Tuvalu | photoreport

Tuvalu - a tiny country in the Pacific ocean with a population of about 11,000 people. Airplane fly here 2 times per week from Suva, Fiji and almost certainly in 50 years years , Tuvalu goining underwater, and now the targeted resettlement of local residents in other states, such as Fiji, New Zealand and Australia .

You can get here only regional flight of FIJI Airwaves, or by sea . Fiji Airvawes made rebranding ( formerly known as Air Pacific), but he only touched posters and aircraft, all pointers and badges - still old.

Generally , traveling to Oceania , learn about its - kind Ski-pass for tourists in the region. It's called - BulaPass and issued only if the ticket to Fiji and back. With it you can at times reduce the cost of moving between the islands . I had not much time to travel , so the other islands were not considered. Wanted to look at Tonga, but unfortunately , in January, there is nothing to do and even more , you should always do a small tab on the time that the company FiJi Airwaves flights canceled , transferred , so little can be stuck on an island and shoot down all the entire route . By the way, have a look at Tonga in November - at this time there is just the migration of whales and will have the unique opportunity to swim with the whales.

Aircraft operating domestic flights to Fiji leave a good impression. Something they like our AN-24 , but newer and more recent , very brightly painted and clean, and when you sit in this , the bad thoughts do not arise. When the plane accelerates , then you literally presses into the seat. But one - the noise that they make is not very good to hear, some depressing .

Flights to Funafuti flight only from capital of Fiji - Suva . Airport, to put it mildly , not very good, and resembles a stretched some diner. The plane was nearly empty - Tuvalu is not a tourist destination , especially in January , when the rainy season in Oceania (November -May) . I was told that the rainy season trifle, but it was not quite true : rain in Tuvalu was most of the time , and when the sun comes out - all around just bloomed . Thunderstorms and lightning almost was not, but that's almost always rain . One glad that rain here - it's a real rain , which should not be afraid , unlike Moscow which is comparable with acid dripping from the sky.

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And then the plane headed toward the drowning of this state. As a kid , flipping through the encyclopedia ROSMEN "Geography" (Russian encyclopedy) , where at the end there is an atlas of the world, always eyes lingered on Oken , so very fascinated name of Kiribati , Tonga, Tuvalu , Tokelau, Vanuatu , Tahiti and others.

Originally wanted to go to Vanuatu , but the threat of malaria, not the most favorable for this disease forms , throughout the country , forced me to postpone the trip for a later date . Kiribati , or rather island belonging to this state - Christmas Island ( Kiritimati ) - it is an island of my dreams, but Kiribati, one of those countries where the Russians need a visa , and issued under the British terms , so this trip was transferred on the summer- autumn time and route will pass through Hawaii, where the day can make Kiribatiyskuyu visa (can be in Fiji , but it takes more time (several days) .

So, Tonga, Tuvalu , Tokelau, Vanuatu , Fiji .... Russians visa-free state. Generally , this region - a favorite vacation spot of Australians and New Zealanders , unnecessarily to these countries - at hand. It's like Turkey and Egypt for the Russians. It is a pity that not vice versa. Almost all the countries in Oceania is very original and amazingly beautiful in its nature and it felt something real , unlike the Maldives and Seychelles promoted where you like on the reservation . Yes, here are a few five-star hotels (although there are any) , but mostly it is the hotels in Fiji and Tahiti. And so the most hyped hotel Four Seasons otsrove on Bora Bora , where the number is from 1200 USD per day. Many come to settle in a cheap house , and then the sample overnight populated there and feel rich, but one day. If you look at pictures of Bora Bora , you will understand why everyone wants here .

Here are the first Pacific atolls , an amazing feeling to see it live, when considered before a lot of photos and photo reports .

Almost each atoll has its own lagoon , where almost no dangerous predators and can safely swim in the azure water .

2:00 flight and we fly in Funafuti International Airport . So called main atoll ( coral island ) Tuvalu. There are several accommodation options: a well-known hotel Viaiku Hotel and several guest home. The site Tuvalu tourism was not possible to book anything other than the hotel Filamona Lodge - a small two-story house with a summer kitchen and a veranda . Filamona located next to the airport, but I would still advise you Viaiku - more civilized option and do not believe that there are no seats - Tuvalu almost no tourist flow .

