bound for Yap in a week and...

While being in Palau at the moment, I start to organize my Yap week-long trip.

1) I arrive in Yap at around 3 am. Is there any chance to sleep / stay over at the airport? Or should i arrange for the fisrt night accommodation?

Well, I was planning on doing the same at Koror's airport (arrival at 1am) until i was pushed in last minutes into prebooking a hotel by a friend of mine who lives in Palau.

2) Where should i stay in Colonia for the first nights? Any suggestions? Something budget, basic - I do not luxury i have at home. Pathways seems still too pricey....

3) After snorkeling with Manta Rays, I am into visiting some outside areas. I planned on Bechiyal village on Maap. Can anyone give me update as for accommodation at James Gilgoofigir and his wife Helen Matinag there. Besides, Danka has put in a good word about Chool Villag on Maap (accommodation at DJ Bungalows). Has anyone stayed there recently? Danka lives in Palau now and doesnt know the latest status. Any accommodation at one of Yap's beaches in a local village, at more authentic hou0se, bai, bungalow? I dont want to stick in Colonia all the time.

Cheers for any info

jirikoo

I was going to sleep at the airport having been stood up by Danka's man from DJ. I was ready to pitch my tent there on the lawn but locals told me it was too dangerous. (I'm female.) They actually ended up putting me up at their house. I don't know if there is a place for you to sleep if you haven't brought your own. There was a cafe with some outdoor seating. If they leave the chairs and tables outside perhaps you could push those together. Long hot walk into town the next day.

I would stay at the Hiltop. They'll pick you up.

1. There is no place to sleep in the Yap airport. It opens when a flight arrives, then it closes. You will need to arrange for accommodation. Hiltop is cheap ($35 low season), but is in an inconvenient location. EMI is another cheap option (better location than Hiltop, caters to mostly Japanese clientele, if I remember correctly).

2. DJ Bungalow no longer exists, as of June 2010. The one place to stay on Maap--Village View Hotel. It had no running water when I was there, but hopefully they have fixed it. That place did have a tasty little restaurant. As of June, that was your only option outside Colonia, outside of informal homestays.

3. I had zero luck getting a homestay arranged, but you might get lucky. Never hurts to check the tourist office.

EMI Apartments 35 USD per night says http://www.visit-fsm.org/yap/accommodation.html

Hilltop Motel but without any prices might be as well cheaper http://www.visityap.com/stay_hiltop.html

thank you guys for all ur input

i dunno, it seems pointless to book the first night on the night of my arrival, only for 3-4hours of sleep, though

as for the lodging outside colonia, ill try to contact visitors' center

cheers

I am looking forward to a detailed trip report of your adventures in Yap and Palau.