A Path to Ancient Mysteries, Natural Treasures and Wartime History
On an island where roads are few and often the coast, walking is best—and sometimes the only—way to discover an inland treasure trove of natural wonders, historic sites and elevated overlooks. Those who lace up their walking shoes can discover a landscape that includes rare pre-historic forests, the mysterious remains of lost stone cities, verdant rainforests, traditional villages, mountain peaks, and the abandoned tunnels and fortifications where Japanese and American troops once clashed. Some walks are easy and well-suited to all, while others will bring out your inner adventurer with challenging climbs and guided treks into an area few will ever see.
Highlights
- Best for: All travelers including divers, snorkelers, kayaking and exploring
- Best season to visit: Year round
- Weather: The tropical climate has very little seasonal variation, with air temperatures ranging between the low and high 80s from night to midday, and minimal variations in water temperatures. Dec - May are drier and rain is most common from July - Sept
Things to Do
- Cultural Activities
- Diving
- Paddle Sports
- Mind and Spirit
- Snorkeling
- Spa and Wellness
Micronesia Information
Hiking in Micronesia Overview
Island landscapes range from wetlands to wooded valleys and highland forests. Hiking routes often follow traditional pathways dating back to the days before roads and automobiles. Itineraries range from easy half-hour nature walks to all-day climbs to remote valleys and mountain peaks. Additional points of interest may include the remains of ancient indigenous settlements and abandoned fortifications for the Second World War.
Hiking in Micronesia Tips
For anything more than a short stroll on village paths, you'll want to go with a guide. Some routes cross private property and require permission for access. In addition, trails are not always well marked, and some may require a bit of brush clearing, which where a machete-wielding guide can really come in handy.
Best Places to Hike in Micronesia
The trail through Tafunsak Gorge follows a river walled by sheer cliffs decorated with hanging ferns and orchids and ends at a scenic waterfall. A climb up Chuuk's Octopus Mountain rewards with views of Weno and Pou Bay. The Yela Valley is home to the world's only remaining Ka Forest, where ancient trees rise to heights of 100 feet. A hike along Sohkes Ridge delivers elevated island views and leads to a World War II observation post. Cool off after a hike through Palau's jungles with a dip in Ngardmau waterfall. Follow the ancient stone paths that connect the traditional villages of Yap.
What to Pack for Hiking in Micronesia
Dress for the tropics, but also for the jungle. Many hikes are shaded from the direct sun by forest canopies, but underbrush can prove an annoyance to bare legs, so light-weight long pants may be the best choice, Choose moisture-wicking fabrics and hiking shoes that provide both ventilation and grippy soles. Don't scrimp on the water, and include bug repellent for walks in lowland and swampy areas.
Resorts
Micronesia
Palau Pacific Resort
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Micronesia
Palau Royal Resort
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Passport and/or Visa Requirements
A valid passport is required for entry which must be valid for 6 months beyond your date of entry. The passport should have one blank page for entry stamp. No visa is required for stays less than 30 days. Proof of onward or return ticket may be required. Palau has a $50 departure tax and Green Fee, Yap, Pohnpei and Truk have a $20 departure tax and Kosrae has a $15 departure tax, all of which are not included and must be paid in the destination.
Check Micronesia's entry and exit requirements here.
Immunizations
Thre are no vaccines required for entering Micronesia, but you should always check with your doctor the Centers for Disease Control on recommended vaccinations for travel here.
Culture and Customs
The group of more than 2,100 islands known collectively as Micronesia cover an expanse of the Pacific Ocean the size of the United States but have a combined landmass less than the state of Rhode Island. The region's ethnicity and culture is a mixture of Melanesians, Polynesians, and Filipinos. Due to their historic isolation from each other and the wider world, each island group developed unique traditions and beliefs. Colonial influences and the advent of jet-age tourism have brought metropolitan centers into the 21st century, while more remote out islands still hold to many of the old ways. Yap, in particular, is a land where daily life is centered around villages where the local chiefs conduct community affairs from the men's longhouse. Positioned outside many of these houses are giant stone wheels that represent one of the island's most interesting traditions. While the US dollar is now the official currency of Yap, hand-carved circular stones of up to 12 feet in diameter are still used as the local legal tender for the payment of dowry or the purchase of land. Fishing has long been an important staple of life on Palau and Chuuk. The traditions of craftsmanship once used to hand-build boats and weave palm-fiber clothing are also expressed in such as intricate wood carvings and decorative accessories fashioned from sea shells and ivory nuts. Reminders of the conflicts of World War II are found across the islands, with bunkers, gun placements and fortified caves now overgrown by the jungle, and every manner of discarded or lost war materiel from rifles to tanks lying hidden below the water.
Electricity, Phone and Internet Access
Electricity in Palau, Truk & Yap is 110 Volts, 60 cycles. If you travel with a device that does not accept 110 Volts at 60 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter.
Micronesia has a modern reliable telecommunication system. WiFi is available at many hotels. It is recommended that you check with your cell phone provider to see what international plans are available for voice, data and texting.
Water Quality
It is recommended by the CDC to not drink the tap water in Micronesia. Bottled water or purified water if supplied by the resort are best.
Language & Currency
Yap:
There are four indigenous languages in Yap: Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian and Satawalese. English is the official language of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and is commonly spoken and understood. Many elderly Yapese are fluent in Japanese.
The official currency in Yap is the US Dollar. Yap is famous for its Stone Money which is still in use for traditional exchanges such as the purchase of land or in village ceremonies.
There are two commercial banks in Yap, the Bank of the FSM and the Bank of Hawaii. U.S. currency is used. Major credit cards are accepted by most hotels, traveler's checks are recommended for purchases at restaurants and for shopping.
Palau:
The official language of Palau is English and Palauan.
Currency is the US Dollar (USD). There are banks in all the major tourist areas, where credit cards are widely accepted, at visitor-oriented businesses.
The official language of Truk is English, but Chuukese is also spoken.
The official currency is the U.S. Dollar (USD). There is a branch of The Bank of FSM located in Truk, although the hotel will be able to accept your major credit cards.
Micronesia follows the American custom and tipping is an accepted practice in restaurants, hotels, baggage handling.
Time
The Federated States of Micronesia and Palau to not observe Daylight Savings Time. Yap and Truk/Chuuk are 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+10 GMT). Pohnpei and Kosrae are 11 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+11 GMT). Palau is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+9 GMT).
Location, Size and Population
The Federated States of Micronesia which includes Yap, Truk, Kosrae and Pohnpei are located in the western pacific approximately 2,500 miles southwest of Hawaii, 450 miles southwest of Guam and 360 miles northeast of Palau. The Republic of Palau is an archipelago of over 500 islands in the western Pacific Ocean, the size of roughly 460 square miles. Palau is part of the Micronesia region. The most populated islands are Koror, Angaur, Peleliu and Babeldaob, the capital. About 2/3 of the population of Palau live on the island of Koror.
The population of Micronesia is 104,966 (2016), with 21,501 in Palau, 11,377 in Yap, and an estimated 53,000 in Truk.