Archives: Destinations

Internet in Palau

When you land at the airport and line up in the immigration area, you can start using the free PNCC WiFi from Palau National Communications Corporation.  The coverage extends to the baggage claim area and the arrival lobby.

Note, there is also free PNCC WiFi in the airport departure lounge (second floor), but not at the departure check-in area on the first floor.

PNCC offers visitors the following options for internet access in Palau: international roaming, mobile data, 4G Pocket WiFi, and WiFi Hotspots.

• For international roaming select 55201 or PLW01.
• Nationwide mobile service, with 4G/3G coverage in Koror, Airai, Peleliu, Melekeok, Ngarchelong, Ngaremlengui, Ngatpang, and Ngchesar, and 3G in other states.
  • Click here for mobile services and plans: https://www.pnccpalau.com/products-and-services/mobile
  • Prepaid PNCC SIM cards provide mobile data plus text, local and long distance voice calls. SIM cards are sold at PNCC in Koror and Airai, and selected local vendors.
  • Top up your PNCC SIM card with Airtime sold at 100 retail stores and online at www.pnccpalau.com/online-store
• PNCC also offers 70 WiFi Hotspots that can be accessed with prepaid Internet cards, which are sold at 100 retail locations and online at www.pnccpalau.com/online-store. Visit the Internet page to download a list of WiFi Hotspot locations: https://www.pnccpalau.com/products-and-services/internet
• 4G Pocket WiFi devices can be purchased at the PNCC Retail Store for use on the national mobile network.
• Coming soon! PNCC Mobile System Upgrade to 5G

Surfrider Resort Hotel is Saipan’s premier beach resort hotel, only seconds from the island’s most beautiful white beach.

Ideally located near the Francisco Ada International Airport, the hotel is also a convenient 10-minute drive to Garapan – Saipan’s popular shopping and entertainment district.

Stylish, well-appointed rooms feature modern amenities such as high-speed internet and satellite TV.

Great eat-in options are available at Surfrider Resort Hotel. Wake to the smell of freshly baked treats from the on-site Great Harvest Bakery. Located mountain side on the ground floor, the bakery is also a café, and daily makes fresh breads, delectable goodies, handmade delicious sandwiches, soups and salads plus daily specialties as well as offers just-brewed coffees and teas.

BREATHTAKING SUNSETS

Later in the day, view breathtaking sunsets at the hotel’s dining facility, the Saipan Surf Club Restaurant – located right on the beachfront behind the Hotel Lobby. Take in the stunning panoramic ocean views in a restaurant that consistently delivers the vibrant spirit and flavors of Saipan.

Renowned as the place to be on the island’s south side, locals and visitors alike enjoy the ambience which embraces guests in the Saipan spirit of open-air dining, tropical beach surroundings, and live local music.

Room options include: Standard King Bed and Standard Queen Bed; Twin Bed in Standard, Executive and Deluxe; Executive King Bed; and King Suite. There’s also a Family Room and, for those special occasions, the sumptuous Governor’s Suite.

MANY AMENITIES

All rooms include a television, microwave oven, refrigerator, soft American mattresses, bottled water, coffee amenities, a tea/coffee maker, iron and ironing board, bath amenities, hair dryer, towel set, and safety deposit box.

As well as full-service rooms, the many other guest amenities include a well-equipped Business Center, Work-out Center, self-laundry service, car parking, and Hertz Car Rental. The helpful staff advise guests on the best places to go and shop, and give tours on request.

Surfrider Resort Hotel is an affordable option for those seeking relaxation, adventure, or needing a comfortable place to stay for business.

Lava Hotel: A Business Hotel in the Heart of Apia, Samoa

Ideally situated within walking distance of government buildings, the market, the bus station, shops, and the Samoa Tourism Authority, Lava Hotel offers unparalleled convenience for business travelers and those on a working holiday, both local and international.

Directly across the road from the hotel is the iconic Sea Wall, where guests can enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and coastal views. Early risers often start their day with a jog along the Sea Wall, taking in the serene surroundings.

Picturesque Atmosphere

Behind the hotel lies a lush green garden, providing a tranquil escape with a scenic backdrop of verdant mountains.

