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The tiny tropical island of Yap is the westernmost state of the Federated States of Micronesia and is the most fascinating of all the islands. It is a land steeped in ancient traditions and legends and famous for its stone money discs that are still used as legal tender on the island.

Set within the jungle-covered hills of this intriguing land stands the Pathways Hotel, a friendly, family-owned eco-resort. This small hotel is brimming with personality and Pacific Island ambience. Guests who stay here immediately feel part of the tropical island community - close to the people and nature.

Nine free-standing thatched cottages, built in the traditional Yap style, sit on a hillside overlooking the picturesque Chamorro Bay. Connected by elevated walkways and with private verandas perfectly placed for the sunrise, these rustic cabins are charming and comfortable.

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The hotel is owned and operated by a local family and 90% of the staff are local Yapese. Pathways is actively involved in community tourism projects and works to ensure that the benefits of tourism pass from the hotels into the local communities. They work within the community to help locals understand the benefits of sustainable tourism over mass tourism and are also involved with helping to protect the Marine Protected areas.

Pathways Hotel actively recycles; recycling liquor bottles to make concrete blocks for use in building homes and all organic (kitchen) waste goes into compost piles that is used in the hotel gardens. Pathways buys local produce where possible and all supplies are bought through local stores.

Rooms

Food

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Guests can choose from set menus or order off the menu. One of the most popular dishes is called "island dinner" which includes mangrove crab, fish and a variety of island fruits but the chef creates daily concoctions using fresh local produce.

The restaurant is small but flexible and will do its best to cater to all palettes. They can arrange buffet's for up to 50+ people or a picnic for two on a beach.

The restaurant is open from 7 am to 2 pm and from 4 pm to 9 pm Monday through Friday. Weekend openings are from 7 am to 1 pm and from 5 pm to 9 pm.

Features & Facilities

• Daily housekeeping
• Free local calls, phone cards are available for long distance calls
• "Cottage Service" (room service) available
• Child friendly
• Airport transfer
• Disabled access
• Full restaurant
• Full range of tours

See Local Info for more information on Activities in the area.

Local Info & Activities

Despite its tiny size there's a lot going on in Yap. Although it's best known for its superb dive sites - including diving with giant manta rays - there's all sorts of activities to keep you busy on dry land too. For starters, you can walk around Colonia, Yap's tiny capital, and take time out to have a drink or two at O'Keefe's Waterfront Inn.

The Pathways Hotel can organise the following:

Diving Nowhere in the world does there exist a higher concentration of manta rays than off the shore of Yap. The diving here is simply excellent and Yap's clear waters and virgin reefs are heaven for scuba enthusiasts. The hotel offers a number of dive packages, including trips to Manta Ridge in Milli Channel where a school of manta rays regularly feed, undisturbed by the divers swimming among them.

Half Day Island Tour Tours to local villages where you will have the opportunity to walk on ancient stone pathways, sit in the meeting house, rest at the meeting stone platforms, and view the stone money bank with over 25 lined pieces (some over 6 feet in diameter). Continue on through the western parts of the island and explore the flora and fauna including some of the coastal mangrove forests that supports the many species of fish and wildlife of the island.

Full Day Island Tour An extended version of the Half Day Island Tour, this full day extravaganza takes in more of the island. You'll see more stone money banks, more scenic places around the island, and lunch is included. You will also get to see the old Japanese Zero fighter aircraft and the old runway where the Zeros used to fly off from.

Half Day Snorkelling The snorkelling trips all take place within the barrier reefs. The sites are specifically picked for their diverse marine life and ideal spots for the tides. Because of Yap's barrier reefs, snorkelling tours are arranged for high tide to ensure groups don't get stuck out on the reefs. Free from currents, these idyllic sites are rich with robust coral formations and marine life.

Night Snorkelling A two hour snorkelling tour at night. A light torch is used to snorkel on the reefs where you'll see all the marine life that only comes out at night. This is a great way for the adventure traveller to learn more of the nocturnal marine life that lives within Yap's waters.

Star Gazing The night skies on Yap are phenomenal and this 1 1/2 hour tour will teach you how the Yapese use the stars for agriculture, fishing, navigation and divination.

