Districts · South Tarawa
South Tarawa by district
South Tarawa is one long chain. From west to east: Betio (war relics, the port and the fish market), Bairiki (government offices and the shore), Bikenibeu (shops and roadside eateries) and Bonriki (the airport). One main road links them; a causeway joins the islets.
About these names
The four clusters are working areas along that road, not municipal districts. Only Bairiki and Bikenibeu are recommended as a place to sleep.
- BetioseeeatSuits: A morning of war sites and the portVery dense and busy; go early, with a guide.5 sights · 1 eatsDistrict guide →
- BairikisleepeatseeSuits: First-time baseGovernment quarter, shore and shops; a short ride to Betio.3 sights · 2 eats · 1 sleep areaDistrict guide →
- BikenibeusleepeatSuits: Evening food and a base nearer the airportShops, roadside eateries and the lagoon shore.3 sights · 3 eats · 1 sleep areaDistrict guide →
- BonrikitransitSuits: A late flightThe terminal and the road outside; not a sight.District guide →
Hover, tap or tab to an area to see what it is like. Pins are sleep areas; arrows at the edge point to the airport.
Off the map: Bonriki International Airport (TRW) (35–60 min by the usual route).
Where’s what, as a list:
- Betio: Very dense and busy; go early, with a guide. Suits: A morning of war sites and the port.
- Bairiki: Government quarter, shore and shops; a short ride to Betio. Suits: First-time base. Price band $$.
- Bikenibeu: Shops, roadside eateries and the lagoon shore. Suits: Evening food and a base nearer the airport. Price band $$.
- Bonriki: The terminal and the road outside; not a sight. Suits: A late flight.
- Sleep area Bairiki: suits First-time base, price band $$.
- Sleep area Bikenibeu: suits Evening food and a base nearer the airport, price band $$.
- Bonriki International Airport (TRW), 35–60 min by the usual route.