Lava Hotel features 49 well-appointed rooms, including interconnecting rooms, king rooms, queen rooms, and twin rooms, offering a comfortable and functional environment for both work and relaxation. Each room is equipped with:

• Air conditioning
• Free high-speed Wi-Fi (available throughout the hotel)
• A 45” Smart TV with Chromecast for seamless streaming

Dining & Guest Amenities

Guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet, adding value to their stay. Customers consistently praise the hotel’s warm ambiance and premium beds for a restful night’s sleep.

For dining, the on-site restaurant and bar, Eatery 1905, serves a variety of local and international dishes. Whether grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely meal, the Lava Hotel team provides an exceptional culinary experience.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Lava Hotel is equipped with modern facilities for meetings and events, offering a professional setting to meet business needs. The conference spaces are designed to accommodate both small meetings and large events.

When it’s time to unwind, guests can relax at the pool area or the inviting lobby with scenic garden views—perfect for working or unwinding in comfort.

Lava Hotel prioritizes convenience, comfort, and quality service, ensuring a productive and stress-free stay.

The individually designed rooms of Tinian Garden Bed & Breakfast are furnished with unique design pieces and feature spacious private bathrooms, along with a choice of queen and twin beds.

Each room includes air conditioning, ceiling fans, Wi-Fi, and streaming TV with access to leading online news and movie services. Complimentary high-speed internet is also provided.

Convenient Food Offer

Guests can enjoy breakfast at the Bar-K Diner, conveniently located next door within the Tinian Western Lodge. The bed & breakfast includes a choice of five popular Rise and Shine! breakfast specials at no charge as part of the stay.

For lunch and dinner, the diner serves some of Tinian’s most beloved dishes, including the renowned Fried or Fresh Lumpia, the ever-popular Flamin’ Shrimp, and the must-try Bob’s Big Burger, made with a ½-pound certified Angus beef patty loaded with toppings.

Bob’s Big Burger is also available on the drive-in and take-away menus at Bar-K Diner, which offers all-day dining featuring Certified Angus Beef® Sirloin Steak, pastas, and desserts.

Comfortable Stay

To ensure a comfortable stay, guests have access to an elegantly furnished living room, a kitchen with a refrigerator and microwave, and an onsite laundry room.

The facility also includes shared spaces such as a fresh food prep kitchen, a mini library, and a spacious lounge area. The lounge is fully equipped with rocking chairs and a large-screen Smart TV, making it perfect for game day or unwinding with your favorite show in style.

Located on Broadway Avenue—the island’s main thoroughfare into the San Jose Village—Tinian Western Lodge is centrally located whether you are on the island for business or leisure.

Tinian Western Lodge is dedicated to providing unmatched service, ensuring guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The rooms are newly renovated, well-lit, air-conditioned, and inviting. Full-service rooms come with TVs and amenities such as hotel parking, laundry, Hertz Rental Car, daily baked goods from Tinian Bakery, and convenient access to the Bar-K Diner.

Flexible Dining Choices

The Bar-K Diner offers a fusion of American and island-inspired cuisine with a Western twist. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with dine-in, drive-in, and takeaway options. The menu features favorites like Bob’s Big Burger, Certified Angus Beef® Sirloin Steak, pastas, desserts, and Family Size Platters.

For business travelers and event organizers, the Tinian Conference Center can host large meetings or special events, including off-site catering. Many dishes are made with fresh produce from Triple J Tinian Farms, ensuring high-quality and nutritious meals for guests.

Relaxation & Adventure

Tinian Western Lodge is an affordable and welcoming option for those seeking relaxation, adventure, or a clean, safe, and comfortable place to stay. Experience island hospitality like no other!

The lodge is just minutes from the island’s top swimming spots and stunning beaches. Visitors can also stop by the nearby Triple J Wholesale To Everyone store for fishing rods or snorkeling gear before heading out to explore the crystal-clear waters.

Tinian lies about 160km (100 miles) north of Guam and is 101km² in area, just a 10-minute commuter flight from Saipan.

Tinian is of volcanic origin, with Mount Kastiyu as its highest point at 187m. The island’s largest settlement is the village of San Jose, and it has a population of over 3,000. The Chamorro people, native to the island, speak English, Japanese, and their indigenous Chamorro language.

