A small nation of 21,000 inhabitants in the western pacific region of Micronesia, made up of eight large islands and more than 250 limestone coral islets (known as Rock Islands), Palau offers holidaymakers the world’s most beautiful tropical paradise with awesome natural wonders: sugary white sand beaches, diverse wildlife, massive coral walls, flourishing reefs, spectacular waterfalls and underwater hidden caves and even sunken planes and ships from World War II. No matter you plan a family vacation, a diving trip or a romantic honeymoon, be sure to have a wonderful holiday in Palau, full of interesting moments and adventure-filled days.
Koror
Koror is the main city and island area of the Palau archipelago and a major tourist hub for those who come to explore the exceptional marine life of the island. Koror harbor has several large natural anchorages with the most important being Ngemelachel, which today is the city’s industrial and shipping suburb. The town is easy to navigate and is home to a few sites that are worth visiting. They include: Belau National Museum and the new Palau Aquarium. Boat trips, diving and snorkeling tours are available. If you want to take souvenirs back home, Koror has a jail in its center, where people sell a variety of arts and crafts. It’s worth mentioning that nearly three-quarters of Palau’s population lives in Koror, making it one of the highest population densities in Micronesia.
Diving in Palau
Palau is a Mecca for every diver. Diving in Palau is available all year round with high season considered to be November through May. The warm tropical waters of Palau, averaging 27°C, are blessed with great visibility (up to 60 meters) and an astonishing collection of marine life. Blue Corner is perhaps the most famous dive site in Palau, offering diverse steep sheer walls and an abundance of colorful fish, from schools of jacks to blacktip, whitetip and grey reef sharks to huge napoleon wrasse. Other popular sites worth a diving include: Iro Wreck – a Japanese oil supply ship sank during WWII, which is now inhabited by schools of batfish; Pepeliu Cut – a fast paced drift and fishy dive, with the opportunity to spot different shark species, tuna, barracuda, rainbow runners and schools of snappers; and German Channel, another great dive site famous for its manta rays. Do not forget your cameras!
Jellyfish Lake
Palau is home to more than 50 marine lakes – isolated bodies of seawater tied to ocean by channels and tunnels, but one unique stands aside for it’s the only lake open to public. This is the exclusive Jellyfish Lake or Ongeim’l on Eli Malk Island, formed more than twelve years ago, when these jellyfish became trapped in a natural basin when the ocean receded. During the years these amazing creatures evolved into a new species, most losing their sting ability and becoming harmless to humans. However, if you are allergic to jellyfish, it’s highly recommended to wear a wetsuit or protective clothing. There are daily tours and snorkel trips to the Jellyfish Lake, reached by a short yet steep hike over the limestone island’s crest and quick swim to the other side of the lake. The experience of swimming with millions of jellyfish is truly surreal and is available only in Palau and nowhere else in the world.
Palau Hotels
Visitors will find a wide range of hotel accommodations in Palau, offering everything from full-service luxury resorts with the utmost facilities and amenities, to modestly priced bungalows and budget hotels. Most of the resorts and hotels are located in Koror, but those who prefer privacy and seclusion can choose from many bungalows found on the southern and northern islands. Palau Pacific Resort is one of the 5 star retreats of Palau nestled in 64 acres of lush tropical gardens on the western shore of Ngerkebesang Island, Koror, which offers luxury beyond word and is considered one of the leading getaways in Micronesia.
Make sure to meet and communicate with Palauans, who are truly friendly and sociable people, always ready to share stories and traditions!
