In an unspoilt part of the Pacific Ocean, Tuvalu offers a peaceful and non-commercialised environment to tourists. A seemingly unending expanse of ocean interspersed with magnificent lagoons, coral reefs and small islands, makes it the perfect place for those looking for a quick, relaxed getaway.

Off the over 100 different tiny island nations scattered across the South Pacific, Tuvalu is one of the smallest, stretching only to 26 sqkm. With a population of 11,646 people in 2019, it is not only one of the smallest but also one most isolated countries in the world.

Despite its puny size, the Polynesian atoll, located between Hawaii and Australia, only two hours north of Fiji, has an abundance of natural beauty, local culture and remains of World War II to offer to tourists. It is also one of the rare places still untouched by rapid digitalisation and technology.

Away from noises of modernisation

Funafuti, Tuvalu’s capital and its largest city, houses the country’s only airport, and probably because of poor connectivity, this nation has not been able to attract many tourists to its region, despite its pristine beaches, culture and unadulterated natural beauty. A report by United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) declared the country to have been the least-visited destination of 2016. Even for the last five years, Tuvalu has always been among the five least visited places in the world for tourism.

“I understand that people might not be willing to go there because of poor internet connectivity, absence of digital payments and because of distance from the rest of the world, but it sure is worth these inconveniences. It actually is an excellent place for relaxation and digital detox,” says Shruti Shree, a Patna-based student who visited the island nation two years ago.

She goes on to say that Tuvalu hosts some of the most pristine beaches, without the usual crowds and noise.

Tourists can spend time lounging in the hammocks by the seaside or even watch flying fish skim the water. If one is looking for a little action, they can enjoy a game of football with the locals and spend time getting to know them.

Experience local culture

If one is curious about the culture, they can head along to their nearest Maneapa (local town hall). Throughout the year, numerous traditional and cultural ceremonies are performed.

There are also only two nightclubs on the island that operates only on Saturdays. “If you would like to have a glimpse of the island dance and music, Matagigali and Tefota bars, both near the airstrip, are perfect places to go to,” recommends Shree.

In the absence of factories, most households are involved in manufacture of some products for their own use as well as to sell. Tuvalu’s hand fans, mats, baskets, necklaces, woodcarvings and fishhooks are famous throughout the Pacific. These can be purchased at the Women’s Handicraft Center near the airport, from small handicraft stalls outside the airport and on each of the outer islands.

The willing ones can also get a short, basic training in making handicraft and art, by the locals.

Adventures & games on island

The most popular way to tour around the atoll is by motorcycles that are readily available and reasonably priced. “Ask your hotel for advice. They may have their own bikes, if not, they will certainly know the best place to go,” says Shree.

With islands made from coral reefs, Tuvalu is truly an inspiring location for scuba diving. A conservation zone of 33 sqkm of lagoon, reef, ocean and uninhabited islands allows visitors to walk, snorkel or simply have a picnic.

Chartering a yacht for island-hopping is also an experience not to be missed when one visits Tuvalu. One can rent yachts and catamarans from local operators. As tourism is sparse, operators are readily available to organise excursions around the island. If visitors are interested in fishing, they can also ask local operators for arrange for a boating and sport fishing excursion.

The national game is of the tiny nation is te ano (the ball). Very similar to handball, one can easily spot locals playing this game, on the seashore. Shree, who played te ano every day during her stay in Tuvalu, says that most residents are more than happy to let tourists join the team and play along. It is also a great opportunity for one to mingle smoothly into the local culture and lifestyle.

Treat the taste buds

Tuvalu has few restaurants but serves delicious food. For sea-food lovers, it is a heavenly experience. There are elements of seafood in practically everything that you can get there, from fried chicken and fish, grilled and stewed meats to fried rice and noodles. Due to easy accessibility, even the smallest eateries have elaborate menus filled with various kinds of seafood and usually, the meat used is fresh out of the sea. Apart from meat, fresh coconuts are the other staple food of Tuvalu.  The use of a local plant, Taro is also an essential part of almost all dishes.

One of the popular traditional dishes is palusami. This delicacy is served to the guests with breadfruit. Coconut soup is also very popular in Tuvalu. Another popular dish is pulaka, which is a swamp crop similar to taro, but with bigger leaves and larger, coarser roots, bananas, breadfruit, and coconut.

When in Tuvalu, tourists must also visit the local patisserie and try freshly baked bread, rolls, cakes, pies made by village women and sold at very reasonable prices. Apart from local food, chop suey, a Chinese dish made of meat and eggs and fish and chips are extremely popular in Tuvalu.