Travel to the Federated States of Micronesia – Episode 969

Hear about travel to Kosrae and Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia as the Amateur Traveler talks to Lexie Brown from @lexienicolebrown on Instagram about her explorations of this remote island country.

Why should you go to the Federated States of Micronesia?

Lexie says, “It is a place that’s so unique, and, I think, unmatched when it comes to experiencing ancient Micronesian culture. And what’s interesting about the FSM is that there are four states, and each of those states is made up of either one island or over a hundred islands, split up in a lagoon. So it’s very diverse and even because each state is so far apart, they have their own language and their own culture.”

Lexie recommends an itinerary that focuses on Kosrae and Pohnpei, two of the four states that make up the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)

Suggested Itinerary Overview

Duration: About one week
Route:

• Start in Kosrae for nature, hiking, and ancient ruins
• Continue to Pohnpei for waterfalls, diving, and the famous Nan Madol ruins
• (Optional extensions: Yap for traditional culture during Yap Week in March, and Chuuk for advanced wreck diving in Truk Lagoon)

Kosrae Highlights

Where to Stay:

• Kosrae Nautilus Resort (owned by an Australian who won it in a raffle)
• Island Hopper Hotel – close to the airport and convenient for tours

Top Experiences:

• Hike to Menke Ruins: a lush 5-mile trek through the jungle with five river crossings; bring solid hiking shoes (Lexie did it barefoot when her sandals broke).
• Yela Ka Forest, the “redwood of Micronesia.”
• Rainbow Eucalyptus trees along jungle trails.
• Sipyen Waterfall: a short, rocky trail to a swimming hole.
• Mangrove boat tour to Bully Hays Landing for views of Mount Finkol.
• Wiya Bird Cave: a cavern filled with thousands of birds, near the airport.
• Layla (Leluh) Ruins: easily reached on foot from the Nautilus Resort.
• Mount Finkol hike: a demanding 10-hour climb (experienced hikers only).

Local Flavors:

• Carbonated Kosrae coconuts with fizzy coconut water.
• Fish soup made with coconut, rice, bananas, and taro.
• Banana empanada pastries are sold roadside.
• Ice srimet: frozen coconut dessert similar to a popsicle.
• Kosrae chili salt as a local souvenir.

Tips:

• Rent a car (roads are rough and taxis are shared).
• U.S. dollars and English are used.
• Expect frequent rain and pack accordingly.

Pohnpei Highlights

Where to Stay:

• Mangrove Bay Hotel (home of the Pohnpei Surf Club and excellent restaurant)
• Sea Breeze Hotel, Ocean View Plaza Hotel, or Paranuii Resort (Nui Resort) for overwater bungalows near Nan Madol

Top Experiences:

• Nan Madol: UNESCO-listed stone city built on canals 900 years ago; reachable by car and a short hike.
• The Six Waterfalls Hike: 5-hour muddy adventure through lush jungle.
• Sokehs Ridge Trail: WWII lookout with rusted tanks and sweeping views.
• Kepirohi Waterfall: easily accessible, with bright lavender and yellow gemstones in the riverbed.
• Pilen Seleur Eel Pools: locals feed eels sardines; visible at certain waterfalls.
• Manta Road dive/snorkel: famous cleaning station for manta rays.
• Pohnrakied Village: for handicrafts such as wood carvings and Micronesian skirts.

Local Flavors:

• Ice pahr: the Pohnpei version of Ice srimet, a frozen coconut treat.
• Mangrove crab for adventurous eaters.
• Pohnpei pepper is spicy and aromatic, a must-buy souvenir

Transportation & Logistics:

• $1 shared taxi rides per person from one village to the next across the island.
• Pay local landowners small fees to access trails and waterfalls.
• Expect curvy, narrow, and occasionally muddy roads.

Travel Logistics

• Arrive via United Airlines’ Island Hopper route from Honolulu to Guam, stopping at the islands along the way.
• Allow extra days in case of flight delays or weather interruptions.
• Pay the $25 cash departure fee when leaving FSM.
• U.S. citizens only need a passport; others must apply for a permit if staying more than 30 days.

Sponsors

Go to Quince.com/traveler for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns!

This week’s show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel here.

Go to livekindred.com and use code TRAVELER to join for free. Plus, you’ll earn 5 nights of travel credit just for signing up!

For simple, online access to personalized and affordable care for Hair Loss, ED, Weight Loss, and more, visit Hims.com/TRAVEL.

subscribe: rss feed | Apple podcasts

right click here to download (mp3)

Show Notes

Lexie’s Instagram
The Federated States of Micronesia: My Adventures on Kosrae and Pohnpei
Travel to Micronesia – Episode 128 – Amateur Traveler
Travel to Micronesia (Kiribati, Tuvalu, Nauru) (Podcast) – Amateur Traveler
Federated States of Micronesia
Kosrae
Pohnpei State
What Is United Airlines’ Island Hopper Service?
Kosrae Nautilus Resort
Island Hopper, Yepan
Leluh archaeological site
Hiking to Menke Ruins
Menke Ruins tour with Antilog Vacations at Kosrae, Micronesia
Eucalyptus deglupta
Terminalia carolinensis
Yela Ka Forest
Kosrae Waterfalls
Wiya Bird Cave
Mangrove Bay Hotel
Sea Breeze Hotel
Ocean View Plaza Hotel
Paranuii Resort
Nan Madol
Pohnpei Surf Club – Island Tours in Micronesia
The Six Waterfalls Hike
Sokehs Ridge Trail
Manta Road dive site
Kepirohi Waterfall
Pilen Seleur Eel Pools
Pohnrakied Village, Pohnpei (crafts)

Community

Amateur Traveler Trips