Also popular in the three other island-states in the FSM, these betel nuts which the locals call “buw” is becoming a national tradition and obsession. Similar to our modern day chewing gums, these betel nuts are cut in half and wrapped inside a pepper leaf called “gabuy”, and placed in the mouth to chew.  Similar to how people chew tobacco, betel nuts are not supposed to be swallowed. That’s the reason why you can see betel nuts everywhere in Pohnpei. Locals chew betel nuts for a past time and you would notice their quietness as they chew on it. It is said that it’s because they enjoy that moment of quietness. It has also been told that chewing betel nuts can give you a quick “buzz”. You can also notice that person in Pohnpei chewing betel nut ends up having red-stained teeth due to the chemical reaction of the nut that makes it turn crimson red.

The practice of chewing betel nuts in the island of Pohnpei is also another way to socialize with each other. It is said that the elders prefer that their members chew betel nuts while on a meeting as it helps them think before speaking.

“Kabaye lawan u waay” is a popular saying about the betel nut in the Micronesia territories. It means “The wisdom is in the basket.”, and its core message is to take things slow. In that phrase, the word “basket” is used because natives keep a piece or two of these betel nuts in a woven basket and brings it with them wherever they go.

These betel nuts are also the sign of goodwill to their guests and giving betel nuts to the visitors is one way of the Pohnpeians’ way of showing their hospitality

The Pohnpei sakau plays an important role in the Pohnpei traditions. There are no feasts, meetings, or any other important occasions that can occur without the presence of this local drink. Said to give its drinker a sudden feeling of numbness, the sakau which is a drink extracted from the roots of a pepper shrub contains 14 natural painkillers that tends to sedate the drinker.

Termed as “The Pacific Narcotic”, there is an important procedure to follow when preparing sakau:

1. Decide which plant to harvest and proceed with the digging but with uttermost care to make sure that the roots remain intact. This is usually done by the men in the village as they all take part in the digging process.

2. Trim the foliage away from the plant and remove the roots.

3. Clean the pounding stone and tear strips of bark from a hibiscus tree as this will be used as the strainer.

4. After the dampened sakau roots are pounded in to a dry and fibrous pulp, its residues are then strained using the hibiscus bark and you now have a drink ready for consumption.

Besides its preparation, there is also a traditional way of drinking sakau. It is observed when consuming the drink – the first and fourth cups of sakau must always be allotted for the eldest guest. And afterwards, everyone is free to drink however they want to.

The preparation and consumption of sakau just continues to show how beautifully attached the Pohnpeians are to their traditional values.

While there are dozens of sakau bars & sakau markets placed throughout the islands there is one which stands out amongst travelers and locals a like.  ROASDI (also know as Rusty’s Market) serves up the most potent sakau brew in the South Pacific.  Anyone looking to experience Sakau in its fullness needs to include roasdi market on their travel itinerary.

The peo

ple of Pohnpei have a strong cultural attachment to the mangrove forests. Through the ages, these forests have been a major source of traditional medicines and food. This mainly explains why most of the myths and spiritual legends take part or are based in these forests.

These forests are the natural habitat of a variety of seabirds, waterfowl, and forest birds. Aside from the avian folks, other creatures such as the monitor lizard, geckoes, and mangrove crabs call these forests their home. The muddy, root woven floor of these mangrove forests are natural incubators of marine life as well. The Pohnpei flying fox, endemic to the island, used to be a common sight in the mangrove forests. Their population declined due to agroforestry activities and commercial hunting for shipment to Guam where they are considered as food.

Currently, the mangrove forests of pohnpei are being protected by law. Aside from supporting a wide variety of land, air, and marine life, the mangrove forests are also considered as a watershed reserve.

Additional efforts for conserving the mangrove forests of pohnpei are done by the Conservation Society of Pohnpei. Founded in 1999, this group seeks to preserve the island’s natural heritage by encouraging sustainable development. The group’s partnerships with local communities and government agencies ensure the success of its goals.

