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Surrounded by coral reefs, the Pacific islands of Micronesia have a special charm and are saturated with the spirit of freedom. Coconut palms, typhoons, remnants of ancient civilizations and people still walking around in loincloths make you turn away from the hustle and bustle of the civilized world.
Who travels to Micronesia and why
Favorable climate, bright blue lagoons and snow-white beaches with soft sand create all the conditions for a classic resort holiday, and cozy hotels make it even more comfortable.
The “graveyard” of sunken military equipment and the incredible diversity of the underwater world, which have grown into the corals, will arouse keen interest among beginners and advanced divers.
Ancient buildings and ruins shrouded in a veil of mystery, rocks with petroglyphs and Latte stones will captivate fans of history, lovers of antiquity and everything unusual.
Untouched archipelagos with their exotic nature, accommodation in bungalows and huts, boat trips and traditional dances will inspire adventurers and romantic natures.
And, of course, Micronesia will appeal to all those who are fond of water sports — from diving and snorkeling to surfing.
Islands and natural attractions
Pohnpei Island
On this island is the wettest place on the planet — Mount Nana Laud, from which about 40 rivers originate. Picturesque waterfalls form natural pools suitable for swimming. Traditional campsites are often set up near them.
The 180-meter basalt rock Sohes in the form of a human face, the bell tower of the German church and the ruins of the Spanish fort attract attention. This island is the best place for surfing, and the sharks, sea turtles and tropical fish that live in these waters will delight divers.
Kosrae Island
This island of volcanic origin is dominated by a mountainous landscape, the highest point of which is Fincol. Tourist ascents are organized to the top of the mountain. There is also a favorite place for divers on the island, which is ideal for exploring the underwater world — this is a natural karst cave.
In addition to the ruins of Lelu, the mysterious remains of a temple dedicated to the goddess Sinlak are also available to tourists on Kosrai. The island even has its own museum of history and culture.
Veno Island
The island in the state of Chuuk is interesting, first of all, for Mount Tonachau, on top of which there is a waterfall decorated with petroglyphs.
The 26-meter Nefo Cave is also surprising, in which Japanese weapons and equipment have been preserved since the Second World War. On the shore, a Japanese lighthouse of the early 20th century is striking — from its observation deck you can admire the surroundings.
Truk Lagoon
Located on the island of Chuuk, the lagoon hides in its waters the wreckage of ships, aircraft and tanks flooded during World War II, which gradually grow into coral reefs. This underwater museum is of interest to divers.
Ruins and ancient structures
Ruins of Nan Madol
The fascinating ruins of the ancient city on the island of Panpei date back to the 13th-15th centuries and amaze with their scale. Some of these megalithic structures are submerged in water. Palaces, tombs and temples during the reign of the Saundelaer dynasty were a single monumental complex of stone blocks.
Secret excavations were carried out in Nan Madol at various times by Japanese and American archaeologists, and, according to the Micronesians, some of the finds were secretly removed from the island. The locals fear this place, considering it cursed, and no one is advised to stay there overnight.
Ruins of Lelu Island
The ancient city of priests and nobles on the island of Kosrae has survived much worse than the ruins of Nan Mandol: only separate parts of the fortress walls, palaces, tombs, and canals stand out. Historically, these ruins belong to a later period, but they are no less interesting.
The man-made islands, as the scientists found, were connected to each other by underground tunnels, and similar megalithic structures on other Micronesian islands suggest their strong relationship that existed even before the arrival of Europeans.
Stone Park Latte
Ancient pillars discovered in Guam belonged to the Chamorro tribe, who used the blocks as architectural support. Only 8 of them are represented in the park, but they are ubiquitous on the island — and there are many more of them. Images of these limestone and basalt columns are used on the flag and coat of arms of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Yap island stone money
Stone discs with a diameter of 7 centimeters to 4 meters are stored in a special «stone» jar. However, coins with a hole in the middle can be found in thickets and near various buildings. Interestingly, they serve not only as a kind of decoration for the state of Yap, but also as real money.
architectural structures
american memorial park
The park in the Northern Mariana Islands serves as a reminder of the aftermath of the war, when a large number of soldiers and civilians died at the hands and actions of the US military.
On its territory there is a museum with an exposition of weapons, photographs and clothes of that time, a memorial with the names of the dead, a flagpole and a bell tower, which every 30 minutes notifies with a bell that people remember the tragedy of their people.
Cathedral of the Sweetest Name of Mary
The modern cathedral on the island of Guam was built in 1959 on the site of another 17th-century church. At one time, the city of Hagatna formed around it, but the temple was destroyed during the hostilities of the Second World War.
Today, the church houses a statue of the patroness of the island — Blessed Kamarin, and the cathedral itself is a local landmark.
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