Micronesia Travel Guide

NAN MADOL

Enjoy a boat tour of the ancient city of Nan Madol, frequently referred to as the "Venice of the Pacific." This site is comprised of over 90 islets, and is truly an awe-inspiring experience. The construction of this site began some 800 years ago, and continued for another two to three hundred years. The oddly constructed stone pillars, some of them 25 feet in length, were brought to the site by raft. This abandoned city remains an archeological mystery to this day, providing few clues as to its origin and eventual abandonment. Conclude your day with a swim at the Kepirohi waterfall, the most photographed waterfall in Pohnpei, where water pours over basalt cliffs into a gorgeous swimming pool.

KOLONIA DAY TOUR

During your Micronesia tour, be sure to explore the capital of Pohnpei. Begin your tour with a trip to the Pohnpei Lidorkini Museum, which houses artifacts from Nan Madol, sakau pounding stones, handicrafts and remnants of the Japanese occupation. Move on to the German Tower and the Spanish Fort, followed by a trip to Kapingamarangi Village. This village is home to a group of Polynesian people whose architecture is nearly without walls. They welcome visitors and are proud to display their beautiful weavings and carvings which may be purchased from the artisans themselves.

SOKEHS RIDGE

The Sokehs Ridge is a labyrinth of tunnels, and affords spectacular views of Kolonia and the surrounding reef. You'll be able to spot nesting tropical birds and fruit bats. The hike to the top is not difficult, and takes about 45 minutes.

NAN KAWAD & LIDUDUHNIAP WATERFALL

This nature trail offers a great opportunity to view birds like the Pohnpei lorikeet, Micronesian pigeon, cardinal honey eater, and Pohnpei flycatcher. Wander amidst the huge rocks which the ancient Pohnpeians used for shelter in the rainforest. End your hike at the Liduduhniap Falls. Below the falls, the deep pools are ideal for swimming.

PAHN TAKAI & MT. KUPWURISO

Pahn Takai, literally translated, means "beneath the rock." It is a site with an enormous limestone rock wall and a unique strip-like waterfall. Beneath the rock wall is a cave occupied by wild bats. Kupwuriso is the third highest mountain in Pohnpei. On the way up Kupwuriso, the nature trail passes through groves of agroforest and native upland forest. On the top of the mountain there is a variety of attractions which include Japanese cannons from WWII, drums filled with artillery shells, and caves. Pohnpeians believe that Kupwuriso is one of the two places that have Engitik en Nahna, a special type of wind that Pohnpeians use to cure deep sorrow or pain. It is gentle, soft, and sweet.

LEHNPAIPOHN WATERFALL

During your tour of Micronesia, be sure to take a morning hike to Lehnpaipohn Waterfall. You'll be transferred to the trail through a jungle of ferns and tropical trees. After a short hike you'll arrive at the waterfall beneath which lies an idyllic pool where you can enjoy a swim.

POHNPAIP PETROGLYPHS

Visit an enormous rock, located at Sapwalap village in Madolenihmw-its length is about 100 feet and width is about 90 feet. There are numerous ancient petroglyphs on this gigantic rock. Legend has it that the brothers Mwohnmwur and Sarapwahu stole a bed sheet from Kitti which Lapango (a ghost) transformed into a stone.

SAKAU CEREMONY

This traditional drink is made from the pepper shrub (Piper methysticum) and was historically reserved for ceremonial times. The traditional method of making sakau was pounding the pepper shrub on a stone and squeezing the pulp by hand through hibiscus bard. Participation in this uniquely Pohnpeian ceremony offers visitors an unforgettable Micronesia travel experience as, mixed with water and served in a coconut shell, this drink has the affect of a mild narcotic.

PAHNSILE WATERFALL

In the heart of Madolenihmw lies the Pahnsile waterfall, with a pool ideal for swimming. On the walk up to the waterfall you will find many specimens of an important native tree called dohng. This large tree grows to over 100 feet tall, and has very large leaves and small fruits and flowers. The dohng is used to build the main body of canoes, its leaves are used for fans and food plates, and other parts are used for medicine.

DOLOPWUROPWUR

History buffs will appreciate a stop in Dolopwuropwur during their Micronesia tour as this fascinating site harbors World War II relics, including guns and storage for artillery shells, as well as spectacular vistas of the great coastal reef and Mount Takaiuh.

CULTURAL TOUR

Take a cultural tour of Micronesia during your trip to Yap and visit the Ethnic Art Institute of Micronesia, where elders teach craft skills to younger artists. You'll then go to view some old war artifacts, like the German cable station and a Japanese bomber. Visit a traditional meeting house surrounded by Yapese stone money. End the day at the Cultural Center.

SNORKEL WITH MANTA RAYS

An awe-inspiring Micronesia travel experience, you'll board a boat to go out and experience Yap's true treasures: manta rays. These gentle giants glide like birds with wingspans ranging of up to 16 feet across. You'll spend the first stop at M'il Channel, famous for manta rays which frequent this area to feed. After this fantastic site, you'll make your way to a second stop to view the incredible hard and soft corals and tropical fish life this island offers.