Destinations - Paradises

Welcome to Micronesia

by Katherine Sansom / March 25, 2018

WELCOME TO MICRONESIA

Micronesia is in many respects a tropical paradise. A romantic, uspoiled destination for the world traveller, the islands offer culture, adventure, and breathtaking landscape. Micronesia has a long and storied history, and today is rich in both traditional cultural practice and diversity.

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

A United States Commonwealth, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) forms the Mariana Islands archipelago. With a tiny land mass, the 607 islands are home to just 104,590 people. Micronesia comprises the four states of Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk (Truk) and Yap. The capital city is Palikir, on Pohnpei Island, a town of 4,600 people. Guam is the largest and most populous island.

The landscape

Micronesia has a tropical climate, with temperatures remaining relatively high throughout the year. Visitors can expect to enjoy 80° F temperatures all year round. The rainy season runs from July to October, whilst November to June are considered the dry season.

The islands of the Federated State of Micronesia (FSM) formed as the result of volcanic activity that occurred millions of years ago. This explains the astonishing landscape we see today. The islands include mountain peaks thrust above the surface of the water, surrounded by fringing reefs. Others are sunken islands, giving just rings of coral barrier reef and tiny island islets encircling coral and sand lagoons. FSM is also home to high rigged islands, 2,000-foot mountain peaks, deeply gorged river valleys, and hills, grassland, forests, and sandy beaches.

Early history

Micronesia’s history reaches back several thousand years, and is preserved through the nation’s oral histories, as well as its ruins and archaeological record. People have been living on the islands for between two and three thousand years. The first settlers are believed to have been travellers sailing east from Asia and north from Polynesia, and were thus people of sophisticated maritime knowledge.

In general, in fact, the geographical challenges posed by the nation’s size and location have meant that all of its settlers have been obliged to be resourceful. The successful societies and settlers have thus each demonstrated incredible innovation. Early residents crafted stone tools for fishing and building. They developed vessels for traversing the ocean, and built homes that allowed them to thrive in tropical climes and survive the occasional typhoon.

European Colonisation

Europeans first arrived in the 16th century, and the islands were occupied by Spanish and British settlers at various times over the next three centuries, though sustained European contact did not occur until the mid 1800s.

Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan landed in 1521, and named the islands ‘Islas de las Velas Latinas’ (or, Islands of the Lateen Sails), and later to ‘Las Islas de los Ladrones’ (or, the Islands of Thieves).

Spanish settlers arrived less than a decade later, when Ãƒlvaro de Saavedra’s second attempt to cross the Pacific bringing him to the Marshall islands in 1529. In honour of King Charles II, Spanish navigators named Palau and Yap the ‘Western Caroline Islands’, and Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae the ‘Eastern Carolines’. Wake Island (Enen-kio, in Marshallese) was first sighted by Ãƒlvaro de MendaÃƒ±a in 1567, but named after Samuel Wake, a British explorer who reached the island in 1796.

The islands of Kiribati were made a British colony in 1788, and named ‘the Gilbert Islands’ after the explorer Thomas Gilbert who reached them. John Fearn, a whale hunter, was the first Westerner to reach Nauru. He did so in 1798, and named it ‘Pleasant Island’.

The Marianas – named for Queen Mariana of Spain – were Spanish territories. However, in 1668, Guam became the first Spanish colony in Micronesia. The Spanish defeated the resistance of the people of the northern Marianas, moving them to Guam.
Spanish Jesuits opened a Catholic mission in Guam in 1668. They attempted to open further missions in Palau and Ulithi, but the priests were killed by the resistance and this mission was therefore stopped.

The global Pacific trade began in 1565, with the opening of the Manila Galleon Trade Route between Asia and South America/New Spain. In 1791, British East India Company ships were passing through the Western Carolines on their way to Asia. By the mid-19th century, the expanding whaling industry gave rise to the need for new ports to replenish ships and crews, and Kusaie (now Kosrae) and Ponape (now Pohnpei) were ideally placed.

