Federated States of Micronesia：The Touristy Stone Money Islands of the Pacific

The country of the Federated States of Micronesia is spread throughout the Pacific Ocean and has about 600 islands for you to explore. The islands are categorized into four island states namely Pohnpei, Kosrae, Chuuk, and Yap. The Federated States of Micronesia is a heaven for tourists because of its remote palm-shaded beaches, its unspoiled traditional culture and rich biological biodiversity in the four island states. We have sampled ten of the best sightseeing places in the Federated States of Micronesia that will make your stay a fascinating experience.

1. Japanese Zeros (Yap)

Japanese Zeros in Yap Island is a first-rate sightseeing attraction for history enthusiasts. It is spread out to an extensive area of the Federated States of Micronesia. It is region dotted with warplanes, anti-air craft guns and countless remains from the World War II. Most of the remains are on an old airport that plays a great role in the history of Micronesia. You can opt to go sightseeing on your own if you have already read about the history of the Japanese Zeros, but if you haven’t, we recommend that you plan for a guided tour to learn and make sense of each of the remains.

2. Sunset Park (Yap)

There are a number of reasons to visit Yap, the most sightseen island of the Federated States of Micronesia and the Sunset Park is among the key motivations. In Yap, the sea and the sky are huge, and when they meet in the evening, you get the most visual sunset experience. There are no two sunsets areas that are ever the same, but we agree that photos and sights of this Sunset Park are priceless. The park is set on a village along the coastline of the Yap island, near Kadaay. It has a number of picnic spots with tables and benches, and swimming is also allowed.

3. Truk Lagoon (Chuuk)

Truk Blue Lagoon is in Chuuk Island, in the central part of the pacific. It covers about 1,800 kilometers with about 225 kilometers of protective coral reef and astounding shipwrecks from the World War II. Therefore, it offers both worlds of maritime history and marine life. On the land, the lagoon is perfect for sightseeing the rare birdlife of the Federation of the States of Micronesia and the traditional villages of the 19th century. For divers, the best time for visiting is between May and November when the days are warm and stable.

4. Leluh Ruins (Kosrae)

Leluh Ruins is a major archeological sightseeing site with a lot of historical significance to the Federated States of Micronesia. The remains are from Lelu city, a town that thrived in the 14th and 15th century. The ruins are almost similar to those in Tonga. The ruins are also evidence of the rule of the Europeans in the Federation States of Micronesia. The remains are mostly housing, royal tombs, living quarters, and sacred places. However, the key sightseeing attractions are the huge basaltic walls on the west side of the city, the streets and the ancient tombs.

5. Kosrae State Museum (Kosrae)

Kosrae State Museum holds a wide range of exhibits devoted to the historical times of Kosrae in relation to its contribution as a state to the development of the Federated States of Micronesia. Artefacts in the museum include Kosraean beads, tools for crafts, shell graters, weaving loom, and cultural material from the ancient exploration period. The museum is in the government center of Tofol and is open all weekdays except during the public holidays. For a guided tour by one of the staff, the museum requires you make a reservation at least a day before your visit.

6. Rai Stones (Yap)

The Federated States of Micronesia is acknowledged for its money stones, which are also known as Rai Stones. They are the largest and heaviest currency in history and were used to pay for land and property taxes. The stones are commonly found in Yap Island, which was the earliest center of trade. They are large, with the shape of a doughnut and are carved out of limestone. You can find them in most places of the island, but a sightseeing tour to the villages is a highlight of the stone banks. Visiting the villages will also accord you with an opportunity to learn the history and purpose of the stones. You will be surprised to learn that some Yapese people still use them for transactions even today.

7. Kepirohi Waterfall (Pohnpei)

Kepirohi Waterfall is the second most photographed sightseeing spot in the Federated States of Micronesia, after the Sunset Park. The fall is on the lower Mand Stream of Kepirohi Kousapw. The distance to the waterfall from the main road is a 10-minute hike. The pathways are easy, well-maintained, and safe, but you have to watch your step especially during the rainy season. It is a great spot for sightseeing nature, diving, swimming and picnicking. However, during the rainy season, the water volumes swell up and become too dangerous to swim and dive. The period just after the wet season is the best to sightsee the thundering and mighty falls.

8. Mt.Tonaachau (Chuuk)

Mt. Tonaachau in Chuuk Island is one of the seven geographical wonders of the Federated States of Micronesia listed in the national register of historical sightseeing places. The mountain rises to a height of 1100 ft, rising above the Chuuk International Airport. It is a prominent landmark and an area of high cultural and religious significance. It is the legendary home of the god, Souwoniras and the divine son. When hiking the mountain, you will see the extensive remains of the prehistoric Japanese fortifications. The hiking trails are easy and can be done by any fitness level but are safest during in the driest months of summer.

9. Utwe-Walung Marine Park (Kosrae)

Utwe-Walung Marine Park is named so because of the two villages that it borders; Utwe and Walung. It is a community conservation area with the most extensive mangrove ecosystem in the Federated States of Micronesia. The park was initiated by Madison Nela, an indigenous islander and local ecologist. You can tour the mangrove channels by a traditional boat or trek through the forest as you explore the ancient stone ruins along the paths. You can also snorkel for sights of the hard colorful coral reefs. The Bully Hayes shipwreck site is just a few meters away from the park, thus combining the two to one sightseeing tour is an excellent idea.

10. Nefo Cave (Chuuk)

Nefo Caves were used by the Japanese military to guard the entry to the northern pass of the Federated States of Micronesia. The main cave is actually 164 feet from the residence of the governor of the State of Chuuk, showing the role that it played during the World War II. The series of caves are not hard to access and can be effortlessly explored by foot. Presently, there is a well-preserved large artillery of a gun that was used to guard the entryway. There are other relics on the grounds, but some have suffered the tests of time.

◎ Closing

The remote islands of the Federated States of Micronesia are a perfect way of getting away from your busy schedule. There are no crowds in the Federated States of Micronesia, so it is a bonus for your quiet getaway. It is no doubt that all the sightseeing spots that we have listed will give you an exotic holiday experience.