As one of the three principal islands of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Tinian is a U.S. commonwealth. Alongside the uninhabited neighboring island of Aguiguan, it forms Tinian Municipality—one of four constituent municipalities of the Northern Marianas.

Tinian is home to 36 historical sites in the north and 15 in the south. The island also boasts nine hotels and numerous stunning beaches—nine on the northern side and seven on the southern side—making it an ideal destination for snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing.

Among its cultural landmarks is the House of Taga, one of the most famous sites in the Pacific. Early island settlers built post-raised houses around 1500 BC, with later generations constructing massive stone-pillar homes by the 1600s. The remains of these structures still stand today.

Recent History

Before World War II, Tinian was under Japanese administration and was a significant sugarcane-growing and processing center. After U.S.-led Allied forces captured it in 1944, the island was converted into a major U.S. military air base.

In August 1945, two U.S. bombers based on Tinian dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, marking the end of World War II. A large portion of the island remains under U.S. military lease.

On July 26, 2024, Tinian Mayor Edwin P. Aldan organized the 80th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Saipan and Tinian, honoring World War II heroes and indigenous lives lost during the battle.

On September 23, 2024, Tinian and Aguiguan were officially designated as an American World War II Heritage City, joining 30 other recognized localities. This designation acknowledges the contributions of American towns, cities, and communities that played vital roles in the U.S. war effort.

Mangrove Bay Hotel is uniquely situated in the heart of Pohnpei’s main bay yet also only a short distance from downtown Kolonia.

The hotel offers a suite and eight spacious regular rooms, each featuring a queen bed and twin beds, en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, internet, and refrigerator. Guests can enjoy private balconies overlooking the bay’s beautiful waters and the jetty.

Wake up to breathtaking views of sailboats, old shipwrecks, and Pohnpei’s iconic landmark—Sokehs Rock—followed by stunning sunsets. For groups and travelers seeking extra space, the generously sized Mangrove Hill Villa is an excellent choice, offering three bedrooms and three bathrooms.

Great Views & Dining

The Sushi Bar, just a minute’s walk from the hotel, provides a scenic waterfront dining experience with sushi rolls, tempura, and a great view of the marine life.

For adventure seekers, the Pohnpei Surf Club, located within the hotel, offers quick access to water and land tours. The helpful staff at the counter can arrange jungle hikes, excursions, and car rentals within minutes.

Mangrove Bay Hotel also provides free airport pickup, fast Wi-Fi, and flexible early or late checkouts when available.

Beautiful Peninsula & Outdoor Activities

Named after the lush mangrove trees thriving in the lagoon waters, the Mangrove Bay Hotel is an ideal spot for nature lovers.

Pohnpei’s incredible underwater scenery makes it a haven for scuba diving, drift dives, and wall dives. Adventure enthusiasts can also explore WWII wrecks and Japanese weapon sites.

Other popular activities include swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, game fishing, and world-class surfing—particularly at Palikir Pass, one of the world’s top right-hand breaks.

Just a 10-minute drive from the airport and a short ride to local bars, restaurants, and markets, the hotel is perfectly located for a relaxing stay. With a friendly and attentive staff, guests can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, spacious accommodations, and a vibrant bar serving delicious food and drinks.

For more than four decades, Yap has earned its place as a premier destination for year-round mantas and holds the distinction of being the world’s first Manta Sanctuary.

This sanctuary was established by Bill Acker, who founded and still operates Yap Divers, the island’s first dive shop. Bill is an inductee to the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame. And there is so much more to discover in Yap beyond its majestic mantas.

SURROUNDING REEF

One of the most remarkable aspects of Yap is the variety of dive sites that ring the entire island. This surrounding reef provides an extraordinary range of underwater experiences, from vibrant coral gardens teeming with reef fish to exhilarating drift dives along the island’s walls. For larger marine life, Yap offers opportunities to see everything from manta rays and reef sharks to barracudas and schools of jacks. Smaller marine life can be found in Yap’s abundance of macro photography subjects, from nudibranchs and shrimp to octopus and other unique species.