German traders arrived in the 1860s, and had become the dominant presence in the region by the 1880s. Nauru became a German colony in 1886.

Under European colonisation, the islands’ populations declined significantly. The population of the Marianas prior to the Spanish arrival was approximately 50,000 people. This had been reduced to 3,500 by the beginning of the 17th century. The Marshallese population declined from 15,000 to 10,000 in the same period, and the Kosrae population from 3,000 to just 300. The decline can be largely attributed to disease and the loss of traditional ways of life.

Japanese Control

A League of Nations mandate took ownership of the islands from Germany after World War I, and granted formal control to Japan. Japan then made significant investments in agriculture, industry and commerce. Sugar cane, mining, fishing, and tropical agriculture became the major industries.

The Japanese government brought in huge numbers of labourers to work its newly developed phosphate mines and sugar plantations. At this time, the indigenous population numbered around 40,000 people. By 1935, there were 50,000 Japanese immigrants living in the islands, and by 1942, there were more than 96,000.

In 1941, Japan also took Guam and Wake Island from the United States, following heavy fighting. Japan also seized Nauru and the Gilbert Islands. Over a thousand people were forcibly displaced from Nauru, and sent to Chuuk to work as labourers. There were numerous bloody WWII battles on the islands, and many Micronesians suffered atrocities at the hands of Japanese soldiers.

United States trusteeship of Micronesia

Following World War II, with growing concern about the strategic military advantage the islands gave to Japan, the United States wrested control of the former Japanese colony. The UN Trusteeship of 1947 did not give the United States outright possession of the region, but allowed it to administer the islands and use them for defence purposes. It also made the United States responsible for developing the islands towards self-government or independence, according to the expressed wishes of the people.

The United States began conducting nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands in 1946. This continued until 1962, with over 60 devices detonated by the end of the period. The largest of these occurred in 1954, exposing hundreds of Marshallese Islanders to nuclear fallout. The tests had appalling physical and environmental effects, including illness that has lasted generations, displacement, social problems, and permanent destruction of islands’ landscapes, rendering them uninhabitable.

A UN report in 1961 harshly criticised the United States for its neglect of the islands, and JFK commissioned the Solomon Report in response. This report assumed that the islands would remain closely tied to the United States, and recommended increased economic and infrastructure development. President Kennedy also agreed budget increases and federal programmes.

Self-determination

This period saw rising demand from Micronesians for self-determination. In 1960, the UN General Assembly released the Declaration on Decolonization, recognising the right of all peoples to self-determination and calling for the end to colonial rule among the world’s non-self-governing territories.

In 1964, the Congress of Micronesia was established. In 1966, a political status commission recommended a move to ‘free association’. This was initially rejected by the United States, though it had relented by the 1970s. The partitioning of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI) led to independence, albeit free association with the United States with special conditions.

The Organic Act of Guam was signed in 1950, and the island became an unincorporated territory. A civilian government, legislature, and judiciary were subsequently established. The people of Guam were also granted United States citizenship. Guam now has an elected governor and a non-voting representative in the United States House of Representatives.

The United States government retains strategic prerogatives in Micronesia, in return for its provision of financial subsidies and federal assistance, including weather service, aviation agencies, international postal service, and disaster relief. Different freely associated states in the region each have their own agreements, and these are detailed in the Compacts of Free Association (COFA). They each assert control over their internal and foreign affairs, with the exception of those issues affecting United States strategic interests. Though their people are citizens of their respective states and not the United States, they are also ‘habitual residents’ of the United States, meaning they are allowed to enter and work in the United States and its territories without visas or work permits.

Social systems and lineage

Micronesian social systems are generally based on complex ranking systems, and they differ from one island to another. Some islands may have a single individual with an almost kingly or chiefly status, whilst others have groups of high-ranking individuals governing the island. In the atolls of the Carolines, we find egalitarian social structures, with lineages ranked according to the order in which groups first settled in the district.

