Trip report for Pohnpei, Micronesia

Pohnpei was a part of my solo 7 weeks Micronesia trip, which had the following itinerary:

EU - (Cathay Pacific) - Philippines - (United Airlines) - Guam - (United Airlines) - Yap (FSM) - (United Airlines) - Majuro (RMI) - (Nauru Airlines) - Kiribati - (Nauru Airlines) - Nauru - (Nauru Airlines) - Pohnpei (FSM) - (United Airlines) - Palau - (United Airlines) - Philippines - (Cathay Pacific) - EU

They don't have an x-ray machine, so instead they do a time-consuming hand search.

There is a departure tax of 20 USD.

Gather small notes for fees, for they never have change.

All sights have a price of 3 USD, except Nan Madol, which costs 1+3+5=9 USD.

Shared taxi 1-2 USD in and around Kolonia, even to Lududuhniap Falls.

A private trip with taxi to Nan Madol + Kepirohi Waterfall and some other smaller stops on the way around the island 80 USD. I opted for a full island tour, which including some of the more off-the-beaten track waterfalls and WWII, so I paid 100 USD.

I tried to get to some of the islands, but I got quoted 120-150 USD for a boat for a full day. Instead I went to Rainbow Island, which is own by Cliff Hotel in Kolonia. They charged 62 USD for a day-trip including car to the other side of Pohnpei, boat through the mangrove to Rainbow Island, a "guide", and a host family, who makes lunch. The lunch was what the man managed to catch by spearfishing. In our case some reef fish, which were turned into really fresh sashimi along with some rice. All together, a great day.

I stayed at South Park, which was booked through Booking.com for 40 USD per night. It's a bit run down, but there is free wifi at the reception and the bay view from the private balcony is stunning.

Pick a restaurant which is busy, because they will actually have what is on their menu. I liked Joy Hotel and Oceanview (more expensive, but great views). I had a bad experience with Coco Marina, since they didn't have anything from the menu, beside burgers (which was OK).