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Eastern Plateau Rim
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The Eastern Plateau Rim of Nauru provides some of the island's most rugged and visually arresting landscapes. Located above the district of Ijuw, this section of the central plateau drops off sharply, creating steep limestone cliffs that tower over the narrow coastal strip. These ancient coral formations have been weathered into jagged peaks and ridges, providing a stark contrast to the flatter interior areas affected by historical phosphate mining. From the edge, one can get a panoramic view of the surrounding coral reef and the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. The vegetation along the rim is sparse but resilient, consisting of salt-tolerant shrubs and hardy trees. This area serves as an important ecological and geological transition zone, highlighting the natural defensive wall that the plateau rim provides against the elements coming from the east.
- Location: Nauru
- Top sights: Rock Pinnacles · Anibare Bay · Anabar Beach
- Nearby: Boe (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 194 | 192 | 193 | 161 | 116 | 107 | 123 | 118 | 108 | 118 | 133 | 202 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Eastern Plateau Rim is an outdoor natural viewpoint and can be visited freely. There is no building or interior; visitors walk along the cliff edge overlooking the Ijuw coastal plain. Caution is required due to steep drops and loose rocks.
Typical hours
As a natural open-air landmark, it does not have fixed opening hours. Typically, visitors explore it during daytime when the views are clearest. Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light. Plan your visit between sunrise and sunset for optimal conditions.
Photography
Photography from the rim is excellent, capturing the contrast between the plateau and the coast. A wide-angle lens works well for panoramic shots; watch out for strong winds that can shake the camera.
Time needed
Most visitors spend about 20 to 30 minutes walking along the rim and taking pictures. If you wish to relax and enjoy the scenery, allow up to an hour.
Combine with
Combine this viewpoint with a trip to the coastal area around Ijuw. The nearby beaches and the phosphate loading port offer additional sights of industrial heritage.
Getting there
Access is via the island's ring road; a vehicle is recommended as public transport is scarce. A short unpaved track leads from the main road to the cliff edge; four-wheel drive is not necessary but careful driving is advised.
Insider tip
Wear sturdy shoes as the rim can be loose and uneven. Bring a windbreaker, as it can be very windy on the exposed plateau. A morning visit often features calmer winds and the best light.
Geography
Facts
- Elevation of approximately 45 to 50 meters
- Directly exposed to prevailing SE trade winds
- Border region between Ijuw and Anibare districts
- Provides panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean
- Major landmark used for coastal navigation
- Flora is significantly shaped by salt-laden winds
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Eastern Plateau Rim (4)
Church of Christ the King
Church in Ewa, Nauru, used by the Christian congregation.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What does the eastern rim offer?
An excellent overview of the ocean.
Is the path well-paved?
Mostly unpaved tracks.
Do I need hiking boots?
Yes, sturdy footwear is advisable due to sharp rock.
Is the place windy?
Yes, usually there is a strong breeze from the sea.
What is the best time?
At sunrise the light is spectacular.
Eastern Plateau Rim: where is it located?
Eastern Plateau Rim is located in Nauru.
Eastern Plateau Rim: what is there to see?
Highlights include Rock Pinnacles, Anibare Bay, Anabar Beach.
Eastern Plateau Rim: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Eastern Plateau Rim: why is it worth visiting?
The Eastern Plateau Rim of Nauru provides some of the island's most rugged and visually arresting landscapes.
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Nearby cities
Baitsi
Baitsi is located in the north of Nauru and extends from the coast into the hilly interior.
Meneng
Meneng is an extensive district in the southeast 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.
Nibok
Nibok is a district on the western coast of Nauru.
Aiwo
Aiwo is considered the main commercial hub of Nauru.
Denigomodu Settlement
Denigomodu is the economic residential hub for phosphate industry workers.
Boe
Boe is a small but densely populated administrative district in southwest 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.
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.
Ijuw
Ijuw is the easternmost district 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.
History & landmarks
Anibare Escarpment
This steep escarpment marks the transition from the central plateau to Anibare Bay on the eastern coast.
Anibare Pinnacles
The Anibare Pinnacles are distinctive limestone formations rising from the coastal sand.
Fisheries Authority (NFMRA)
NFMRA manages the rich fishing grounds in Nauru's exclusive economic zone.
Menen Hotel
The Menen Hotel is the island's largest hotel and a key landmark in the east.
Anabar Caves
Natural limestone caves that served as refuges during droughts and wars throughout Nauru's history.
Phosphate Pinnacles
These bizarre limestone columns were left behind after the phosphate layers were mined in Nauru's interior.
Phosphate Discovery Site
The location where vast phosphate deposits were identified around 1900, changing the course of Nauru's history forever.
Nature
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.
Anabar Lagoon
Anabar Lagoon is a small brackish water pool on the northeast coast.
Meneng Pandanus Groves
In Meneng, extensive groves of the Pandanus tree can be found.
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.
More places
Ijuw Coastline
The coastal stretch of Ijuw in the northeast is characterized by pristine reefs and rock formations.
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.
Anibare Landing Site
A historically significant coastal section in Anibare Bay, serving as one of the few safe landing points on the island.
Anibare Boat Harbour
Anibare Harbour supports the local fishing industry and the emerging tourism sector.
Nauru State House
The State House is the official residence of the President of Nauru.
Central Plateau Ferns
New fern communities are developing on the central plateau following phosphate mining.
Japanese Prison Ruins
These ruins date back to the Japanese occupation during World War II.