On Ulithi Atoll, storytelling is an essential part of tradition and culture. Travel planning also includes getting there and possibly continuing on to Mogmog. Yap is the broader travel destination; the regional examples below refer explicitly to Yap, not Ulithi.

Storytelling traditions on Ulithi

Storytelling is an essential part of the tradition and culture of the people of Ulithi Atoll. Traditionally, knowledge and history were passed on through stories in the evening, after families had eaten together. Storytelling traditions therefore describe not only individual myths, but also a way of passing on knowledge and history. One specific, dated example comes from June 2018: elders from each of the four inhabited islands told foundational myths of Ulithian culture for a project booklet. Thus, a long-established practice and a single gathering clearly situated in time stand side by side.

An expedition report by the Oceanic Society says that participants experienced a dance evening on each of their visits to Ulithi. Each was organized by a women’s group or a men’s group from the island. This is an account of those expedition participants’ experiences.

Getting there and continuing on to Mogmog

Pacific Missionary Aviation (PMA) flies to Ulithi and has room for a maximum of nine passengers. Capacity and service details may change, so confirm the current connection and available space before your trip.

If you would like to continue on to Mogmog, a boat from Mogmog should be waiting when you arrive on Ulithi to take visitors to the island. Treat this transfer as an expected arrangement, not a guaranteed service or set schedule, and coordinate your arrival in advance. Anyone arriving in Ulithi from Yap on the Field Trip Ship and wishing to continue on to Mogmog should let the people of Mogmog know in advance that they will be arriving as visitors. The ship is described as the only Field Trip Ship in Yap.

Yap as regional context

The following cultural and landscape examples relate to Yap, not Ulithi. Hundreds of stone money pieces are scattered across Yap Proper; larger pieces are displayed in stone money houses in the villages, out in the open. The Yap Living History Museum was established in Colonia in 2005 to preserve and present Yap’s cultural heritage and history through exhibits and demonstrations of living culture. The comparison highlights two distinct forms of cultural presence: stone money in village spaces and preservation through exhibits and demonstrations at a museum.

Yap also offers different hiking options. The moderately difficult Tamilyog Trail can be completed in less than an hour; the actual time may vary depending on the person and conditions. Another hike climbs along the road to the wind turbines, with views of Colonia and a lookout point over Colonia and the bay. Remnants and hideouts from World War II lie along the hillside route and are marked with information signs. Confirm access to the route locally. Shorter hikes starting in central Colonia follow old stone paths past Rai stone money discs and a stone money house. Since paths and land are private, it is advisable to ask for a local guide.

Discover more destinations: Yap

Go to the broader travel overview: Yap.