Like many a classical paradise, Micronesia has four parts-the archipelagos of the Caroline Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Republic of Palau, politically linked as the Federated States of Micronesia, and each composed of hundreds of islands. Their enormous geographical variety, with cliffs and mountains, caves and blow holes (at Abbas on Tinian, through which Pacific waves shoot 20 feet into the air), sand dunes and dense tropical forests, waterfalls and, never fear! great, great beaches! Holidayers come here to indulge what became, after World War II, some of the world's best wreck diving, to see the stone monoliths of Babeldaob, the largest island of Palau, and to see the exuberant flora and fauna of this marvellous part of the world. Being off the beaten track means that Micronesia has few tourists to compete for all this island splendour. Micronesia is so vast that it spans two time zones, with Chuuk and Yap GMT + 10, Kosrae and Pohnpei at GMT + 11
Places & Activities
Destination Cities Kolonia is the main town. Palikir, 8km (5mi) away, is the capital of the Federated States of Micronesia. Pohnpei's airport and most of the island's hotels and restaurants are in Kolonia. There are frequent flights from Honolulu and Guam, as well as from other Micronesian airports. Chuuk is a large collection of islands celebrated for their wrecks, especially to be seen in Chuuk Lagoon, where a whole Japanese fleet waits to be explored, many ships intact and still containing all their appointments, including silverware and dishes, not to mention the skeletal remains of the crew . . . Kosrae is quite unspoiled, a volcanic region of rainforest, beaches and mangrove swamps, and irresistible coral reefs. The impressive remains of a royal city on Lelu date from the 14th. Also visit Lelu Hill for WWII remains. Pohnpei has some beautiful natural sites such as the waterfalls at Kepirohi and Sahwartik with pools that are ideal for bathing. The ancient stone city of Nan Madol, abandoned on nearly 100 artificial islets off the south-eastern coast, is the Federated State's best-known archaeological site. Nan Madol was built from stacked basalt pillars in the 13th century, and is a visually dramatic destination. Pohnpei's boldest natural landmark is the scenic Sokehs Rock, a 180m (500ft) sheer basalt cliff face. Rock-climbers are welcome to give it a try! Yap consists of four islands, not volcanic in origin, but rather, formed by earthquakes, so its landscape is gentler than in other parts of Micronesia, with rolling hills. Occasionally, a typhoon comes along, like a mythological creature, and washes an entire island into the sea. The island's communities are connected by centuries-old stone footpaths, and village houses are still built in the elaborate, traditional style with wood, thatch, rope and bamboo. Men and boys often wear bright coloured loincloths, and some of the women wear only woven hibiscus skirts. (Western dress is also common). Here, the caste system survives and where village chiefs still have as much clout as elected public officials. Stone money is used for some traditional exchanges, though the US dollar settles most commonplace transactions. Note that the Yapese are offended by tourists who brazenly point cameras at them, though they are receptive to travellers who respect their customs and culture. The variety of scenery on the Northern Marianas, with beautiful bays, spectacular cliffs, caves and mountains, will make lasting memories. The dense foliage of Babeldaob, Palau's biggest island, gives way to steep mountains, freshwater lakes and sand dunes.
Points of Interest
Warm water and spectacular underwater scenery attract divers to these islands. Kosrae has over 50 dive sites and unspoiled coral reefs close to shore. In Pohnpei State, dive at Ant Atoll and Pakin Atoll. Truk Lagoon in Chuuk is famous for the sunken Japanese fleet here. The island of Yap is notable for its schools of manta rays, dolphins and reef. The Western Islands of Chuuk are a step back in time, with men in bright loincloths and women in grass skirts. Thatched houses and traditional boat-building, navigation and fishing give these people a way of life they share with their ancient ancestors. The Mortlocks, 290km (180mi) southeast from Chuuk Lagoon, are more Western in their dress, but still carve the hibiscus wood masks which they used to wear into battle. Chuuk's first church was established here. Truly heaven is Nukuoro Atoll, where the Polynesians will welcome you and you can gather seashells and forget about the world out there-the boat only comes by to threaten your idyllic existence about once a month. Another joy is Woleai Atoll, where traditional life definitely holds sway. You can wear your Western clothes if you're a tourist-but you'll be accepted much faster by the friendly inhabitants if you, like them, don traditional dress. You can't go here without government permission, so ask the Special Assistant for Outer Islands Affairs in Colonia, Yap, at least a month before you hope to visit.
Culture & Food
Languages Spoken
English (official and common language), Trukese, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Kosrean, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi.
