query. Some recommended ones are Menen Hotel, Ewa lodge and Goodworks. Out of all the chinese places to eat, recommend the bay restaurant for all the meals. It was fab!
For accommodation, I recommend using booking.com and sorting with price, then consider the ones with highest reviews plus within 1km of centre.
For tours, I recommend using get your guide and walking tours available in most places.
Language spoken:
Nauruan and English are the official languages. English is used in government and commerce, but learning a few basic Nauruan phrases (e.g., Mwa – Hello, Tubwa kor – Thank you) will be appreciated by locals.
Currency:
- Nauru uses the Australian Dollar (AUD).
- Cash is crucial as credit cards are not widely accepted. There are limited banking facilities and ATMs accessible to tourists. Ensure you bring sufficient AUD cash for your entire stay. However, bay resto and few others accepted credit/debit cards.
Insider tips:
- Connectivity is very limited and expensive. Internet access is unreliable and often slow. Be prepared for a significant digital detox.
- Flights to Nauru are infrequent and often routed through Brisbane or Fiji. Book well in advance and be prepared for potential delays or changes.
- Accommodation options are limited. As above, there are only a few guesthouses and potentially one main hotel. Book your lodging well in advance.
- Respect local customs. Nauru is a conservative society. Dress modestly, and be mindful of local traditions. Sundays are generally quiet, with limited activities.
- Be aware of the island’s history and environmental situation. Learning about the impact of phosphate mining is essential for understanding the current context of Nauru. Engage respectfully with locals about their experiences.
- Water can be scarce. While some accommodations provide water, it’s wise to conserve water and consider bringing a reusable water bottle. There are multiple small chiness stores around town and the big store in the north.
- Put on google maps Boe Infant School and go to the two shops infront of it. The one on the right is owned by Ruth a local lady and she sells banana breads, chococate cakes for $5 per piece and Ice coffee for $1. The left shop sells NZ beef jerky which was my protein snack the whole time i was in Nauru, also avocadoes, salads etc which was hard to come by around here. More tips below.
5 days in Nauru itinerary
Arriving after the sun-drenched adventures of Tuvalu, I initially welcomed the opportunity to take things slow. My accommodation offered Netflix, providing a welcome respite during the hotter parts of the day. I spent the first three days mostly unwinding, catching up on work, and strategically avoiding the midday sun. However, the allure of the Nauruan sunsets was undeniable, drawing me out almost every evening to witness the sky ablaze with color.
The latter two days of my five-night stay were dedicated to more active exploration. Nauru isn’t vast a 19 km (12 mile; in fact, I learned that a complete drive around the island’s perimeter road can take as little as 30 minutes (though taking your time to truly experience it is highly recommended!).
While Nauru may not boast a long list of traditional tourist attractions, its unique history and the resilience of its people offer a compelling experience. Depending on your interests and what’s accessible, consider the below solo female travel to Nauru itinerary.
Day 1: West side – Early arrival and the sunset welcome of Aiwo
- My flight arrived in the early hours. After checking into my accommodation, sleep was the priority.
- I made a point to visit WWII Memorial Monument, Moqua Well, Parliment house and the Nauru Museum, hoping to gain further insight into the island’s cultural heritage and past.
- One local recommended Command Ridge for panoramic views of the entire island but i didn’t go as it was getting too hot.
- Local churches espeically if it’s Sunday to witness community gatherings and perhaps experience a service respectfully.
- Later in the day, as the heat subsided, I ventured to Aiwo beach which has a area a known spot where both locals and the small expat community gather, especially as the sun begins to dip below the horizon. The added bonus here is the view of planes making their final approach and landing if the days match with flights.
Day 2: East side’s charm – Discovering Anibare Bay Beach
- One of the best spots in Narau is Anibare Bay Beach – the longest stretch of sandy beach on the island. This is also where you’ll see a cluster of tall “pinnacles” coral rocks which are limestone pinnacles, formed by the erosion of coral rocks over time.
- Mak stops at various points of interest – Anibare cave, Anibare Harbour, small local settlements, glimpses of the island’s history etched in the landscape, and scenic viewpoints offering vistas of the Pacific.
- Observing the rhythm of daily life on this side of the island provided a deeper connection to Nauru.
- As evening arrived, I found a vantage point on the east coast to witness the sunset, a different perspective from the familiar Aiwo views. Also, at times those tall coral rocks looked like aliens coming out from the ocean! Def v memorable place.
Day 3: Journeying to the North
- Today, the northern part of Nauru would be a good focus observing the local environment and any unique features.
- Check out Capelle and Partner – The one stop shop for all your goods and groceries in Nauru. (although you may find chinese shop scattared around town too). There was also Bendigo and ANZ bank if you need and costal views.
- My itinerary also included a visit to the Regional Processing Centre. It’s important to note that this is a sensitive location, and access and information can be restricted. Approaching with respect and awareness of local regulations is crucial.
- Late afternoon was spent with the Nauruan sunset from the northern coastline, completing a visual journey around this fascinating island.
