Info about Your Micronesia Trip
Map of Micronesia
The Federated States of Micronesia, a country located in the northwestern region of the Pacific Ocean is composed of 4 breathtaking major island groups namely the island of Kosrae (Kosiae), island of Chuuk (Truk), island of Pohnpei (Ponape) and island of Yap. All year round the climate in Micronesia is generally tropical except for the eastern islands where there is heavy rainfall throughout the year.
Because of Micronesia’s strategic location, there’s no wonder why the peninsula is endowed with magnificent beaches, coastline, and scenic views. This is also the reason why several tourists flock the place all year round. What makes the tourist destinations more popular and worth visiting is that aside from the picturesque views, each and every destination has a story to tell.
You can reach the Federated States of Micronesia by plane or by boat. The major international ports are located in Chuuk, Pohnpei or Ponape and Yap. If you prefer to travel by plane Honolulu offers direct access to Micronesia if you’re coming from North America. If you’re from Asia and Australia your entryway could be thru Guam.
FSM visa requirements are not as strict as it is when you enter the United States, despite the fact that it is a UN Territory run by US. However you should be able to furnish all necessary documents prior to your scheduled trip to allow enough time for your visa to be approved.
You can find the best Micronesia travel deals online. So before you pack your things, log on the net and check hotel availabilities as well as interesting places that you can visit in the Federated States of Micronesia. This way you are well prepared for your FSM travel and you can maximize your time for adventure and relaxation.
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.
Micronesian Seal
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.
Flag of FSM
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.
Outer Island Within the State of Chuuk Micronesia
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.
