PARANUII…
Pohnpei’s newest resort sits within the buffer zone of the World Heritage site of Nan Madol.
Nan Madol…
A floating ancient city constructed within a lagoon in the Pacific often referred to as the:
“Eighth Wonder of the World”;
“Venice of the Pacific”;
“Atlantis of the Pacific”;
“Eastern Atlantis”; or
“Mystery of the East”.
I first heard about PARANUII through an acquaintance who works as a civil engineer in the Federated States of Micronesia who shared his magnificent photos. When it was time to finalize my next trip to that part of the world, PARANUII made the list.
And so there I was, on the island of Pohnpei – heading to PARANUII !
Transport to PARANUII from my hotel in Kolonia town was quite remarkable…
First, a scenic 45min south-eastern drive through several municipalities all the way to literally where the road ends.
Then a boat ride along some mangrove canals.
But …because we had left our departure to PARANUII too late in the day…the tide was down and so the only option to get to our watercraft was to carefully maneuver our way over and through the trunks of mangrove trees.
Finally, onto our modern-day canoe…
Then off we went through the shadowy canals lined with mangrove jungles…
And within minutes, out came the beautiful bright sun with blue skies…and there it wasPARANUII in the distance!
Unbelievablesomething I did not expect to be out there in the middle of the ocean!
I could not help but marvel that this amazing place is so close to what some say is the eighth wonder of the world…
Not only was the resort incredibly beautiful but it was situated right next to what locals believe are ancient sacred grounds.
Archaeologists believe Nan Madol was built around 1100-1200 CE but no one has yet determined exactly how, since some of the massive individual basalt stone logs in its construction weigh as much as 100 tonnes and come from a quarry in a region over 25 miles (40km) away!
It was easy to just relax and do absolutely nothing…
Or take a walk around the island and simply explore…
For the energetic visitor(s), the resort also has a number of activities available such as the big ocean swing, the wooden see-saw, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and even beach volleyball and table tennis.
Note: Resort facilities are still under construction including their Pavilion with Teppanyaki Grill and Coffee Bar. Rooms are furnished with 1 queen or 1 king size bed depending on which room you’re in and a couple of futons. There is also a small stove and refrigerator along with cutlery, cooking and glass ware. Meanwhile guests are asked to bring their own F&B supplies which can be prepared/cooked either in their room or at designated BBQ areas until construction of their Pavilion is completed.
The next morning came too soon…
It was just way too short of a visit…
This I know, I will return to discover more of what this mysterious place has to offer. And you should too.
PARANUII…a definite item for the bucket list.
Where else can you stay in such close proximity to enigmatic ruins that might, perhaps, be compared in mystery and awe to that of the great pyramids and other ancient wonders in the world.
