Micronesia: Traditions, Caves and Waterfalls

On Yap, you’ll encounter traditional stone money; on Pohnpei, an island complex built from basalt, as well as waterfalls and rainforest destinations. Kosrae combines a cave with a local gardening practice, while Chuuk offers both cave exploration and wreck diving. These experiences give the four regions of Micronesia distinct points of focus. If you’re looking for a hotel for your trip, first consider what you’d like your days to revolve around: living culture, rainforest trails, swimming or wreck diving. This way, you can choose your destination based on the experiences that interest you.

Yap: Stone Money and Living Traditions

On Yap, the traditional stone money of the Yapese is called “Raay” or “Feaq.” It is still used and is particularly visible in the traditional village centers on Yap proper. The Yap Living History Museum conveys the heritage of the Yapese through exhibits and demonstrations of their living culture. These offer two distinct ways to engage with cultural themes: stone money that continues to be used, and traditions presented through exhibits and demonstrations.

The Yap Traditional Navigation Society holds a three-day Canoe Festival every year in November or December. If the festival is important to your travel plans, check the dates before you arrive.

Kosrae: Planning Visits and Local Uses

Many historical and cultural sites in the State of Kosrae are on private land. For most of them, you need to contact the landowners before your visit. Get in touch at least two weeks before your arrival, directly with the landowners, through a designated tour guide, or by asking the Kosrae State Historic Preservation Office. The Office recommends confirming arrangements before your visit. Factor this lead time into your plans for such visits.

Wiya Bird Cave in Kosrae is right beside a main road. At the foot of the cave, locals use guano that has accumulated over decades as a nutrient-rich additive in home gardens in villages throughout Kosrae.

Pohnpei: Basalt, Caves and Waterfalls

Nan Madol comprises 92 islands across 222 acres (90 hectares); basalt blocks form its walls and buildings. At Pahn Takai Cave and Falls, a 30-minute hike through the rainforest leads to a large overhanging cave and a waterfall.

At the foot of Kepirohi Falls is a large, open pool where visitors and locals swim. At Liduduhniap Falls, a short walk leads to a large pool, thatched huts and a picnic area. Above the falls, this area offers views of the waterfall, tropical jungle and a mountain valley. Lehn-Paipohn Falls is a good place to observe the local plant and bird life.

Chuuk: Caves and Wreck Diving

At Nefo Cave & Old Japanese Gun, visitors can explore a series of caves on foot and see the well-preserved remains of a large artillery gun used by the Japanese during World War II. Chuuk Lagoon offers a different kind of experience: wreck dives to the sunken ships of the Japanese Fourth Imperial Fleet. These are distinct options: exploring caves on foot and seeing an artillery relic on land, or wreck diving to sunken ships in the lagoon.

Discover more destinations: Yap, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk, Norfolk Island, Cocos Island, Marshall Islands, Northern Mariana Islands.

Back to the main travel overview: Oceania.