Marshall Islands

Has anyone here been to the Marshall Islands? If so, what are your overall thoughts on the place?

I have a chance to go there from work for 6 months. From my online research I have a fairly good idea of what is available on Majuro and what to see.

I also read that getting to nearby Arno is fairly easy. And that Kwajalein is off-limits obviously.

Any experience on the outer islands of the country? Books I should look at to get more info?

Yes, been. Depends on what you are doing there. Even the main island is tiny and sometimes only as wide as the road. It is very laid back. If you are into diving it offers a lot of opportunities including other countries in the region.

Thanks for the reply.

I'm into diving, and have done it about 3 or 4 times, but I'm not certified. I would consider getting certified either there or prior to leaving if possible.

Did you make it to any of the outer islands? I already know of Bikini Island, but that's not really an option to stay on due to radiation.

I'm trying to figure out which outer island would be the most interesting in terms of retaining their customs (Indigenous housing, sailing/canoes, etc) and also nearby snorkeling/free-diving (I'm assuming most outer islands don't have dive operators)

I'd like to make a trip to nearby Kosrae or one of the other FSM islands as well. I've had much better luck finding information about those places than the Marshall Islands.

Edited by: MrJacoSanchez

I haven't been to the Marshalls, but based on what I heard from those who have, for traditional lifestyle, houses, canoes etc you would be far better off hopping over to visit neighboring Kiribati.
I have been there, and am quite sure it is one of the most traditional places left in the Pacific. It is served by Air Marshall Islands from Majuro, though not cheaply.

Thanks for the suggestions Laszlo. I hadn't considered it.

Only bad part is that it seems like the "main" island is heavily polluted, however it does fit the bill of what I'm interested in going by the pictures I just looked up on Google. Seems more in tune with my interests than FSM.

It doesn't look like the flights are frequent, but I'll see if I can match the dates up.

Edit:
Expensive indeed but I'll still see if I can go since I'll be in "the area" anyways. Probably my only chance of ever going.

Edited by: MrJacoSanchez

Well, the main island is heavily populated and polluted in all atoll nations. However in Kiribati the main atoll is large enough for its northern islets to retain a traditional and unspoilt feel.

You might find this thread interesting, too:

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1977293

You should definitely consider Truk as well that offers great wreck diving. You can also hop over to Pohnpei and visit Nan Madol.

If you go to Chuuk/Truk, do some research on the violent locals. Most people stay on liveaboards or gated hotels.

Yap has fantastic culture and great diving. Spouse and I were newly certified, and Jan at Yap Divers made sure we had a divemaster assigned to us. While Yap itself isn't beautiful, the culture is amazing (stone money, the outer islanders, the strange lime-like fruit that made the best limeaid).