Page 112 - Pacific Paradises 2019

— Micronesia — Micronesia —
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YAP

Part of the Federated States of every day, though some local government traditional houses in the villages. The
Micronesia, Yap is situated in organisations still conduct business in villages of Yap Main Island still retain
the Western Caroline Islands, their own vernacular. the foundations of meeting houses
between Guam and Palau. Because of its position, Yap was and platforms used by the elder male
minimally affected when the Spanish residents to discuss community matters.
It is made up of four main islands, Yap colonised Micronesia in the 1500s, and Only a limited number of tourists visit
South, Gagil-Tomil, Maap and Rumung. again during German occupation from Yap each year, and the locals, who are
The landscape consists of rolling hills the end of the 1800s to the beginning naturally warm and friendly, are more
with lowlands covered in thick jungle-like of the First World War. The same responsive to those who respect their
vegetation. Most of the coastal areas are thing occurred during the Japanese culture and customs.
mangrove with occasional coral beaches.
occupation, so by Micronesian standards,
Like other FSM islands, there is a coral Yap remains relatively unaffected by All land and beaches on Yap Main Island
and the outer islands are privately owned
reef, so snorkelling is popular as is diving modern society and influence. Most of by the traditional leaders and chiefs. If
in the clear lagoon with the giant manta the lands outside of Colonia downtown you want to get off the beaten track,
rays which appear throughout the year. are privately owned properties so visitors request to explore further by asking
are asked not to litter or to take any
The town of Colonia on Yap Main Island permission from the village/island elders.
is the capital and is more urbanised than pictures of people without securing their You may also have to pay a small fee for
the village areas. Yap also has about 130 permissions first. the privilege. Yap remains a distinctive
outer islands stretching nearly 1000 The stone money of Yap (largest in the destination because of the way the people
kilometres east of Yap Main Island. Most world), though not legal tender in the value their culture, custom and history.
of the outer islands are coral atolls and are international currency marketplace, is The traditional dress is brightly coloured
sparsely populated by a people that differ still used as legal tender on the island. loin cloths for men and colourful grass or
from those from the Yap Main Island The value of these limestone, disk shaped woven hibiscus skirts for women.
both in culture and language. coins varies, though not according to size
but to the stories behind them. Today, The official currency is the US dollar
Four indigenous languages are spoken. and credit cards are not widely accepted.
These are Yapese Main Islander, the money is still owned but not moved, Therefore traveller’s cheques and cash
Ulithian, Woleaian and Satawalese. even though ownership may change. are recommended for hotels, restaurants,
English is the official language spoken Visitors can still see some of the shopping, diving and all other purchases.

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