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Micronesia, means "small islands" and is the
collective name given to the two thousand, tiny, tropical
islands, scattered over an area of more than three million
square miles of the Pacific Ocean, between Hawaii
and The Philippines. (Some islands are so small they do not appear on many world maps).
The eight, main island groups, that form Micronesia include: Guam, The
Republic of Palau (Belau), The Marianas, Pohnpei,
Yap, Truk (Chuuk), The Marshall Islands and Kosrae. Each
island group has its own unique cultures, language, history
and attractions.
The islands and
atolls are the culminating result of volcanic activity, which took
place millions of years ago. Many of the islands
are the summits of huge, underwater mountains, or rims of sunken volcano craters, peaking through the
water surface, forming tropical lagoons.
Following World War II, The U.S.A. administered the
Islands of Micronesia as a trust territory under the
United Nations. More recently, the islands
attained self-government, with subdivision and
the formation of: The Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, The Republic of
Palau and The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands - a United States Territory
 Geographical Information: The Islands of
Micronesia are situated north of Papua New Guinea and to the west of Hawaii, approximately 5 hours flying time, from Cairns. Made up of more
than 2000 Islands, the total population is approximately
160,000. Guam, is the largest and most populous of the islands and the
main gateway to Micronesia.
The People: Micronesia was settled about 3000
years ago by seafarers who travelled across from South East Asia. The English language is widely spoken in addition to a number of indigenous
languages including; Palauan, Yapese, Chuukese and
Marshallese.
The Nature: The islands of Micronesia are
geographically, culturally and naturally diverse. They include the high volcanic
islands of Pohnpei and Kosrae, the raised coral islands of
Guam and Saipan and coral atolls of The Marshall
Islands. Inhabited areas consist of local
villages that have maintained the traditional and cultural way of life, with few modern day facilities, there are also the more upmarket,
resort areas of Guam and Saipan offering luxurious accommodation, entertainment attractions and great shopping. Micronesia has some
of the most pristine underwater environments supporting thousands of fish species and
a lush, tropical topside that houses an abundance of bird-life
and flora and fauna.
Activities: Micronesia is renowned for its world class diving. The pristine waters plays host to a variety of dazzling marine life whilst Truk Lagoon is the ultimate destination for wreck diving enthusiasts. Kayak around the many islands or hike to secluded lake and waterfalls. For culture lovers visit and enjoy the experience of traditional village life and for the history buffs there are many World War II sites to keep you enthralled. |
Getting You Started
The Islands of Micronesia are about 5-6 hours by air from Cairns and are situated just to the North of Papua New Guinea and to the west of the Hawaii Islands.
The international country code for Guam is 671, Palau 680 and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is 691. Also from June 2010 there are direct flights from Gold Coast to Palau.
Palau is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT); Guam, Chuuk & Yap are 10 hours; and Pohnpei & Kosrae are 11 hours ahead of GMT.
Entry & Visa Requirements (subject to change)
For transits/stopovers in Guam (US Territory) log onto the ESTA website and complete the online application https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
Cost is USD$14 (subj to change).
Visas are not required for Australian Passport holders traveling to FSM less than 30 days and Palau less than 90 days.
Medical & Health Requirements
There is a recompression chamber in Guam, run by US Navy and two hospitals in Guam. There are also recompression chambers in Palau, Chuuk, Yap and Pohnpei. There is no major health risk in Micronesia. Remember that some medications can make you sun sensitive, so extra care must be taken to ensure that skin is protected from sun burn. Please check with your physician for the best precautions to be taken. (For further details please contact Travel Vax on 1300 360 164).
Currency
The currency of Guam & Micronesia is the US Dollar. Most international credit cards are accepted by hotels, shops and restaurants throughout Micronesia. 1 AUD = approximately 1.02 USD (Jamuary 2012)
Baggage (International flights Ex Australia)
Continental / United Airlines - 2 pieces (23kg each) 1st bag is free, but passengers must pay a service handling fee of US$40 for the 2nd bag per check-in sector.
(subject to change without notice)
Duty Free
Guam & Palau allowance is 200 cigarettes or 454g of tobacco, and 1.136 litres (Guam) / 2 litres (Palau) of alcoholic beverages. FSM allowance is 600 cigarettes or 454g of tobacco and 2 litres of alcoholic beverages (over 21s only). If transiting in Guam you are not permitted to carry duty free items with you to the outer islands. Duty free can be purchased in Guam.
Weather
Micronesia has some of the most uniform year round temperatures in the world, with an average temperature of 27°C. The lowest rainfall period is normally experienced between January to March.
Clothing
The emphasis is on light casual clothing. Swimwear is not permitted in public areas of hotels. Remember to cover up with light cotton clothing at dusk and dawn to prevent mosquito bites. Sun protection is absolutely essential. |
Electricity
110-120 volts, Plug A & B-same as USA.
(for further details refer to http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm).
Banking
It is strongly recommended not to carry Australian Dollar travelers cheques as you may have difficulty cashing them. Opening hours are 8.00am to 12.00pm and 1.00pm to 5.00pm Monday to Friday and closed on the weekends.
Language
Predominately English speaking throughout although Micronesia also has a native tongue. You will also find that many elderly people are fluent in Japanese.
Religion
Local traditional beliefs and ceremonies are maintained in remote areas but Roman Catholic influence is predominant.
Water
The water is safe to drink in major hotels and resorts, however it is always best to drink bottled water. A jug of drinking water is often supplied and bottled water is sold everywhere. In the tropics it is important to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids to avoid dehydration.
Shopping
Guam is a duty free port and there is a large range of goods and clothing available but ensure that any electrical goods purchased are suitable for Australia. Other islands offer local artifacts and clothing. Most shops are open 08.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday, on weekends some shops open with limited hours.
Tipping
Guam, Chuuk & Palau follow the American custom and tipping is an accepted practice in restaurants, hotels and for dive guide services. In FSM tipping is neither expected or encouraged.
Diving
The majority of visitors come to snorkel or scuba dive. The fish life, corals and the many wrecks from World War II make the area one of the worlds leading dive destinations. Average water temperature is 29°C so a lycra suit or a 3mm suit is recommended. Palau states charge small fees to assist with their Conservation programs. Koror State, Rock Island & Jellyfish Lake Permit valid for 10 days is USD35. From 01 June 2012 there will be increases, Koror State Permit (without Jellyfish Lake) - $50.00/person, valid for 10 days. Koror State Permit (WITH Jellyfish Lake) - $100.00/person, valid for 10 days. *To upgrade to the permit with access to Jellyfish Lake the cost will be $75.00.
Peleliu State Dive Permit valid for 14 days is USD25.
A dive permit costing USD30 is required in Chuuk. Dive operators supply tanks, weight belts and dive guide services. There will be an extra charge if equipment hire is required.
Departure Tax
Local departure taxes vary from island to island. Chuuk USD20, Palau USD35, Pohnpei & Kosrae USD17 must be paid on departure. There is currently no local departure tax for Guam & Yap. |