Religions
Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 47%
People and Culture
Micronesians are proud people who value their rich history. On the Marshall Islands, brilliant with plumeria flowers and corals, are many historic sites, especially The Spanish Wall and Catholic Bell Tower in Pohnpei. On Babeldaob, Palau, stone monoliths along the coastline, date from the island's earliest civilization. The people of Chuuk paint their houses with bright contrasting colours. Among the most conservative people are those of the island of Yap, with its centuries-old stone footpaths, and traditional village houses still built with wood, thatch, rope and bamboo. The caste system survives as solidly as the money-stone money is the currency, though the US dollar is quite acceptable too! Yapese are welcoming and friendly to respectful visitors and much offended by camera-crazy tourists. As a people, Micronesians are casual and unpretentious.
A resident or national of Micronesia, Federated States of is called "Micronesian". The Term used to describe things from here is "Micronesian; Chuukese, Kosraen(s), Pohnpeian(s), Yapese". For example, "Micronesian; Chuukese, Kosraen(s), Pohnpeian(s), Yapese food".
Tipping and Bargaining
Tipping 10 -15% is practiced only in Pohnpei because of the American influence. Most things are sold with a fixed price.
Restaurants: None except in Pohnpei
*Porters: None
Taxi: Round up
* Try to use local currency. Foreign coins cannot be exchanged and will be useless to the person receiving them. Foreign paper money requires a trip to the bank for exchange. However paper US dollars are accepted almost universally.
Food
If you think the variety of fish is impressive (Micronesians eat thin strips of raw fish, reminiscent of sushi, dipped in a hot sauce), order a yam - there are more than 100 words you can use to do so. Breadfruit is a feature on Chuuk, where alcohol, however, is prohibited. Micronesians drink Sakau, as the Pohnpeians call it, a.k.a. kava to the rest of the population-a drink made by squeezing a root through the bark of the hibiscus. You'll enjoy watching the process at a sakau bar as you settle in to the slow pace of holiday life. International cuisines are available in Micronesia, but you'll delight in the feasts of fish, including clams, octopus, langusta, sea cucumber and eels on some of the remoter islands.
Geography
Location
Micronesia Is an island group in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia
Geographical Features
It consists of 607 islands extending 1,800 miles across the archipelago of the Caroline Islands east of the Philippines. The four constituent island groups are Yap, Chuuk (called Truk until January 1990), Pohnpei (called Ponape until November 1984), and Kosrae. These four states are each represented by a white star on the national flag. The capital is Palikir, on Pohnpei.
Total Area:
702 km2 (271 miles2)
Coastline:
6,112 km (3,796 miles)
Lowest Point:
0 m (0 feet)
Pacific Ocean
Highest Point:
791 m (2,594 feet)
Dolohmwar (Totolom)
Regions/States/Provinces/Districts
The Federated States of Micronesia are a constitutional government in free association with the United States.
Climate
Climate
Micronesia lacks all seasons except for summer, with a slight increase in the (relatively high) humidity between July and November, and a pretty steady temperature of 81°F (27°C).
What to Wear
Bring a light raincoat to put over your lightweight cottons and linens.
Brief History
Capital City: Palikir
Population: 108,105
National Holiday: Constitution Day, 10 May (1979)
The ancestors of the Micronesians settled over 4,000 years ago. A decentralized chieftain-based system eventually evolved into a more centralized economic and religious empire centered on Yap.
Nan Madol, consisting of a series of artificial islets linked by a network of canals, is often called the Venice of the Pacific. It is located near the island of Pohnpei and used to be the ceremonial and political seat of the Saudeleur dynasty that united Pohnpei's estimated 25,000 people from about 500 till 1500 AD, when the centralized system collapsed.
European explorers - first the Portuguese in search of the Spice Islands (Indonesia) and then the Spanish - reached the Carolines in the 16th century, with the Spanish establishing sovereignty. It passed from German control(1899), via Japanese (1914) to the United States under United Nations auspices in 1947 as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
During World War II, a significant portion of the Japanese fleet was based in Truk Lagoon. In February 1944, Operation Hailstone, one of the most important naval battles of the war, took place at Truk, in which many Japanese support vessels and aircraft were destroyed.
On May 10, 1979, four of the Trust Territory districts ratified a new constitution to become the Federated States of Micronesia. The FSM signed a Compact of Free Association with the United States of America, which entered into force on November 3, 1986, marking Micronesia's emergence from trusteeship to independence.
Electricity
Current
The power in the Federated States of Micronesia of is 110/120V, 60Hz
Volts (V) refers to the amount of electricity flowing through the circuit. Hertz (Hz) is the frequency measured in cycles per second.
Plugs
The Federated States of Micronesia has 2 types of connection plugs.