Micronesian communities are structured by lineage. Members of a lineage hold and work land together, interacting together with other lineages. Each community also comprises different clans, who can in turn be dispersed among different communities on different islands. Members of a clan are obligated to protect one another and the shared resources.

Inheritance is usually matrilineal, though patrilineal and mixed group lines of descent also occur. Matrilineal ties are viewed as more endurable than patrilineal ties, which are generally considered impermanent.

In the matrilineal societies, offspring take membership of their mother’s clan. Siblings are ranked by birth order, and then children within a lineage are further ranked by their mother’s birth order. The clans are also ranked according to a hierarchy, and the leaders of high-ranking clans occupy leadership roles for the entire community.

Currency

The United States dollar is the currency of Micronesia. However, the island of Yap is famous for its currency of Rai stones (‘stone money’). These large disks of calcite reach up to four metres in diameter, with a hole in the middle, and there are believed to be some 6,500 on the island. There are five types of coin (Mmbul, Gaw, Ray, Yar, and Reng), and they are not usually moved when traded.

Economy

Micronesia’s cash economy is almost entirely dependent on United States aid. The country receives approximately $100 million per year from the United States in Compact of Free Association funds and supplementary grants.

The country’s commercial production is very small scale and largely consists of subsistence produce. There are just two garment factories. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish are sold in roadside markets, and handicrafts made from local materials are manufactured for tourists. This latter trade remains limited, as the tourist industry itself does, due to the country’s remote location and lack of facilities.

Religion

Micronesians traditionally practised ancestor-worship, though today the nation is Christian. Half of the people are practising Catholics, and a further 47% are Protestant. The remaining 3% are of small Christian denominations.

European occupation brought Micronesia into contact with many European tools, practices and ideas, including Christianity and democracy. It also brought alcohol, gambling, and prostitution. American missionaries from the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM) arrived in the 19th century, seeking to counteract the negative impact of the Europeans, and promote Christianity in the region. They also brought Western medicine, and quickly gained influence in the society.

Historic sites

The Lelu ruins in Kosrae, from 1400 AD, and the Nan Madol ruins of Pohnpei (1000 AD) are just two examples of the historic sites on the islands. The ruined city of Nan Madol is another. Located on the island of Pohnpei, the historic city was the capital of the Saudeleur Dynasty until 1628, and consists of a series of small artificial islands linked by a network of canals.

We also find today the remains of the Catholic Belltower, a historic tower at the Catholic Mission in Kolonia, on the island of Pohnpei. The belltower and adjoining masonry apse are all that remain of a church built in 1909 by German Capuchin missionaries.

Languages

English is the official language of Micronesia. The most commonly spoken indigenous languages are as follows: Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaians, Chuukese, Pohnpeians, Kosraeans, Nukuoro, and Kapingamarangi. Many elderly Micronesians are also fluent in Japanese. The linguistic diversity is reflective of the country’s long history and resulting cultural richness.

Food

The Micronesian diet is largely based around rice, fish and seafood. Plentiful fruits also grow on the islands. Chickens and pigs are reared locally, though they are usually reserved for feasts, and not eaten on a daily basis.

Food has huge social and symbolic significance in Micronesian culture, and is the focus of most ceremonial occasions. Micronesians share food to express solidarity and validate kinship ties, and express respect for elder members of the community by ensuring they eat first at meal times. Rights, duties, and obligations are all acknowledged and reaffirmed by practices of eating and sharing and serving food.

