Ocean View Plaza Hotel

Experience Stunning Pohnpei from the Balconies of the Ocean View Plaza Hotel

Pohnpei, the capital and largest island state of the Federated States Micronesia, is home to world-class dive sites and verdant landscapes. The island’s unspoilt beauty attracts a variety of tourists around the world, allowing them to experience one of the last, true paradises on earth.

Unpack your bags and take a breath of genuine fresh air from the balconies of one of Pohnpei’s star accommodations, the Ocean View Plaza Hotel. Strategically situated on top of a summit, the hotel provides a sweeping view of Pohnpei’s seascape and mountains.

With the choice of getting either an ocean or mountain view, guests can opt for rooms at the East and West Wings of the hotel, or go for the more spacious apartment type rooms. Each apartment unit houses two bedrooms, includes a private balcony, bath and an equipped kitchenette for longer staying guests. The Ocean View Plaza Hotel offers reasonable rates considering its many services and amenities which include private tours of the island, car rentals, laundry services, boutiques, and a dedicated gas station.

Guests can take a breather from the exciting outdoor activities and relax in the hotel’s dining balcony and bar, sample both local and western cuisine from the buffet or simply enjoy the live entertainment. The hotel is also a short distance from downtown Kolonia so getting there is easy. Arrange for a guide service at the front desk and the hotel’s friendly staff would be more than willing to set up a guided tour of the island. From the hotel, guests can then make a trip to the many reef dive sites, trekking trails, sakau markets, and the famous Nan Madol ruins.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation, nightlife, or adventure, a stay at the Ocean View Plaza Hotel will certainly make your Pohnpei holiday a comfortable and stress-free affair.

Preparing for the Perfect Micronesian Holiday

You’re bags are all packed, and you’re itching to use that vacation ticket. Are you sure that all your travel essentials are taken care of? For a stress-free travel, secure all your travel documents beforehand to ensure that your Micronesian island getaway would go smoothly as that that coconut smoothie you’re craving for.

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is the perfect definition of a tropical paradise. The four island states of Pohnpei, Kosrae, Chuuk and Yap comprise the FSM. Whatever island you choose to go to, it would surely be a travel destination like you’ve never experienced before.

FSM visa requirements, passport, and entry requirements can be arranged personally or via the many travel services agencies. A passport that is valid for at least 120 days, or 3-6 months beyond the date of departure from Micronesia will serve as proof of citizenship for any tourist who wants to visit FSM. Birth certificates as proof of citizenship are not acceptable as a travel document.

There are also different types of entry requirements. Generally, if you’re planning to stay in Micronesia for less than 30 days, an entry permit is usually not required. For short-stay tourists, a return ticket will serve as proof of onward travel outside of FSM, and will also serve as the visitor’s entry pass. For tourists who intend to stay longer than 30 days, an entry permit is required and has to be secured prior to arrival. However, different procedures may apply regarding entry permits for special cases such as foreign students, traveling officials, business investors, and researchers.

For FSM visa requirements, visitors should consult the embassy for requirements details. The Micronesian embassy website, fsmembassydc.org, has a visa webpage that lists all FSM visa requirements per country.

Some Travel Tips for Chuuk

To ensure a pleasant and enjoyable stay, here are some Chuuk travel tips.

The state is blessed with a tropical climate fanned by trade winds for most of the year. Temperatures during the daytime range from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. Thus, you should bring and wear comfortable clothing suited to the weather.

The locals live a life close to nature and thus the pace of life is generally slow. Respect for elders is emphasized in their culture. Modern Western swimwear is considered immodest by local standards. Only wear those when in the vicinity of your resort or hotel. Wearing them elsewhere may call attention to yourself and you could be a subject of staring.

Favorite activities are windsurfing and sailing during the trade wind season of November to June. Anytime of the year, one can go kayaking or scuba diving to explore the islands that make up the state of Chuuk.

Chuuk travel tips for transportation within the state is that going around means riding taxis or bicycles. On bigger islands, tourists can rent a car. Most travelers enter Chuuk by flying in from Guam through Continental Airlines. There is a US$15 departure tax upon traveling out of Chuuk.

Telephone services are limited but infrastructure for cellular phone service is being worked on in order to reach the outer islands.

For Chuuk travel tips concering finances, the US dollar is the currency in Chuuk. There is only one bank in the state, which is the Bank of FSM. Tipping is neither necessary nor expected.

Being the most populous state in FSM, the crime rate is higher here than on the other states. Thus, visitors are advised to stay off the streets after dark especially in Weno, the capital.

Other locations in Micronesia, Pohnpei for example are reportedly much safer that Chuuk for visitors to explore at night.

A Trip Down Chuuk’s Memory Lane

Formerly known as Truk, the island of Chuuk is one of four island states of the Federated States of Micronesia. Even though Pohnpei is geographically the largest island, Chuuk is the most populated.

Like those of many Micronesians, the locals of Chuuk sustain their living through traditional means such as fishing, planting, weaving, boat-making and hunting in the mangrove forests.

For tourists, one of the island’s many noteworthy destinations is the giant Truk Lagoon which extends to nearly 40 miles in diameter. The lagoon is home to more or less 60 sunken vessels and planes, a final resting place for the casualties of World War II. This awesome wreck diving site is an invaluable underwater war museum, a dramatic memorial to those fallen in battle. Since it is a protected area, divers would have to secure a permit before diving in the lagoon. Divers are often thrilled to get underwater photos of the stunning marine life against the dark shadows of the sunken vessels.

For more casual adventures, swimming, surfing and snorkeling can also be enjoyed in Chuuk’s virgin waters. Like its neighboring islands, the island of Chuuk is perfect for outdoor activities. Other notable destinations on the island of Chuuk would be to experience the view from the top of the Sapuk Lighthouse, an old Japanese war post. Then there’s also the nearby Tonachau Mountain, a basalt mountain lined with waterfalls. Legend has it that the local god Souwniras lived in this mountain. Carved glyphs are inscribed onto the rock walls and the view from the mountain is certainly worth seeing.

As souvenirs for their island holiday, tourists can buy hand-carved lovesticks made by the locals. The wooden rods are called lovesticks because lovers who own such rods used to carve their personal inscriptions on both sides of the stick, which can then be identified just by touch by his or her respective lover.