A Pohnpei vacation will always be a fulfilling experience, especially when you see some of its majestic natural wonders, such as the waterfalls and pristine white sand beaches. In the vast rain forest, yo

u will also discover a lot of peculiar species of birds. There are also many wild flowers that compliment the beauty of the surroundings.

The mangrove forests of pohnpei are not only sanctuaries for small marine creatures, but they also form a picturesque and refreshing view of a part the island. There are also colorful coral gardens that create an imposing world underwater.

Aside from its rainforest and mangroves, the island also reserves a lot of sports for you and your family to enjoy. You can do water sports, such as wave surfing, fishing, snorkelling, kayaking, and water skiing. If you want to spend your time at dry land, you can go golfing, cycling, or play a fair game of football.

When at Pohnpei, never forget to go shopping and buy some of the local handicrafts for souvenirs, such as carvings, hats, and baskets. You can also enjoy a lot of delectable Pohnpeian Food dishes that mixes the eastern and western flavors.

What should be your number one destination for this year’s summer? The answer is the Federated States of Micronesia. Offering beauty, biodiversity and culture, this place offers four different islands for you to visit, each with their own attraction.

First, there is the island of Pohnpei, which has the ancient city of Nan Madol, a group of islets that offer a glimpse of Micronesian history. The second one is the island of Chuuk, the prime destination for underwater divers looking for the largest underwater museum. The third island is Yap, where giant manta rays can be seen up close by the tourists, and finally the island of Kosrae, which offers many Neolithic ruins as well as a challenge for hikers in the form of Mt. Finkol.

With all these possible destinations, it is no wonder that the Federated States of Micronesia is becoming the new top tourist spot. With a booming tourism industry, Micronesia is becoming the new island paradise for tourists.

The states themselves are a melting pot of various races, having been invaded by several countries during the past five centuries. Each state has its own predominant traits and characteristics, making each state unique. The islands are spread over the famous Caroline Islands. Only recently, in 1986, has the Federated States of Micronesia gained their independence. Their economy subsists mostly of fishing, but now they are concentrating on getting people to visit the beautiful islands.

So come on and check out Micronesia—it will certainly be a vacation you won’t forget.

Look no further, because the island of Pohnpei is exactly the dream vacation you’ve been imagining all this time. A lush tropical paradise, Pohnpei is fast becoming one of the top destinations for tourists all around the world, with its many vacation possibilities. Camping, fishing, hiking—you name it, Pohnpei can deliver. One of the main attractions of a Pohnpei vacation is the And Atoll, located at the west coast of the island.

Surrounded by coral reefs, Pohnpei has many beautiful atolls, but the And Atoll stands out among all these. The most diverse and well-preserved atoll in Micronesia, And Atoll is considered an Area of Biological Significance. Home to many dozens of marine species and certain bird species, And Atoll is a nesting ground for many rare animals. There are many ways to interact with the creatures, with the natives offering recreational activities such as snorkeling and diving. Divers will enjoy the breathtaking underwater sight of the coral reefs.

Recently declared as a protected area by the Pohnpei Governor, the And Atoll promises to be a biologically diverse and unspoiled place. If you want to take in the natural beauty that our world has to offer, then Pohnpei had better be at the top of your go-to list.

1. The Village Resort

The Village Resort Hotel in Pohnpei

The Village Hotel Pohnpei is the embodiment of Eden—where both idealistic imagination and realism co-exist. It is unpretentious and serene, thus the perfect place to unwind and relax your senses. The hotel is has its rustic charm that never fades through the course of time.

The resort rests on the most scenic spot in the island of Phonpei. You can catch the breathtaking sunsets, perfect beach front location, mountain views and more. Thus, the resort is the prime choice among divers, tourists and business travellers alike. It is also located 3 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from the main capital buildings.

Cliff Rainbow Hotel, Pohnpei Micronesia

Budget tourists and business travellers will appreciate the Cliff Rainbow Hotel’s reasonable rates, strategic location and friendly hotel service.

Nalap Resort on Nahlap Island, Pohnpei

The Nalap Resort is THE accommodations for divers, swimmers and adventure seeking people. If you want to be as close to the water as possible, than this is the right place. Nalap offers the best Pohnpei diving and snorkelling spots, where you can see colorful reefs and exotic fish. You will have to ride a speed boat for the best diving spots in Pohnpei.

