Stone Money and Living Culture
Hundreds of stone money pieces are scattered across Yap Proper; larger pieces are displayed outdoors in stone money houses in the villages. In Colonia, the Yap Living History Museum preserves Yap’s cultural heritage through exhibits and demonstrations of living culture. The cultural experience ranges from outdoor stone money pieces to demonstrations at the museum.
Hiking Trails with Different Highlights
Short hikes beginning in central Colonia follow old stone paths past Rai stone money discs and a stone money house. Since the paths and land are private, ask locally for directions before setting out. Local guidance is especially helpful for planning a considerate visit to these trails.
The moderately challenging Tamilyog Trail can be completed in less than an hour; the actual duration varies depending on visitors and conditions. The also moderately challenging Malway Trail in Fanif Municipality is about two miles (3 km) long. Orchids, hibiscus, ixoras, crotons and mushrooms are among the plants that grow along the trail. The two routes offer different points of reference for planning: a possible duration is given for the Tamilyog Trail, while the approximate length is given for the Malway Trail.
An uphill hike along the road to the wind turbines, with views of Colonia, leads to a lookout over Colonia and the bay. Relics and hiding places from World War II are located on the hillside along this hiking route and are marked with explanatory signs. Confirm current access to this route locally.
Through the Mangroves and the Tagireeng Channel
A boat ride of about 15 minutes from Colonia to Rumung passes through mangrove forests, along the German-built Tagireeng Channel and out to the open sea. Check the schedule and availability of the ride before planning. Kayak tours also pass through mangrove forests and the narrow Tagireeng Channel; confirm arrangements and access locally. The mangroves and channel thus feature in two different water experiences: the described route to Rumung and kayak tours.
Traditional Skills and Local Knowledge
On the Toruw tour, visitors can learn traditional skills such as making coconut rope, building ocean-going canoes and traditional navigation. In Toruw in northern Yap, there is also an opportunity to learn about local remedies from a traditional healer during a tour and to sample local dishes prepared by the healer. Confirm the availability of Toruw tours locally. The topics range from craftsmanship and navigation to remedies and prepared dishes.
Tidal Fish Weirs and Historical Sites
The traditional Aech tidal fish weir in Gachpar is still in use. At low tide, visitors can climb into the stone fish trap, catch fish and have their catch cleaned and prepared on site by a community guide. Confirm arrangements before your visit. In Gagil Municipality, a tour to an Aech tidal fish weir can be arranged; visitors can catch fish, have them prepared on site, and snorkel and swim. Confirm arrangements for this tour before your trip.
Several American memorials and Japanese wreck sites can also be visited on Yap. Historical markers and explanatory signs identify these sites. Together with the relics and hiding places on the hiking hillside, they offer further ways to explore Yap’s World War II history.
The Manta Ray Sanctuary
Yap’s manta ray sanctuary was established by law in 2008 and protects the habitat of its resident manta ray population up to 12 miles (19.3 km) offshore. It covers 8,243 square miles (21,350 km²) and consists of 16 main islands and atolls as well as 145 small islands.
Discover more destinations: Yap, Ulithi, Chuuk, Pohnpei.
Return to the main travel overview: Micronesia.
