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  • Outer Island Adventure & Cultural Discovery
  • Community Based Tourism
  • Game Fishing
  • Fly Fishing
  • World War II
  • Events & Festivals
  • Sailing & Cruising
  • Food & Eateries
  • Nightlife

Nightlife in Tarawa & the Gilbert Islands is not that vibrant as what you will find in tourist-oriented destinations.  However, South Tarawa, being the more urban and populated area of the Tarawa atoll in Kiribati, does offer more nightlife options compared to North Tarawa & the outer islands.  Here are some suggested options to experience the nightlife in this part of Kiribati.

If you are looking for places to socialize or enjoy the evening in South Tarawa, you can consider exploring beachside hangouts (Betio Beach Cafes), nightclubs, bars & restaurants or kava bars. These spots offer a unique opportunity to interact with the friendly locals and experience the local lifestyle.

Beachside Bars – Betio Beach Cafes, South Tarawa

The Betio Beach Cafes are probably by far the best hangout on South Tarawa. Theirs Mary’s Beach Café, Big D’s Waterfront and Horizon Café at Takoronga Point on Betio, South Tarawa offer laid-back beachside café bars facing the beautiful Tarawa lagoon, where the cool sea breeze sets the perfect ambiance. Here you can get together for food and drinks. There is a beach playground at Horizons Café for your kids to enjoy. The beach cafes are a great place to meet the friendly locals, expats and fellow travellers while watching the beautiful lagoon and the stars twinkle above the shimmering waters. Kiribati game fishing weigh-ins are also hosted monthly at these beach cafes.

Night Clubs

If you are looking for places to socialize or to enjoy the evening out dancing to the music in South Tarawa, you can consider exploring local nightclubs on Betio. There are only 2 nightclubs in South Tarawa – DJ Marina and Seaman’s, probably the only 2 nightclubs in the Gilbert Islands. The nightclubs open until 2am on Fridays & Saturdays and closes 10pm on other days.

Resorts, Hotel, Bars & Restaurtants

Some of the hotels & resorts in Tarawa have bars or lounges that offer drinks and occasional entertainment for their guests. Here are some hotels where locals and visitors can gather for drinks and food. On South Tarawa, there is Betio Lodge, The George Hotel, Marys Motel, Koakoa’s Corner, Utirerei Hotel, Ambo Lagoon Club and Dreamers Kiribati. On North Tarawa there’s Tabon Te Keekee Ecolodge, Ocean View Motel, Tarabuka Hideaway and Nemat Resort.

Kava Bars

Kava drinking has become so popular leisure activity in Kiribati and you can spot up any kava bar on every island you visit including in the capital Tarawa. Many of the locals like to gather around to share a bowl of kava and sing harmonious songs or listen to songs performed by local talents as a form of entertainment and relaxation. Kava bars also have karaoke, pool tables and darts for guests to enjoy and socialize. If you want to experience the local kava bars you can always ask a local to take you to experience a night of kava and leisure.

TARAWA

Kiritimati