Overwhelmed by bustling, busy tourist destinations?
One ‘dazzling’ island nation is so small that it only has five miles of road – and it could be perfect for your next holiday.
The beautiful island of Tuvalu in the Pacific Ocean is one of the smallest countries in the world, found halfway between Hawaii and Australia.
In fact, it’s actually nine main islands made up of three reef islands and six atolls (ring-shaped islands) with many other small ones surrounding it.
The total land footage of Tuvalu is just 10 square miles and, behind Vatican City, it is the second least populated country in the world with just 11,204 people.
Due to its teeny tiny size, Tuvalu has just five miles of road, the least of any country in the whole world. The next region with the smallest road network is the Cocos Islands, with 14 miles of road.
As such, it’s even easier to travel around and explore, with the most popular way to get around the islands being by motorbike.
You can rent one from many places around the island, including your hotel. Prices start at as little as 10 Australian dollars a day.
Described by Lonely Planet as ‘dazzling’ and ‘ringed with coral and studded with tiny, palm-topped islets,’ Tuvalu is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle.
Things to do in Tuvalu
With an abundance of coral reefs, the top thing to do in Tuvalu is to go scuba diving and snorkelling.
Be warned, though: a huge stretch of the nation is a conservation area where you can’t scuba dive, so be sure to check where it’s allowed.
There also aren’t any diving shops on the islands, but hotels are happy to assist with equipment and direct you towards the best spots.
For wildlife check out the Funafuti conservation area, where you might spot sea life such as Green Sea Turtles and Tiger Sharks and birds such as the rare bristle-thighed curlew.
Unique facts about Tuvalu
Tuvalu isn’t just one island, but nine main islands
These are Funafuti, Nanumea, Nanumanga, Niutao, Niulakita, Nui, Nukufetau, Nukulaelae and Vaitupu.
There are no ATMs in Tuvalu
Be sure to bring enough cash with you as you won’t find a cash machine anywhere on the islands, not even the airport.
Restaurants and shops also don’t accept card payments, so be sure to have plenty of Australian dollars with you.
It owns the .tv domain
It’s true, all websites that have the domain .tv technically belong to Tuvalu. By being savvy with this popular suffix it was able to negotiate 12 lease agreements for 12 years at a time for $50 million.
The islands have used the money to install electricity throughout the whole nation, create a scholarship program and join the UN.
It has no army
Tuvalu is one of just 22 nations in the world without one, but when it’s so out of reach they don’t really have to worry about defence.
It’s one of the lowest countries
Tuvalu is just 2 metres above sea level, meaning it’s at risk from the rising sea level. This also unfortunately means it could one day disappear due to the climate crisis.
There are many towns and villages to explore with town halls hosting traditional cultural ceremonies throughout the year, including Fatele dancing. Staff at your hotel can advise you of events and what is appropriate to wear.
The best way to get between the nine islands of Tuvalu is by chartering a yacht. Many local companies will rent boats as well as organise day trips, including fishing trips.
For local goods, visit the Women’s Handicraft Center near the airport where you can find the Tuvaluan mats, fans, mats, woodcarvings necklaces and fishhooks that are famous throughout the Pacific. They can also be purchased around the islands.
For the ultimate desert island experience, for just 70 Australian dollars you can book a trip to Afelita and have the whole island to yourself.
Well, apart from a chef who will cook you authentic Tuvalu cuisine using native vegetables and freshly caught tuna.
If nightlife is your thing there are two nightclubs on the island, but these are only open on Saturday. There’s far more fun to be had at a local town hall or restaurant.
How to get to Tuvalu
Perhaps one of the reasons that Tuvalu is so uninhabited is that it is so hard to get to. Flights to Funafuti, the main island, only run a few times a month and to get there from London you have to change planes three or four times.
The journey also takes a staggering 50 hours. The cheapest flight for May according to Skyscanner is £1,067 and involves changes in Taiwan and Sydney.
When to go to Tuvalu
The best time to visit Tuvalu is during its dry period between May and October when the average temperature is 28C and the high is 32C.
See you in the Pacific!
The smallest regions on earth
- Vatican City – 0.19 miles
- Monaco – 0.78 miles
- Nauru – 8.1 miles
- Tuvalu – 10 miles
- San Marino – 24 miles
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source https://metro.co.uk/2024/03/24/dazzling-island-small-5-miles-road-20521081/
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