Landmarks to See in Nauru
The island in two stories
Almost everything to see in Nauru belongs to one of two stories. The first is the Second World War, when Japan held the island from 1942 to 1945. The second is a century of phosphate mining that stripped the interior and built the industrial shoreline. The island measures just 21 square kilometres, so every landmark below is a short drive from the others.
Command Ridge
This is Nauru’s highest point at 65 m (213 ft). Japanese troops built a communications post here, and two big twin 127 mm Type 89 anti-aircraft guns still sit in their concrete pits. A two-storey underground bunker beneath carries faint Japanese writing, and you can go in with a torch. Make it a brief stop rather than a hike. There is a lookout with wide views over the coast and the mined interior. Pacific Wrecks lists more guns in the area, including two 6-inch guns above Denig. The Japanese also deported about 1,200 Nauruans to Chuuk during the war, and nearly half of them died there, so approach these places quietly.
Buada Lagoon
In a low basin to the south-west, Buada Lagoon has no outlet and no tides. It is rain-fed and slightly brackish, covers about 3.8 ha and is lined with coconut, breadfruit, pandanus and tamanu. The road around it is a good place for a calm walk. The shore is private residential land and sewage and rubbish contamination has been reported, so do not swim or paddle. Mosquitoes are plentiful.
The phosphate loaders at Aiwo
Two huge steel conveyors reach over the reef at Aiwo. British Phosphate Commissioners built them to load phosphate into ships moored in deep water, and they were rebuilt after wartime damage. They look best against a sunset.
Anibare Bay and its harbour
The east coast bay runs over 2 km in white sand, with black limestone behind. Heavy surf and rip currents affect it, and no lifeguards patrol the beach. The adjoining boat harbour, dug as a fishing harbour in 2000, is where locals swim. Ask locally before getting in.
Moqua Well
Moqua Well in Yaren is a small underground lake, roughly 2,000 square metres, with an average depth of 2.5 m and a maximum of 5 m. During the war it was a drinking-water source. A fence was decided on in 2001, after a drowning linked to alcohol. Swimming is not recommended. The caves are partly open, so enter at your own risk and never alone, and expect muddy ground after rain.
Parliament House
The 19 members of Nauru’s Parliament sit in a modest building in Yaren. Nearby are the Supreme Court and government offices. Visitors can see the exterior. Yaren is the seat of government, and Nauru has no capital.
Topside plateau
About 80 percent of the island is Topside, the mined plateau, now filled with limestone pinnacles several metres high. It has no shade, strong UV and dirt tracks without signs. Go with a guide, wear closed shoes and take water.
Booking and sources
Guides are found through the hotel. You can look at Viator for any new Nauru listings. For background, see Wikipedia on Moqua Well and Lonely Planet on Command Ridge .
Read more: Attraction tours in Nauru and Activities in Nauru .