Top 4 Recommended Tourist Spots in Pohnpei! The Mysterious Island of Micronesia

Located near the equator in the Western Pacific, Pohnpei Island is home to the capital of the Federated States of Micronesia and is rich in tropical rainforest nature.

Pohnpei Island is filled with fascinating attractions, including mysterious offshore ruins recognized as a World Heritage Site and atolls in crystal-clear waters that captivate visitors! This time, we have carefully selected four must-visit tourist spots where you can fully enjoy the island’s natural beauty.

1. Nan Madol Ruins

A must-visit attraction in Pohnpei is the Nan Madol Ruins, a famous tourist site that was officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.

Located in the southeastern part of Pohnpei, Nan Madol is the remains of an ancient city built between the 6th and 16th centuries. Spanning a vast area of 1,500m × 600m, it consists of 92 artificial islets scattered across the shallow waters. These islets served various purposes, including royal residences, tombs, and meeting places, with people traveling between them using canoes.

Nan Madol is also known for its many mysteries. The ruins feature massive stone structures stacked on top of artificial islands. However, how these enormous stones were transported to the site remains a mystery, as the people of that time had no written records.

Visitors usually access the ruins by boat during high tide. Since the water level rises, it is recommended to wear clothing that can get wet.

2. Kepirohi Waterfall

Pohnpei Island has over 40 waterfalls, but the most popular among tourists is Kepirohi Waterfall.

As one of Pohnpei’s most famous waterfalls, Kepirohi Waterfall is located about 50 minutes by car from the island's central town, Kolonia. Its easy accessibility and proximity to Nan Madol Ruins make it a popular sightseeing spot often visited together with the ruins.

After parking the car, visitors must walk for about 10 minutes through a lush forest path to reach the waterfall. Kepirohi Waterfall is 20 meters high and 30 meters wide. Since Pohnpei receives abundant rainfall, the waterfall always has a powerful and impressive flow.

The rugged black rocks surrounding the waterfall are made of basalt, the same material used in the Nan Madol Ruins. While visitors can climb these rocks to get a closer view of the falls, they can be very slippery, so caution is advised!

The pool beneath the waterfall is about 3 meters deep, making it suitable for swimming. This pool is also known for being home to large eels, which are considered sacred messengers of the gods in Pohnpei. If tourists feed them, they often emerge from the water.

3. Sokehs Mountain

Visible even from the airport, Sokehs Mountain stands at 280 meters tall. The prominent rock jutting out from the front of the mountain is Sokehs Rock, a well-known symbol of Pohnpei Island. The trailhead is just a 10-minute drive from Kolonia, the island’s main town. From there, visitors can hike to the summit, making it a popular hiking destination for tourists. The steep trails can be challenging, but the breathtaking panoramic views from the top make the effort worthwhile.

From the summit, visitors can enjoy a stunning view of Kolonia town, the airport, and the vast, beautiful blue ocean. On the way up, hikers will pass through a plateau called "Paun Trap", which means "Big Hill" in the Pohnpeian language. This area was once a military base for the Japanese army during World War II, and remnants such as gun emplacements can still be seen today. Enjoy the natural beauty of Pohnpei Island while reflecting on its historical past.

4. Ant Atoll

A trip to Pohnpei Island wouldn’t be complete without enjoying the ocean! Ant Atoll is a must-visit tropical paradise and one of the best sightseeing spots in Pohnpei. Located southwest of the island, it takes about 1.5 hours by boat from Kolonia to reach this pristine, uninhabited atoll. Surrounded by untouched nature, its breathtaking beauty is beyond words. The crystal-clear emerald waters of Micronesia, combined with its pure white sandy beaches, create an idyllic paradise.

Ant Atoll is famous for diving and snorkeling, attracting many visitors looking to explore its stunning coral reefs and vibrant marine life. The waters around Pohnpei are home to a wide variety of fish species, making fishing another exciting activity—beginners can even catch fish with ease! If you're lucky, you may also spot manta rays, dolphins, and sea turtles!

◎ Summary of Pohnpei Island's Tourist Spots

Did Pohnpei Island’s charm come across to you? The Nan Madol Ruins captivate even those who have explored historical sites around the world, as they are filled with legends and mysteries. The massive stone structures, which locals believe were transported using magic, are definitely worth seeing!

Although Pohnpei Island is not yet a major tourist destination for Japanese visitors, this means you can explore at your own pace without the crowds. Why not have the paradise-like Ant Atoll all to yourself? This journey will surely leave you with an indescribable sense of wonder!

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Top 4 Recommended Tourist Spots in Pohnpei! The Mysterious Island of Micronesia