By: Skiller Jackson
Director
Kosrae SBDC
The Walung hamlet is
part of the Tafunsak Municipality on the island of Kosrae in the Federated
States of Micronesia. This hamlet was once accessible only by boat. Today,
there are a number of ways to get to Walung. Due to the rugged and steep road
to Walung, one must drive a four-wheeler or an off-road vehicle which could
take at least an hour or more from the Kosrae International Airport to the
Walung hamlet. It is only a 5-10 minute boat ride on a 40 hp outboard motor
from the Okat Marina and about 45 minutes more or less to paddle on an
outrigger canoe to Walung.
The Walung hamlet has no electricity, thus, most of the homes
now have solar panels installed where one could watch the sunset while the
coffee pot is heating up. A few years back, visitors must be watchful so as to
return to the main village while the tide is still high. Even if you still want
to enjoy the peacefulness, the isolation from noise pollution, the endless
strips of white sandy beaches, and the sweet coconut juice, you need to get
back to your hotel at the main village on the same tide because there was no
lodging available in Walung.
The Walung Ecolodge is a new start-up business which was started
by Mr. Timothy H. Jackson. Through the years, Mr. Jackson often times offered
his house as a retreat to visitors who wish to spend the night in Walung. Even
during the day a visitor to Walung needs to rest but could not find a place to
rest. Today, it is not an issue anymore. If you want to spend a day or two or
even a week in Walung, just enjoying the scenery or on a honeymoon trip, you
are most welcome to rest at the Walung Ecolodge.
Mr. Jackson came to
the Kosrae SBDC for business assistance in starting a lodging business in
Walung some years back. After a series of business planning and development
counseling sessions, Mr. Jackson completed a business proposal for a lodging
business and submitted the plan to FSM Development Bank for review. It was late
last year that Mr. Jackson was informed by FSM Development Bank of the approval
of his loan request and assisted in creating six new full time positions.
Mr. Jackson was born and raised in the Tafunsak Municipality
and moved to Walung after he came back from college. Mr. Jackson is currently
living and working in Walung as the School Principal of the Walung Elementary
School. He is married to Mrs Amera Benjamin with 2 sons and 1 daughter.
For
more information on how the Kosrae SBDC can assist you in starting or expanding
your business, please contact Skiller Jackson at 691-370-2751 or e-mail skiller@pacificsbdc.com
