Micronesia Holidays - Tours & Adventure Travel Guide
PureTravel Says
“The Federated States Of Micronesia (FSM), to give this area its full name, is also known as the Heart of Micronesia. Made up of four states, Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae and each state has their own distinct cultural and traditional identity. Within Micronesia there are hundreds of small islands. Micronesia has become a favored holiday destination with its beautiful beaches and exquisite cuisine. Situated 2,300 miles north of Australia, Micronesia is renowned for offering visitors the chance to dive in the Truk Lagoon of Chuuk and explore the intriguing regions of Pohnpei and Kosrae.”
Micronesia Holiday Highlights
Diving in Chuuk Lagoon - Visitors to the region can go snorkeling and scuba diving in the wondrous Truk Lagoon. The bottom of the lagoon is scattered with the remains and wrecks of over 60 Japanese navy ships and marine vessels that were sunk in a raid that was conducted on the harbor back in 1944. You will also get to witness the beautiful corals and underwater life. The Truk Lagoon is considered to be one of the top scuba diving sites in the world. A good time to go scuba diving is between December and May as the water is calmer and the temperatures are good.
Pohnpei Cultural Center - A visit to the Pohnpei cultural center showcases the culture of Micronesia in its singing, dancing and feasting on some amazing cuisine. Other close by attractions includes the Spanish Wall, which was built back in 1889 as a boundary for Fort Alphonso XII and the Catholic Mission Bell Tower.
Trekking in Pohnpei - Explore the central mountains of the capital city and hire a guide who will be able to take you through the rainy mountains lined with lush tropical rainforests, cascading waterfalls and tall ferns.
Among the other walking and trekking adventures that Micronesia has to offer is ascending Mt. Finkol in Kosrae. It takes around five hours to get to the top of this peak but once there you will marvel at the stunning view. This vantage point is considered to offer the best view of the landscape in all of Micronesia.
Boating and Swimming - The waterways of Pohnpei offer interesting boat journey through to the Nanpil River. It takes twenty minutes to stream through to the river starting from Kolonia. Once there you will find a huge natural pool that is ideal for swimming. As you continue you will see the magnificent Lidduduhniap twin waterfalls. This is an ideal picnic spot where you can enjoy the serene environment of the jungle. The regions of Lelum, Tafunsak and Male are also great for swimming and snorkeling.
History - The islands of Micronesia have some great historical sites that make it a amazing holiday destination for history buffs and adventure seekers alike including the ancient ruins of Insaru in Kosrae. This particular site dates back to 1300 AD and are the ruins of what used to be a majestic city and now attracts archaeologists and historians from around the world. The Ruins of Nan Madol in the capital city of Pehnpei stand in the form of a stone fortress built on a reef and is a good site to visit.
Traditional Arts & Crafts - The four states of Micronesia each have their own culture and traditions which is reflected in their arts and crafts. These make great souvenirs and one good place to buy is in the Pohrakiet Village of Kolonia.
When To Go
Micronesia experiences a relatively constant weather all year round. December to April is slightly cooler and less humid than the rest of the year.
Top Tips
- Don’t forget to pack some great trekking boots and a light jacket.
- Dress appropriately and consider the local traditions and the religious population.
- Micronesia is considered to be one of the safest places on Earth.
Classic Itineraries
- Dive and explore WWII wrecks in Chuuk.
- See manta rays in Yap.
- See Kosrae's Lelu ruins.
- Visit Pohnpei's stone city, Nan Madol.
- Explore traditional Yapese culture.
- Walk the town of Kolonia.
- Go hiking at Pohnpei and Kosrae.
