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.
A day trip to privately owned Black Coral Island in the lagoon is the perfect way to safely snorkel the reef and, for a family day, visit Langer island with its simple cottages where visitors can stay overnight.
In Kolonia you can see the Spanish Wall, built in 1889 as a boundary for Fort Alphonso XII. Nearby is the Catholic Mission Bell Tower, all that remains of the old German church torn down by the Japanese during WWII.
Also take a stroll into the Polynesian village and watch the 170 www.paradisesonline.com
craftsmen whittle ornaments from locally grown ivory seed.
Most tours operate from Kolonia, and many of the waterfalls and areas of historical and ecological importance can only be reached by guided tour.
Accommodation is in both traditional Pohnpeian thatched roofed bungalows with garden showers, and Western-style hotels. There is no public transport, only taxis and rental cars, but most hotels offer shuttle services. Tourist facilities are clean and the service is friendly.
A visit to the Pohnpeian cultural centres is a must for anyone wishing to experience traditional Pohnpeian life. Each centre has a distinctive program and performances include traditional dancing, singing, music, ceremonial sakau making, handicraft arts, and food preparation.
The village shops specialise in handicrafts and popular items include carvings of sharks, fish, dolphins and canoes.
When it comes to relaxing, try sakau, the numbing local drink which is used in ceremonies and also sold in bars.