Currency - Australian Dollar - quite slippery in terms of currency exchange in Russia that here. Points, the same as in Fiji

It is best to buy a universal travel adapter - it is suitable for all occasions .

Machine in Tuvalu do not need at all, but without a motorcycle you can not do . Bike ride is all here and it's very convenient . Upon arrival, I drove a semi- scooter , half motorcycle 10 AUD ( Australian Dollar ) per day. It liter tank 2 and 4 speed. Rights category And I was not, but boy , posing me a scooter said that everything is OK . People do not have helmets , and presumably transport technically very limited in speed and on the roads a lot of speed bumps . Just leaving " for the city " needs to look up , since it is known that a lot of people die from falling coconuts from palm trees and coconut trees are everywhere .

Beaches here you will not find , but you can safely swim in the lagoon , but in no case do not try to swim to the other side of the island - can be eaten by sharks. Especially cool is at low tide, when formed small mini lagoon with turquoise waters .

The main part of the island - a strip of land about 50 meters wide , which occupies the main part of the road . The road is good and smooth . At one end of the island a big dump, but the other remains of coral reefs , sometimes flooded by the ocean.

This is war. Generally , that America , that the UK is very much heritage in Oceania

That hotel - Filamona Lodge.

In the evening , almost all of the local population goes to the runway and plays a kind of volleyball

It's me

Local men work on cargo ships in the port , at the pump . Some keep their fleet of boats with motor scooters and rent them out .

Unlike Fiji, where the majority of blacks , there is a typical representative of the male - it's a cross between Cristiano Ronaldo , Edgar Davids . All the girls after the age of 16 begin to plump and almost all very well-fed , so I felt that here soon open another line of female sex tourism , although all the men here are very family and all children .

I always thought that all the peoples of Oceania atolls familiar and often from each other at a party or something , but it was not so : many people never go anywhere except their states ( that Fiji that Tuvalu) and want to go anywhere . Generally , it was felt that the people of Tuvalu are very lazy , especially when it appears they lie stacked on special sites at each house and is very reminiscent of fur seals .

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Comments

04/04/2020 13:21

I heard a little about Tuvalu, but I always wanted to know more about this miniature state, but rather to see it. Thanks to your huge photo report, now I can roughly imagine what these coral islands are! Yes, nature is incredible, and at the same time, so far away for us ... Beautiful, mysterious, colorful! It is a pity, of course, that there are no normal beaches in Tuvalu, although, apparently, the locals are not too fooling themselves about how to attract foreign tourism. This explains why the tourist flow to these truly heavenly places is so weak. True, maybe just now tourism in Tuvalu will begin to develop rapidly, many travelers will just want to capture islands that may soon disappear from the face of the earth. It’s a pity that such a colorful area can take it like this and one day disappear ... But let’s not be sad ...
I’m more interested in what opportunities Tuvalu offers for tourists? Are there any outstanding historical and cultural attractions? And what can Tuvalu offer for outdoor enthusiasts? Can you do water sports such as surfing and windsurfing?
Special thanks for such an informative article!
04/04/2020 13:21

To my shame, I never even heard of a country like Tuvalu, I suspect that the world is still full of places that few people know about and even fewer people who have visited there. You are lucky and well done, enlighten us)). I love to travel, but I will not get 100% in such corners of the globe (time and laziness do not allow it).
I always thought that the islands (if they have palm trees), wherever they are located, are necessarily a tropical paradise with white sand and blue water. After viewing the photo and reading the comments, I realized how stupid and superficial this opinion was (I licked at the ocean water, read about hungry sharks and somehow went swimming at once).
The question still torments me: how on such a tiny island, to which 2 hours fly, was the tank ?! What a fool thought of this? Something, I did not notice the military or at least machine-building plants in Tuvalu. Apparently this question will remain unanswered ...
I liked the soccer ball, nature product)))
A very emotional photo of a girl in an elegant dress, but she ... barefoot (causes emotion and sadness at the same time).
I liked the propaganda of a healthy lifestyle on a poster titled "A cigarette is a killer." This is the right approach)).
04/04/2020 13:21

