THINGS TO DO IN PALAU
Shopping in Palau
Koror offers a selection of modern shopping facilities in Palau. Locally handicrafts can be found at markets and gift shops and storyboards, or carved portraits depicting historical or mythological Micronesian scenes onto pieces of wood, are Palau’s most well known art form. Wooden carvings of bai models, canoes and figurines called dilukai are also available as Palau souvenirs, together with hats and mats woven from pandanus leaves, baskets and jewellery.
Branded goods are found at Suangeur Shopping Centre, though these international products are significantly pricier than in the United States and Europe. Major brands of diving gear are can also be found at all Palau dive centres.
Buying of endangered or protected marine animal products is prohibited, so beware of shops that try to sell them.
Places to Visit In Palau
The diverse Palauan archipelago encompasses the southern high islands of Babeldaob, Koror, Peleliu and Anguar; the coral atolls of Kayangel and Ngeruangel to the northeast and over 500 limestone Rock Islands. All the islands are encased in a single barrier reef, except for Kayangel, Ngeruangel and Anguar. Only eight islands are populated.
Unearth a plethora of flora and fauna as you trek through Babeldaob’s lush forests and feast your eyes on its majestic waterfalls. Koror allows you appreciate the beauty of the islands from its highlands, and is home to the only Shinto Shrine outside of Japan, a solemn reminder of the Japanese occupation in WWII. Get a history lesson and view island artefacts on display at the Etpison Museum and the National Museum – the latter was founded in 1955 and is the oldest museum in Micronesia. On special occasions, there will even be native dance performances by Palauan women in grass skirts.
Venture beyond Koror for more sights and adventures, from ancient rock paintings in Ulong Island’s caves, to sugary beaches and monuments on Peleliu and spouting blowholes on Angaur.
Diving & Snorkeling in Palau
As one of the world’s most popular scuba diving and snorkeling destinations, Palau’s diving spots draw in tourists with their coral reefs, blue holes, hidden caves, vertical drop-offs and a huge mix of marine creatures, including evolutionary miracles like giant clams and stingless jellyfish.
These jellyfish, in particular, can be found during dives at the enclosed Jellyfish Lake in the Mecherchar Island group. Naturally protected from predators, they have lost their venomous stingers – much to the delight of snorkelers who flock to the lake for the surreal experience of being surrounded by them. Long Island Park and Nikko Bay are just two other great snorkeling areas in Palau offering interesting underwater views. The Blue Corner, German Channel, Ulong Channel and Blue Holes are well-known dive sites, where each new trip brings a completely different experience because of their biodiversity and underwater landscape.
For more information contact
Palau Visitors Authority
Address: PO Box 256, Koror, PW 96940
Phone: +680-488-2793/1930
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.pristineparadisepalau.com
Fax: +680-488-1453
