Yap

Yap is a state of the Federated States of Micronesia located in the western Pacific, comprising a group of main high islands and numerous outer atolls. The state is culturally distinct for its traditional practices and uses a currency form known as rai or stone money.

Visitors come for cultural experiences in villages and to dive in clear reef waters, where manta rays and coral gardens are notable. The main town of Colonia functions as the administrative and commercial hub for the islands.

Historically Yapese society maintained complex exchange and social systems centred on large carved stone discs used as prestige currency; these remain an important cultural symbol. The islands retain many traditional practices alongside modern administration and services.

Geographically Yap sits in the western Pacific Ocean; the main islands are clustered together with a wider spread of low-lying outer atolls extending across the surrounding sea.

• Stone money: Famous for the traditional ‘rai’ stone money: large carved stone discs used historically in social and ceremonial exchange rather than everyday transactions.
• Diving: A popular destination for scuba diving and manta ray observation, with clear lagoon waters and well-known dive sites around the main islands and outer atolls.

What to See#

• Colonia: Colonia is the principal town and administrative centre on the main island group and the focal point for shops, government services and transport links.
• Rai stone sites: Traditional stone money sites and cultural centres where large circular rai stones and traditional meeting places reflect local customs and exchange systems.
• Outer islands: Outer atolls and islands under the state’s jurisdiction that are low-lying coral islands lying some distance from the Yap main islands, used for copra and local settlements.

Yap is served by Yap International Airport (YAP) on the main island; scheduled flights arrive from regional hubs such as Guam and Palau. From Yap airport it is a short taxi or shuttle ride into Colonia (the main town) and to other populated islets; local boats and short road transfers connect across the island cluster.

• Schedule your trip well in advance and book lodging in Colonia (the main town) early - Yap's limited accommodation fills quickly during diving and cultural-event seasons.
• Carry enough US dollars in cash: while some businesses accept cards, many village stalls, transport operators and cultural sites expect cash payment.
• Arrange visits to see rai (stone money) sites and traditional villages through a local guide or guesthouse - guided introductions to chiefs' villages and stone-money locations provide context that independent visitors often miss.