Where is Yap?
Yap is located in the Southwestern corner of Micronesia. It lies between Palau
(360 miles) and Guam (550 miles), approximately 600 miles East of the Philippines.
One side of Yap is bordered by the Pacific Ocean while the other side borders
the Philippine Sea.
How big is the island?
Yap actually consists of 4 major islands linked by road. The cluster is shaped
like a kite and is 17 miles long by 6 miles wide, at the widest point.
The land mass is 39 square miles, ringed by mangrove shoreline, protected lagoons,
secluded beaches and a coral barrier reef.
What airline do I take?
Yap is served 3 times weekly from Guam (direct, non-stop flights), 3 times weekly from Palau (direct, non-stop flights) and once a week from Manila (with one stop in Palau) by Continental Airlines using 737 jet aircraft.
How long does it take to get there?
From Guam it is 1 hour and 15 minutes, 45 minutes from Palau and 3 hours and 45
minutes from Manila, Philippines. Most North American visitors come through Guam
while European guests tend to come through the Philippines.
Do the islanders speak English?
Yes, everybody on Yap speaks English. Since the end of World War Two, Yap has
been part of the U.S. Trust Territory (until gaining independence 20 years ago).
English has been taught in the Yap school system and the islanders are at least
bi-lingual.
What kind of money ( currency) do I need?
The U.S. dollar is the official currency of Yap. We recommend that International visitors bring U.S. dollars prior to entering Yap. There are no ATM’s in Yap and currency exchange is not available.
Are credit cards accepted in Yap?
Visa, MasterCard and JCB cards are accepted at the Manta Ray
Bay Hotel & Yap Divers.
Should I rent a car?
Car rentals are available but not necessary. The resort is centrally located close
to good shopping and the other amenities in town. If you would prefer a rental
car, the Manta Ray staff will be happy to make the necessary arrangements for
you.
Are taxis available?
Yes, taxis are plentiful and inexpensive.
How far is it from the hotel to town?
The hotel is located within easy walking distance of the town's food stores, banks,
gift shops and Continental reservations office.
Is there shopping?
A wide variety of shops can be found in town, offering all sorts of merchandise
and souvenirs.
Are there island handicrafts?
Yes, Yap has several very gifted artists who specialize in wood and stone sculptures,
island weaving, as well as original paintings. Much of their work is focused on
ocean creatures such as manta rays, dolphins and sharks. They also produce pictures
and carvings representative of the Yapese culture.
How safe is the island?
Yap is extremely safe. The island has practically no crime. By nature the Yapese
people are cordial, friendly and honest.
Can I plug-in my electrical appliances?
Yes, Yap uses the same electrical standards as the USA (110 Volt, 60 cycles).
All electric outlets are American style. International visitors should bring plug
adapters to convert to their appliances. 220 and 240 voltage is available for
International visitors using this power system.
Are there any
cultural tours?
Very much so. The Yapese
culture dates back more than 1000 years and has remained intact down through the
generations. Yap is the only society in the world to use money carved from stone.
These stone disks can range in size from 12 inches to 14 feet in diameter.
Cultural tours to island villages are considered one of the highlights of a Yap
vacation. Two cultural tours are scheduled weekly (Tuesdays and Saturdays), with
visits to island villages, stone money banks and men's houses. Activities include
traditional Yapese dances, sampling local foods and fruits and shopping for cultural
handicrafts.