Pohnpei Attractions |
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| POHNPEI ATTRACTIONS The Waterfalls The waterfalls of Pohnpei are one of the island's greatest assets and natural attractions. Since Pohnpei gets more than 400 inches of annual rainfall, confined mainly to the upper rain forest region, waterfalls are well-fed and seemingly always flowing with cool, fresh rain water. Visiting the falls can be a relatively easy experience as some are close to the road and are just a short hike into the jungle. Others are buried high up into the upland forest and flow strongest after a good rain. When these falls are full of water, they can be spectacular but can also be a hike of many hours to see. A good guide is needed to discover and enjoy the more isolated of Pohnpei's waterfalls. Many injuries have occurred due to people trying to climb the face of waterfalls. The rocks below the falls can be slippery and climbing the face of falls should not be attempted as rescue service can be hours away, depending on the remoteness of the falls. The hikers should also be aware that flash floods can occur and should stay away from the tops of falls. The rivers and falls of Pohnpei are mong the greatest of Micronesia's natural attractions and with just a little caution, can be enjoyed and appreciated by all levels of adventurous visitors. Mighty Sokehs Sometimes called the "Diamond Head of Micronesia" in reference to Hawaii's great natural landmark, the Sokehs Rock is perhaps the first and most lasting image of Pohnpei one sees upon arrival at the airport. Sokehs holds a strong place in Pohnpeian history and has seen occupation by the Japanese in World War II. The large rear plateau of the formation is known locally as Pohndolap. There is a good road running up from behind the Municipal offices that leads to a parking area here. A mild hike up an old rather steep war trail goes to the top of the plateau. Here hikers can wander the rear and see big coastal defense guns and Japanese anti-aircraft guns. A new cell repeater has been placed at the forward end of the plateau and the view from here is superb. The stony front of Sokehs, called Palpalap, can be viewed as can the inner lagoon, the many islands, the harbor and Kolonia town. There is also a tough trail up the side of the mountain that leads directly to Palpalap for those wanting a real workout. Sokehs is one of Micronesia's most recognizable natural formations. Birdlife Birdlife on Pohnpei is prolific with feathered life living everywhere from the high upland rain forest to the mangrove forests and the seaward islands. The avifauna of the Micronesian islands comprises 206 kinds of birds belonging to 37 families and 91 genera. These arethe oceanic birds, migratory shore birds and the freshwater birds. So a birdwatcher will have plenty to see around Pohnpei. Some shore birds include the noddy tern, white tern and the heron, which can be seen strutting along the reefs, and from the balconies of local eateries and hotels. Farther out to sea, the frigates, redfooted boobies and the majestic tropic bird, which floats across the thermals, make up part of the offshore birds. Inshore, the magnificent kingfisher, Micronesian pigeon, doves, starlings, a forest owl and sandpipers all comprise the "land" birds, of which there are 39 species. Pohnpei also host many migratory birds that travel from such far-flung locales as Polynesia, Hawaii, Asia and Japan among other international destinations; even New Zealand cuckoo is found here. The official state bird of Pohnpei is the pretty and noisy Pohnperi lorikeet, a small, colorful parrotlike bird that is very active in the afternoons and evenings. Look for them in the tops of the tall coconut trees. Fishing Catch and release sportfishing is becoming popular on Pohnpei for those who enjoy a day at sea. The waters aaround Pohnpei have all sorts of game fish that are both resident and seasonal. These include Pacific blue marlin, sailfish, yellowfin and albacore tuna, mahimahi and giant trevally. Whipping for giant trevally off the reefs of Pohnpei using a light test line is a real challenge for a fisherman. These fish always offer a good fight and help provide for an exciting day. The angler simply casts the lure into the surf break near the edge of the reef and the rich waters of Pohnpei will do the rest as a resident giant trevally will come from the surf line and attack the lure. After that, the fight is on and it's up to the angler to land this fish before it can throw the lure. Landing one of these lunkers can easily take 30 minutes. The "catch and release" fishing saves this resource for futre visitors. While all trevallies are released, some operations allow one fish, like tuna or mahimahi, to be brought aboard and prepared for dinner but all others are returned to the sea. Pohnpei also offers bigger fish like marlin, Very popular are the albacor and yellowfin tuna. Boats follow the schooling fish by watching for birds feeding on smaller fish scared up by the tuna schools. Then the action gets hot and heavy. Ten Great Outings 1. Sokehs Rock Trail The old Japanese trail that goes up to the top of the Sokehs plateau is a steep but doable climb. On the top, a bamboo forest full of birdlife and many war artifacts sits awaiting exploration and observation. A hike across the plateau to the harbor overlook offers one of the best views in Micronesia. 