Micronesia travel guide

Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is made up of four island states; Pohnpei, Kosrae, Chuuk and Yap. The capital of the state of Yap is Colonia, a low-key settlement with just over 3000 people. Though it's located at the shore, there are no beaches, but plenty of sea views. There are all the things to keep a town going, like bank, police, fire department, court, some hotels, churches and an open-air museum (picture), but else it's a very quiet place.

Eels have a place in Pohnpeian mythology and are considered to be clan members, so the locals don't eat freshwater eels. Eel Pools is a local family's pond, where they feed the marble eels. The eels are not just big, they are huge. Since the eels know the family, the family can touch them, but a wrong move and they might bite (not dangerous, but still). Bring some fish (canned makrel), so the family can hand-feed them.

This stretch of road has several sites, the first one is Gal stone money bank and stone path. The collection of money stones is impressive, though not as big as the one at Gilman further down the road. Mala'ay Sunset Park is a few miles further down on the same road.

Built by German Capuchin missionaries in 1909. It was dismantled during WWII and used for construction materials and fortifications. The congregational church was used for a barracks and warehouse. Most of its concrete floor was removed to built a air-raid shelter elsewhere. Today, only the tower and the back chamber are left.

The German Channel is a narrow and shallow sailing passage through a pristine mangrove forest. The dive boats go this route when heading to the manta sites in M'il Channel.

This is one of the biggest and most impressive stone money banks in Yam. There are stone money in all sizes and the biggest is taller than a man. Many are lined up along a grassy path. There is also a pathway of limestone. There is a sign at the main road, but from there you have to navigate the small backroads yourself. However, both Gilman and Gal stone money banks and Mala'ay Sunset Park are on the same road.

This complex includes three big guns, one with stuning views over the bay on the west side. Some of the guns have taken up to a year to place for the Japanese forces and their forced local labour. The complex lies in the jungle on Mt. Sokehs, but there cleared trails to every bunker and gun point. There are also several information boards, which give some insight into the hardship. The complex and the neighbouring summit of Mt. Sokehs is a great candidate for a day hike from Kolonia. You can also drive most of the way, but the last kilometre is very steep and rocky. But the hike is nice with shady viewpoints.

This historial sight from WWII lies on the way to Nan Madol. It's an overgrown Japanese bunker complex with four big six-inch British Armstrong Whitworth rifles. The jungle has swallowed the complex with trees shooting up and covering the gun barrels in vines. It's located about 10 minutes hiking through the dense jungle from the owners house, and it can be hard to find, if the trail hasn't been cleared for a while.

Kepirohi Waterfall is a beautiful cascading waterfall with a refreshing natural pool. Unfortunately, they are building a less pretty concrete fence and viewing platform, but it's probably to accommodate the increasing number of visitors. As Kepirohi Waterfall is located close to Nan Madol, a tour normally combines those.

The coastline of Pohnpei is covered in pristine mangrove, so there aren't that many beaches (if any at all). But for some island life and snorkeling, go to some of the smaller islands, either for a day trip or longer. Lenger, Nahlap and Laiap (Rainbow) islands are some of the options. Rainbow is a tiny island, which is privately owned by Cliff Hotel. There is one concrete building on the island, else it's just trees and a coral covered beach. The journey to Rainbow Island starts with 45 min drive from Kolonia, and then a boat trip through the dense mangrove, before reaching the sea with Rainbow island in the horizon. The caretaker family will come along and do some spear fishing, so you have something for lunch.