PONPEI STATE
The state of Pohnpei includes the largest island of the country – the island of Pohnpei (area 334 sq. km), and more than 20 islands and atolls. On the island of Pohnpei, the capital of the state is located – the city of Palikir , where the government meets and most government offices are located. 8 km from the city of Palikir is the administrative center of the state of Pohnpei – the city of Kolonia. Most of the hotels and the airport are concentrated in Kolonia.
Along the coastline of Pohnpei there is a ring road, traveling along it, you can see sandy beaches, mangroves in river deltas and mountains covered with forests. On the island of Pohnpei is the highest point in the country – Mount Nana Laud (798 m). This is one of the wettest places on the planet, with up to 9000 mm of precipitation per year. About 40 rivers originate on Mount Nana Laud. On most of them, picturesque waterfalls have formed, falling into natural pools where you can swim. The island’s most popular waterfalls are Keprokhi, Sauvartik and Lidudunlap. Next to them, campsites have been created, which are houses built in the traditional style, where you can relax.
According to Top-mba-universities, off the southeast coast of the island Pohnpei near the island of Temen on the coastal coral reef are the ruins of the ancient stone city of Nan Madol. The local fortifications date back to the 13th century. All of them are built of coral rubble and lined with huge basalt slabs, which the ancient Micronesians brought to the reef on rafts. Nan Madol is called the Venice of the Pacific, because this ancient royal city is full of canals separating the islands of the reef. The ruins can be reached by boat from the city of Colonia. The tour lasts all day and also includes a visit to the waterfalls of Pohnpei Island and snorkeling in the lagoon.
Also on the island of Pohnpei interesting basalt rock Sohes 180 m high, which is shaped like a human face, the remains of the wall of the Spanish fort Alfonso of 1899 and the bell tower of the German church destroyed during the Second World War, in the city of Colonia, as well as numerous Polynesian villages where wood carving masters live. Pohnpei Island is a great place for surfing, snorkeling and diving. The underwater world here is very rich – you can see anemones, soft and hard corals, fire corals, sharks, manta rays, sea turtles and many tropical fish. The most popular places for recreation, snorkeling and diving are the Atolls of Ant, Pakin and Black Corals lying to the west of Pohnpei.. All of them are private, so permission is required to visit them, but peace and quiet reign here. In the vicinity of Pohnpei Island there are several dozen dive sites.
CHUUK STATE
Chuuk State is located in the central part of the state. It consists of 15 islands of volcanic origin, many small islands and several atolls, among which is the second largest in the world and the largest atoll of the Caroline Islands – Namonuito Atoll (area – 2267 sq. km). The capital of the state – the city of Veno is located on the island of the same name. Life in Chuuk State inextricably linked with the sea and land, the locals are close to nature. Wood carving is a common craft on the islands, and the local souvenir shops are full of wooden masks and various figurines. The islands of the state of Chuuk are the most popular among tourists. There are many traditional-style hotels and guest houses here, and sandy beaches stretch along the coasts. On the islands of the state during the trade winds, which blow from January to March, you can surf. Sea kayaking between small islands is also very popular.
Weno Island is home to the state’s highest point, Mount Tonachau. (229 m). According to legend, the main deity of these places lives here. There is a picturesque waterfall on the mountain, above which ancient petroglyphs were found on the rocks. Also of interest on Veno Island is Nefo Cave, which was used as a shelter for soldiers during World War II. It has a width of about 3 m, a height of up to 2 m and a length of 26 m. Japanese military equipment and weapons have been preserved inside the cave. In addition, on the island you can see Japanese command posts, systems of underground passages and caves, and hospitals. An excellent observation deck is the Japanese lighthouse, which was built in the 30s of the 20th century on a coastal hill. Chuuk State is a mecca for wreck diving. Its main attraction is Truk Lagoon ., where during the Second World War, during the American military operation in February 1944, about 50 Japanese ships and aircraft sank, which turned into colorful reefs. Now the lagoon is a kind of underwater museum, one of the largest in the world, where many artifacts are stored.
