Yap Island – This pristine and mysterious island is steeped in many fascinating legends. Women on Yap are allowed to expose their breasts, but not their thighs; it is also one of the world's top three diving destinations, attracting countless visitors eager to witness the rare sight of manta rays.
This expedition's destination was truly unheard of. Upon first hearing that we were going to visit the Yap Islands, I imagined it to be some remote island in Southeast Asia. But it turns out it's located in the Pacific Ocean, between Guam and Palau. Comprising four islands—Yap Island, Tomil-Gagil Island, Map Island, and the only one not open to the public, the "forbidden island" Rumung Island—it boasts a simple, slow-paced lifestyle. It's also the only place in the world that still uses stone currency. Add to that their traditional handcrafted wooden boats, dances, and village culture—their rich cultural traditions are a source of pride—and the natural treasures of the surrounding ocean, and it's a treasure trove everywhere.
Yap's traditions and culture
Located in the vast ocean, the Yap people, who have always relied on the sea for their livelihood, have overcome various life challenges with their traditional wisdom. Among these challenges, what they are most proud of is their sailing skills, which fully demonstrate their traditional wisdom.
The handcrafted wooden sailboats are works of art in themselves. Craftsmen, using simple tools and without a single nail or piece of iron, have created wooden boats capable of sailing to Guam and even Palau. Furthermore, the boats are devoid of any navigational instruments, relying solely on the stars and the sky for navigation—a testament to their exceptional skill. To preserve this traditional craft, a local organization was established several years ago...Yap Traditional Navigation SocietyThe school has a branch campus that teaches shipbuilding and seafaring techniques, allowing this unique skill to be carried forward and developed.
Stone Coin Culture and Unique Village Experience
Yap Island is known as "The Land of Stone Money" because stone money still circulates here today! However, the so-called stone money is not a currency that can be carried around, but rather a large stone ring weighing tons, which is only used by locals for important transactions such as buying land or getting married.
Among the many villages, Kadai Village offers the most interesting village tours. Two days a week, in addition to introducing you to stone coins and Men's House, there are also demonstrations of traditional handicrafts and dance performances. The islanders who still adhere to the stone coin custom today are very proud of their traditions and work hard to preserve them from the contamination of worldly trends.
Diving and manta ray spectacle
Surrounded by coral reefs, Yap Island boasts clear, shallow waters that provide a fertile ground for numerous marine creatures, especially manta rays. To get up close to manta rays, you don't necessarily need diving skills; with a local guide, you can have the opportunity to swim alongside them simply by snorkeling.
During the winter months of December to February, manta rays mate, and the Mi'l Channel, located between Yap Island and Rumung Island, is their most frequent habitat. In the summer, the manta rays migrate east to the Gofnuw Channel.
In addition, the underwater wreckage of World War II aircraft can be seen, making the diving experience even more exciting.
Practical information about Yap Island
- visa:Holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports or BNO passports do not need a visa to visit Yap Island. A departure tax of USD20 is payable upon departure, payable in cash.
- currency:The exchange rate of US dollar (US$) is approximately 7.8 HK dollar (HK$).
- jet lag:Yap is located in the GMT+10 time zone, which is two hours ahead of Hong Kong.
- flight:Currently, only one airline offers flights, requiring a transfer in Guam or Palau, and flights are limited.
🤿 [2026 Editor's Update: Diving and Cultural Gems Away from the Crowds]
Looking for the latest diving and deep-sea adventure destinations in 2026? With popular tourist spots overcrowded, more and more travelers are asking Travel Mama for "uncontested" destinations with rich cultural heritage. This classic Travel Mama travelogue about Yap Island has recently garnered significant attention again!
As we enter 2026, the Yap Islands continue to strictly limit the number of tourists, perfectly preserving their pristine ecology, unique stone coin culture, and world-class dive sites with an extremely high chance of encountering manta rays. If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle this year and experience a truly secluded and exclusive vacation, read this classic travelogue to learn about this hidden gem of a Pacific island!