Buada Lagoon

Buada Lagoon is Nauru's only significant inland lake, forming a lush, green sanctuary in the heart of the island's central plateau. This landlocked, brackish body of water sits in a natural depression about 5 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the island's most fertile soil. Lush vegetation, including coconut palms, banana trees, and pandanus, thrives along its banks, creating a stark contrast to the nearby phosphate mining sites. Historically, the lagoon was central to Nauruan life, as it was used for the traditional farming of milkfish (known locally as ibija), providing a vital protein source for the population. Today, while Tilapia have become more common, the lagoon remains an ecologically sensitive area and a critical habitat for local birdlife. For travelers, Buada Lagoon provides a glimpse into the tropical beauty that once covered much of Nauru before the industrial era. It serves as a peaceful community hub where visitors can appreciate the island's unique inland environment and its enduring agricultural heritage.

Nearby cities

Baitsi

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

Buada Historic Settlement

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

Buada

Buada is the only landlocked district of Nauru.

Aiwo

Aiwo is considered the main commercial hub of Nauru.

Boe

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

Denigomodu Settlement

Denigomodu is the economic residential hub for phosphate industry workers.

Nibok

Nibok is a district on the western coast of Nauru.

Denigomodu

Denigomodu is the most populous district of Nauru.

Yaren

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

Meneng

Meneng is an extensive district in the southeast of Nauru.

Uaboe

Uaboe is a small coastal district in northwestern Nauru.

Anibare

Anibare is best known for the bay of the same name, which offers the island's finest swimming beach.

Ewa

Ewa is the northernmost point of Nauru.

Anetan

Anetan is a district on the northern coast of Nauru.

Arenibek

Arenibek is a small coastal settlement in the Anabar district.

History & landmarks

Command Ridge

Command Ridge is the highest point in Nauru at 65 meters elevation.

Phosphate Discovery Site

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

Nauru General Hospital

The Nauru General Hospital in Denigomodu is the primary medical facility on the island.

Nauru Post Office

The main post office in Aiwo is a key institution for the island's communication.

Aiwo Civic Centre

The civic centre in Aiwo is a central hub for administrative and social events.

Central Pacific Bank

The Central Pacific Bank in Aiwo is Nauru's primary financial institution.

Eigigu Supermarket

The Eigigu Supermarket is the island's largest commercial center for consumer goods.

BPC Administration Building

The former headquarters of the British Phosphate Commissioners, who controlled mining for decades.

More places

Buada Pandanus Groves

The Pandanus groves around Buada Lagoon are a sanctuary for native flora.

Buada Basin

The Buada Basin is a natural depression within the central plateau, containing the island's only inland lake.

Buada District Gardens

The gardens in Buada District show a mix of ornamental and food plants.

Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation (NRC)

The NRC is responsible for restoring land areas destroyed by mining.

Japanese Hospital Ruins

Remains of a Japanese army medical facility, built in the island's interior during the Pacific War.

Interior Lowland

This lower-lying area in the island's interior is surrounded by the higher edges of the coral plateau.

Command Ridge Forest

Command Ridge hosts some of the densest remaining forest patches on the island.

Command Ridge Guns

Historic Japanese coastal defense guns located at the highest point of the island, remaining in their original positions today.