Looking for a honeymoon escape that is unforgettable and completely off the beaten path?  The Federated States of Micronesia, or ‘FSM’ as it is often called, is a nation consisting of approximately one thousand five hundred islands situated two thousand three hundred miles north of Australia. It has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world and is the ideal honeymoon location, as it is home to idyllic sandy beaches, beautiful, coral-filled lagoons and awe-inspiring mountains lined with waterfalls and tropical rainforests. You would be hard pressed to find a more romantic location.

The Chuuk Lagoon

One of the most stunning sights in the Federated States is the world-renowned Chuuk Lagoon in Chuuk State. Its sky-blue waters shimmer in the moonlight and the bottom is home to over sixty sunken Japanese ships that met a watery grave during a raid on the harbor that took place in 1944. It is also brimming with exotic fish and coral, which makes it a perfect spot for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Pohnpei

The island of Pohnpei is another breathtakingly beautiful place to visit in the FSM. It features beautiful, towering mountaintops, tropical rainforests filled with all manner of exotic wildlife and cascading waterfalls that are guaranteed to take your breath away. The island is home to a stone city that was constructed over a thousand years ago, giving it a sense of mystery and magic. It is the remains of what was once a large, majestic dwelling place and draws in archaeologists and historians from all around the world.

Local Cuisine

For those wishing to sample authentic Micronesian cuisine, the island of Yap is the ideal option. For a small price, the locals will prepare a traditional Yapese feast for you and your husband to eat. Trying new things together is what marriage is all about so this will provide an opportunity for you to bond whilst tucking into turtle meat, turkey tails, fruit bat, coconut dishes, breadfruit and coconut-crab meat. For couples who are a little less adventurous in their tastes, there is also a range of restaurants available that offer western cuisine.

Souvenirs of your Honeymoon

Chuuk is ideal for souvenir shopping as well so ensure that you draw out plenty of cash for your trip, as the locals are famous for their wood carvings and hibiscus weavings, which are for sale to visitors. Chuuk love sticks are an obvious item of interest for newly-weds. Traditionally, young Micronesian men would poke these sticks into the huts of women in order to let them know that they liked them. Couples who are interested in Micronesian attitudes to romance and marriage might also wish to visit the island of Yap to see the ‘rai’, which are huge, stone coins that were used for a range of social transactions including marriages. They were provided to the parents of the bride by the groom. These giant megaliths were originally carved from caves and quarries on the island of Palau, which is four hundred kilometers away from Yap. Somebody had to journey with the coins to Yap, which is why they were considered to be so valuable by the Yapese people.

Mount Finkol

Another point of interest is Mount Finkol on the island of Kosrae, which stands at an impressive two thousand and sixty-five feet and is one of the highest peaks in the Western Pacific. It takes five hours to trek to the top but the view is definitely worth it, as the mountain is considered to offer the most beautiful panorama in the country. It is known as the ‘Sleeping Lady’ due to its serene nature and is romance personified.

What are you Waiting for?

The fact that the Federated States of Micronesia is not a typical tourist destination means that it is still relatively unspoiled, making it the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful honeymoon away from the hustle and bustle of life back home. Its scenery is unrivaled, the weather is nice and the locals are friendly and hospitable. The islands provide a connection to a traditional island way of life whilst still maintaining all of the modern comforts that honeymooners require. It is however advisable to check the weather forecast for the nation before choosing it as a destination, as it has been known to experience hurricanes and floods.

Published by Society Bride Contributor: Evelyn Whiting

Photo Credits: Federated States of Micronesia | Amos Photography | Murat Kara | New York Botanical Garden