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| State of KOSIRAE |
The FSM has a rich history dating back several thousand years. The islands were originally settled by ancient people sailing
east from Asia and north from Polynesia. Later discoverers and settlers included the Spanish, Germans, and Japanese and
evidence of their former presence is found throughout the islands. Following the trusteeship under U.S. administration
after W.W. II, the FSM is now independent and self-governing.
Most linguistic and archaeological evidence indicates that the
islands were first discovered and settled between two
and three thousand years ago. The first settlers are often described
as Austronesian speakers possessing horticultural
skills and highly sophisticated maritime knowledge. These first
settlers are thought to have migrated eastward from Southeast
Asia to Yap. From there, some migrated south to Papua New Guinea,
Solomon Islands, and New Caledonia, and later to Kiribati and the
Marshall
Islands.
State of YAP
Yap is the most intriguing island in Micronesia. It is a land steeped
in ancient traditions, fascinating legends, and peopled by one of the
most distinctive cultures in the Pacific. Attractions like a handmade
seaside men's house, cultural village tours, huge, ancient stone money
discs and stone money banks, dancing, handicraft making, marine life and
mangrove forests highlight a visit to this unique outpost.
Dance is an art form in Yap. Through dance, legends are passed down,
history is recorded and entertainment is created. The dances of Yap are
raucous, colorful and well- orchestrated. Men and women both start at an
early age to learn this special Yap tradition.
This traditional life carries into the villages where fishing, sailing and weaving are still important parts of everyday life. Grass skirts for the women and thu'us, a type of loincloth, for the men are the basic garb in the small towns that sit in tranquil settings around the island.
This traditional life carries into the villages where fishing, sailing and weaving are still important parts of everyday life. Grass skirts for the women and thu'us, a type of loincloth, for the men are the basic garb in the small towns that sit in tranquil settings around the island.
The people of Yap are shy but warm. They don't mind visitors who are
respectful and appreciative of their lifestyle. With a little coaxing,
the visitor may soon find his or herself helping with a chore, like
launching a canoe or weaving a basket to carry coconuts. This special
kind of island encounter is not unusual on Yap and is part of the Yapese
spirit that makes the island so enticing and enchanting.
There's plenty to do on land and in the ocean. The visitor can expect
to go mountain biking, hike on an ancient stone path or try some deep
sea fishing as part of the Yap experience. Or, just take a nap under a
coconut tree on one of Yap's unspoiled beaches.
In addition, Yap is famous for its waters where schools of tuna, dolphins and reef fish are found in abundance. Observing the greatly varied marine life on the reefs and in the channels has become a must for divers around the world. While clear waters and sheer dropoffs certainly describe Yap's diving, one fact stands above the rest. Yap is the world's foremost destination for seeing manta rays up close and personal. There is no other place on earth where they can be seen on such a consistent basis year 'round. This fact has catapulted Yap to the top on all lists of the finest diving attractions in the world.
In addition, Yap is famous for its waters where schools of tuna, dolphins and reef fish are found in abundance. Observing the greatly varied marine life on the reefs and in the channels has become a must for divers around the world. While clear waters and sheer dropoffs certainly describe Yap's diving, one fact stands above the rest. Yap is the world's foremost destination for seeing manta rays up close and personal. There is no other place on earth where they can be seen on such a consistent basis year 'round. This fact has catapulted Yap to the top on all lists of the finest diving attractions in the world.
State of CHUUK
The many islands within this huge atoll are crowned with natural
beauty. The outer barrier reef is punctuated with idyllic sand spits
dotted with coconut palms. The high islands in the central lagoon rise
into the blue island skies.
In Chuuk, the pace of life slows and tropical nature is easily observed and appreciated. Many of the islands offer lush vegetation that harbors rare and migratory birdlife. Enthusiasts have been known to camp high in the hills to observe these special avians. Wild orchids and other flora are found in the scenic and sometimes rugged terrain of the islands.