The arts

Micronesia’s most treasured art forms are its songs and dance. These traditional art forms reflect and nurture notions of clan and community solidarity and pride. The stick dance is one example of a traditional dance which is still enjoyed today. The choreography sees lines of dancers execute complex movements whilst striking long sticks.
Flowers are commonly used as decorative items and body ornaments, strung together as garlands around the head or neck, or around ears. Men and women are often tattooed, with mature men not infrequently covering their entire bodies in tattoo art.
Textile weaving using threads created from the trunks of banana plants and fibres from hibiscus bark, and coloured with natural dyes, is common in the Carolines. The weavers, usually women, use looms to create fabrics for women’s skirts and men’s loincloths, typically with geometric patterns or stripes. Kosrae and Pohnpei are known for their production of decorated woven belts and sashes.
Wood and stone working are both common. Items from masks to ocean-going canoes are typically made from wood, and Palau is home to elaborate carvings in the designs of grand meeting houses (bai). As well as crafting stone tools, many Micronesians work with stone to build huge stone pillars (latte). There is a vast complex of islets and channels in Nam Mahdol in Pohnpei, which is an astonishingly grand example of Micronesia stone workmanship.

For more information contact

Palau Visitors Authority
Address: PO Box 256, Koror, PW 96940
Phone: +680-488-2793/1930
Email: pva@pristineparadisepalau.com
Website: www.pristineparadisepalau.com
Fax: +680-488-1453

Everything You Need To Know About Palau

by Paradises / March 25, 2018

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PALAU

Located in the Western Pacific Ocean, the Republic of Palau comprises 340 islands and 16 states. A tiny country, its magical scenery includes natural wonders including pristine limestone and volcanic islands, emerald forests and shimmering turquoise lagoons.

The Origins Of Palau

Carbon dating suggests that Palau’s civilization begin in around 3,500 BC. The first contact by Europeans was in the 16th century, and the islands became part of the Spanish East Indies in 1574. Later sold to Germany in 1899, the country was then conquered by Japan during World War I, and then became a United States-governed Trust Territory in 1947. The islands finally claimed full sovereignty in 1994.

Palauian Society

Palau’s economy is dependent on tourism, subsistence agriculture, fishing, and foreign aid. The Palau currency is the US dollar. Visa and Mastercards are generally accepted, and American Express is generally not.
The Palau culture is a rich mixture of Micronesian, Melanesian, Asian, and Western elements. The two official languages are Palauan and English. Japanese, Sonsorolese, and Tobian are recognised as regional languages, and Filipino is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and shops.

The society is organised around matrilineal clans, with strictly defined roles for men and women.

The Palau people are fierce about the preservation of their culture, and host regular cultural activities to celebrate its richness. The Palau Women’s Conference is held annually to discuss initiatives to strengthen Palau culture.

Just a quick note on cultural sensitivity.

Palauians are known for their hospitality, and they are largely very happy to welcome and show respect for foreign visitors and cultural differences. However, this respect should be returned.

Visitors to Palau should not violate historic areas, pollute the environment, harm the ocean, or denigrate the people or local culture.

The people of Palau have much experience in accommodating foreign visitors, and are tolerant of faux pas. So, a prompt apology for any inadvertent offence will usually be quickly accepted. In general, visitors will find the culture to very laid back and easy to adapt to.

Safety & Security In Palau

CRIME: Palau is a safe country to visit, and guns are strictly prohibited.

TRAFFIC: When travelling of foot, it is necessary to be careful as sidewalks are limited, even in the busier areas.

WILDLIFE: There are saltwater crocodiles found on the island, especially in Palau’s mangroves. They tend to be very small, and there are just 450 adults on the island. These pose almost no threat to people, with just one fatal attack in history – and that was in 1965. There are no reports of attacks on any of the many, many snorkelers or scuba divers who visit the islands every year.

Bull sharks are common in the coastal waters and estuaries, and it is necessary to be cautious around these.

Palau’s World-Class Waters

The number one activity in Palau is diving, and the islands boast some world-class sites. The seascapes and marine life are unparalleled, earning the region the appellation of ‘the underwater Serengeti’.

Blue Corner is perhaps the most famous dive site, and this is located just an hour’s boat ride from most resorts. German Channel, Ulong Channel, and Blue Holes are also highly recommended.

