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Cove Team
Cove Team
The Real Micronesia
So many spots on our beautiful planet go unnoticed when they deserve all the hyping propaganda in the world. If you are looking for a new experience in a place you have never been, Micronesia should be at the top of your destination list. Not only that, there is a slim chance you have been there, but you may as well haven’t even heard of it before.
Micronesia is a beautiful country in the western Pacific Ocean, comprising around 600 small islands. It is divided into four island states: Chuuk, Kosrae, Yap, and Pohnpei. Micronesia is formally known as the Federated States of Micronesia. Micronesia is a Greek word that means small islands.
With the diversity found in this beautiful country, you will find out that each state has its language and culture. Yet, they are pretty similar, thus they managed to co-exist since the beginning of time peacefully. Its capital city is Palikir, but there are many places to add to your bucket list if you want to get around this country.
In the middle of the waters, Micronesia has the fascinating properties of magnificent islands. Its beaches are beautiful, sandy with pretty palms scattered all over, creating a picturesque scene where different forms of nature blend. It is also home to panoramic hills, natural forests, and fascinating mountains.
Since you are already here, you are probably a first-timer in Micronesia. Thus, we have made things easier for you by gathering all the best and unmissable Micronesian spots to look out for.
1. Nan Madol
If you want to see something exotic and bizarre, Nan Madol will grant you this wish. It is one of the famous historical landmarks in Micronesia, but that’s not the catch. It is the only ancient city built on top of coral reefs. This beautiful spot has been abandoned so long that the jungles have covered it over the years.
Nan Madol is located on the eastern shore of Pohnpei Island. It served as a significant local political spot hundreds of years ago. Nowadays, it is home to some ancient ruins that seem to tell tales about the time people used to live there, creating an excitingly mysterious atmosphere.
2. Kepirohi Waterfall
Cascading waterfalls have always been charming, leaving the beholder in awe. Kepirohi Waterfall is the most famous waterfall around Pohnpei. The water falls into a warm lake, creating a nice pool visitors can swim in. This place is open to both locals and tourists alike.
Reaching these waterfalls is a fascinating experience on its own. You will be taking a stone path among the lush forests. On your way to this hidden gem, you will come across beautiful tropical plants and colourful flowers that will please your eyes.
3. Lelu Ruins Historic Park
Historical sites are everywhere in Micronesia. Before taking off, one of the best places to visit is the Lelu Ruins Historic Park. This park is home to prehistoric and historic ruins, including some ancient ruins that belonged to what was known as the Lelu civilization.
Lelu ruins remained unrecognized for many years before the European intervention. However, today, they are one of the world’s most significant landmarks, given the prominent information they provide about a civilization that no longer exists but was once potent.
Besides the picturesque scenes of this area, there are several exciting pyramid tombs. They happen to be the burial sites of kings and significant figures. Interestingly, coral reefs played a significant role in the construction of this place. They were used enormously to build the coral tombs of royal figures.
4. Chuuk Lagoon
Corals seem to take Micronesia as their primary home, being more abundant here than in many other spots in the world. Chuuk Lagoon embraces fascinating coral reefs that emit a beautiful, colourful circle beneath the waters. It is mainly an atoll that used to be known as Truk Atoll before it became the Chuuk Lagoon.
Moreover, it is known to be one of the world’s best diving spots. Well, with the pretty coral reefs that form a colourful circle below the surface, it must have a whimsical effect when seen up close. There are also small fish with delightful colours that add more charm to the already charming lagoon.
5. Stone Money in the Yap Island
Yap is another island that the Federated States of Micronesia include within its borders and under its government. There are many amazing things to do and see in Yap, especially when it comes to learning about the culture and history of the Micronesian folks.
You can visit the Yap Living History Museum (YLHM) in Colonia to explore different aspects of Micronesian culture. Yap Island also has sharks and manta rays living within beautifully ringed coral reefs. It displays a beautiful form of marine life as well as nature.
However, the most bizarre thing about this area is their currency: stone money. The Yapese people use stones, more commonly known as Rais, in their daily lives, whether to purchase land, pay marriage expenses, or pay fines and taxes. The dollar has become an official currency in Micronesia, yet many locals still use stones.
6. Yela Valley Ka Forest
Yela Valley, situated in Kosrae, is another beautiful spot in Micronesia that is worth a visit, given what it embraces within its lands. This valley is home to the only Ka Forest left in the world; it encompasses dense Ka trees no longer found elsewhere. Ka trees are short for the actual scientific name Terminalia Carolinesis. It’s pretty hard to pronounce, so sticking with Ka is a much easier option.
If you haven’t heard of these rare trees, they are huge ones with a hollow trunk. Natives of the area used these trees to make their canoes. Moreover, the forest also holds some endemic plant species that you would be quite surprised to see. It is also home to the endangered Micronesian imperial pigeon.
7. Paipalap (Sokehs Rock)
This rock formation, Paipalap, is one of the most prominent landmarks in Micronesia, and tourists from everywhere come to behold its fascination. It is also a perfect spot for eager hikers who like to keep their adventurous experiences in check. Paipalap is also known as Sokehs Rock; climbing to its peak will reward you with some picturesque scenes.
It only takes a short hike to reach the end of the Sokehs ridge. The good part is that the trail that leads you up there is well-paved, making it easier for people of all fitness levels to find their way to the rock as long as they put on proper shoes for the task. Along the way, you will witness reminiscences of World War II, including old cannons and abandoned buildings.
8. Ant Atoll
If you want to have a memorable day trip, Ant Atoll is there to have your back. Micronesia embraces a wide array of atolls embellished with beautiful coral reefs. And while many are hot tourist attractions, the ant atoll remains on the list. It is situated on the west coast of Pohnpei, where it only takes an hour from offshore.
This spot is perfect to visit during the hot months of the year, or even the warm ones to enjoy its staggering white sand beach. It is also home to an excellent diversity of marine life, including sharks, making snorkelling fun. Ant Atoll is a true piece from heaven, with its crystal Azur water blending with the lush greenery and white sands, resulting in the heavenly scenes you see.
9. Tamilyog Trail
The Tamilyog Trail has always been a fascinating hiking spot for tourists since it connects the west and east parts of Yap Island. Moreover, it is the most popular trail in Colonia town, offering splendid views and landscapes. It is a significant tourist attraction in Micronesia that you wouldn’t want to miss if you are into hiking and sightseeing.
This trail is perfectly suitable for people of all fitness backgrounds. While trekking up the Tamilyog Trail, you will come across rare plant life and fascinating greenery and flora, adding a lovely adornment to the trail. You will also have access to some war relics, which tell much about history and World War II. On your nice hiking trip, we promise you will come across magnificent photographic opportunities you wouldn’t want to miss.
10. Kuop Atoll (Neoch)
Another atoll in the Federated States of Micronesia that you should check off your bucket list is Kuop, or Neoch, as it is sometimes named. Kuop or Neoch is part of the state of Chuuk and is the state’s southernmost point.
It is currently inhabited, yet several war relics can be reasonably seen there. This part of Micronesia is also where Operation Hailstone ran aground. It now serves as the largest marine protected area in the country.
