Japanese Hospital Ruins

The ruins of the Japanese hospital on Nauru stand as a silent witness to the island's turbulent history during World War II. Between 1942 and 1945, Nauru was occupied by Japanese forces who constructed various bunkers and medical facilities in the island's interior to support their military presence. The remnants of this hospital, now largely reclaimed by dense coral-based vegetation and vines, showcase the stark concrete architecture used for field hospitals of that era. Exploring the site reveals the outlines of wards and supply rooms that once served wounded soldiers. After the Japanese surrender in 1945, the facility was abandoned to the elements. Today, these ruins offer a fascinating but somber look at the scale of the Pacific War, serving as an important historical site for those looking to understand Nauru's role in the global conflict.

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.

Boe

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

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.

Yaren

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

Denigomodu Settlement

Denigomodu is the economic residential hub for phosphate industry workers.

Denigomodu

Denigomodu is the most populous district of Nauru.

Nibok

Nibok is a district on the western coast of Nauru.

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.

Nauru Post Office

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

BPC Administration Building

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

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.

Aiwo Pinnacles

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

Nature

Buada Lagoon

Buada Lagoon is a landlocked, brackish lake located in the center of the island.

Aiwo Mangroves

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

More places

Buada District Gardens

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

Buada Basin

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

Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation (NRC)

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

Buada Pandanus Groves

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

Boe Coastal Flora

The flora of Boe includes a variety of beach morning glories and low-lying coastal plants.

RONPHOS Headquarters

The RONPHOS center coordinates all phosphate extraction on Nauru.

Interior Lowland

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

Command Ridge Guns

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