Buada Lagoon

Buada Lagoon, tucked into a lush depression at the very heart of Nauru, is a tranquil and unexpected freshwater lake, a green oasis on an island otherwise dominated by coast and rugged interior. Ringed by dense tropical vegetation, coconut palms, breadfruit and banana trees, and the gardens of the surrounding community, the still, slightly brackish waters of the lagoon create a serene and picturesque scene quite unlike the rest of the island. Traditionally, the lagoon was used to raise milkfish, a practice reflecting the resourcefulness of island life. Peaceful, verdant and reflective, Buada Lagoon offers a quiet, scenic contrast to Nauru's ocean shores and a glimpse of the greener, gentler side of this remote Pacific nation.

What you actually see

• The freshwater lagoon - the serene inland lake.
• The green hollow - the lush palm-ringed depression.
• The gardens - the surrounding tropical vegetation and homes.
• The tranquil setting - the peaceful, reflective oasis.

When to go

April to October, the drier season, brings the most pleasant weather for visiting the lagoon and its green surroundings, avoiding the wetter months; the equatorial climate is warm year-round. The lagoon is a quiet, scenic stop at any time.

Honest expectations

Buada Lagoon is a small, quiet inland lake best admired from its palm-fringed surroundings rather than a site of activities, so a visit is brief and contemplative. As a serene green oasis of freshwater cradled at the heart of tiny, remote Nauru, a peaceful contrast to the island's coast, though, Buada Lagoon is a genuinely scenic and tranquil spot.

Nearby

Anibare Bay and Command Ridge lie across the small island.