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.

Past Echoes of the Nan Madol Ruins

Ancient City of Nan Madol, Pohnpei, Micronesia

Whispering from the eastern shore of Pohnpei is the Ancient City of Nan Madol, said to have been built between the 12th and 13th centuries. The local term “Nan Madol,” can literally mean “spaces between,” an apt term to describe the many canals and passages that intersect each other among the ruins.

During the Saudeleur dynasty, the Nan Madol ruins were once a complex of megalithic stone structures that served as both the political and ceremonial seat of the Saudeleur ruler. Numerous entry gates, tunnels, vaults and chambers can be found throughout the ruins. Local legend says that this ancient city might have been built under the powers of a royal magician, making reference to the must-have-been laborious task of lifting the heavy basalt stone components of the megaliths.

The Ruins of Nan Madol, Pohnpei, Micronesia

In today’s time, a visit to the Nan Madol ruins will let you catch a glimpse of how the past must have been for the Pohnpeian people. The thrill of knowing more about lost civilzations and ancient cities have aroused our curiosities for years, and Nan Madol is no exception. Its mysterious and mythical background is brought to life again for modern audiences through contemporary literature. Since Pohnpei is also mentioned in the story, Nan Madol is believed to be the inspiration for the fictional sunken city of R’Lyeh, the backdrop of H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos, a favorite among sci-fi and horror fiction enthusiasts.

However, the real story behind the once royal pillars of this old city is still being studied. To preserve and promote the inherent beauty of this ancient wonder, the Nan Madol ruins was declared as one of Micronesia’s National Historical Landmarks. Although small in scale compared to similar stone complexes such as that of Angkor Wat and Borobudur, Nan Madol is still impressive and unique in its own right. A visit to Pohnpei would be incomplete without taking a stop to appreciate this true gem from the past.

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.

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.