Giant's footprints

Tarawa is a tropical atoll that is part of the Gilbert Islands chain in the central South Pacific. South Tarawa was the home of dangerous wandering giants. Although some scholars regard local islanders' legends of giants as fantasy, they are unable to explain the huge footprints seen on the atoll. Some can also be found on nearby islands. The locals talk of ruthless giants that trampled through the country like moving mountains. The villagers had to fight the giants for food and to keep their women and children from being carried away and eaten alive.

Wandering around the closely packed traditionally-built dwellings on Tarawa's Banraeba island is a fascinating opportunity to explore how people live in this long. Although having practically no structures taller than a single storey, it has a similar population density to Hong Kong. A series of depressions in the rocks on the rocky ocean beach are said to be the footprints of giants, according to local tradition. With a little imagination, you can almost make out where the heel and toe markings are. Even more intriguing is conversing with the local kids who are playing in the rock pools!