Two flat blades
Two flat blades with a spade-shaped grounding pin
Phone and Modem
Modem Adaptor
The Federated States of Micronesia uses the following modem/phone plug adaptors: TUK, TFR, RJ11
Country Code and IDD Code
The country code for Micronesia, Federated States of is 691. The International direct dial code is 011.
Air and Ground Travel
Travel by Air
The national carrier, Continental Micronesia flies in from Guam, Honolulu, Manila and Tokyo to all the main islands, with Air Nauru flying twice weekly from Pohnpei to Australia, Fiji, Guam, Manila and Nauru. Look into getting a Visit the South Pacific Pass to reduce air fares substantially. Taxis take you to Kolonia from Pohnpei airport.
Travel by Water
International ports are Chuuk, Pohnpei and Yap, and trading ships based in Pohnpei, Yap and Chuuk connect the outlying islands.
Travel by Road
The roads are good, if unpaved for the most part. You may also rent cars.
Buses may be rented or chartered, but as there is no regular service, many people use the taxi service, which is ubiquitous and inexpensive.
What Side of the Road?
Driving is on the right side of the road.
International Driving Permit: Your driver’s license is accepted.
Entry Documents
Entry Requirements
Check the table below for the required type of ID, visa or permit needed to enter Micronesia, Federated States of. If it is not apparent to a border official that you are only visiting Micronesia, Federated States of (by presenting your itinerary and/or return ticket) you might be asked to provide the address of your accommodations and your planned departure date. Regulations change periodically. Please contact the consulate office closest to you.
Passport:
Yes¹
Yes¹
Yes¹
Yes¹
Permit/Visa:
No³
No³
No³
No³
Return Ticket:
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
1) Passport: The U.S. Visa Waiver Program requires visitors from various countries to have Machine Readable Passports to enter the U.S. Your pasport must be valid for at least 2 months beyond your expected length of stay.
2) ID: Government issued identification cards such as a Birth Certificate or proof of citizenship accompanied by photo ID such as a Driver's License. Many visitors enter this country as part of a sea cruise. You must have a valid passport for such a trip. Some of the countries you may be visiting will not permit entry without a passport. Ship authorities may retain your passport during the cruise, in accordance with their own administrative regulations and to facilitate clearance with local Immigration Authorities. Passengers should obtain a receipt for their passport, and the passport should be returned at the end of the cruise.
3) Visa/Permit/Tourist Card: No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days. Citizens of the USA can stay for up to 1 year as a tourist with no entry permit or visa.
Single parents or other adults vacationing alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.
Travel Advisories
Personal Security
Most theft on foreign holidays occurs because opportunities present themselves. Petty crimes usually occur in areas where tourists gather such as resorts, beaches and market places. A few simple precautions may help you from being an easy target.
Don't wear expensive jewelry or watches.
Keep bags in view and in contact. Bags left under tables or slung over the back of a chair make easy targets, as do valuables left by an open window.
Avoid keeping all your valuables in one place.
Leave unneeded valuables in a hotel safe if possible.
Keep a separate record of serial numbers, travellers cheque and local contact numbers for your embassy.
Photocopy all important documents, credit cards, passport, drivers license and other ID. Keep them in a separate, safe place.
Avoid public demonstrations or political gatherings
Health Precautions: You should always check with your physician to see if any vaccinations are needed. A Hepatitis A and B vaccine is recommended for most foreign travel, especially in the tropics. Check the entry requirements for all countries on your itinerary. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate might be required if you are travelling in or through an infected area.
Malaria Areas of Risk: None. CHL Resistance: Not applicable. Recommended Prophylaxis: Not applicable.
For recent updates, visit the CDC web site.
Overview
Destination Cities
Points of Interest
Languages Spoken
Religions
People and Culture
Tipping and Bargaining
Food
Geography
Location
Geographical Features
Regions/States/Provinces/Districts
Climate
What to Wear
Capital City: Palikir
Population: 108,105
National Holiday: Constitution Day, 10 May (1979)
Current
Plugs
Modem Adaptor
Country Code and IDD Code
Travel by Air
Travel by Water
Travel by Road
What Side of the Road?
Entry Requirements
1) Passport: The U.S. Visa Waiver Program requires visitors from various countries to have Machine Readable Passports to enter the U.S. Your pasport must be valid for at least 2 months beyond your expected length of stay.
Personal Security
Health Precautions: You should always check with your physician to see if any vaccinations are needed. A Hepatitis A and B vaccine is recommended for most foreign travel, especially in the tropics. Check the entry requirements for all countries on your itinerary. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate might be required if you are travelling in or through an infected area.
Malaria