Pohnpei Micronesia an amazing place to spend your vacation. Browsing through the web you will find several Micronesia travel deals that will allow you to explore and enjoy the natural wonders of Pohnpei Micronesia. You can choose from any of the four islands in the Federated State of Micronesia, however we suggest starting with an amazing Pohnpei holiday!

Pohnpei is the biggest and most developed of the four Micronesian islands followed by Yap, Kosrae and Chuuk. An average Pohnpei holiday should include a day or two of water sports. This is because Pohnpei marine life is among the best in the world! As with any average island in the Pacific, Pohnpei boasts of a colorful and refreshing ocean floor that is a sure treat for anyone who would decide to dive and explore the waters of Pohnpei. At the same time you can also choose to surf in Pohnpei. The past three years or so has seen the emergence of Pohnpei as a major surfing destination with great waves that will surely challenge the avid surfer.

Likewise, don’t miss out on Pohnpei’s war and historic relics and be sure to have time to enjoy the sites during your Pohnpei holiday. Visit Pohnpei landmarks like the ancient stone city of Nan Madol, Sokeh’s Rock and the Spanish Wall.

Getting to Pohnpei is easy with flights from Guam and Hawaii through Continental Airlines. There are also inter-island flights that will get you to Yap, Chuuk and Kosrae.

1. Surfing in Pohnpei

Surfing in Pohnpei FSM

Pohnpei surfing is unlike any other—it features the tallest waves and the best rides there is. In fact, Pohnpei has been featured in several surf magazines from all over the world, attracting heavy crowds of surfers.

The best surfing place is at Nan Pohnmal a 5 minute drive from town. One can also check the NIHCO Marine Park in Sekere, northwest of the lagoon. The best time to visit Pohpei for surfing is from late October until April.

Kayaking Adventures in Pohnpei

Rent kayak equipment at Sea Breeze Hotel, with rates of US $2 dollars per hour.

3. Scuba Diving Pohnpei

Scuba Diving Pohnpei

Once again, diving in Pohnpei is just divine—it offers the best diving and snorkelling spots around. One of the best spots is at Nalap Resort. You will have to ride on a boat that will get you to the best spots on the island.

4. Beaches of Pohnpei

White Sand Beaches

Enjoy the tropical gem’s beaches which are encircled by a belt of mangrove swamps.

Buy souvenirs at handicraft shops such as wood carvings, baskets, wall hangings, and more. Watch them being made by the Pohnpeian people and buy them as souvenirs to take with you when you get home.

6. Eat and Dine

Fresh Mangrove Crab Dish

Dining is very cheap at Pohnpei, expect spending only US $ 6 to $7 dollars on lunches, and dinners around US $12 to $20.

Pohnpei, also called Ponape, is the largest island in the Federated States of Micronesia. It is circular in shape, around 60 miles. Of all states, Pohnpei is the most developed. It also receives the largest amount of rain, with 200 inches of rain every year and has not dry season.  When in Pohnpei, expect it to rain every day.  However rain in Pohnpei rarely if ever spoils a vacation, as it comes and goes in short quick bursts.  These short bursts of rain bring the birds to life, and floral scents of the island paradise will bring new meaning to the old saying “take some time out to stop and smell the roses”.

Getting to Pohnpei is fairly easy—you can go by plane or by boat. Continental Airlines is the only airline that flies to Micronesia. Schedules go east to west on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. West to East flights are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. You can also arrive via sail boat, for the state dedicates a nice lagoon for sail boats.

Getting around the island is a little harder, as there are now street names and addresses.  Thankfully there is only 1 main road and it’s pretty easy to get around. Not to mention hired transportation is abundant and well priced.  If you do get lost, you can ask around—Pohnpeian people are naturally friendly!

Enjoy Pohnpei culture, wildlife and activities. Frolic on its many beaches, or you can mingle with the natives! Spend your next summer vacation here, and discover the virginity of the Pohnpei rainforests yourself!