Sakau Drinking: Not your average Friday Night brew
Pohnpei Sakau, otherwise know as Kava Pepper Root
Pohnpei sakau, a variant of the Micronesian kava, comes from the pounded roots of the kava or sakau plant. Known for its narcotic effects, sakau is a drink derived by the thorough pounding of the roots of the kava pepper plant using basalt stones and rocks. The mixture is then added to the sap from the bark of hibiscus plant, creating a thick, brown liquid. Many island farmers earn their income from the Phonpei sakau, harvesting them from nearby plantations to be sold at the local sakau market.
Sakau Preparation at ROASDI's in Pohnpei. ROASDI Market (Rusty's) is often regarded as the home of the strongest Sakau brew in the South Pacific. Ph: 3202791
The people of Pohnpei considers the kava plant as a sacred and essential part of their culture; the Pohnpei sakau playing a major part in the locals’ festivities, social functions and sacred rituals. During ceremonial feasts, sakau drinking, or attending “Sakau” is highly anticipated and is often held after sunset. Tourists and locals can share a drink of sakau from a common coconut cup and enjoy a peaceful night of celebration. For events such as these, one can consume a sakau cup directly from the stone or in milder, bottled versions like those sold in sakau markets. Around the island, numerous markets and stores can be found offering a variety of sakau ranging from the hardcore, thick stone-brew to the thin and watered down concoctions.
Although almost all places on earth celebrate and gather around a drink, attending sakau night in Pohnpei is truly a one of a kind experience for visitors. A warm night thrumming with the pounding of sakau roots, shared drinking and the idle chatter of the people create a seductive atmosphere that is certainly one of the highlights of experiencing this unique Pohnpeian culture.
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.
