Pohnpei

Introducing Pohnpei

Lush vegetation, jungle hillsides and flowering hibiscus: in many ways, Pohnpei fits the typical South Sea islands image, albeit a wet one, as copious rainfall feeds a multitude of streams, rivers and tumbling waterfalls.

Pohnpei's boldest landmark is the very scenic Sokehs Rock, a steep cliff face often compared to Honolulu's Diamond Head. The ancient stone city of Nan Madol, abandoned on nearly 100 artificial islets off the southeast coast, is Micronesia's best-known archaeological site and should be at the very top of your list of priorities.

Pohnpei's capital, Kolonia, is sizable by island standards, while elsewhere the island is unspoilt and undeveloped, with just a smattering of small villages.

What more do you need? Well, there's the diving - not as unique as other destinations, but still rewarding; the surfing, which some say is among the sport's undiscovered gems; and the small lagoon islands, which lend themselves to pleasant day trips.

Last updated: Mar 25, 2009