Micronesia

Introduction

Morning fare

© assenczo

Stretching from the north of Papua New Guinea to the Marshall Islands almost 1,600 kilometres away, the Federated States of Micronesia take up a good portion of the North Pacific. Due to its tiny landmass though, it is often hard to spot on world maps. Nevertheless, it is worthy of a visit for the intrepid traveller.

Visitors to Micronesia can enjoy spectacular diving, for example the many underwater wrecks in Chuuk. The ruins of Nan Madol in Pohnpei are also worth the trip, providing a fascinating view back to the 13th century Saudeleur dynasty who ruled there. Or if all you want to do is wind down, find a nice atoll and bask in the sunlight. It's the kind of place where you pack your watch away and forget about time for a while. Don't forget the sunscreen though.

Brief History

The ancestors of the Micronesians settled over four thousand years ago. A decentralized chieftain-based system eventually evolved into a more centralized economic and religious empire centered on Yap. Nan Madol, consisting of a series of small artificial islands linked by a network of canals, is often called the Venice of the Pacific. It is located on the island of Pohnpei and used to be the ceremonial and political seat of the Saudeleur dynasty that united Pohnpei's estimated 25,000 people from about AD 500 until 1500, when the centralized system collapsed.

European explorers - first the Portuguese in search of the Spice Islands (Indonesia) and then the Spanish - reached the Carolines in the sixteenth century, with the Spanish establishing sovereignty. It was sold to Germany in 1899, conquered by Japan in 1914, before being seized by the United States during World War II and administered by the US under United Nations auspices in 1947 as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.

During World War II, a significant portion of the Japanese fleet was based in Truk Lagoon. In February 1944, Operation Hailstone, one of the most important naval battles of the war, took place at Truk, in which many Japanese support vessels and aircraft were destroyed.

On May 10, 1979, four of the Trust Territory districts ratified a new constitution to become the Federated States of Micronesia. Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands chose not to participate. The FSM signed a Compact of Free Association with the United States of America, which entered into force on November 3, 1986, marking Micronesia's emergence from trusteeship to independence. The Compact was renewed in 2004.

Geography

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) consists of 607 islands extending 2,900 kilometres across the archipelago of the Caroline Islands east of the Philippines. The island group is located in the northern Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia, at 6°55′N 158°15′E. They are grouped into four states: Yap, Chuuk (called Truk until January 1990), Pohnpei (called Ponape until November 1984), and Kosrae. The federal capital is Palikir, on Pohnpei. Separated from the four main island groups are the islands of Nukuoro and Kapingamarangi, which geographically and politically are part of Micronesia, but linguistically and culturally form part of Polynesia: the languages spoken on these two islands are of the Samoic family of Polynesian languages. The islands have a total of 6,112 kilometres of coastline. The highest point is called Totolom (791 metres), on Pohnpei.

Regions

There are 4 states in the federation.

• Yap
• Chuuk
• Pohnpei
• Kosrae

Cities

• Weno (Chuuk)
• Tofol (Kosrae)
• Kolonia (Pohnpei)
• Palikir, the capital
• Colonia (Yap)

Sights and Activities

• Nan Madol is a fascinating archaeological site on the island of Pohnpei. It's an ancient city built on numerous small artificial islands, earning it the nickname Venice of the Pacific. It was the capital of the Saudeleur dynasty until roughly 1500 AD. Construction of the islets is estimated to date back to the 8th or 9th century.
• Scuba Diving is a major drawcard throughout Micronesia. There are many suba diving sites in Microneasia, including Chuuk that is a highlight for wreck divers, where a Japanese fleet sunk by Americans during WWII can be explored.
• Snorkelling is a good alternative for those without their diving licenses. There are numerous good places to snorkel throughout Micronesia.
• Surfing. Once a relatively secret destination for surfers, Pohnpei has taken off in recent years thanks to a new surf camp opened by a Brazilian expat in 2004.
• Yapese Stone Money are large carved limestone coins, with a hole used for transportation. The coins aren't legal international currency, but are still used as legal tender in Yap.
• Pohnpei's Waterfalls are a good place to cool down on a hot day. Access isn't particularly easy, but some of the drops are quite spectacular.