Tuvalu is a mystery to me. To me, who grew up in central Russia, Oceania seems inconceivably distant. I will not say that I always dreamed of going there, but I am grateful to the author of the blog for this photo-trip.
What immediately attracted me was the photographer’s sense of humor. I compared the airport with the diner)) And then, looking at the photo, I smiled at how accurate the definition was.
I was warned in advance that there was a rainy season in Tuvalu, so I did not expect bright photos. But in vain! Saturated bright blue sea waves, dark green thickets along the coast ... I can imagine how magical the colors become when the sun shines!
Some photos have the sun. I can’t say that everything around is changing, the photos were interesting anyway, but the greenery illuminated by oblique rays becomes more beautiful.
The smiling faces were remembered. Not only children’s, but also women on motorcycles. Interestingly, what are the inhabitants of Tuvalu called? Tuvalunians or otherwise?
Palm trees, the sea, the sun, children in bright clothes ... Why not paradise? A little strange warning sounds to look up, so that inadvertently the coconut does not fall, which can kill. Either I can’t imagine so many palm trees, or I just can’t believe that something bad can happen in this paradise. Impressions from viewing photos were only pleasant.
04/04/2020 13:20

I am very afraid of heights and can not get on a plane. Therefore, I can only read and dream about traveling to other continents and islands. Your so detailed travel report is great! Very good quality photos, they smell like the sea and the tropics. Nature is amazingly wonderful - you showed it very vibrant and vibrant. The locals are also beautiful, I expected the worst. I liked the remark about coconuts, is that really so? I never would have thought. The island is bright, beautiful, but here's what I didn’t like - the beaches are not sandy, there are too many stones. Of course it is difficult to judge the comfort of a holiday on such a beach from photographs, but personally, did you like it? To be honest, I would really like to live a year on a similar island, where there are not many people, where it is clean and quiet. Where there is only one straight road, and locals like to lie in the sun in idle idleness. Are they not afraid of a tsunami or a powerful storm? After all, judging by the photographs, the island almost does not rise above the surface of the water. Life on the island seems to be quiet, but the elements are unpredictable, it will wash away at once ... No, all the same it’s good to read such notes sitting in a comfortable chair, I don’t have a passion for traveling ... And I envy you, men are still more courageous than women!
04/04/2020 13:20

Incredibly interesting story about the islands of Tuvalu. I could not even imagine how small these islands are located on coral atolls. A bit like the settlements of the cult film “The Water World with Kevin Costner, watching this film, I thought how people can live on such a meager piece of land surrounded on all sides by the ocean. And your photo blog opened my eyes, people can live, and even succeed in such conditions. I also really liked the photos from the plane, an incredibly beautiful panorama, ribbons of green vegetation in the vast ocean.
As far as I know, the islands of Tuvalu were discovered by Spanish seafarers as early as 1568, but since the local population did not have precious metals, the Spaniards quickly forgot about these islands. The British reopened the islands and named them the Ellis Islands. What is interesting Tuvalians gained independence relatively recently in 1978.
The Tuvalians' facial features are also very interesting, reminiscent of the Bushmen-Khoisan tribes of southern Africa, most likely the distant ancestors of the Tuvalians come from Africa, who from time immemorial migrated from the black continent.
The underdevelopment of tourism on the islands of Tuvalu can be easily explained, the photographs show that the island beaches are filled with sharp coral debris and unsuitable for outdoor activities.
But in general, to visit such islands is tempting in view of the genuine exoticism of Tuvalu.
04/04/2020 13:20