Popular dive shops include,

Splash, attached to the Palau Pacific Resort
Fish ‘n Fins, the oldest dive center in Palau
Sam’s Tours, which offers diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and land tours
Palau Dive & Scuba, a small and personable service
Sara Guide Service, environmentally-responsible
Palau Dive Adventures, taking visitors on week-long trips, with comfortable, land-based accommodation

In addition, there are many ‘live aboards’, such as Ocean Hunter, which operate out of Palau. Expedition Fleet, is the largest privately owned live-aboard fleet in the Philippines.

The Palau islands are famous for the jellyfish lakes. These are home to jellyfish which have evolved without stingers, due to the absence of predators in their locales. A number of tour companies take snorkelling groups into the jellyfish lakes, usually charging around $100. Visitors will also need to purchase a $100 permit for the jellyfish lake, which is valid for ten days.

IMPAC (Imperial Palau Corporation) is one option. They provide day tours to Rock Islands, with jellyfish tours and kayaking.

Long Island Park is a decent option for snorkelling, and there are nice views from Icebox Park, at the southern tip of Malakal. Nikko Bay is also good for kayaking and snorkelling. The Palau International Coral Reef Center is educational aquarium with a good souvenir shop.

Palau’s Museums & Historical Sites

Palau is rich is WWII history, due to battles having taken place on the islands.
The Peleliu World War II land tour on Peleliu Island is just one of the history tours offered. This one is a good way to experience ‘Bloody Nose Ridge’ and ‘1,000 Man Cave’, sites of Marines battles and Japanese fortifications. Peleliu Island is also home to many tanks and other relics.

The island is 70 minutes by speedboat from Koror. The tours run every day and cost just $30.

The Belau National Museum in Koror offers rich insights into the history and culture of Palau, and is open every day.

The Etpison Museum is closed on Sundays, and comprises two floors of Palauan and Micronesian artefacts, displays, and photography. There is also a large gift shop, where visitors can purchase art, jewellery, books, and souvenirs.

A popular trek is to the Ngardmau Waterfall in Babeldaob. This is the largest waterfall in Palau, and the trail passes by key historical sites from the Japanese occupation, including an old locomotive and parts of a disused railway system.

The waterfall is also accessible by monorail and zip-line. Open every day, 9.00 am until 5.00 pm, there is a $20 entry fee.

The Stone Monoliths of Ngarchelong are another must-see in Palau. A series of 39 stone monoliths built in 100 AD, the stones are four-foot tall and the largest weighs five tonnes. They are open to the public every day, from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, and the entry fee is just $5.

Shopping In Palau

There aren’t a huge number of shops or shopping centres in Palau, and the country is not cheap. A low-end daily budget is around $100 per day.

WCTC and Surangel and Sons are the two biggest shops in the country. WCTC has a full-size grocery store, a chemist, digital photo printing facilities, and a full-service department store. And Surangel and Sons comprises a grocery store, a department store, and some smaller establishments.

Visitors will find a number of souvenir shops, convenience stores, and boutiques throughout Palau, and the largest concentration of these is in downtown Koror.

Eating In Palau

You can grab snacks in Palau, such as burgers and rice meals, for around $3. For meals, you will pay $5-10 in restaurants and cafes, or $20 and upwards in more high-end places.

The palettes of the large immigrant communities from Taiwan, the Philippines, Korea, Japan, and the USA are well catered for by the local grocers. Visitors will find plenty of international food in the shops. Japanese-inspired Bento lunch boxes, for example, are very popular.

The Rock Island Cafe in Koror serves American-style food; the Taj is an excellent Indian restaurant; Fuji offers reasonably-priced pseudo-Japanese food; and Keanos has an extensive, tasty menu of Italian cuisine.

Other recommended eateries include Kramer’s, on the wharf at Malakal. The food is good here and the nightlife is vibrant. Bem Ermii is located in a small trailer near the courthouse in downtown Koror, and serves great burgers and milkshakes. Carp is a good medium-range option, offering Japanese cuisine with a local flavour.

For ambience, there is Anathias Cafe, which plays American jazz in its enclosed downstairs section and open air upstairs space.