Events and Festivals

• Yap Day - March 01. The biggest of the island of Yap’s many mitmit feasts takes place on the first weekend in March. Each village on Yap takes turns hosting this unique festival which has only recently been open to visitors outside the island. Yap Day is most famous for the intricate dances the villagers practice throughout the year and perform only once in a lifetime. The brightly dressed villagers perform stick dances, standing dances, sitting dances, and kneeling dances. The Yap Visitors Bureau hosts a reception during the festival’s final days and pays special honor to the guest who has traveled the longest distance to attend.
• Pohnpei Cultural Day - March 31
• FSM Constitution Day - Each of the Federated States of Micronesia have their own constitution day holidays, but the entire island nations celebrates the date, May 10, on which the country’s national constitution was founded in 1979. This is not really a lively festival, but rather a day of rest and relaxation which Micronesians spend at shopping centers and parks on this day off from school and work.
• FSM Independence Day - This November 3 holiday celebrates the nation’s sovereignty and accomplishments since its liberation from its colonizers. Independence Day is marked by all kinds of festive events with music, overflowing feasts and cultural presentations.
• FSM Veterans of Foreign War - Observed November 11, this highly patriotic day in Micronesia commemorates the contributions of veterans who served in the US Armed Forces during the Foreign Wars.
• United Nations Day - Few places celebrate United Nations Day with more fervor than the Pacific Islands of Micronesia. The island of Yap, in particular, marks each October 24 by closing all government offices, schools, and virtually all businesses. Fairs serving foods around the world and international cultural performances also fill this day celebrating the anniversary of the United Nations charter.
• Liberation Day - September 11 remains a day of celebration on the Pacific Islands of Micronesia, whose citizens still associate this date as the anniversary of the United States WWII victory over Japan. The island of Kosrae marks the date with a Mardi Gras-style parade, while Pohnpei’s main Liberation Day events are sporting competitions among the island’s communities.
• Tree Planting Day - As part of the forestry program in the Federated States of Micronesia, a tree-planting day is observed on June 1 each year in accordance with environmental week and Earth Day.
• Micronesian Culture and Traditions Day - Established to celebrate Micronesia’s cultural and traditional heritage, this day is honored on March 31 every year.
• Kosrae Constitution Day - January 11 commemorates the establishment of the Kosrae Constitution. All the villages celebrate this state holiday.
• Lelu Memorial Day - Another public holiday, everyone is welcome to celebrate Lelu memorial day in Lelu village on January 18.

Weather

The climate in Micronesia is tropical, with temperatures relatively even at about 27 °C throughout the year during the day and rarely below 21 °C at night.

Rainfall varies from island to island. It is however worth noting that the island of Pohnpei is considered one of the wettest places on Earth, with an average rainfall in excess of 10,000 mm a year. ^[1] It is in fact unusual to have a dry day on Pohnpei.

In general, the wet season lasts from July to November, when typhoons can strike the islands as well. The better season for a visit probably is the dry season from December to April.

Getting there

By Plane

Continental Micronesia^[2] provides flights from Guam and Honolulu, touching down in Kosrae, Pohnpei, Yap and Chuuk several times a week.

Departure taxes are US$10 in Pohnpei and Kosrae and US$15 in Chuuk. Yap doesn't have departure taxes.

By Boat

There are no regular boat services coming into Micronesia. The most likely reason to arrive in Micronesia by boat is if you own your own yacht.

Getting around

By Plane

Flights between the main islands Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae and Yap are possible with Continental Micronesia. Caroline Island Air also provides some inter-island air services in the states of Chuuk and Pohnpei. Pacific Missionary Aviation services Yap and its outer islands.

By Boat

Two boats, the Micro Glory and the FSM Caroline Voyager, run infrequently between Colonia (Yap), Chuuk, Kolonia (Pohnpei), Lele and Moen and service the outlying atolls from time to time. It is not uncommon for these boats to only run once every few months, depending on whether or not the boats are in a good state of repair. It usually takes about 2 weeks to get from Yap to Chuuk and more to get even further east.

There are boats travelling to the outer islands of the four different states as well (Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae). The field-trip ship Micro Spirit does a (approximately) 14-day trip monthly between Yap Proper and all populated outer islands. Arrange permits to disembark and book through the Yap State Transportation Field Trip Service (350 2240). In the state of Pohnpei, the state boat MV Caroline Voyager offers irregular voyages to the outer islands. Call the Island Affairs Office (320 2710) for fares and schedules.

