This remote Micronesian island has human-sized currency and dry forests
The tiny island of Yap is easy to overlook on a map, but once you arrive on this remote Micronesian paradise, you won’t regret it.
The Federated States of Micronesia encompasses 607 remote islands across the western Pacific Ocean. The small island of Yap may be ideal in the cluster of islands if you seek that perfect weekend of solitude.
Surrounded by turquoise blue waters, engulfed in untouched coral reefs and covered in dense forests, the island is a literal paradise. The secret island doesn’t only provide the epitome of a private island aesthetic but boasts a rich culture full of native practices and traditions.
The island’s proximity to the equator – 9 degrees north, to be exact – provides a consistent subtropical temperature of 87 degrees throughout the year.
According to Travel & Leisure, getting to the island is not the most accessible trip. Yap is located “about 300 miles northeast of Palau and 500 miles southwest of Guam” and requires multiple plane transfers and possible boat rides.
The outlet shared that most travelers fly through Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) or Narita International Airport (NRT) before making their final connection through Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM). The late-night flight to Yap International Airport (YAP) is about 95 minutes. Most of the flights that enter the island are only offered once daily.
Once on the island, visitors can partake in several different activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, or fishing. If land activities are more your speed, fill your day hiking through the island’s “dry forests” along the Tamilyog Trail, where you may come across one of its four native species of birds. You can also visit one of the ancient villages where most of Yap’s 11,000 people still reside.
The villages are a peek into the rich heritage of the area. Natives of the island live in thatched-roof dwellings with yards that may contain human-size stone currency. The limestone disks, known as rai, can vary from pebble size to larger than 13 feet. Dating back to the origin of the island, rai was used as currency and still holds social and ceremonial value on the island.
Some families even display theirs on banks near their homes to make others aware of their fortune.
Yap’s proud display of culture doesn’t stop with archetypical currency. Their tight-knight communities are family-centered and often have generations living within the same home or nearby. Traditional dances and ceremonies are held to celebrate births and weddings. Oral history and storytelling ensure their history continues throughout lineages. Women are permitted to wear modest clothing in public, and the predominant religion is Roman Catholic.
Guests are encouraged to visit the Yap Living History Museum and the Yap Art Studio Gallery to learn more about Yap’s deep-seated traditions.
Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her bylines include “person of interest” interviews, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything Beyonce.
This story was originally published April 5, 2023 at 2:25 PM with the headline "This remote Micronesian island has human-sized currency and dry forests."