Rull

Rull (Yapese: Ruul) is a municipality occupying the southern part of Yap island in Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia. With a population of about 1,800, it is one of the most populous municipalities on Yap. Rull is home to the Yap Campus of the College of Micronesia-FSM and Yap High School, both located in Yinuf Village. The historic Rull Men's Meetinghouse, a traditional Yapese meeting house, is a notable cultural landmark. Rull has a traditional dancing ground and maintains strong cultural traditions, including the production of traditional Yapese stone money and woven crafts.

Tropical rainforest climate: warm and humid year-round, average temperatures around 27°C. The dry season runs from January to March; the wet season from April to December, with heaviest rainfall between June and October.

By Plane

Yap International Airport (IAP) near Colonia is the closest airport, about 5 km north of Rull. United Airlines flies to Yap from Guam (3–4 hours) and Chuuk. A taxi from the airport to Rull costs around US$5–10.

By Train

By Car / Road

Rull is accessible from Colonia by a paved road that runs along the south coast. The drive from Colonia to the Rull municipal centre takes about 10 minutes. Taxis are available in Colonia for short trips around the island.

Rull is small enough to explore on foot or by bicycle. Taxis and private vehicles are the main options for longer trips. A paved road connects the villages along the south coast; some interior roads are unpaved.

• Rull Men's Meetinghouse — A traditional Yapese men's meeting house (faluw), one of the oldest surviving examples on the island. Visitors should respect local customs and ask permission before entering.

• Yap Campus of the College of Micronesia-FSM — The main higher education campus for Yap State, situated in Yinuf Village.

• Traditional dancing grounds — Rull maintains active dancing grounds where cultural performances are held during Yap Day and other celebrations.

• Traditional Yapese villages — Several villages in Rull preserve the distinct Yapese building styles with high-peaked thatched roofs and stone platforms.

• Attend Yap Day celebrations (March 1–3), with traditional dancing, crafts, and cultural events.

• Visit the Rull community during a local festivity to observe traditional Yapese dances.

• Explore the south coast beaches and coastal walking paths.

Rull has a few small local eateries (kiosks) serving basic Micronesian fare such as fried rice, tinned fish, and noodles. More dining options are available in Colonia, including Chinese and Western restaurants. Fresh coconut and tropical fruits are widely available from local vendors.

Drink only bottled or boiled water. Coconut water is available fresh from roadside vendors. There are no dedicated bars in Rull; Colonia has a few restaurants and hotel bars where visitors can have a drink.

• Budget: Several small guesthouses and homestays operate in the Rull area. Ask at the Yap Visitors Bureau in Colonia for recommendations.
• Mid-range: The Manta Ray Bay Resort and the Pathways Hotel in Colonia are the closest full-service hotels, about 5 km north.
• Upscale: The Manta Ray Bay Resort in Colonia is the highest-end option on Yap, with its own restaurant, bar, and dive shop.

Rull has small local stores selling basic groceries and household goods. For a wider selection, Colonia has shops, the Yap Cooperative Association store, and the Yap State market with local produce and crafts. Look for traditional Yapese woven items and ginger products.

• Colonia — The state capital, 5 km north, with restaurants, banks, the Yap Visitors Bureau, and the Yap Living History Museum.
• Weloy — Adjacent municipality that includes Colonia; explore the Yap State Capitol and local villages.
• Tomil — Municipality on the northeastern part of Yap, accessible by road, with traditional villages.
• Fanif — Northwestern municipality on Yap proper, home to Yap's highest point, Mount Taabiywol (178 m).
• Maap — Island connected by causeway to northeastern Yap, with archaeological sites.
• Gagil — Municipality on the island of Gagil-Tamil, accessible by causeway, known for the ancient stone money quarry.