Bird Watching Take part in a 2 1/2 hour walk through some of Yap's most scenic hiking trails looking at the island birds.

Kaday Cultural Activities Visit Kaday Village and experience some of Yap's most colourful art form, " Churu" (meaning 'dance' in Yapese). The tour starts off with a guided walk on a stone path into the village where, upon arrival you'll be greeted with flower leis and coconuts. Locals will demonstrate some of their traditional skills such as basket weaving and climbing betel nut trees and a village elder will be on hand to answer any questions you might have about village life and the "Churu". Dance is an art form in Yap and are raucous and colourful. This tour directly benefits the people of Kaday.

insider tips

The climate in Yap is tropical - hot and humid. The average year-round temperature is 27C (80F) and the average water temperature is 28C (81F). November to May are less humid than the other months.

Remember to bring mosquito repellent, binoculars and some decent walking / hiking shoes. If you're particular about your snorkelling and diving equipment then it's worth bringing it along, and remember your diving certification.

Other 'must haves' include sunscreen and any medication that you might require.

Sustainability

The hotel is owned and operated by a local family and 90% of the staff are local Yapese.

Pathways is actively involved in community tourism projects and works to ensure that the benefits of tourism pass from the hotels into the local communities. They work within the community to help locals understand the benefits of sustainable tourism over mass tourism.

Many of the tours they run actively benefit the local community, in particular the Kaday Cultural Activities tour.

The hotel strives to ensure that guests get the most out of their stay in Yap. Leaflets are provided in each cottage that explains local culture and traditions and offers advice on how guests can enjoy the island without offending anyone. It includes commonly used Yap words and phrases.

They work with their local EPA (Environmental Protections Agency) office and the tourism office in organising and executing the Clean Up the World campaign in Yap.

Pathways Hotel actively recycles; recycling liquor bottles to make concrete blocks for use in building homes and all organic (kitchen) waste goes into compost piles that is used in the hotel gardens. Pathways buys local produce where possible and all supplies are bought through local stores. Unfortunately the hotel does not use renewable energy such as solar or wind, and does use air conditioning in some of the rooms.

The hotel donates time and assets such as vehicles, boats, tools, to help in projects for the communities.

Getting There

Yap is reached from Guam in Micronesia. The only airlines serving Micronesia are Continental Airlines and its subsidiary Continental Air Micronesia. There are daily flights between Hawaii and Guam (8 hours), and twice weekly flights between Cairns (Australia) and Guam (departing Monday and Friday mornings, returning Sunday and Thursday). There are three flights a week from Guam to Yap (1 hour).

The Pathways Hotel meets every flight at the airport.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

• Prices are in US Dollars ($) per room.
• Prices exclude 10% tax

accommodation

native deluxe

• Single occupancy $115.00
• Double occupancy $125.00
• Additional person $20.00

guest hut

• Single occupancy $50.00

honeymoon shack

• Double occupancy $150

long stays

• 7 nights - $335.00 pp/dbl occ. (Native Deluxe Cottage - based on double occupancy only)
• 14 nights - $722.00 pp/dbl occ. (Native Deluxe Cottage - based on double occupancy only)
• 21 nights - $1011.00 pp/dbl occ. (Native Deluxe Cottage - based on double occupancy only)

group bookings

• Book 6 guests at $55 per person based on double occupancy
• Book 8 guests at $50 per person based on double occupancy
• Book 10 or more guests at $45 per person based on double occupancy.

terms & conditions

• Native Deluxe cottage rates include free airport transfers and daily continental breakfasts.
• Guest Hut rates include free airport transfers.
• Honeymoon shack rates include a complimentary bottle of wine (red or white), Honeymoon Lei's, and a two hour Island tour plus airport transfers and daily continental breakfasts.

booking & cancelation policy

• A charge of US$140 plus a 15% deposit is required to confirm a booking. All remaining costs are payable at time of stay.
• Cancellations made at any time up until 7 days prior to arrival date will result in a cancellation fee of 10% deposit.
• Cancellations made between 7 days and day of arrival will incur a cancellation fee of 100% of cost of stay.
• All long stay rates must be pre-booked, prepaid 14 days prior to arrival, and are none refundable.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.