In Chuuk, the pace of life slows and tropical nature is easily observed and appreciated. Many of the islands offer lush vegetation that harbors rare and migratory birdlife. Enthusiasts have been known to camp high in the hills to observe these special avians. Wild orchids and other flora are found in the scenic and sometimes rugged terrain of the islands.
Lush vegetation and simple living punctuate the lives of the lagoon.
Fishing, weaving and tending garden supplant the subsistence lives that
many sustain on their individual islands. It is not unusual to see women
waist deep in the mangroves hunting for a special delicacy or men
walking the reefs by torchlight at night looking for octopus. Boat
makers create vessels high in the hills of the inner islands and take
them down to sea when finished. Open hearth fires are still used to cook
the daily meals. Life here is close to nature and lived in conjunction
with the land and the sea.
Local carvers are also famous for using beautiful local woods to carve warrior masks and busts. And the Chuukese love stick is part of a legendary practice of courtship unique to this island group.
Local carvers are also famous for using beautiful local woods to carve warrior masks and busts. And the Chuukese love stick is part of a legendary practice of courtship unique to this island group.
Chuuk, with its vast, shallow, beautiful lagoon is a major shipwreck
site from WWII, Truk Lagoon is unquestionably the world's best shipwreck
diving destination. Here, more than 80 hulks (inside reef :40 hulks,
out side reef :40 hulks) have been transformed into shipreefs, holding
the very best of the undersea world and maritime history at one site.
Hard and soft corals in a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes attract
divers worldwide for both daytime and night diving. The vast selection
of artifacts still found on the wrecks after six decades are testament
to the unique history of the Micronesian Islands.
The historical aspect of Truk Lagoon is not totally hidden by the jungles. Japanese lighthouses, perched high atop the lagoon's finest overlooks, can be reached by hiking or driving. Old runways, command centers, gun emplacements, cave networks, hospitals and libraries can be found with the help of a knowledgeable guide.
The historical aspect of Truk Lagoon is not totally hidden by the jungles. Japanese lighthouses, perched high atop the lagoon's finest overlooks, can be reached by hiking or driving. Old runways, command centers, gun emplacements, cave networks, hospitals and libraries can be found with the help of a knowledgeable guide.
Traveling by ocean kayak from island to island is one way to enjoy
Chuuk. Often overlooked are the outer reefs where a great variety of
fish, both pelagic and reef dwelling, venture near cascading coral walls
that stretch into the blue abyss of the Pacific Ocean. Windsurfing and
sailing in the lagoon passes is also done during tradewind season.
State of POHNPEI
This host to the nation's capital has much to offer the visiting nature lover, explorer and hiker.
Pohnpei is the largest and tallest island in the FSM. Its peaks get
plenty of rainfall annually and this creates more than 40 rivers that
feed the lush upper rain forest. Pohnpei's waterfalls range from
pleasant to spectacular.
Surrounded largely by rich mangrove forests, Pohnpei's jagged coastline is intersected by numerous channels that carry nutrients into the vast lagoon. These nutrients attract marine life and make Pohnpei one of the most varied marine environments in Micronesia.
Surrounded largely by rich mangrove forests, Pohnpei's jagged coastline is intersected by numerous channels that carry nutrients into the vast lagoon. These nutrients attract marine life and make Pohnpei one of the most varied marine environments in Micronesia.
The island's hard coral reefs and colorful dropoffs are enchanting.
Sea anemones, soft corals and colorful gorgonian sea fans dot the walls.
Sharks, sea turtles and manta rays are seen at many sites around
Pohnpei.
A short boat trip can be made to two neighboring atolls, Ant and Pakin, that exude the aura of paradise unspoiled. Here, the true meaning of pristine diving comes to the fore. Whether it be riding a raging current out to sea through an island pass or exploring a deep fan laden chasm, the atolls are a fantastic experience.
A short boat trip can be made to two neighboring atolls, Ant and Pakin, that exude the aura of paradise unspoiled. Here, the true meaning of pristine diving comes to the fore. Whether it be riding a raging current out to sea through an island pass or exploring a deep fan laden chasm, the atolls are a fantastic experience.
Much is still to be learned about the mysterious Nan Madol ruins.
