Yap: Stone Money, Hiking Trails and Living Culture

On Yap, you’ll encounter cultural heritage in villages, on hiking trails and on excursions on the water. Hundreds of Rai stone money pieces are scattered across Yap Proper; larger pieces are displayed outdoors in stone money houses in the villages. The traditional stone money is called Raay or Feaq and is still used today. It can be seen especially in the traditional village centers on Yap Proper.

Culture and History on Yap

In Colonia, the Yap Living History Museum preserves Yap’s cultural heritage through exhibits and demonstrations of living culture. Several American memorials and Japanese wreck sites can also be visited. Historical markers and interpretive signs provide information about the sites.

You can also encounter history on a hike overlooking Colonia: the uphill path along the road to the wind turbines leads to a viewpoint over Colonia and the bay. Relics and hideouts from World War II lie along the hillside on this route and are marked with interpretive signs. Check locally for current access to the route.

Hiking Trails and Nature

Short walks start in the center of Colonia and follow old stone paths past Rai stone money discs and a stone money house. Since the paths and land are privately owned, ask locally for directions before setting out.

The Tamilyog Trail is a moderately difficult hike that can be completed in less than an hour. The actual duration may vary depending on visitors and conditions. The approximately two-mile (3 km) Malway Trail in the municipality of Fanif is also moderately difficult. Along the trail, you’ll find orchids, hibiscus, ixoras, crotons and mushrooms, among other plants. A trail length is provided for this route, but not a walking time.

A nature reserve unique to Yap is the Manta Ray Sanctuary. Established by law in 2008, it protects the habitat of the resident manta ray population up to 12 miles (19.3 km) offshore. The sanctuary covers 8,243 square miles (21,350 km²) and consists of 16 main islands and atolls, as well as 145 small islands.

Water Excursions and Local Traditions

The approximately 15-minute boat ride from Colonia to Rumung passes through mangrove forests, along the German-built Tagireeng Canal and out to the open sea. Check locally on schedules and arrangements when planning your trip. Kayak tours on Yap also pass through mangrove forests and the narrow Tagireeng Canal; confirm local arrangements and access.

On the Toruw tour, visitors can learn traditional skills, including making coconut rope, building ocean-going canoes and traditional navigation. Check locally to confirm whether the tour is available. A tour in Toruw in northern Yap also offers the opportunity to learn about local remedies from a traditional healer and try local dishes prepared by the healer. It’s also a good idea to confirm arrangements for this tour in advance.

In Gachpar, visitors can enter the traditional Aech tidal fish weir at low tide, catch fish and have their catch cleaned and prepared on site by a community guide. Confirm arrangements with the community contact before your visit. Separately, a tour to an Aech tidal fish weir can be arranged in the municipality of Gagil. Visitors can catch fish and have them prepared on site, as well as snorkel and swim. Confirm tour arrangements before your trip.

For the routes and tours mentioned, it’s worth planning for any required access and arrangements.

Discover more destinations: Ulithi, Yap, Pohnpei, Chuuk.

For the main travel overview: Micronesia.