Anabar Caves

The Anabar Caves, located in the northeastern district of Nauru, are remarkable natural structures formed within the island's rugged coral limestone plateau. These caves hold deep historical and cultural significance for the Nauruan people, as they contain underground brackish pools that served as critical water sources during severe droughts in ancient times. Geologically, they represent the island's original landscape before the extensive phosphate mining that altered much of the interior. During World War II, the caves gained further importance as they provided safe refuge for locals hiding from air raids and the hardships of the occupation. In local mythology, the caves are often viewed as mysterious sites linked to ancestral spirits and folklore. For visitors, the Anabar Caves offer a rare look at Nauru's natural karst topography, providing a cool sanctuary and a glimpse into the island's enduring relationship with its environment and complex past.

Nearby cities

Baitsi

Baitsi is located in the north of Nauru and extends from the coast into the hilly interior.

Nibok

Nibok is a district on the western coast of Nauru.

Buada

Buada is the only landlocked district of Nauru.

Buada Historic Settlement

The fertile inland area around Buada Lagoon, a center for agriculture and settlement on the island for centuries.

Denigomodu Settlement

Denigomodu is the economic residential hub for phosphate industry workers.

Aiwo

Aiwo is considered the main commercial hub of Nauru.

Denigomodu

Denigomodu is the most populous district of Nauru.

Meneng

Meneng is an extensive district in the southeast of Nauru.

Boe

Boe is a small but densely populated administrative district in southwest Nauru.

Yaren

Yaren is the primary administrative district of Nauru and serves as the de facto capital.

Uaboe

Uaboe is a small coastal district in northwestern Nauru.

Anetan

Anetan is a district on the northern coast of Nauru.

Arenibek

Arenibek is a small coastal settlement in the Anabar district.

Anabar

Anabar is located in the northeast of Nauru and is characterized by its rugged rocky coastline.

Ewa

Ewa is the northernmost point of Nauru.

History & landmarks

Eastern Plateau Rim

The eastern rim of the plateau features steep cliffs overlooking the narrow coastal plain of Ijuw.

Phosphate Pinnacles

These bizarre limestone columns were left behind after the phosphate layers were mined in Nauru's interior.

Anibare Escarpment

This steep escarpment marks the transition from the central plateau to Anibare Bay on the eastern coast.

Phosphate Discovery Site

The location where vast phosphate deposits were identified around 1900, changing the course of Nauru's history forever.

Anibare Pinnacles

The Anibare Pinnacles are distinctive limestone formations rising from the coastal sand.

Nature

Anabar Lagoon

Anabar Lagoon is a small brackish water pool on the northeast coast.

Anetan Bird Nesting Site

The coastal rocks of Anetan are a favorite nesting and resting spot for frigatebirds.

Ewa Reef

Ewa Reef on the north coast of Nauru is a biologically rich fringing reef.

Ijuw Mangroves

Small stands of mangroves grow along the Ijuw coast.

Anibare Bay Reef

The coral reef in Anibare Bay hosts a wide variety of marine life.

Nibok Shrubland

The coastal strips of Nibok are covered by Scaevola bushes and native shrubs.

More places

Japanese Prison Ruins

These ruins date back to the Japanese occupation during World War II.

Ijuw Coastline

The coastal stretch of Ijuw in the northeast is characterized by pristine reefs and rock formations.

Northern Uplands

The northern uplands comprise the elevated areas of the plateau within the Ewa and Anetan districts.

North Cape Nauru

The North Cape of Nauru is the northernmost point of the island, surrounded by coral reefs.

Conservation Nursery

The nursery serves the reforestation of areas damaged by mining.

Central Plateau Ferns

New fern communities are developing on the central plateau following phosphate mining.

Anibare Forest

The Anibare Forest is a rare remnant of the original tropical rainforest on the limestone terraces.

Anibare Bay

Anibare Bay is the largest and most prominent coastal stretch in Nauru, located on the east.