By Car

Cars drive on the right in Micronesia. Interestingly though, many of the cars on the road also have the driver's seat on the right. Conditions on Micronesian roads are generally very poor and driver education leaves a lot to be desired. It is not uncommon for cars to stop suddenly in front of you to take on passengers or for pedestrians to practically leap in front of the car. Fortunately, speed limits are very low (40km/h on Pohnpei), keeping a reasonable level of safety. Nonetheless, drivers are well advised to be alert at all times. There are cars for hire in major towns, which are relatively inexpensive. A national driver's licence or international driving permit are both ok.

Taxis are abundant in the main population centres and provide a cheap way of getting around.

By Bike

Bicycles can be a very convenient way to get around due to the relatively slow traffic and small distances. Some hotels may be able to provide a bicycle for your use. Alternatively, buying a cheap one for use while there may be an option.

By Bus

There are no scheduled bus services, although it might be an adventure to take the twice daily schoolbus on Yap, which runs from Colonia to other villages and is open to travellers as well if there is enough space!

Red Tape

If you are going to be in the FSM for less than 30 days you do not need an entry permit. Anyone who will be staying longer than that needs an entry permit. For citizens of the United States, Palau, and the Marshall Islands, this entry permit lasts 1 year. For everyone else, it lasts 60 days. You can get your entry permit on arrival, but if you're traveling for a purpose other than tourism, you need to apply for it in advance.

Most people will need to prove their citizenship with a passport that has at least 120 days of remaining validity, but if you're from Palau, Marshall Islands, or the United States, you can use your birth certificate or an FSM entry permit in lieu of a passport (but a passport still works, too).

If you need to apply for an entry permit on arrival, you must present an FSM Arrival and Departure Record. This is furnished by a carrier before entering the FSM. You will need a completed application form in addition to this.

Money

See also Money Matters

Due to its strong ties with the US, the US Dollar, or "greenback", is the national currency of Micronesia. One dollar consists of 100 cents. Frequently used coins are the penny (1¢), nickel (5¢), dime (10¢) and quarter (25¢). 50¢ and $1 coins also exist, but are rarely used. Frequently used banknotes are the $1, $5, $10 and $20 notes. $2, $50 and $100 notes can also be found, but are rarely used.

Tipping is not culturally accepted and is actually discouraged.

Work

U.S. citizens may live and work freely in Micronesia.

Language

English is the national language throughout Micronesia and is widely spoken in the capital cities. In more remote areas, English is less common.

Indigenous languages spoken on the various islands include Trukese, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Kosrean, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoran and Kapingan.

Sleep

Health

See also Travel Health

There are no vaccinations legally required to travel to Micronesia. It's a good thing to get your vaccinations in order before travelling to Micronesia. The general vaccination against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (DTP) is recommended. Also a hepatitis A vaccination is recommended and when travelling longer than 2 weeks also typhoid. Vaccination against tuberculosis is also sometimes recommended for stays longer than 3 months. It is always recommended to contact a doctor for the latest recommendations on vaccinations before travelling.

Dengue sometimes occurs as well. There is no vaccinations, so buy mosquito repellent (preferably with 50% DEET), and sleep under a net. Also wear long sleeves if possible.

Finally, other possible health issues include diarrhea and other general travellers' diseases like motion sickness. Watch what you eat and drink and in case you get it, drink plenty of fluids (to prevent dehydration) and bring ORS.

All the states have good Government hospitals in the main cities. Dental services and private health clinics can be found throughout the islands. It is not unusual or doctors and hospitals to ask for cash payment for health services.

Scuba divers should be aware that there are only three decompression chambers in the Federated States (Yap, Pohnpei and Chuuk). Their availability varies and there is very little experience in treating dive injuries.

Emergency cases may be referred to Hawaii or Guam.

Safety

See also Travel Safety

The Federated States of Micronesia is generally one of the safest countries to visit. However, there has been some reports of crime in Weno, the capital of Chuuk.

Keep connected

Internet

There are various internet cafés in the state capitals, providing decent connections at reasonable prices.

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

To call out of Micronesia, use exit code 011, followed by the calling code of the country you are trying to connect to, then the area area (leaving out any 0s) and finally the phone number.

Post

There are post offices on all four states and are open during business hours Monday - Friday. U.S. postal rates apply, so check the United States section for that.

External Links

• Official Governmental Website