Tuvalu

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Quick Facts

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Capital

Funafuti

Population

11,000

Government

Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy

Religions

Christianity

Languages

Tuvaluan

Calling Code

+688

Nationality

Tuvaluan

Local name

Tuvalu

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Introduction

A tourist to Tuvalu is about busy as a hermit crab, and, like said creature, spends most of his or her time wandering the beach slowly, albeit without a shell on their back. With 26 sq kilometres at its disposal, Tuvalu's main attractions are offshore, where undisturbed coral reefs lazily grow through the new millenium. The snorkelling is truly superb, so if you're in for a quiet holiday spent sunbaking, snorkelling and sleeping, Tuvalu is about as good as it gets.

For a country with its size, isolation and development, Tuvalu has done remarkably well with the arrival of the internet, its domain name .tv earning the nation a $50 million leasing contract. Which should raise the bar of the 11000 Tuvaluan lives considerably, though it may have little effect in fighting the problem of global warming - there are widespread fears that the islands may be submerged in years to come.

Brief History

Geography

Atolls and Islands

Tuvalu consists of 6 atolls and 3 islands.

Atolls

• Funafuti is the capital.
• Nanumea
• Nui
• Nukufetau
• Nukulaelae
• Vaitupu

Islands

• Nanumanga
• Niulakita
• Niutao

CitiesTowns

• Fakaifou
• Alapi
• Vaiaku
• Senala
• Teone

Sights and Activities

Funafuti Marine Conservation Area

Funafuti Marine Conservation Area is the place to come if you ever dreamed about deserted islands and the real Robinson Crusoe feeling. The are contains five islets which are forming a necklace along the western side of the Funafuti atoll. They are all uninhabited and protected which also means ther is no fishing and no hunting and thre are no gathering areas.
The islets are very small and fringed with white sand. They also contain dense native forests and palm trees and are alive with the noise and activity of colonies of seabirds. Green turtles nest on the beaches as well, and while much of the coral close to shore has suffered from bleaching, it still provides a home for many species of brilliantly coloured reef fish. As recent as 2005 an exceptional storm destroyed a six islet, called Tepuka Savilivili. Tuvalu might just be one of the first countries in the world that will disappear when the global warming proces continues.
The conservation area was formed in 1996 and covers over 30 square kilometers of lagoon, reef, channel, ocean and island habitats. Luckily, it is all there waiting for you as it is open to visitors for snorkelling, walking, picnicking and bird-watching.

Nanumea Atoll

Nanumea Atoll is one of Tuvalu's most beautiful atolls. It features an unusual fresh-water pond and even a large church. The atoll was hit by the Japanese attacks during WWII severely and nowadays plane wrecks and a wrecked cargo ship near the main settlement serve as reminders. Apart from this history the main activities include relaxing, swimming and snorkelling and just admire the quiet athmosphere and enjoy island life.
It's not very easy (at least time consuming) to reach though but still worth the effort. You can take government supply ships, the Nivaga II and Manu Folau, to reach Nanumea Atoll or in fact any other of Tuvalu's Outer Islands. They both make crossing to the outer islands once every three or four weeks.

Nukulaelae Atol

Nukulaelae Atol is a ring-shaped atoll (coral island) and has a stormy history. In 1863 two thirds of the inhabitants were kidnapped by Peruvian who were looking for workforce. After a long and tough journey, killing many of the islanders because of a lack of food and water, they were foreced to work as slaves in the mines of Peur. Nowadays, the people are known for their dancing and singing. On the atoll there is also an archaeological place dating back to the time before Christianity which you can visit.

Other sights and activities

• Funafala islet - traditional village life and relaxing
• Funafuti lagoon - swimming with the locals

Events and Festivals

Weather

There is not much variation in the weather on the atolls and islands that form Tuvalu. And that is actually a good thing. Temperatures hoover around 30 degrees Celcius throughout the year during the day and don't drop below 25 degrees at night on average. Although the sun shines a lot hear, it also rains a lot. There is not a real dry season, just a less wet season. The months of April to November still have around 250 mm of rain a month, while December to March sees 350 to 400 mm of rain a month. Most of it falls during heavy downpours in the late afternoon although rainy days are possible during the wetter months. Humidity as a result, is fairly high, but constant breezes bring some relief. And water is never far away!

Getting there

Plane

The international airport is at Funafuti. The airport code is probably half the joy of getting to Tuvalu - it's FUN. There are only a couple of flights per week, with Air Fiji from Suva to Funafuti.

By Boat

Tuvalu - Fiji vv
The MVs Nivaga II and Manu Folau, both government-owned cargo/passenger ships, travel to between Tuvalu and Suva, Fiji, every three months or so and the takes about four days. The cargo boat Nei Matagare makes trips roughly once a month between Tuvalu and Fiji and you might find a berth on this boat as well.

Getting Around

On Land

Cars are rare on Funafuti and almost non-existent on may other islands and atolls. Some taxis and minibuses travel around the main island, but your best bet will be renting small motorcycles or bikes. The smallest islands are easily explored on foot as well.

By Boat

You can take government supply ships, the Nivaga II and Manu Folau, to reach Nanumea Atoll or in fact any other of Tuvalu's Outer Islands. They both make crossing to the outer islands once every three or four weeks.
The other options include asking around if locals make the inter-island trips or having your own yacht.

Red Tape

Most western nationalities only need a valid passport, sufficient funds, accommodation and proof of onward or return transport. US Nationals need a visa, as do people from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

Money

See also Money Matters

Tuvalu uses the Australian Dollar (AUD). Australian Dollar notes come in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 and coins come in 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1 and $2.

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

See also Travel Health

Safety

See also Travel Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

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