DIVERSITY & TRANQUILITY

Each of Yap’s 50+ dive sites offers a unique experience, catering to divers of all levels — from beginners to advanced. The diversity of these sites ensures that photographers, videographers, and marine life enthusiasts alike will find dive sites suited to their interests and camera settings. The tranquil environment of Yap’s pristine waters allows divers to explore at their own pace.

BLACKWATER DIVING

Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers is treading into new waters with the latest addition of blackwater diving. Yap is home to the world’s deepest ocean trench with a maximum depth of 27,976 feet (8,527 metres). Blackwater diving takes divers to a mysterious world of alien-like creatures that can be seen just beneath the surface after migrating up from the depths. This new dive gives divers an adventurous experience in this pitch-black deep-sea environment, giving a diver a newfound perspective of the ocean. Yap’s blackwater diving is best done in the non-tradewind season, which is generally from June to the end of November. Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers offers seasonal blackwater diving weekly and upon request.

A UNIQUE CULTURE

Yap’s culture is rich with tradition, passed down orally through generations. The island’s unique system of chiefdoms preserves these practices, with local leaders guiding their communities. Every year on / around March 1 is Yap Day — a vibrant cultural festival showcasing traditional dances, crafts, and competitions. This celebration brings Yap’s past to life, inviting visitors to immerse in the island’s enduring heritage. Photos by Tim Rock, Sheila Ott, David Fleetham, Michele Westmorland, and Marty Snyderman, respectively.

The Penthouse hotel is a 100% locally owned business located in the heart of Koror, the capital of Palau.

With 23 fully furnished rooms, The Penthouse offers a cozy and relaxing atmosphere for its guests.

INTERNATIONAL & LOCAL DELICACIES

The in-house restaurant boasts a wide variety of menus, from international cuisines to staple local delicacies – that are a must-try when visiting Palau. The hotel also boasts a beauty shop offering services at affordable rates.

Former First Lady Dilbuked Christina “Tina” Salii opened The Penthouse Hotel & Restaurant in 1991 with the idea of creating a home-away-from-home for her local friends and family, along with her friends from across the Micronesian/Pacific region.

When the business first opened, Tina was a one-woman operation. She operated as the chef, waitress, dishwasher, hotel receptionist, managed reservations, and everything in between.

As the business started growing in popularity, she brought on a handful of her sisters, relatives, and close friends to help.

YOUR HOME IN PALAU

Today, The Penthouse team has grown significantly. However, the familiar homely atmosphere still thrives as Tina’s children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews help run the operation along with employees who have been with the company for decades.

All of this ensures that The Penthouse stays true to its slogan,
“Your home in Palau”.

Nestled amidst a 30-acre private nature preserve overlooking Palau’s breathtaking rock islands, Carolines Resort offers an idyllic escape for those seeking tranquility and adventure.

This eco-resort features luxurious private island bungalows and exquisite glamping tents and is renowned for its serene jungle forest setting and commitment to sustainability. Its prime location, just minutes from the main tourism centre, makes it an ideal base for exploring Palau’s pristine paradise.

Each of the eco-bungalows is perched on stilts with private balconies overlooking spectacular ocean sunsets. These 400 sq ft handcrafted bungalows feature all the modern amenities including luxury bedding. Indulge in ultimate outdoor luxury with exquisite glamping tents, featuring lavish interiors, handcrafted furnishings and modern amenities. In these 800 sq ft. soft-walled tents with wrap-around balconies, choose a sunset or sunrise view while enjoying the outdoor shower, copper tubs, and gas fire pit.

All accommodations have Wi-Fi, A/C, microwave, refrigerator, mini-bar, daily cleaning and parking, and free local transport. Farm-to-table breakfast is delivered each morning. Savour delicious local and international cuisine with the resort’s in-room dining options, including Elilai Seaside fine dining and the Canoe House Café gastro pub. Dive into Blue Corner’s vibrant underwater world, snorkel with turtles, kayak through the serene Rock Islands, swim in the mesmerising Jellyfish Lake, or walk through the resort’s extensive nature preserve.

Carolines Resort offers a luxurious and unforgettable experience to discover the beauty of Palau’s magical island paradise.