There are many licensed establishments in Palau, and the legal drinking age is 21.
Alcohol is available to purchase from most grocery stores, but public drinking is strictly forbidden and firmly policed.

Palau’s own brewery is Red Rooster Beer, providing Amber, Stout, and three other beers.

Next door to the brewery itself is Palm Bay Bistro, Malakal, an establishment serving local beers, and great steaks and pastas.

Other highly recommended bars include Q-Ball Club, a great spot to play pool and chill out, and Abai Ice in Koror, a small hut serving fresh fruit smoothies.

Hotels And Guesthouses In Palau

As you’d expect from a country so dependent on tourism, Palau has a variety of accommodation options, serving a range of budgets.

The Rose Garden Hotel is built into a hill side, and has an on-site restaurant serving large portions of good quality local, Japanese, Korean, and American dishes. Situated on the best view in town, a hotel shuttle is available for free to and from the city and the airport.

The Guest Lodge Motel is a decent option for smaller budgets. A little rundown in appearance, it is clean, friendly, and well-appointed inside.

Ms. Pinetrees Hostel / Bed and Breakfast is a hostel-style villa, with dormitory and private rooms and large communal spaces. Air conditioning and Wi-Fi are available. Guests are welcome to reserve a bed, a room, or the entire villa for up to 16 guests. The establishment is located just two minutes from the main street.

The Sea Passion Hotel offers many different types of room, including some with sea views and others overlooking the mountains. The rooms accommodate between one and four people each. The hotel’s on-site facilities include a dive shop (Palau Dive Adventures) and a watersports centre specialising in day snorkel and kayaking trips.
The Airai Water Paradise Hotel & Spa boasts the largest storyboard of Palau history, the largest water park with two water slides, and the largest Olympic-sized swimming pool in the country. There are a variety of rooms available, including standard rooms, honeymoon suites, and ocean view suites.

The Penthouse Hotel is located in downtown Koror, and provides a choice of rooms with two double beds and rooms with a single queen-sized bed. Each room has a refrigerator, television, bath, and iron. With meeting facilities and convention spaces, this establishment is popular with businessmen. The hotel restaurant serves American, Palauan, and Filipino cuisine.

West Plaza by the Sea offers 36 rooms, each overlooking the ocean lagoon and nearby islands. The rooms range from standard class to deluxe with kitchenettes, and there is a penthouse suite on the roof deck with a large private veranda, whirpool bath, kitchenette, and spacious living area. The Red Rooster Cafe is also based here, serving Japanese cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Happy hour every evening features Palau’s locally Red Rooster Draft.

West Plaza Desekel has 30 rooms, ranging from standard to deluxe to accommodate different budgets, and is conveniently located for museums, restaurants, and banks.

Caroline’s Resort is a unique establishment. Comprising several bungalows situated in the hills of the jungle, the resort is just outside downtown Koror. The charming bungalows are well equipped with satellite television and bar fridges, and external patios with ocean views. Guests have the option of being served breakfast on their private patio.

Among the high-end options are the Palau Pacific Resort. This world-class resort benefits from a beautiful beach and excellent restaurant. Alternatively, there is the Palau Royal Resort, one of the newest hotels in Palau and with a largely Japanese clientele.

The COVE Resort Palau is a waterfront haven designed for adventure and relaxation. The resort offers 71 rooms and three suites, each very well-appointed and served by room service and complimentary international daily buffet breakfast. Guests have the use of the largest lagoon pool in Palau, a relaxed island cocktail bar, and concierge assistance. The hotel restaurant is the Hungry Marlin Restaurant and Bar.

The Regions Of Palau

The key regions of Palau are,

Babeldaob (Melekeok): the largest island, with a population of 6,000
Koror: home to Koror City, the largest city in the country
Rock Islands: 300 mostly uninhabited islands
Peleliu: home to 700 people, most of whom live in the village of Kloulklubed
Angaur: just 200 inhabitants, and a highly regarded surfing destination
Sonsorol Islands: located in the southwest, and home to just 100 people

The Cities Of Palau

There are two key cities in Palau: Melekeok and Koror.

