Micronesia lies near Taiwan and the Philippines and is made up of more than 2,000 islands dotting the Pacific Ocean. It consists of a series of island states such as the Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Micronesia with its selection of historical sites and beaches is a real treat for the senses. Some people even consider it heaven on earth, making it a perfect destination for tropical family vacations and romantic getaways.
Here is a short first-timer’s guide to Micronesia to give a good idea of what to do on your visit:
How to Reach Micronesia
Four states make up the Federated States of Micronesia namely Chuuk, the island of Yap, Pohnpei, and Kosrae. The main airport for travel is Pohnpei International Airport located on Pohnpei Island near Palikir, the capital of the country.
Due to low tourist traffic and the small population in the Pacific islands, there are limited flights to Micronesia, and getting there can be a bit complicated. Flights may also vary depending on your destination. The good news is that the moment you get there, you can go island hopping between the different exquisite destinations.
Weather in Micronesia
Micronesia enjoys a tropical climate with temperatures staying relatively even at around 27 degrees Celsius during daytime all year round and rarely lower than 21 degrees Celsius at night.
The amount of rainfall differs among the islands. However, it is important to note that Pohnpei is considered as one of the planet’s wettest places with an average rainfall of more than 10,000 mm per year. In fact, dry days are quite rare in Pohnpei.
The wet season generally lasts from July through November when the islands are also prone to typhoons. December to April is the dry season and is also the better season to visit.
Activities and Sights
- Nan Madol is a stunning archaeological site located on Pohnpei island. The ancient city was constructed on several tiny artificial islands that earned its nickname Venice of the Pacific. It served as the Saudeleur dynasty’s capital until around 1,500 AD. It is estimated that the islets were constructed as far back as the 9th or 8th century.
- If you are visiting on a hot day, you can cool down at Pohnpei’s Waterfalls. While access is a bit difficult, some of the drops here are more than spectacular.
- One of the most popular activities in Micronesia is none other than scuba diving. You can choose from numerous scuba diving sites here, with Chuuk being a favorite among wreck divers where you can explore a Japanese fleet that the Americans sunk during World War II.
- If you don’t have a diving license, don’t worry because you can always go snorkeling instead, with Micronesia offering numerous great spots to snorkel.
- Pohnpei used to be a somewhat secret escape for surfers but is now gaining fame because of the surf camp that opened in 2004.
Micronesia is an exciting destination if you are looking for diversity. With its different islands, you can always find something that suits your preferences here.
