Kuria
Kiribati · Oceania
關於Kuria
Kuria forms the central point of the chain of islands in Kiribati. Being the widest island in Kiribati, this allows cooler temperature for Kuria making it a haven from hotter neighboring island. Evidence of this can be experienced during nighttime when cooler temperatures solidify coconut oil. Kuria is also well known as a hone for the first Resident Commissioner, George Mac Ghie Murdoch. His grave, which pays tribute to his service, can still be seen nowadays. Being a home as well of a pair of island, Buariki and Oneeke, Kuria is separated by a channel on a shallow water platform. Itintoa causeway, the best swimming spot on the island, has been constructed on this channel to allow people to walk through anytime. Beautiful fringing reefs can also be found surrounding Kuria, the largest on the eastern side of the islands. Astounding blue lagoons and sparkling white sands are also found here. A taste of true Kiribati culture including its peaceful and congenial setting can only be experienced on these unspoiled and remote coral atolls.
Kuria旅遊指南
城市概覽
Geography Kuria is located in the centre of Kiribati and northwest of Aranuka Island. It covers a total land area of 12.3 square kilometres with a population of 1,046 (2015 Census). The main administration centre is located in Buariki. Airport, police headquarters, guest house and Junior Secondary School are also located here. Major administrative activities concerning the island are undertaken on Buariki.
History and culture Kuria was first sighted by Thomas Gilbert and John Marshall after leaving port Jackson in 1788. In the late 1800s, Kuria was conquered by King Karotu who was actually a King of Abemama. Later, it was then ruled by King Karotu’s nephew, Binoka. Kuria was unified with Aranuka and Abemama during this time and ruled by one person who was also a ruler of Abemama and Kuria. Unification started when a former ruler (Ten Temea) of Kuria and Aranuka gave up these two islands to King Karotu from Abemama and left for Maiana, another of the Gilbert group. In the past and during the time of the white men, animals in Kuria were not considered a welcome addition to the ecosystem. As a result, introduced animals were considered a subject of supernatural fears and were slaughtered and thrown into the lagoon. Kuria has also been subject to a number of land grabs due to trading purposes. The sense of community is very strong in Kuria. Islanders know their property very well, down to a single palm tree as well as hereditary land right. The islanders live to share not only for acquiring the blessing of their resources but for their sense of duty to family and friends who are in need. The ruling system on Kuria came from one chief who was recognized as paramount. When matters arose from the community, the heads of the kaainga (clans) were consulted but were obliged to seek approval of the chief. The chief provided overall leadership and regulated relationship amongst the kaainga. Nowadays, the mayor and the elderly men are the only people who can provide overa
必看景點
Escorted from Guest House by an old man or chief Councilor to the South of Buariki Visit Kantoa shrine and leave gifts (MWEAKA) here Visit King’s pond (aia nei Ueea) at Buariki Visit cemetery of George Mac Ghie Murdoch, first residential commissioner for the Central and Southern Kiribati Visit Residence and Office of George Mac Ghie Murdoch Visit Copra Sheds during trading periods. These sheds have historical significance to the community for having been used for over 100 years. Visit King’s pond at Oneeke Visit Teaki’s site and leave gifts there Leave Mweaka at Nei Tea shrine located at Teaki’s site
體驗活動
Island escort on first day of arrival Picnics at recommended sites (Teaki site, etc) Snorkeling (provide your own gear) Swimming at Itintoa Causeway (the only causeway connecting the two islets) Island trip, either by motorbikes or trucks, to see Colonial relics (cemetery, residence and office of resident commissioner and copra sheds during the trading period) Village walking (sense of community)
城市概覽改寫自 Wikipedia，旅遊指南來自Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。照片來自 Wikimedia Commons.