What lies beneath the blue waters is a submerged museum of World War 2 Wrecks, for there are more than sixty ships of the Japanese wartime fleet encrusted with coral lying at various depths.
On them are fighter planes still in transports, trucks still lashed to the decks of freighters and officers' china and utensils with brand names still recognisable.
The
lagoon has been declared a monument, and salvage and souvenir taking of
relics is prohibited by law. Divers must obtain a permit before diving
around the ships.
One of the two top scuba diving locations in the world, Chuuk's water temperatures are 29ºC and incredibly calm between December and May. Average temperature above water is 30ºC.
The main island of Weno (formerly Moen) is the capital and commercial centre and has a population of about 16,121 of Chuuk's total population of 53,319. This is where the fathers of a Jesuit-run school lived and were summoned daily by a large bell. It's also from Weno that you can get your best views of the lagoon and its sheltered waters.
Chuuk's
district centre on Weno is where visitors can experience a taste of island
life by visiting the local stores jammed with everything from kerosene
stoves to ladies wear and handicrafts.
For an outstanding view of Weno and the lagoon, climb into the old lighthouse built during Japanese occupation and visit the Truk Continental for a stroll in the coconut palm grounds with splendid views across the water to Dublon Island formerly the Japanese military headquarters.
On Sapou overgrown vegetation partly conceals the remains of what was once a city, while at Fefan, craftsmen carve Chuukese lovesticks - slender, dagger-shaped wooden rods carved on each side, which are sold in handfuls to tourists with an eye for exotic souvenirs.
In past years, an island man would carve his personal notches on the lovestick and let his would-be sweethearts feel it. At night, lovestick in hand he would kneel beside the thatch wall opposite where a girl lay sleeping, poke the stick through the wall and entangle her hair, hopefully awakening her without arousing her family.
The silent language of the lovestick began when the girl put her fingers around the shaft's notches and identified its owner.
Most restaurants in Chuuk provide a selection of American, Japanese and local foods as regular menu items. US dollars are used while travellers cheques and currency can be changed at banks and at some hotels.
When visiting traditional areas, respect local customs and note that mini skirts and short shorts are frowned upon by the locals.
Truk's Western Islands
There are no guesthouses on any of the islands, but the governor's office on Weno can sometimes help with accommodation arrangements. There are flights from Weno to Ulul, the main island; a couple of field trip ships also visit Ulul irregularly.
Mortlocks
For visitors, the handiest destination in the Mortlocks is Satawan Atoll, which has both boat and air connections to Weno. There are a few simple and perfectly adequate cottages for visitors staying overnight.
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