Melekeok is the capital, despite a tiny population of just 381 people. Located on the island of Babeldaob, it is a short drive from Koror along a road constructed by Daewoo.

Koror is the larger of the cities, and the former capital of the country. It is home to the largest area of shops, restaurants, and hotels, along with many dive operators.

Getting In And Out Of Palau

Travellers to Palau from the Marshal Islands, Micronesia, or the US or Samoa can stay in Palau for up to a year without a visa. Israeli citizens can stay for up to 90 days. Citizens of Bangladesh and Myanmar should apply for a visa before arrival, but all other visitors can obtain a free 30-day tourism visa upon arrival.

All visitors need a current passport and a return airline ticket to be granted entry to Palau.

Travellers should also note that, as of December 2016, there is a $50 embarkation tax levied on air travel passengers as they leave the country. This comprises a $30 green tax and $20 head tax. It is paid in cash as you move through immigration control.

For up-to-date information, contact the Palau Embassy in your own country before arrival.

Travelling By Plane To Palau

There is just one airport in Palau, and this is located in Airai on Babeldaob. The airport is small, dirty, and has few facilities. There is no Wi-Fi, no air conditioning, and very few seats. There is nowhere to purchase even a bottle of water, and there are likely to be no taxis at Arrivals. Be warned!

Your best option is to contact your hotel and arrange a taxi in advance. It is also possible to call a taxi to come from downtown to collect you. Taxis are expensive, charging $20-30 for the six-kilometre trip.

Car rental may also be available, and again this should be booked in advance via the hotel.

Other Means Of Transport To Palau

It is possible to get to Palau by boat, but not at all easy. Private boat hire, or the ‘government-run boats’, are cheaper alternatives.

Taxis and car rentals are available. When using taxis, note that they are not metered and fares are negotiable with the driver.

If you choose to rent a car, be prepared to drive slowly to accommodate bumpy roads and to meet the 40 km/h (25 mph) national speed limit.

Key Contacts In Palau

Palau Visitors Authority
Address: PO Box 256, Koror, PW 96940
Phone: +680-488-2793/1930
Email: pva@pristineparadisepalau.com
Website: www.pristineparadisepalau.com
Fax: +680-488-1453

Palau Postal Services

The official postal service of Palau is the United States Postal Service. USPS treats Palau as a territory, for the purposes of travel.

Palau Internet And Telecommunications

Almost all internet and telecommunications are provided by the Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC). An international SIM card can be assigned a local number upon arrival, and this permits use of a mobile phone and SIM card without the $25 PNCC SIM card. The PNCC provides Wi-Fi services with prepaid cards available at $5 and $10 denominations.

Free Wi-Fi can be found in many hotels, restaurants, and coffee bars, but this is relatively slow and unreliable. The Wi-Fi reception is at its best in downtown Koror.

Your Guide to Travelling & Diving in Micronesia

by Katherine Sansom / March 25, 2018

YOUR GUIDE TO TRAVELLING & DIVING IN MICRONESIA

Micronesia is the ultimate tropical paradise. These tiny, largely uninhabited islands are home to a vibrant culture and welcoming society that plays host to travellers from around the world throughout the seasons.

Despite its long colonial history – having been occupied by Spain, Germany, Japan, and the United States – Micronesia has retained its own culture, valuing a relaxed lifestyle with simple, comfortable ways, and synchronicity with the environment.

Located in the Western Pacific, different ocean currents converge and the waters are warm throughout the year. The islands are far from major landmasses and the population remains small. The seas are clear, offering outstanding visibility, great biomass, and many pelagics.

Micronesia’s warm waters and always hospitable temperatures are amongst its key draws, and there is a wealth of activities for an adventure holiday. Stand-up paddling, kayaking, and snorkelling in Jellyfish Lake are popular pass times, and many visitors are attracted to Peleliu Island, the site of a key World War II battle and current home to an array of historical artefacts.

