About City :
Palikir is the capital of the Federated States of Micronesia. It is a large settlement comprising of about 7,000 residents, compared to the total population of 106,487 present in the island. Though the city is lacking in traditional tourist sights, it has a wide range of opportunities for adventures, especially if one is looking forward to exploring the island’s natural habitat and water activities.
Micronesia was once ruled by tribal chiefs prior to the Portuguese and the Spanish colonizations in the sixteenth century. Later, it went into the hands of the Germans, and then to the Japanese during the World War II. Subsequent to the war, the island remained with the government of the United States until it achieved independence on November 3, 1986. Palikir succeeded Kolonia as the capital of the nation in 1989. It is now the socio-economic and administrative center of the country despite being a small town. The official language of the Federated States of Micronesia is English, though other languages like Chuukese, Pohnpeian and Yapese are also widely spoken. The population consists of both Roman Catholics as well as Protestants.
Geography :
Palikir is located in the north-western part of the Pohnpei Island in western Pacific Ocean. It is the largest and the highest island of Micronesia. The capital city is situated 10 km to the west of Kolonia, the largest town in Pohnpei. The coastal region of the island is covered with underwater reefs. Palikir is surrounded by dense woods with Dolohmwar as the highest mountain rising to a height of 791 meters.
How to Reach (Transport) :
Palikir is served by the Pohnpei International Airport, located 5 miles north-east of the city. United Airlines is the only airline service that flies to Pohnpei. Flights arrive from the east via Kosrae every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, while from the west via Chuuk on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The island of Pohnpei also has an international port.
Taxis, hotel charter buses, and school buses are the only notable public transportation available in Palikir. Rail service is not present in any of the islands here.
When to Visit :
Palikir experiences a tropical climate with heavy rainfall recorded throughout the year. The ideal time to visit this place would be during January-March when the rainfall is comparatively lower. However, Palikir can be visited by tourists during any time of the year as the weather remains more or less constant.
Fairs and Festivals :
Most of the holidays observed in Palikir commemorate important historical moments such as follows:
- May 10 is celebrated as Constitution Day to mark the drawing up of the national constitution on that day in 1979. Contrary to being a lively festival, this is rather a day of rest and quietude.
- United Nations Day is celebrated on October 24 when all government offices and schools shut down. Stalls selling food and international cultural performances fill the streets of Palikir on this day.
- September 11 is celebrated as Liberation Day marking the anniversary of the United States’ victory over Japan in World War II. A Mardi Gras-style parade takes place along with several sporting competitions among the island’s communities.
Besides these, the common religious festivals of the Christian calendar are celebrated with much pomp and splendor by the citizens of Palikir.
Points of Interest (Places to Visit) :
- Sokehs Rock is one of the most popular sights in the nation. A hike to the top of this huge rock yields the best panoramic view of the island.
- Nan Madol is another must-see in Palikir. The thousand-year old ruins of the former city constructed on artificial islands, gives the area the nickname “the Venice of the Pacific.”
- F.S.M. National Capital Complex comprises of the capital buildings of the Federated States of Micronesia. It is composed of nine buildings in two blocks.
- This island is one of the best surfing destinations of the world. The best waves can be experienced during October-April.
- Diving and snorkeling are other popular activities on the island. Most of the diving takes place along the reefs. Natural beeches are absent as the island is encircled by a belt of mangrove growths.
Accommodation :
The only hotel present in Palikir is Yvonne Hotel that provides all the basic amenities at a reasonable rate. Apart from this there is no notable accommodation facility in Palikir itself, though there are several hotels present in the nearby city of Kolonia.