Kosrae

Introduction

Kosrae is one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia. It includes the main island of Kosrae and a few nearby islands and islets, the most significant of which is inhabited (1,500 people) Lelu Island. Kosrae's land area is 110 square kilometres, sustaining 6,600 people. Tofol is the state capital. Mt. Finkol is the highest point at 634 metres.

Geography

Kosrae, the easternmost of the Caroline Islands, is located approximately 600 kilometres north of the equator, between Guam and the Hawaiian Islands. Its land area is approximately 110 km2. Some parts of the island are experiencing coastal erosion. Kosrae is a high island that is largely unspoiled. Kosrae is becoming a destination for scuba divers and hikers[citation needed]. The coral reefs that surround the island are kept in pristine condition through an extensive mooring buoy system, installed and maintained by concerned expat dive operators with the help of the government's Marine Resources office. The reefs are seldom visited, and contain miles of hard corals, some said to be thousands of years old.

Dense vegetation and steep mountains keep the island largely undeveloped. Viewed from the sea, the island's distinct shape resembles a female body. This has led to the island being called "the island of the sleeping lady."

Cities

• Tofol

Sights and Activities

• Scuba Diving is a major drawcard throughout Kosrae. There are many suba diving sites in Microneasia.
• Snorkelling is a good alternative for those without their diving licenses. There are numerous good places to snorkel throughout Kosrae.

Events and Festivals

• FSM Constitution Day - Each of the Federated States of Micronesia have their own constitution day holidays, but the entire island nations celebrates the date, May 10, on which the country’s national constitution was founded in 1979. This is not really a lively festival, but rather a day of rest and relaxation which Micronesians spend at shopping centers and parks on this day off from school and work.
• FSM Independence Day - This November 3 holiday celebrates the nation’s sovereignty and accomplishments since its liberation from its colonizers. Independence Day is marked by all kinds of festive events with music, overflowing feasts and cultural presentations.
• FSM Veterans of Foreign War - Observed November 11, this highly patriotic day in Micronesia commemorates the contributions of veterans who served in the US Armed Forces during the Foreign Wars.
• United Nations Day - Few places celebrate United Nations Day with more fervor than the Pacific Islands of Micronesia. Fairs serving foods around the world and international cultural performances also fill this day celebrating the anniversary of the United Nations charter.
• Liberation Day - September 11 remains a day of celebration on the Pacific Islands of Micronesia, whose citizens still associate this date as the anniversary of the United States WWII victory over Japan. The island of Kosrae marks the date with a Mardi Gras-style parade.
• Tree Planting Day - As part of the forestry program in the Federated States of Micronesia, a tree-planting day is observed on June 1 each year in accordance with environmental week and Earth Day.
• Micronesian Culture and Traditions Day - Established to celebrate Micronesia’s cultural and traditional heritage, this day is honored on March 31 every year.
• Kosrae Constitution Day - January 11 commemorates the establishment of the Kosrae Constitution. All the villages celebrate this state holiday.
• Lelu Memorial Day - Another public holiday, everyone is welcome to celebrate Lelu memorial day in Lelu village on January 18.

Weather

The climate in Kosrae is tropical, with temperatures relatively even at about 27 °C throughout the year during the day and rarely below 21 °C at night. In general, the wet season lasts from July to November, when typhoons can strike the islands as well. The better season for a visit probably is the dry season from December to April.

Getting There

Continental Micronesia (now United Airlines) has been flying to the islands of the western and central Pacific since 1986. Numerous East and West bound flights make Kosrae easily accessible even for short visits.

The Kosrae International Airport, in Tafunsak Village is located at the north-western corner of Kosrae. The air terminal features handicraft shops, food service, and car rental agencies.

Kosrae's airport currently handles direct 737 flights that leave Honolulu on Monday and Friday mornings around 5:30am, and after crossing the international dateline, and traveling a total of around 8 hours, you arrive the next day, Kosrae local time at around 11:10am. During this trip you will have two 45-minute stops, one in Kwajalein and the other in Majuro. Kosrae also receives flights from Guam on Monday and Friday that leave around 9:30am. There are two 45-minute stops, one in Chuuk and one in Pohnpei along the way, and the flight arrives in Kosrae around 3:55pm local time.

If you are traveling to Kosrae from Europe, the common flight paths are via Manila (Philippines), Seoul (Korea), or Tokyo (Narita Inl, Japan), and then connecting through Guam.

From Australia the most common way is to take a Continental flight from Cairns to Guam, which then has a short connection time onto Kosrae.

From the U.S. mainland, the common flight path is via Honolulu, but you can also take a direct flight to Tokyo from many U.S. cities, and then travel via Guam.

Getting Around

Taxis are available on Kosrae. They are very cheap ($2 to $5/person), but you get what you pay for, and they are rather unreliable. They're OK if you don't mind long waits, or walking if they don't arrive. Rental cars are relatively modern and normally in good condition. Most are US standard auto, left hand drive, and cost around US$50 per day, or right hand drive automatics can be arranged for around $40/day. Most hotels can pre-arrange them. Most of the roads are flat and run around the edge of the island near the ocean. Bicycles are not readily available to hire.

Eat

• Kosrae Village Resort
• Kosrae Nautilus Resort - located facing east to the ocean, and adjacent to the Lelu causeway. This licenced restaurant offers diners the option of an ocean view in air-conditioned comfort, or outside dining by the swimming pool. Feast on the freshest local seafood, and some of the best best sushimi you'll find anywhere. edit
• Bully's Restaurant - Lelu (Pacific Treelodge Resort). On the water, hidden by the forest famous for lobsters and crabs

Sleep

• Pacific Treelodge Resort - PO Box 637 Kosrae, FSM 96944, ☎ +691 370 7856, e-mail: [email protected]. Two rows of 2-room cottages, located in mangrove wood between an ocean beach with a small strip of sand (just across a quite road) and a river. It has one of the best island's bars and restaurants - Bully's, located on a river pier among mangroves, a dive shop DiveKosrae, a rent-a-car, and a really helpful and charismatic manager Maria Grazia. $120

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