Pohnpei, MICRONESIA
Airing Date: Apr 7th, 2003
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The islands were formed millions of years ago as the result of volcanic activity. Some are the tips of huge underwater mountains, others are sunken volcano craters which rise out of the water, and some are a combination of both.
Pohnpei, with its lush vegetation, jungle hillsides and flowering hibiscus, is considered the garden island of Micronesia.
At 20 kilometres wide, its also the main island of the archipelago. While there are no natural beaches on Pohnpei itself, you are literally surrounded by tropical isles, most of which are relatively unexplored and uninhabited.
A pleasant boat ride through the calm lagoon will take you to neighbouring Ant Atoll, with its pristine white sand beaches and clear water full of coral and fish.
Another boat ride from the main island takes you to the ruins of Nan Madol, the centre of an ancient civilisation.
This archaeological site dates back about two thousand years to the Saudeleur Dynasty, and has been called the 'Venice of the Pacific'. The area is built on streams of water and visitors can take a guided canoe ride through the mystical world of Nan Madol, once a thriving political and social gathering place.
The island of Pohnpei is immersed in local tradition. Amid the thick jungles youll come across many sakau bars. Sakau is the local kava-like beverage, and the entire ritual takes around an hour to complete. A couple of dollars will buy enough sakau to wipe you out for a whole evening.
The Village Hotel is the place to stay on Pohnpei. Located approximately five kilometres outside of Kolonia, it consists of 21 thatched bungalows with bamboo walls, oversized waterbeds, private baths and ceiling fans. The lack of mod cons, such as TV, ensures you'll feel totally isolated from the busy everyday world during your stay.
The facts
To get to Pohnpei, you'll need to fly to Cairns. Qantas flies to Cairns daily from all capital cities. Prices start at $871 from Perth and $504 from Sydney.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
Travelworld, Talpacific has package deals flying Continental Airlines from Cairns, including three nights at The Village on Pohnpei and three nights in Guam, starting from $1449 per person twin share.
Travelworld
Tel: 13 14 35
The Village Hotel
Tel: 0011 691 320 2797 (international)
Tours to Nan Madol cost from $77 and from $149 to Ant Atoll.
