The Unforgettable Sightseeing Destinations of Micronesia
To ensure that you get the most out of your sightseeing experience in Micronesia, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting into ahead of time. The sightseeing spots in this region are so varied that it’s best to separate them into three categories: the ones you can’t miss, the ones you should see if you have time, and the others you might be able to skip. Here are some of the unforgettable sightseeing destinations of Micronesia, listed in those groups.
Best places to visit in Micronesia

- Palau – This serene country is well-known for its mesmerizing lakes and relaxation spots.
- Yap – Yap is another top destination in Micronesia, known for its unique culture and stunning scenery.
- Chuuk – Chuuk is a great place to visit if you’re interested in WWII history, as it’s home to many sunken ships from the battle of Chuuk Lagoon.
- Pohnpei – Pohnpei is one of the most beautiful places in Micronesia, with lush rainforests and waterfalls galore.
- Kosrae – Kosrae is a great place to get away from it all, with its tranquil beaches and laid-back vibe.
Palau (The Island of Freedom)

Palau is an archipelago of more than 500 islands, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Micronesia. The serene lakes and mesmerizing scenery make it a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. Palau is also home to some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving.
Palau is rich in marine life, with many species of fish living in its coral reefs. It’s also home to a few different endangered turtles including olive ridley and hawksbill turtles. The most famous turtle from Palau is Loni, which was believed to be more than 50 years old before it was found dead near Ngerulmud Village on Koror Island. The heart-shaped island where Loni lived became known as Turtle Island after its discovery and has since become one of Palau’s biggest tourist attractions. As you may have guessed, Palau’s turtles are also popular among divers and snorkelers. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot one during your trip – just keep an eye out for them underwater!
In Palau, turtles don’t just inhabit Turtle Island – they’re also found in many areas around Rock Islands, including Blue Lagoon and Ngeraidumil. These areas are popular spots for snorkeling and diving due to their clear water and abundance of marine life. One other activity that you’ll be sure to enjoy is hiking in Jellyfish Lake, which features a stunning array of colorful jellyfish – definitely a sight you don’t want to miss! If you think it looks like something out of a movie, that’s because it is! The lake was filmed as part of James Cameron’s film Avatar, while visitors can take a boat ride into it from Koror or Peleliu.
Yap (Grouped islands with large stone money)

Yap is a small island located in Micronesia. It’s best known for its stone money, which is made from limestone and measures up to 12 feet in diameter. The stone money was once used as currency and is now a popular tourist attraction. Yap is also home to beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and lush vegetation.
Yap is a fantastic place to visit in Micronesia and will leave you wondering why anyone would ever want to travel anywhere else.
As such, it’s not quite as exotic as many other Pacific destinations. Nevertheless, Yap remains a beautiful destination for tourists interested in seeing some genuinely unique sights that are worth travelling around the world for. The most notable sight is ‘stone money’ which originated from Yap’s ancient past and was used as currency until 1889 when German colonizers introduced coins.
The money was quarried from limestone deposits on islands that make up a part of Yap. The result is iconic circular or oval disks, sometimes weighing as much as 20 tons and measuring around three meters in diameter. Yapese stone money came in different denominations based on size, with smaller ones usually worth around 100 to 500 coins and larger ones worth between 5,000 and 8,000 coins.
Kosrae (Idyllic, rural atoll)

If you want to truly get away from it all, Kosrae is the perfect destination. This idyllic atoll is about as rural as it gets, and its remote location means that you’ll be able to find plenty of peace and quiet. Plus, the natural beauty of the island is simply unforgettable. Snorkeling and diving are also great ways to spend your time here.
Pohnpei (Diverse culture and history): Pohnpei is a great destination for those who want to learn more about the diverse cultures of Micronesia. The island has a rich history, and you can explore this by visiting sites like Nan Madol, an ancient city built on stilts.
Chuuk : Chuuk may have dangerous surf, but that doesn’t mean you should steer clear of it altogether. The crystal clear waters are home to plenty of coral and fish, and as a result scuba diving is great here. In addition, be sure to check out Peleliu Island where a memorial marks a particularly bloody battle from World War II.
Chuuk Pohnpei : If you’re looking for natural beauty with your sightseeing, look no further than Pohnpei. From sandy beaches on one side to lush rainforests on another, there are plenty of things to see here.
Nauru (Unique geological features, phosphate mining)

Nauru is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, northeast of New Caledonia. It is the smallest state in the South Pacific and one of the smallest states in the world. Nauru is unique among countries in that it has no official capital city; instead, government offices are located around the island. The island is also home to phosphate mining, which has resulted in the unique geological features that can be seen around the island.
The Nauru Island’s unique geological features are attributable to phosphate mining. The process, which began in 1906, involved digging up and processing phosphate deposits, primarily for use as fertilizer. In 1992, mining of phosphates was banned, with governments worried about environmental damage; since then alternative revenue has been needed by Nauru.
Pohnpei (Home to the largest population)

The island of Pohnpei is home to the largest population in Micronesia, and as such, there are plenty of things to see and do. From ancient ruins to natural wonders, there’s something for everyone on this beautiful island.
One of the most popular tourist destinations on Pohnpei is the ancient city of Nan Madol. This city is made up of a series of canals and artificial islands, and was once the capital of the Saudeleur Dynasty. Today, it’s a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and exploring.
Another must-see on Pohnpei is Sokehs Rock. This natural wonder is a huge limestone monolith that stands over 1,000 feet tall.
If you’re in Pohnpei in November, be sure to check out their annual celebration of Kolonelkwus Day. During this festival, residents from all over Pohnpei gather for traditional dances and ceremonies.
There are plenty of great restaurants and shops in Pohnpei, including a couple that are on TripAdvisor’s Hot List.