the Travel Enthusiast
- 17 May
Adam in Amazing Places | NO COMMENTSThe Unforgettable Island of Kosrae
A splendid beach on Kosrae island, well known for its beauty ©Lucas KT/flickr
The island of Kosrae is part of the Federate States of Micronesia. Like its counterparts( along with Yap, Chuuk and Pohnpei) it is also a state. The capital of Kosrae state is Tofol village which is situated in Lelu municipality.
The population consists 6,616 of people and the total area of the island is 110 km/2 .
The official language is both Kosraean and English but other languages(mostly from other neighboring islands) can be heard. The currency of the country is U.S Dollar.
The only international airport is Kosrae International Airport and links both Hawaii and Guam and flies about 2-3 times a week.
Kosrae state is split between five other states and the following are:
- Malem has a population of 1,300 people
- Utwe. It has a population of 983 people
- Tafunsak has a population of 2,173.
- Walung is part of greater Tafunsak.
- Lelu is an area with a population of 2,160.
Traditional food such as banana, sugarcane, breadfruit, coconut, yam and taro are important to the Kosraean culture and meals such as fish and rice are common in most families. The food is delicious and healthy, meaning that most tourists also usually try the islands local flavors and cuisine.
Breadfruit is a popular fruit in Micronesia as well as on the rest of the Pacific ©~L•a•u•r•a~/flickr
Tourism, while small yet relatively developed is also a vital role for Kosrae. The most common leisure activities are scuba diving, surfing, jet skiing, Canoe, hiking and snorkeling. There are more than 50 dive sites around the island.
The vegetation and topography is highly dense. Steep mountains, dozens of little islands nearby, mangroves, canopy jungles and reefs are predominant. The coral reefs are exceptionally beautiful and renowned, and is said to be the most unspoiled and healthiest. The flora consists of different types of Palm trees, Citrus Trees and other type trees.
A quintessential Kosrae view ©Lucas KT/flickr
There is a mountain called Mt Finkol and the road is recommended for passionate hikers because of its road through the vast and verdant jungles. Creatures such as sharks, barracuda and Dogtooth Tuna are the most common fauna.
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travel search by Travelgrove (get this widget)Like Pohnpei, Kosrae as also a mysterious part like the ancient Lelu ruins similar to Nan Madol. Other historical remains are destroyed and sunk pirate ships and World War II era Japanese army artifacts and abandoned systems.
A traditional Micronesian dance ©Dana Lee Ling/flickr
The main attractions of the island are:
- Wiya Bird Cave is a large natural cave famous for its bird species. An example of a rare and uncommon bird type is swiftlet and there currently about 500 of them. There is also a pool which was formed over the decades. Not only it has beautiful surroundings, but the view also is one of a kind
- Saoulung Waterfall is an exemplary tropical sight. Freshwater is being pours all year round and. The base of the waterfall is also a pool where you can refresh yourself and swim.
- Sipyen Waterfall is a 30 foot picturesque cascade that is located in Utwe. It also has a small pool suitable for swimming and enjoying your time. The distance between Sipyen and Saoulung waterfall is very close, being 1 mile discance from one to another.
- Utwe-Walung Marine Park is Micronesia’s oldest and most complex mangrove forests. It also has variety of deep marine lakes, backwater mangrove channels and tiny islands. It is recognized both by UNESCO and the local government as an important heritage site due to its biodiversity. The best way to explore this park is by canoe. The natural wonders in this area has beautiful channels that are worth a visit.
- James Palsis Marine Park. Lagoons and pristine forests rule this area. The ecosystem of the marine park is one of the most intriguing not only in Micronesia but also in the world. Here you can see the vast and colorful reefs thanks to its crystal clear waters. Tafunsak and Walung village is very close to this marine park. The fauna here is lively.
- Lelu Ruins is a phenomenon of the Pacific. It is built by 20 ft tall basaltic slabs that are arranged in order and served as the former capital of ancient Kosrae. The sight is also filled with channels, streets, tombs that dates back to the 13th century.
- Menke Ruins is the oldest ruin in the Pacific, pre-dating even the ruins of Lelu and Nan Madol. It not only offers you ancient history but it also offers you outstanding surroundings with vast natural landscapes and good views. The landscape is called the Menke Valley.
- Yela Ka Forest is said to be the worlds most unspoiled tropical forest. Because there is no traffic to the specific destination, it is largely closed to the public yet still it is worth a visit. It consists of more than hundreds of tree species called Terminalia Carolinensis and freshwater swamps.
- Mt. Finkol Hiking Trail. The mountain has the highest peak on the island(2,100 ft) and is also known for hosting one of the lowest elevation clouds on the planet. This is a perfect sight for hikers although they require a guide and they must be in good shape(the tour takes about 7 hours). It’s one of the wettest place on earth. On the top of the mountain you may have the best view of the island and the road is very appealing, covered by a large tropical forest.
- Mt. Oma Hiking Trail. This is a good place to explore the history of WWII. The caves were used during the the war as Japanese outposts and other facilities. Tropical Fauna as well as waterfalls and flora are credited here. Hiking tours can be made here which takes about 6 hours. The commanding view from the top of the mountain is extraordinary.
- Kosrae State Museum is located in Tofol, the capital of Kosrae. It feautures the Micronesian as well as local history and culture. The entrance is free and open to the public everyday.
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