Micronesia >> Baker Island

Baker Island is an island in Micronesia region of the Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and Australia.

Culture and History

The US took possession of the island in 1857, and its guano deposits were mined by US and British companies during the second half of the 19th century. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at colonization was begun on this island - as well as on nearby Howland Island - but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned. Presently the island is a National Wildlife Refuge run by the US Department of the Interior; a day beacon is situated near the middle of the west coast.

Climate

Equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun.

Landscape

Low, nearly level coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef. Treeless, sparse, and scattered vegetation consisting of grasses, prostrate vines, and low growing shrubs; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife.

Travel to Baker Island - Visa Requirements

Public entry is by special-use permit from US Fish and Wildlife Service only and generally restricted to scientists and educators.

Flights and airtickets to Baker Island

There is an abandoned World War II runway of 1,665 m, completely covered with vegetation and unusable. There is a day beacon on the west side of the island.

By boat

There is one small boat landing area along the middle of the west coast.

Tours and Getting around Baker Island

Baker Island souvenirs and shopping

There is no economic activity on Baker Island.

Baker Island tourist attractions and sightseeing

A cemetery and remnants of structures from early settlement are located near the middle of the west coast.

Baker Island cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

There are no accommodations on Baker Island.

Stay healthy

There are no natural sources of fresh water on Baker Island.

This page was last edited by Ian Sergeant. Based on work by Todd VerBeek, Wikitravel user(s) CIAWorldFactbook2002 and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. - Content on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 1.0 license

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