Pacific Islands of Micronesia comprise of small islands in the western Pacific Ocean. Melanesia is located to the south and Polynesia to the east. While the Indonesia and Philippines are on the west side. Jules Dumont d’Urville gave this term Micronesia which is a Greek term as micros means small and nesos means Island and because of its location it is called as Pacific Islands of Micronesia. Yap was the only empire originated in Micronesia. Most of the area was under European domination while the islands of Guam, Northern Marianas, and Caroline Islands came under Spanish rule. These islands were under the control of Spanish East Indies and were governed under the Spanish rule.
In the early 20th century the area would be divided in to three parts. Guam will be under the control of United States followed by Spanish American War of 1898 and colonized Wake Island. Nauru, Caroline, Northern Mariana Islands from Spain will be under Germany’s rule while the Gilbert Islands will be under British Empire. The territory of Pacific Island was take from Germany during the First World War and it became League of Nations Mandates in the year 1923. The other territories of Germany in Micronesia were given to Japan and Nauru became an Australian mandate. The 
territories which were taken from Germany to Japan were named as South Pacific Mandate and after the Second World War this mandate became United Nations Trusteeship and called as Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Most of the islands of Micronesia today are independent states while Guam and Wake Island are the expectations as they are the U.S. territories and Northern Marina Islands are called as U.S. Commonwealth. The people here are from many ethnic groups with different languages but all belong to Micronesian culture which is one of the native cultures developed early in this region. It is a mixture of Filipinos, Melanesians, and Polynesians. Because of being in the same region and culture people feel closer to each other.
These islands have rich oral history with unique musical heritage and traditional music on these islands is carried out from generation to generation. You will hear the idiosyncratic sound of Micronesian pop music which is different in its own way and the pop music gives the glance of American country and western reggae. The traditional music and pop music of these islands is unique and make these islands the best cultural destination around globe.
Flora and Fauna
Pacific Islands of Micronesia offers amazing and diverse range of natural ecosystems from lush tropical rainforest and pristine coral reefs to mangrove swamps. The islands are blessed with many species of birds and animals. Rare deer, monitor lizard, fruit bat etc can be spotted easily in the rural areas. The marine turtles and manta rays are the amazing views with vibrant colors surrounded with coral reefs makes a life time unforgettable experience for the tourists. There are large number of marine species like sail fish, mahi-mahi, tuna, marlin, and barracuda etc. There are large number flowers and trees and more than six hundred species of higher plants are found in these islands. Hong Kong orchid, hibiscus, ironwood, eucalyptus, Honduras, papaya, banana, coconut, mahogany trees are everywhere on these islands.
The best diving destination
The islands of Micronesia attract divers from all around the globe. The visibility of clean clear water is excellent, and the waters are affluent with marine life. Diving on these islands is simply fantastic where you can enjoy every level of diving with variety of sites to choose from. The water visibility is wonderful where photographers take pictures and get amazed with the marine beauty. Truk Lagoon is an underwater museum with entire Japanese convoy on the floor. Take diving from the stunning Pohnpei and move towards Yap to the Manta Ray in M’il channel and the startling Kosrae has 50 dive sites with lots of adventure and fun.
Best time to visit
The islands of Micronesia have pleasant weather throughout the year. However it gets humid from July to November. Heavy rainfall in the eastern islands it is also situated on the southern edge of the typhoon belt and it may face typhoons. You can visit these islands anytime throughout the year.
How to reach
There are four international airports in the Pacific islands of Micronesia. Pohnpei International Airport is located in the main island of Pohnpei, Chuuk International Airport, Kosrae International Airport and Yap International Airport these airports are located in the states of Chuuk, Kosrae, and Yap. Continental Airlines via Hawaii or Guam is the best option to get into the Pacific Islands of Micronesia. There are plentiful of taxis in the states and in locations. Rental cars, local boats, busses are also available to reach from one place to another. You can also get around in these islands through sea routes but you need an official port clearance license. Lelu and Okat Harbors are the ports of entry in Kosrae and every island has its own ports of entry.
Where to stay
There are many beach resorts, guest houses, hotels, villas, bed and breakfasts, apartments, hostels etc on all the islands, and these beautiful accommodations near beaches make your best pacific holidays. There are many five star hotels if you are looking for more comfortable and luxury stay. Many accommodations provide transport facilities to the tourists. Most of the accommodations have scuba facilities, swimming pools, entertainment facilities, restaurants, bars etc. Travel to the Pacific islands of Micronesia is very exciting and you will not feel like coming back to your place you will reach home will lots of stories and experiences to share with people.
Festivals in Pacific islands of Micronesia
There are many festivals on these islands which are celebrated with great excitement and passion. The important festival of Micronesia is the Yap Day festival which is celebrated in the first weekend of March. All people from four islands participate in this occasion with lots of fun. This festival is of joy and color celebrated with grandeur. On this occasion men and women wear traditional costumes and perform songs and dance to entertain tourists. It is also called as Dance Fiesta and is most popular festival on these islands. Tourists who visit during this festival are served with amazing cuisine. There are many competitions, activities takes place during this festival. Welcome reception is organized on the last day of this festival where large number of people takes place. There are many other Micronesian festivals and tourists have the best time on these islands during these festivals. Pacific Arts Festival or Festival of Pacific Arts is another traditional cultural festival, people share their culture during this festival, and main theme of this festival is traditional dance and songs.
Attractions & Things to do in Pacific Islands of Micronesia
There are many momentous attractions on these islands like The Spanish Wall, Catholic Bell Tower in Pohnpei, Japanese Wartime Communication Centre in Chuuk, Nan Madol in Pohnpei and Insaru in Kosare these are most visited attractions among tourists. There are beautiful waterfalls, pools and rivers are simple breathtaking. Diving at Black Coral, Atoll, Pakin in the Pohmpei State are memorable experiences. There is a well known Truk Lagoon which is the best place for snokelers. Climbing and hiking can be enjoyed at Sokehs Mountain. This place is best for hiking, water sports, fishing, diving etc. No matter what your reason for visit is for adventure and ultimate relaxation the Pacific Islands of Micronesia is an enthralling destination.
