Command Ridge Forest

Command Ridge, standing at 65 meters as the highest point on Nauru, contains some of the island's most significant surviving forest cover. While much of the island's interior was stripped and transformed into a jagged, barren moonscape by decades of intensive phosphate mining, the slopes of Command Ridge retain remnants of the indigenous vegetation. The area is characterized by majestic Tamanu trees (Calophyllum inophyllum) and dense clusters of Pandanus, which provide a vital sanctuary for the island's birdlife. Most notably, it is a key habitat for the endemic Nauru reed warbler, the island's only unique songbird. Beyond its ecological importance, the ridge is a site of major historical significance; it served as a strategic lookout post for Japanese forces during World War II. Visitors can still find rusted anti-aircraft guns and reinforced bunkers located among the tropical flora. The forest features much-needed shade and panoramic views across the central plateau to the Pacific Ocean, making it a premier destination for history buffs.

Nearby cities

Baitsi

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

Aiwo

Aiwo is considered the main commercial hub of Nauru.

Denigomodu Settlement

Denigomodu is the economic residential hub for phosphate industry workers.

Denigomodu

Denigomodu is the most populous district of Nauru.

Buada Historic Settlement

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

Nibok

Nibok is a district on the western coast of Nauru.

Buada

Buada is the only landlocked district 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.

Meneng

Meneng is an extensive district in the southeast of Nauru.

Uaboe

Uaboe is a small coastal district in northwestern Nauru.

Ewa

Ewa is the northernmost point of Nauru.

Anibare

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

Anetan

Anetan is a district on the northern coast of Nauru.

Arenibek

Arenibek is a small coastal settlement in the Anabar district.

History & landmarks

Nauru General Hospital

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

Aiwo Civic Centre

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

Command Ridge

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

Nauru Post Office

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

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.

Aiwo Pinnacles

The Aiwo Pinnacles are impressive remnants of the limestone structure on the west of the island.

Nature

Aiwo Mangroves

Isolated mangrove patches can be found in protected zones along the Aiwo coast.

More places

Command Ridge Guns

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

RONPHOS Headquarters

The RONPHOS center coordinates all phosphate extraction on Nauru.

Western Slopes

The western slopes drop steeply from the Topside plateau toward the narrow coastal plain in the Aiwo district.

Second Cantilever

The second large cantilever complements the mining infrastructure on the west coast.

Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation (NRC)

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

Phosphate Cantilever

This iconic cantilever is used for loading phosphate onto ships offshore.

Nauru Utilities Corporation (NUC)

NUC is the sole provider of electricity and water on the island.

Denigomodu Coast

The Denigomodu Coast in the west is characterized by a wide reef flat and sandy sections.