2. Lenger Island This island is a short boat ride offshore but well inside the lagoon. It was occupied by the Japanese during the war and is laoded with old war artifacts. The Pacific reef heron lives around Lenger. 3. Lidudhniap Waterfall This falls is sometimes called Twin Falls and people like to hike back here and then swim in the pools beneath the falls. This was once a traditional place for people to drink sakau. Look for the circular pounding stone. 4. Pahn Takai The site name means "beneath the rock" and the nice hiking trail goes to the falls and then behind it where a cave literally allows the hiker to stand beneath the rock and look out from behind the falls. The trail itself has wild yams, sakau and taro and the cave has wild bats, which leave at dusk. 5. Nan Madol One of Pohnpei's most famous sites and also one of the most famous in Micronesia, most of the miles long complex is still overgrown in jungle. The site can be reached by boat, but the hiking trail through the jungle and mangroves is also very pleasant. This is also a great place to kayak as the canals are quite navigable during high tide and the breadth and complexity of Nan Madol can be fully appreciated by a lengthy paddle through the maze that is Nan Madol. 6. Dolopwuropwur This site sits high on a hill and holds big guns left over from the World War II Japanese occupation of the island. The hike to the many bunkers is short and lined with tropical flowers and ginger. Once up on top, the vantage point allows one to look out at the passages near Nan Madol's ruins. There are also areas for artillery shells on the grounds. The site is located on Temwen Island and local yams prosper in the rich soil here. 7. Kepirohi Waterfall This may be the most famous of all the Pohnpei falls. It is frequently photographed and a great place for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the water. The falls is on private property and a small stipend is asked of those wanting to visit. The local does a nice job of keeping the trail clean and plants flowering bushes like plumeria along the trail. The pools below the falls are deep enough for swimming but should not be dived into. Freshwater eels are said to be found in the waters here. They are considered to be sacred by the Pohnpeians. 8. Salapwuk Waterfall Tour This is a good hike to take with Anna Santos of Santos Tours as she knows the place well. Salapwuk is a very unique flatland located on a high peak area. It is surrounded by lush mountains and greenery. It has one of the best scenic views of outlying atolls of Pohnpei; it is the only place in Pohnpei, and probably in all Micronesia. Locally, it is called the A-6 Waterfalls. The six different waterfalls offer unique scapes. From the start of the trail to Sahwartik and Sahwaralap waterfalls, 20 minutes of trekking through lush rainforests is exciting. There are two traditional huts for overnight camping here as well. The six-waterfall tour is a full day tour and it is an awesome adventure into nature. Comfortable shoes are a must. Bring light clothing, a light plastic rain coat in case of rain and swimwear for cooling off in the falls. 9. Pwudoi Sanctuary There is a boardwalk here that winds through the mangroves and leads to a site that is reported to be where ancient Pohnpeians first tried to construct Nan Madol. The boardwalk allows the visitor to observe birdlife and life on the mangrove swamp floor. There is also said to be a hollow tree that holds a family of sheath-tailed bats, which aren't normally found in a mangrove setting. 10. Ahnd Atoll The atolls near the main island of Pohnpei should not be missed, especially Ahnd, which is great for snorkelers and has some really spectacular beaches. The sea bird life on the way and at the atoll can be fascinating. The corals are pristine and lots of fish, small sharks and healthy corals can be seen. Few people get to see a real coral atoll and this undeveloped spot is a great getaway for the day. |
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