A tiny island in Oceania with a population of 11 thousand people, and the Russians have already reached it, at least your face, dear blog author! Nobody, it seems. Don't care that after 50 years this island will not be on the map. Judging by the airport and other social facilities, everything is in order in terms of order: everything is well maintained and looked after. there is no such common disorder. The runway and the plane itself seem simply licked. Despite the small size of the aircraft, it also makes a good impression. Inside the airport, despite the fact that the author speaks about him not quite flattering, it seemed to me quite decent. In general, it’s great to go on a trip when there is no this tourist crowd, when nobody steps on your heels, even if the plane is half empty. For us Europeans, these places are really completely untwisted, all the more interesting to read and see the trip report of the person who saw all this in reality. In photographs, islands and atolls look magnificent and unusual for our eyes. How pleasant it is to feel like a discoverer! And yet, I can’t imagine how you can decide to independently go on such a journey: to uncharted and completely non-tourist places. But at the same time I admire the determination and courage of the person in whom such a passion for travel lives. A woman on a motorcycle looks great. I also like this way of transportation, especially if there is no heavy traffic there. Picturesque landscapes look picturesque. Unusual tropical nature, magnificent palm trees. But how narrow he is, this little island! So it seems that his ocean will sweep! The buildings are unusually low-rise and very fragile, but neat, everything is clean and well-groomed around. It is felt that people are used to doing everything not for tourists, but for their own comfort. Amazing seascapes. the ocean itself is such a rich color, I just frankly admire the photographs throughout the viewing. But on the shore I did not understand what is piled on. Very similar to seaweed. I met this on the Bulgarian beaches. Dark little kids, men. playing football, chubby young women, the proximity of the ocean and unusual vegetation, people on motorbikes - all this taken together creates an unusual impression of this small and beautiful corner of the earth.
04/04/2020 13:20

Oh, your new journey! More precisely, probably, the continuation of the early stories, because I also see next to Fiji, which means that you just visit all the interesting places at the same time. It's great to read and browse your photo reports (especially when she spent the whole summer in a hot, stuffy city)! Now you will know that the capital of Fiji is the city of Suva))) About the rain - how do I understand you! We have such weather since the very beginning of September, which is simply uncharacteristic even for our climate. But it’s incredibly sad to come on vacation and rain (((Of course, it was frustrating for malaria that this moment changed your plans to some extent. But in terms of the fact that the rain is quite environmentally friendly (if only you can say this about him) in the sense that it is not so polluted with various impurities as for example in big cities, so you can’t be afraid of your skin and hair, and romantic walks are much more pleasant under such a tropical one than in a dirty city, so there’s only one big plus The moment that in the cities of Tonga, Tuvalu, Tokelau, Vanuatu, Fiji did not need to apply for a visa could not but rejoice, since it would take some considerable time to apply for it, but here just extra money and free time appeared and you can taking a friend or loved one, as they say, to jerk! Oh!))) I honestly do not see absolutely no reason to settle in such an expensive hotel. like on the island of Bora Bora, because for many, most likely the monthly salary is as much as the number in it! So I'm for the wild conditions in this case and for the cheapest apartments. so that in general the rest did not turn out to be quite a significant amount, but still it was possible to see much more places for the same money than, for example, stupidly stay in a hotel. Photo of a woman on a scooter just smiled))) of course you can dissect like that there !!! I wouldn’t refuse too) Yes, and the people in the photo are pleasant, lively and joyful. It can be seen that not so much is needed for a person to feel calm and happiness! The photo with the pier is simply incredible, you can’t describe it in words! I love such landscapes! There is just the same place to rethink your life, and not just a pier. The old tank just caused bewilderment - it is very strange to see such aggressive traces of the "big land" in such a peaceful landscape. What a beautiful place! I would love to visit!
04/04/2020 13:20

