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.

Ocean View Plaza Hotel

View from Ocean View Plaza Hotel Pohnpei

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.

Ocean View Plaza Hotel Pohnpei

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.

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.