unique knowledge Yap Micronesia
where manta rays dance
where manta rays dance

Yap Do's and Dont's

DO's

  • Always ask for permission before entering private property or taking a picture of people. Please note that 99% of Yap is privately owned, including the beaches.
  • Drive slowly in residential areas, especially in villages and the capital Colonia where the speed limit is 15 mph (24 kph), with maximum speed limit on the island being 25 mph (40kmh)
  • Feel free to try out local practices and/or attire, after asking for permission. It helps when Yapese know you're genuinely interested.
  • Sit properly. For women, don't squat in public. It's improper and disrespectful.
  • Ask permission before taking a picture or making a video of someone.
  • Introduce yourself when you meet people on the road or in villages . . . Yapese people are very friendly, but often quite shy.
  • Learn how to say "Sirow" and "Kammagar" meaning "Excuse me" and "Thank you" respectively.

DONT's

  • Walk around in public in transparent or skimpy attire. Yapese culture requires women to cover their thighs. Women can wear clothing with hemlines reaching to just above the knees.
  • Step or walk over people or their baskets when they are sitting down. It's disrespectful.
  • Cause too much noise in residential areas, especially when in a village.
  • Walk around villages empty handed. It shows you're visiting an area without a purpose and therefore are likely to cause trouble. A small branch (Muteelpaaq) would do if you don’t have a handbag.
  • Walk around at night without carrying a light, especially in the village. It means you are looking to cause trouble.