I always look with special impatience and trepidation for new photos and reports about your travels from you, because you give a powerful charge of an excellent mood for the whole day or the rest of the evening))) You always inspire! About Tuvalu, to my shame. I just learned from you, it is surprising that the state is so small - how a small town turns out ... very small. So is it flooding? It’s a pity (The lagoons and the view from the window are magnificent as always! The eighth photo with the land-border is just something! The sea going into the distance and smoothly flowing into the horizon looks incredible, it’s just breathtaking, if you imagine yourself there - an indescribable feeling! About scooters: of course, if there are so few people there, then such a transport is the most (except for accidents from the fall of coconuts) .There are so many accidents with scooters in a big city, like I live, that it’s just scary. age on a scooter such dear))) It’s a very unusual sight) Scooter, by the way, looks more like a motorcycle) And the next photo with the berth (?) you just scattered my soul with such beauty, the imagination just raced! A rusty tank, yes ... And we got here with our weapons ... Once again, they found cute children))) They are so joyful posing! and the faces are very interesting. All the same, each person is handsome in his own way) In the first photo with children, the girl at the top is simply incredible beauty! And then the airport is so unexpected - very modest, you won’t even think that this is it. Well, the bank. Everything is very modest, but for such a state it is typical and quite normal. The asphalt road with trees along the edges and further by the sea is simply fabulously beautiful! I would ride there with pleasure) Volleyball on the runway smiled) They are there, as you would expect, probably all of each other know how one big family lives. the ball is somehow unusual - it seems to be made of some natural materials. It’s a pity the old bus would be to restore it - the retro would be so cool, but it disappears, because well, who should I carry on it on a small island and where? It’s a pity ... And where to go to local residents, if the state, it seems, is not so big and in terms of money conditions ... not many people live. Trite, maybe there is simply no money, or maybe we’d be happy to visit. But if in old or mature age like this, like this, you’ve lived on an island all your life without going anywhere ... I just don’t know. I feel sorry for them, but on the other hand, for them, this situation normally looks like.
04/04/2020 13:20

Constantly, when I come across such travel forums, I feel like wanting to go there at least once in my life. Any place that is distinguishable from home is always fraught with a kind of unsaid, enchantment and inconspicuous attraction to itself. Admiring this wonderful array of photographs from a small town of Tuvalu, I just want to tell all our summer residents that they are wasting their valuable time in their beds in anticipation of the next harvest. The sea, which is about to turn into the sky on the horizon, is green, with various shades of which are literally full of photographs, and of course, high and inaccessible mountains, which with their appearance attract the traveler to their lands. Nice, quiet place. These seemingly ordinary huts built by local tourists and visitors will best allow the local guest to feel the atmosphere and mood of the place where he came to rest. The noise of the sea, the local flavor of humor and jokes - is it not happiness to be in such a wonderful place, away from even a native, but such a boring home, TV, and just civilization, which sometimes just starts to bother your presence and so wants to collect your suitcase and break free anywhere. Tuvalu is just another mark on the map.
04/04/2020 13:20

Travel agencies advertise Tuvalu under the slogan: "Visit Tuvalu today. Tomorrow it may no longer be." These endangered islands in Oceania are not so attractive to most tourists. They are significantly isolated from the world we are accustomed to. The few visitors to these places come not as tourists seeking comfort and entertainment, but as people interested in the authenticity and culture of the people. In this country, with the minimum benefits of civilization, there are unique 33 square kilometers of the sea - a unique nature reserve protected by UNESCO. In these waters, the virgin underwater world, sea turtles, coral forests and all kinds of sea creatures. These uninhabited islands nest rare birds and inhabit some special coconut crabs. On the island of Nui you can also enjoy serenity and silence. These coastal waters are ideal for driving. It is advisable to bring almost all the equipment with you, since the islands have a scarce assortment of equipment, and there are no rental equipment at all. Another attraction of Tuvalu is the huge lagoon of Funafuti. For exploring the local beauties, it is best to charter a boat or boat and go to the island of Funafala. And history buffs can visit the island of Nanumngaa, which has preserved numerous traces of the Second World War. During which the Allied military base was located, and several ships and aircraft sank in coastal waters. This island is the best option for a beach holiday, as well as for scientists who study the structure of the earth, the origin and settlement of man on the planet. Here, at a depth of 50 meters, there is an underwater cave where traces of human activity left about 4 thousand years ago are found. When planning a tour to Tuvalu, keep in mind that the best period for visiting the islands is from May to September. Although no special vaccinations are required for entry into the country, vaccination against hepatitis B and polio is still recommended. Do not interfere with antiseptic and bactericidal drugs, as well as antipyretic tablets. Eating fish caught on your own is not a good idea, you need to consult with local residents and not risk health. The hotel and room are clean. Clean and change clothes every day. Shower and toilet are of acceptable quality. But there is no hot water. It is cold with a small pressure. Here it is collected on the roof in a special tank, it is heated there under the sun, and then it flows by numbers by gravity. It turns out pretty warm, you can wash. And we are lucky. Because, I remind you, all the water in the state is only rainwater.
Ellen T
Alaska

