YAP, Federated States of Micronesia -- Mysterious stone money and
12-foot manta rays aren't the only sights guests will enjoy on this
west Pacific island, where ancient culture exists side by side with
the 21st century.
A new cultural center, located on the grounds of the Trader's
Ridge Resort, adds to the visitor experience.
Trader's Village is a replica of a Yapese village meeting area.
It has several traditional-style structures, including a
wood-carver's hut, a women's weaving house and a men's house. In
the ancient culture, men and women lived in different houses.
Tours of the working village are available.
The Ethnic Art Institute of Micronesia, also located at the
Trader's Ridge Resort, is dedicated to the revitalization and
preservation of traditional cultures in Micronesia through
indigenous arts, crafts and customs.
Visitors
can see the way the Yapese use resources like banana fiber,
stringray spines, coral limestone and coconut palm leaves in their
weaving.
In addition to viewing artwork displayed throughout the resort,
tourists can meet Pato, the institute's master carver (appointments
are encouraged).
For more information, visit www.ethnicartinstitute.com.
Recognized as a world-class diving destination since it opened
for tourism in 1989, Yap provides diving enthusiasts with the
opportunity to see manta rays in their natural habitat.
Ranging in size from six to 12 feet, manta rays, although
members of the shark family, are harmless filter feeders, eating
plankton and small fish. Unlike stingrays, they do not have a barb
on the tail.
Miil Channel, where mantas can be found, is 90 to 100 feet deep,
but the ridge rises to within 33 feet, making it accessible to
novice divers. Fishing, boat tours and kayaking also are
available.
The four islands that form Yap proper are Gagil-Tomil, Maap,
Rumung and Yap. Meanwhile, Yap is one of four states that make up
the Federated States of Micronesia. The others are Chuuk, Kosrae
and Pohnpei. The group is located in the western Caroline Islands,
541 miles southwest of Guam and 290 miles northeast of Palau.
Trip-n-Tour Micronesia, with offices in Fallbrook, Calif.,
offers commissionable four-night, two dive-day packages to Yap as
well as packages designed for other islands in the Pacific.
For accommodations and prices for land-only Yap programs, see
details below.
For more information or reservations, call (800) 348-0842 or
e-mail: [email protected]. Agents can order a brochure from
the Web site at www.trip-n-tour.com.
For more information on Yap, visit www.visityap.com.
Trip-n-Tour's Yap package accommodations and
rates
• Manta Ray Bay Hotel
Number of rooms: 23
Rates: From $452.
Phone: (691) 350-2300
Web: www.mantaray.com
• Pathways Hotel
Number of rooms: Eight
Rates: From $375.
Phone: (691) 350-3310
Web: www.pathwayshotel.com
• Trader's Ridge Resort
Number of rooms: 22
Rates: From $465.
Phone: (877) 657-4695
Web: www.tradersridgeresort.com
Helpful hints
Climate: Moderate year-round. May, June and
November are peak typhoon months.
Currency: U.S. currency is used; credit cards
are accepted at most hotels, and traveler's checks are recommended
for use at restaurants and shops.
Clothing: Cultural practices dictate that women
cover their thighs in public unless swimming or sunbathing
(however, going topless is common and socially acceptable). Shorts,
bikinis and miniskirts are not acceptable in town. When leaving the
beach, women should opt for a wraparound skirt (pareo). Be sure to
ask permission before taking pictures of Yapese people.
Official language: English.