Called the Venice of the Pacific, this manmade city with ocean-filled
channels once housed a thriving, royal civilization. Huge basalt pillars
form the residences of kings and sorcerers. These remnants of an
ancient Pohnpeian civilization are still being studied and explored.
Pohnpei is famous for the relaxing drink sakau, a kava-like brew.
Watching sakau being prepared is an experience unique to Pohnpei. The
pepper plant is taken from the wild and presented at a special ceremony.
When it comes to relaxing, try a drink of sakau, the numbing local drink
used in ceremonies and also sold in bars.
State of KOSIRAE
Kosrae has been described as an unblemished garden of flowers, palms
and citrus trees. The air is fresh on Kosrae and adventure beckons those
wanting to truly get away from it all.
Steeped in the history of many decades, the island invites exploration.
There are mysterious ancient Lelu ruins similar to those of Nan Madol on Pohnpei.World war artifacts, cave systems and remnants abound and there's even a pirate ship sunk beneath the waves.
Steeped in the history of many decades, the island invites exploration.
There are mysterious ancient Lelu ruins similar to those of Nan Madol on Pohnpei.World war artifacts, cave systems and remnants abound and there's even a pirate ship sunk beneath the waves.
A hike up Kosrae's famous Mount Finkol called "Sleeping Lady" will
take the explorer past a series of gushing waterfalls pouring through
Kosrae's verdant jungle. Paddle a sea kayak or a native outrigger canoe
through the vast channels of Kosrae for a truly exhilarating trip into
the womb of the marine world. Kosrae offers a restful , scenic visit in
the FSM.
Kosrae is known for its virgin reef and pristine waters, visibility
up to 200+ ft. and thriving hard coral society. More than 50 dive sites
have been identified by local diving pioneers. Each has been marked with
a buoy to prevent improper anchoring, leaving Kosrae's reefs pristine
and ripe for exploration.
Beutiful hard coral gardens give way to plunging walls. Sharks, dogtooth tuna, barracuda schools and other exciting ocean citizens can all be encountered.
Kosrae is said to have some of the healthiest coral reefs of anywhere in the world. The amazing formations and clouds of scarlet basslets make a swim along the dropoff a sensory feats.
Night dving here is exciting with the clear water allowing moonbeams to funnel through and illuminate the reef naturally. All sorts of odd creatures come out at night and divers can wathch the noctunal realm of the marine world unfold. Kosrae's reef are always uncrowded and a superb venue for seeing Mother Ocean's wonders.
Beutiful hard coral gardens give way to plunging walls. Sharks, dogtooth tuna, barracuda schools and other exciting ocean citizens can all be encountered.
Kosrae is said to have some of the healthiest coral reefs of anywhere in the world. The amazing formations and clouds of scarlet basslets make a swim along the dropoff a sensory feats.
Night dving here is exciting with the clear water allowing moonbeams to funnel through and illuminate the reef naturally. All sorts of odd creatures come out at night and divers can wathch the noctunal realm of the marine world unfold. Kosrae's reef are always uncrowded and a superb venue for seeing Mother Ocean's wonders.
The famous mangroves of the island present a world of opportunity to
see nature in all of its peace and solitude. In some places they form a
high jungle canopy where channels rise and fall with the tides. Immense
root systems and a myriad of animal and plant life flourish in these
complicated ecosystems.
Kosrae has had the foresight to set aside large tracts for its marine park and the result is one of the most pristine mangrove areas in the wolrd, complete with rare indigenous trees and wonderful birdlife.
Kosrae has had the foresight to set aside large tracts for its marine park and the result is one of the most pristine mangrove areas in the wolrd, complete with rare indigenous trees and wonderful birdlife.
Point Of Attraction While you are in Micronesia
- Nan Madol
- Pakin Atoll
- Pacific Treelodge Resort
- Spanish Wall
- Catholic Belltower
- Liduduhniap Twin Waterfalls
- Leluh Ruins
- Truk Lagoon Underwater Fleet
- Japanese Wartime Communication Centre
- Black Coral Island
- Sokehs Mountain
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