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Pohnpei : Micronesia
Welcome to Pohnpei | Accomodation | Diving in Pohnpei | Pohnpei Directory | Pohnpei Sights
Article by: Kate Mulalap
Pohnpei…so beautiful and distinguished. I know that most of my descriptions center somewhere around beautiful, but that’s just the truth the way a seventeen-year old sees it. Pohnpei is the proud owner of one of the most beautiful habitats to an assortment of wildlife. Pohnpei is the biggest island in the Federated States of Micronesia and has breathtaking waterfalls. It also has mountain streams to shame Colorado, hidden pools and an assortment of flora to shame Hawaii.
There are eleven political municipalities, six of which are Sokehs, Nett, Kitti, Madolenihmw, U, and Kolonia. Kolonia is the capital of Pohnpei. Pohnpei has been referred to as “The Garden Island,” and to no surprise. Lush vegetation covers the whole island as well as tropical forests as well as the springs and waterfalls previously mentioned.
A popular spectacle would be the Nan Madol. It was constructed around five hundred A.D. and some of the buildings have been dated back as recently as 1,500 A.D. The best way to access Nan Madol would be by boat, because it is difficult to see all of it from one point. Many trips are also advisable, for Nan Madol is gigantic! This would be well worth it for I have never met someone who regretted his or her decision to go visit this ancient ruin.
If it’s beaches you want, you should visit the atolls! Magnificent beaches they are. Mangrove swamps cover most of Pohnpei’s shoreline, but a few artificial beaches have been created. If you have an exotic taste in foods, visit Pohnpei, for the pepper is regarded as the finest in the world. Pohnpei is well worth the visit, so I encourage you to visit, if not only for a few days. It will be well worth the effort!
Other destinations : Yap Kosrae Chuuk Guam
Welcome to Pohnpei - Micronesia
Pohnpei "upon (pohn) a holy altar (pei)" (formerly known as Ponape) is the name of one of the four states in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and among the Senyavin Islands (part of the larger Caroline Islands group). Palikir, the FSM's capital, is located on Pohnpei. Pohnpei International Airport (IATA code PNI) is located near Kolonia, on a small island off the northern coast of the main island. Pohnpei island is the largest, highest, most populated, and most developed single island in the FSM. The islanders of Pohnpei have a reputation as being the most welcoming of outsiders among residents of the island group, and the island contains a wealth of biodiversity. Pohnpei is one of the wettest places on earth with annual recorded rainfall exceeding 300 inches (7,600 mm) each year in certain mountainous locations.
Accommodation in Pohnpei - Micronesia
The spacious bungalows contain a king sized or two twin-sized water beds, natural coloured wicker furniture. Large screened windows offer views of the ocean with its beautiful sunsets, and Sokehs Rock, the 'Diamond Head' of Micronesia, across the bay. White lace curtains and bedspreads add to the romantic atmosphere.
The Pwohmaria Beach Resort has the biggest restaurant on Pohnpei - Misko's restaurant includes continental and Japanese cuisine, as well as fresh island seafood. The Sunset Dinner Buffet includes entertainment by local dancers.
The Village Hotel provides a full tour service to its guests, specializing in day trips to Nan Madol and neighbouring islands, cultural dances and land trips as requested - including certified scuba and snorkel guides. For scuba activities, please bring certification card, regulator, and buoyancy compensator.
Near Pohnpei's government and business centres, the Cliff Rainbow Hotel lures both business and holiday travellers with reasonable rates, central location and friendly service.
Micronesia : Diving in Pohnpei
Pohnpei is a maze of coral passes or channels leading from the outside sea into the inner lagoon which provide great diving, and offer superb coral formations, including deep gorgonian fans that grow up to six metres in height. This shallow water is also the place to see barracuda, mantas and several varieties of curious reef sharks.
Micronesia : Pohnpei Sights
Archaeologists and engineers are attempting to discover more about the race which constructed the island city of Nan Madol, the stone fortress built on a reef southwest of Temwen Island, by the rulers of Pohnpei beginning around 500 AD until it was taken over by Isokelekel, the warrior who installed the present traditional system in the 1520s.
A 20 minute ride out of Kolonia takes you to the Nanpil River and a large natural pool where the river temporarily slows down. Further along the same river are the spectacular Liduduhniap Twin Waterfalls complete with thatched huts where you can rest or picnic in a natural jungle setting. A day trip to privately owned Black Coral Island in the lagoon is the perfect way to safely snorkel the reef and for a family day visit, Lager Island with its simple cottages where visitors can stay overnight.
People of Pohnpei - Micronesia
People of Pohnpei :
More than 30,000 people live on Pohnpei, although nearly a fourth of these are immigrants from other nearby islands or foreigners (mostly U.S.) working on the island. English is almost universally understood, although Pohnpeian is more commonly used between native residents. The main town on the island is Kolonia, on the north side.
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More travel related links to Pohnpei will be added soon.
Meantime you may find links on following pages helpful.
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Location - Pohnpei is perched atop the equator in the west-central Pacific Ocean. Its exact location is 6 degrees 54' N Latitude and 158 degrees 14' E Longitude.
Geography- Pohnpei is one of the four states that comprises the Federated States of Micronesia, or FSM. Made up of more than two dozen outer islands and atolls, the state's largest island, Pohnpei, is the largest in the FSM and accounts for almost half of its total land area.
Climate- The temperature in Pohnpei averages 82 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees C) and average humidity of 82% with little fluctuation year round.
Population- According to the latest census, Pohnpei has a population of 34,486, 2,091 of which are living in the outer islands.
Language- English is the official language of all four states in the Federated States of Micronesia. It is commonly spoken and understood by most especially in Kolonia. The unique native Pohnpeian language is still spoken locally and is seasoned by the Spanish, German, Japanese, and American influences of the past 150 years.
Economy- The main economic activities of the people of Pohnpei are subsistence farming and fishing, and tourism is also an emerging sector.
Currency- All of the islands in the Federated States of Micronesia use the U.S. dollar as is their official currency. There are two banks in Pohnpei – The Bank of Guam and The Bank of FSM. Both are conveniently located in Kolonia and are FDIC approved.
Local Time- GMT+11
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Travel light. It never gets cold in Pohnpei, so only lightweight clothing should be brought. Attire is very casual and formal wear is considered unnecessary and impractical.
In Pohnpei, toplessness is common and socially acceptable, but it is considered highly offensive for women to bare their thighs in Public.