Day 4: Buada lagoon reflections and contemplation
- On the forth day time to visit Buada lagoon which was peaceful however I noticed trash was a problem and lagoon had dried up so there wasn’t much water in it.
- Alternate option is to go for diving if you are into it. Personally, stars had aligned to meet a fellow traveller and a kind local who was happy to offer a ride so we enjoyed the last drive around town.
- As you drive around you’ll probably see some Phosphate Rock Formations: A stark reminder of the island’s past.
- The last afternoon was back at the Aiwa Beach allowing for personal reflection. Another beautiful Nauruan sunset concluded the day.
Day 5: Farewell to the Smallest Republic
- My final morning in Nauru was spent savoring the quiet atmosphere. Depending on the flight schedule, there was time for a last short walk or a revisit to a particularly memorable spot.
- Airport pick ups and drop off was paid for with the accomodation so that was handy as flights were landing 4ish AM, leaving also super early. Arranging transport to the airport was key, given the limited options.
- As I prepared to leave, I carried with me the unique experiences and reflections from my time in this extraordinary nation.
Where to eat in Nauru?
Here are recommeded places. Double check the hours as things may change.
- The Bay Restaurant: Located in Anibare. It’s open from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday. Phone: +674 557 1111.
- Crystal Kitchen: Also in Anibare. It’s open from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday to Thursday, 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Friday, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, and closed on Sunday.
- OMG Sushi Restaurant: Located in Orro.
- Somewhere Else in Nauru: Located in Arijejen. It’s open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM Monday to Friday and 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM on Sunday.
- Mr Chippies: Located in Anibare. It’s open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Monday, and 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM Tuesday to Saturday, and closed on Sunday. Phone: +674 558 3710.
- Jullem: Located in Anibare.
- Anibare Boat Harbour Restaurant: Located in the Menen Hotel, Anibare. It’s open from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday. Phone: +674 557 8010.
- WangJiao Breakfast Restaurant: Located near the airport in Boe. It’s open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM daily. Phone: +674 556 4488.
A note for solo female travellers:
Nauru felt like a safe place, but standard solo travel precautions are always wise. Embrace the slower pace, be respectful of local customs, and be prepared for limited connectivity. The warmth and curiosity of the local people often enrich the experience. My unexpected five-day stay allowed me to truly absorb the unique character of Nauru, a testament to the unpredictable yet rewarding nature of global exploration.
For accommodation, I recommend using booking.com and sorting with price, then consider the ones with highest reviews plus within 1km of centre.
For tours, I recommend using get your guide and walking tours available in most places.
Let me know in the comments:
If you have any questions about Solo female travel to Nauru
Solo female travel to Tuvalu
3 days in Malta without a car
4 days in Cyprus to one week in Cyprus
5 days backpacking in Tunisia
5 days in Egypt itinerary
3 days in Doha itinerary
5 Days in Oman Itinerary
3 days Kuwait travel blog
5 days in Jordan itinerary
3 Days in Dubai itinerary
Maldives 4 days itinerary
5 days in Tokyo itinerary
1 week in Seoul
7 Days in Bangladesh itinerary
Solo female travel to Georgetown Guyana
Paramaribo itinerary and travel tips
French Guiana tour on a day trip
Backpacking one month in Central America itinerary
How to plan a trip to Argentina 3 weeks to 1 month itinerary
Puerto Rico solo travel itinerary
Backpacking Paraguay itinerary
Solo trip to Peru One month itinerary
Solo female travel Colombia
7 days backpacking in Ecuador itinerary
5 days in Oaxaca itinerary
2 days in Mexico City itinerary
7 Days Itinerary in Georgia
4 Days in Azerbaijan Itinerary
Best places to visit from Split
2 days in Split, Croatia
Solo traveling to Mostar
Solo female travel to Kotor
Solo female travel to Budva
Solo female travel Albania
Warsaw by Train covers warsaw travel tips
One day in Luxembourg, western Europe
Day trip from Zurich to Liechtenstein
Travel tips to South America
Fiji solo travel guide
Australia east coast must-see
Backpacking in Melbourne, Australia
Digital nomad guide to Melbourne
14 best area to stay in Melbourne CBD
Master Sydney travel guide
Solo travel guide to Brisbane
Exploring Adelaide the best way is a must-read
Important travel tips for Uluru trip
Melbourne day trips in winter
Day Hikes in Melbourne
Weekend getaway? Check out things to do in Ballarat
Perth solo itinerary
Top 5 must do in Darwin, Australia
How to go from Dublin to Howth
Solo female travel Romania
Read a recent day trip to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam
How about a solo itinerary to Canberra– Australia’s capital city?
Solo trip to Peru, travel tips to South America
Check out the 7 days Hanoi travel guide.
Book accommodation through trusted Booking.com
I have detailed travel resources right here. Save money, learn what and how.
If you like this article, I invite you to read about my journey to becoming a solo female Nepali Australian travel blogger, follow my adventures on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Pinterest, but most importantly sign up for my e-mail list to keep up with updates and travel posts!