11/24/2019 18:58

Thank you for posting these wonderful photos! This was my home from 1991-1993. I have many happy memories there.
Michelle Goodman
Louisville, KY, USA

08/29/2018 00:05

These photographs are amazing! Thank you so much for posting these - I'm not likely to ever make it to Tuvalu, but you've made me feel like I've visited a little bit.
ZOXEXIVO
Moscow

03/14/2016 03:19

Thank you, Patricia Guedes!
Patricia Guedes
Rio de Janeiro

03/12/2016 11:08

Thank you for the awesome photographs. I am conducting a familiar project called "The world at our table" (https://omundonanossamesa.wordpress.com, in portuguese) where monthly I offer to my kids the typical lunch of a specific country. This month the chosen was Tuvalu and your photographs will contribute to present my children images from this tiny country!
Haiely
Yap

06/07/2014 20:00

I Tuvalu and its capital (state) Funafuti remember after one case with my son. So, as I consider myself a connoisseur of geography (traveler on the couch), his wife gave me ofigensky world atlas. five year old son is also a lover of flip through it, constantly asking "what kind of country? capital and so on." and came to Tuvalu - I read somewhere replied yes and forgot, and small - no! takes a couple of months and he asked me, they say What's the capital of Tuvalu. I do not remember, but it so slyly says: "Funafuti." in short, put me ("expert"!) in a puddle - since that's remembered. but in fact - liked what he saw - hardly I get there in this life. thank you
Victoria
Moscow

06/07/2014 20:00

I love all of these micro-islands such as Palau, Seychelles, Fiji, Bora Bora and others. About Tuvalu first time ever hear, though, thought lately studied almost all the heavenly place. This is perhaps the ideal location for any freelancer - for example, for a copywriter or designer. But someone carries - leave for a few months to live in such countries work through the Internet. Just do not always cheap. Locals probably the happiest people on the planet. I especially like the long, narrow island, when the water washes you from both sides. Pictures, of course. awesome. Although not heard of Tuvalu, and once they looked immediately wanted to drop everything and get on a plane to fly there. By the way, I noticed that quite a lot of Tuvalu on rocky beaches. Although sand is also missing. View from the Tuvalu incredible. Although, in the case of a tsunami from this paradise can be nothing left. I hope there is no such terrible tsunami, as what struck the countries of Southeast Asia in 2004. By the way, it's probably one of those rare places that have not yet en masse to occupy Russian tourists.
Illu
Cherkassy

06/07/2014 20:00

Disappointing fact that these islands are not protected and may at any time be a simple cemetery under water. Very pleased with the fact that there are no cars, so it should be clean air, etc. How to be funny sounds that need to be afraid of palm trees, but still need the truth and to be vigilant. Such a beautiful color of the lagoon that straight starts involuntarily envy people who see all this every day :) The place to stay for tourists, probably always been a problem, because everyone has his own understanding of "normal" and "comfortable." Photos from the sea, is good, and even the gloomy sky is not an obstacle such joy that arises from these I have pictures :) By the way, very often notice that when someone comes to, for example, in Cambodia, Tuvalu or other distant city (islands), the people and the children are very warmly accept and agree to be photographed. I think it very nice to that to their homeland somebody comes interested in the terrain and their life, which later in their hearts they are proud to live here. You said what happens relocated to other states due to the possibility of the flood. But still there are people who are here because we are ready for that, they are willing to live here until the last, because it is their homeland, a place where they have lived all my life. Agree that such people exist, and not just here. Thank you for the informative photo report!
Funafuti
Funafuti

05/04/2014 20:00

Photos look lovely, although i think your own comments on "female sex tourism" was quite disturbing! You see...that's from your perspective!NOt, from our view. In your world, girls/ladies want to look skinny, in our world, being "curvy" is the look. Also, you think the people of Tuvalu are very lazy??!!Again, that's from your own perspective!!
John
Pierre

02/17/2014 20:00

Thanks for so many cool photos of Tuvalu. It's is my dream trip

Tuvalu | photoreport

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Ellen T

Michelle Goodman

ZOXEXIVO

Patricia Guedes

Haiely

Victoria

Illu

Funafuti

John

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