Yap Tours & Activities
Hiking
With an average daytime temperature of 86°F (30°C), diverse flora and gently undulating landscapes, Yap is an ideal hiking destination. This along with the lack of any predatory animals, or of snakes, allows the whole family to enjoy Yap's abundant environment. Guided hikes of short and longs trails can be arranged by your accommodation provider.
Tamilyog Trail Hike
This popular two mile (3 kms) Tamilyog Trail connects on way the village of Kanif on Yap's West coast to the village of Dachangar over the hill. This hike is of moderate intensity and can be done in under one hour. Or you can spend may hours observing the plant life and the many species of birds that make the island their home. There are two rest huts, four benches and markers along the trail and you can also stop by a lookout point that will provide you with lovely views of hills and the sea.
To hike this trail a $5 payment should be made at the Yap Visitors Bureau, which includes a copy of the Tamilyog Trail guidebook. This booklet, which details many of the flora and fauna along the trail, and also serves as a birding guide to Yap.
Malway Trail Hike
This moderate trail is located in the Fanif Municipality and is about two mile (3 kms) in length one way. During a hike on this scenic trail, you will encounter numerous colourful and flowering plant species such as orchids, hibiscus, ixoras, crotons and fungi. You can also spot several fruiting trees and plants including pineapples, coconuts, mangoes, limes, bananas, wild figs and the rare yalad (Atuna racemose). There are several impressive trees on this trail including large bayans and rosewoods (lach) which make for perfect picture ops. You will also encounter streams and several water pools along the trail, numerous land crabs and stone money.
Hikes Around Colonia
You can also opt to doing shorter hikes that start from the centre of Colonia. One such hike is on ancient and unique stone walking paths which will get you acquainted with the island's rich historical past. On this hike you will pass numerous stone money discs and even stone bank, and paths are beautifully lined with lots of flowering plants, trees and other vegetation. The uphill trek along the road to the wind farm turbines overlooking Colonia is also a good hike. This hike takes you to a lookout spot that offers a stunning panoramic views Colonia and the bay. There are also a few of the World War II relics and hideouts along the hillside, marked with interpretative signs.
Notes on Hiking
When attempting any hikes in Yap remember to bring water and some snacks as there are no services over the trail and you should also be wear the right attire and shoes. Also remember that all trails, land, beaches and reef areas are privately owned, so you it is recommended that you use a local guide or get advice from your accommodation provider before undertaking.
Birdwatching
Yap offers year-round birding opportunities to view its many resident and migratory species. There are 22 species that are resident on Yap including three endemic species: the Plain White-eye (pictured here), the Olive White-eye and the Yap Monarch.
Yap's lush tropical forest, grassland, savanna and scrubby brush and low-lying wetlands are also particularly important to migratory birds and up to 46 species make the islands their temporary home. Many of the bird species can be seen during a hike on the Tamilyog Trail and the guidebook to the trail has details on the various bird species that can be found. Guided birdwatching tours can be arranged by the staff at your hotel or inn.
Kayaking
Kayaking is an excellent way see and learn about the ecosystem, history and traditional culture of Yap. Glide through the diverse mangrove forests or through the narrow Tagireeng Canal excavated in the early 1900s to provide a safe route through the mangroves to the northern coastlines of Fanif, Gagil and Maap, and to Rumung Island. Tour the inner lagoons, mangrove glades and waterways to visit traditional men's houses, fruit bat nests and take a quick course in Yap's native flora and their many traditional uses. Bring a snorkel and if you are lucky you might chance upon an archerfish as it spits jets of water several feet into the overhanging vegetation to bring down insects to feed upon. On these tours you will also encounter many of Yap's numerous bird species while you guide explains the folklore and unique elements of Yapese culture. Half and full day tours can be arranged by your hotel or inn staff, including sea kayaking and snorkelling in a number of coastal areas.
Village & Island Tours
Book a village visit or island tour to experience Yaps' culture and heritage. Attend traditional dance performances and ceremonies, watch and learn traditional handicraft and weaving techniques while you savour local cuisine made from taro, breadfruit, fresh seafood and tropical fruits. Make sure and try the local ceviche and fermented alcohol made from coconuts.
Island tours provide sightseeing opportunities to view Yap's important landmarks, cultural and historical sites. These include Yap's unique stone money banks, traditional men's and community meeting houses, stone paths and World War II historical sites. Half and full day tours can be arranged by your hotel or inn staff.
