Vibrant Tourism in Kosrae

Kosrae is one of the four island states that make up the Federated States of Micronesia. Located just a few hours southeast of Guam and southwest of Hawaii, this 42-square-mile island is home to one of the most peaceful people on the planet, making Kosrae tourism a must have experience.

Underwater, Kosrae is just as marvelous. One of the most important aspects of Kosrae tourism is diving on its virgin reef. The reef houses around 172 species of hard corals and 10 species of soft corals. Due to the thriving coral community, there are hundreds of species of fish and other marine life. Bottleneck dolphins and whales are sometimes spotted in Kosrae’s reef.

For divers who wish to do some wreck diving, they won’t be disappointed with the sunken whale ships Henrietta and Waverly. Reminders of World War II also abound in the seabed, with the wrecks Sansun Maru and Keikyu Maru as well as several fighter planes.

Travelers who prefer to seek their thrills on land, hiking Mt. Finkol, the tallest mountain in Kosrae is an option. At more than 2,064 feet, this mountain requires both the hiker and the guide to be in good physical condition. Hiking the mountain will take around seven to eight hours.

An easier walk can be had when exploring the Lelu ruins. This was once an ancient complex similar in design and purpose as the Nan Madol ruins in Pohnpei.

Other highlights of Kosrae tourism are the Kosrae State Museum, the Wiya Bird Cave, the Menke ruins and hiking trails, and the giant clam farm in Walung.

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.