SIGHTS OF KOSRAE ith enchanting rainforests, haunting historical ruins and international reputation for diving, Kosrae stands out among its Micronesian neighbors.

Point of Interests

Lelu Ruins

Considered one of the wonders of the Pacific and once an ancient ruling empire complex of the entire Micronesian region where similar version of this ruin is replicated in Pohnpei (Nan Madol) and other islands. Huge basaltic slabs arranged in order of making 20-ft walls and encompassing a capital city in the ancient times. The historical site dates back to the 13th century and these ruins of large basaltic walls, channels, streets, tombs, and living quarters can be explored within a few minutes walk from you hotel.

Kosrae State Museum

The Museum is located in Tofol where ancient artifacts and restored photos of Kosrae history and culture are kept. The Museum is open free to public on regular work hours. This is a must for complete visit to Kosrae.

Wiya Bird Cave

A natural cave of impressive size with thousands of Resident Island swiftlet birds in it. This is the only residing place for this type of bird. Legends believed this cave to be home of a family of real giants. And that the cave goes through a tunnel to the other side of the island.

Finkol hiking trails

The Mt. Finkol is the highest peak in Kosrae more than 2,064 ft. perfect for action packers. The hike requires a guide and the hiker must be in good physical condition to challenge the trail although the climb is moderately easy, no difficulty. Rainforest in its extreme beauty and full of excitement for hikers with only one slightly difficult at the slope summit. He whole tour may take 7 to 8 hours.

Mt. Oma hiking trails

The hike yields some of the most beautiful sites in Kosrae with tropical fauna, flora and cascading waterfalls, WWII caves and few feet shy of Mt. Finkol. The tour may take 6 to 7 hours. Also available are short hikes of 45 minutes.

Menke Ruins and hiking trails

Holds the temple of the Goddess of Breadfruit Sinlaku where she spent her last days before fleeing to Yap before the arrival of the missionaries in 1852. The island resident that time-shared a story of a strange voice in the night from Sinlaku describing a light from the horizon, a very strong light that she’s afraid of. This is the exact night before the arrival of the first missionaries in 1852 on SS Morning. Legends have it that the Goddess was describing the light as the ship arriving next day. It all happened that the missionaries arrived the next day. This is one reason why it was easy for locals converted Christians to become Christians.

This is a smaller ruin comparing to Lelu ruins. The main point of attraction is the hiking trail and guide‘s description of each local plant s and how it’s used for medicine. This is a refreshing hike with local medicine practitioner and guide including river valleys and rainforest dense jungle. The tour need a guide and may take up to 2 hours.

Mangrove Forest Channel Outrigger tours

A trip through Kosrae’s mangrove channels is a visual experience to be seen only by taking the tour. The channels may offer its best elements by a peaceful and tranquil ride through it where one can see some of the oldest hardwood trees, sonaratia alba, nypa fruticans, Rhizophera apiculata, Asplenium sp., etc with their prop roots and buttress roots. Also major attractions are monitor lizards, crab catching, birds, fishes and farmers along the channels. Tours require a guide and may take up to couple hours.

Waterfalls (Sipyen and Saolong)

Sipyen -This 30 ft sheer waterfall with double bathsize bottom pool offer a refreshing relax and swim cooling off mode where one can spend a whole afternoon in their on a float. Only 3 to 5 minutes walk in.

Saolong – About a couple miles past Sipyen waterfall and visible from the road. Offer the same experience as Sipyen. Both pools are a 3 to 5 minutes walk from car.

Diving

Kosrae is known for its virgin reef and pristine waters, visibility up to 200+ ft. and thriving hard coral society. There are more than 172 species of hard corals and 10 species of soft carols. There are over 250 species of fish and marine lives. Bottleneck dolphins are apt residences of the coast and whales sometimes can be spotted. There are various beach entry points on the island and easy access, 3 to 5 walk in. The three natural harbors are homes to 2 slained whaleship, Henrietta in 1843 and Waverly in 1893 with WWII wrecks of two ships, Sansun Maru and Keikyu Maru and planes (2 in good condition).

The Blue Hole

A deep blue hole across the causeway swimming pool traditionally used for burial of royal family and now a perfect snorkel and diving site. One mile long and 300 meters width. No guide needed and free entry.

Causeway Swimming pool

A smaller pool about 300 meter long and 200 meters wide width healthy corals and efficient for snorkeling and picnics. Right on the causeway.

Bird Watching

There are several species of endemic bird on Kosrae including the State bird, Kosrae Dusky White Eye, a little fragile gray bird climbing up the coconut trees probing in the cracks in the barks for insect and very friendly. Others are the Micronesian pigeons, colorful Purple capped fruit dove, Micronesian Starling, which foretell ripen of all island fruits, Cardinals, Honey eaters, Frigate bird and coastal/mangrove residents like black and brown Noddy, reef Heron, Kosrae Crake, Island Swiftlets, Long tailed cuckoo, Ferry tern, Tropic bird, etc. The Audubon Shearwater spends most of its life at sea but comes a shore when its nesting time for them. There are Whimbrels, Tattlers, Golden Glover, Ruddy Turnstones, Shoveller, Short eared owl, wild chicken, Pintails, and other residents. Kosrae has more than 15 resident bird species and 9 migratory visitors.

Sportsfishing

This is becoming a very popular sport in Kosrae for visitors. Any of the Dive shops and hotels can arrange this tour. Recently, a group of sportsfisherman came and angled everyday giant GT’s for six days in a row. Easy boat-casting only few ft. from shore. You can arrange with any local hotels, tours and dive shop for this.

Giant Clam Farm

This is a National project where protected giant clams that reached up to 3 meters long are raised and taken out to the Aquaculture sanctuary in the reefs off Walung. This is located on the causeway. It is a good combination of tour activity for sightseers. Recently, the Aquaculture staff deployed more than 50 giant clams to buoy for tourist entertainment.