MICRONESIA
Pohnpei
This is the largest island in
the Eastern Caroline Group
and the capital of the FSM.
It fits the typical South Sea island image
with lush vegetation, abundant rainfall
and tumbling waterfalls. Unlike other
Micronesian islands it has tropical jungles,
mist-covered mountains, one of the
healthiest mangrove swamps and exotic
flora in the Pacific.
Situated in the northwestern Pacific, it is
880 metres high, 21 kilometres wide and
shaped somewhat like a circular tent. Also
known as the garden island of Micronesia,
its boldest landmarks are Sokehs Rock
and Nan Madol.
Nan Madol is an ancient stone city built
164 www.paradisesonline.com
on the tidal flats of the eastern part
of Pohnpei. There are approximately
100 artificial islets constructed of basalt
logs of various sizes up to 70 tons each –
making Nan Madol the largest and one of
the most mysterious archaeological sites
in the Pacific.
The first European to visit the island group
was Spaniard Diego de Rocha in 1526.
The islands were originally called the New
Philippines until 1696 when they were
renamed the Caroline Islands. Occupied
by Spain, Germany, Japan and the USA,
Pohnpei experienced 100 years of foreign
rule because it proved to be an ideal
supply stop for the Pacific expeditions.
Pohnpeian is the native language,
however; both English and Pohnpeian are
used in business.
Archaeologists and engineers are
attempting to discover more about the
race which constructed the island city of
Nan Madol. The stone fortress was built
on a reef south-east of Temwen Island
by the rulers of Pohnpei around 500
AD until it was taken over by Isokelekel,
the warrior who installed the present
traditional system in the 1520s. Nan
Madol is reached by boat from the main
town of Kolonia about 45 minutes away.
It's a full day boat tour which includes a
visit to the spectacular Keprohi Waterfall
and snorkelling in the lagoon.
A 20–minute ride out of Kolonia takes you
to the Nanpil River where further along
are the spectacular Liduduhniap Twin
Waterfalls, complete with thatched huts
where you can picnic in a jungle setting.