Things to Do in Stone Money Bank

Massive limestone discs weighing several tons still serve as currency on Yap Island—making this possibly the world's most fascinating money system. These ancient stone wheels, some measuring up to 12 feet across, sit scattered like silent guardians of Micronesian culture. The stones weren't quarried locally. They were carved from limestone on distant Palau and transported by outrigger canoe across dangerous ocean waters. Each one represents incredible seafaring skills and determination. Total commitment to currency. What makes Stone Money Bank interesting is that ownership changed hands without the stones ever moving. The Yapese developed an oral tradition where everyone simply knew who owned which stone—the world's first distributed ledger system. While modern currency handles daily transactions, rai stones retain cultural significance for ceremonial exchanges and major purchases like land or marriage arrangements.

Dining options blend traditional Micronesian food with American and Asian influences, though choices are limited given the island's remote location. Local specialties include fresh seafood, taro, breadfruit, and betel nut, often prepared in traditional earth ovens for special occasions. Most restaurants cluster in Colonia. The main town has a handful of small eateries and hotel dining rooms providing the primary options. Many cultural tours include traditional meals—often highlights since they use methods passed down through generations. Worth the extra cost.

The best time for Stone Money Bank experiences is during the dry season from December through April. Rainfall is lower and outdoor cultural activities are more reliable during these months. You can visit year-round though. Yap's tropical climate means the wet season from May through November brings heavier rains that might affect some outdoor stone money site visits. Cultural events and traditional ceremonies happen throughout the year—check with local contacts about special festivals or stone money ceremonies. Perfect timing matters.