Nan Madol is another popular tourist attraction. A city constructed in a lagoon, the site consists of a series of small artificial islands linked by a network of canals on Pohnpei. More dramatic ruins can be found in the Lelu complex on Kosrae; and Yap, the island of the famous stone money, is also located here.
But of course, the biggest draw here is the diving.

Mind-blowing dives and the holiday of a lifetime

Micronesia provides many, many world travellers with the greatest diving holidays of their lives. The waters are home to some of the most majestic creatures any diver can hope to meet and the reefs are stunning.

Palau in particular is a diver’s dream. Part of an archipelago of more than 500 islands, Palau is located in the Caroline Island group of Micronesia. Just 12 of these islands are inhabited. Visibility tends to remain at 20-30 m, with water temperature a very comfortable 28° C/75-90° F. It is, in effect, a tropical remote dreamscape.

Abundant marine life

Palau offers pristine reefs, vertigo-inducing drop-offs, thrilling drift dives, and abundant marine life. Its waters are warm and clear throughout the year, giving outstanding visibility to enjoy the incredible marine life. With pristine reefs teeming with life, divers are sure to encounter large pelagics, mantas, sharks, eagle rays, turtles, and Mandarin fish.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says:
‘Palau’s rich marine biota includes approximately 400 species of hard corals, 300 species of soft corals, 1400 species of reef fishes, seven out of nine of the world’s species of giant clams, thousands of other invertebrates (many still to be identified), the world’s most isolated colony of dugongs (a relative of the sea cow) and Micronesia’s only saltwater crocodiles’.

Drift dives and reef hooks in Palau

There is a diverse range of dive sites to choose from. Some are shallow, whilst others fall to more than 40 metres. So, there is likely to be the ideal spot for all divers, regardless of their level of experience.

A typical Palau dive is likely to mean drift dives and reef hooks.

A drift dive begins with a 50-60ft descent, and then either becomes a gliding drift over the reefs and along walls as the current carries you, or you may stop and anchor yourself to a sturdy outcropping of rock, allowing the current to bring the reef life to you.

A reef hook is a fishing hook with the barb removed and attached to a 3-5 metre rope. The hook is attached to a dead part of the coral reef and the other end to your BCD. Reef hooks are well accepted in Palau, albeit only at sites with consistent current and plenty of dead coral.

Blue Corner is the most popular reef diving site, with the currents here bringing in the big fish. The site is home to sharks, jacks, tuna, and resident Napoleon wrasse. For mantas, the German Channel is an ideal spot. Here, divers rest on the ocean floor whilst the mantas circle above.

Wall diving is also popular, benefitting from Palau’s store of healthy hard coral.

An all-year-round diving destination

Palau is an ideal diving destination, with liveaboard safaris operating all year round. Visitors easily enjoy five dives a day, including night dives on liveaboards; and 2-3 dives per day are common for land-based diving.

The marine life is largely present throughout the year, with blacktip reef sharks, eagle rays, hammerhead sharks, dolphins, whitetips, and oceanic whitetips all sighted throughout the seasons. Other creatures are a little less common, with whale sharks and manta rays more likely between January and April, and green and hawksbill turtles most frequently between April and July period.

Despite its nutrient-rich water, visibility is excellent at usually more than 40 metres. With heavier wind and rain in July to September, this can drop to 15-20m.
Palau is generally most popular with divers between November and May. But to get the very best of your trip, you should also consider the price of accommodation and how busy the popular dive sites are likely to be.

Weather conditions in Palau

Situated in the tropics, Palau gets a lot of rain all year round, with an average rainfall of 3760mm. It largely falls at night though, and so is unlikely to cause of a problem for visitors and holidaymakers.

Water temperatures remain 29-30°C for most of the year, falling to 26°C briefly in February and March. Divers tend not to need anything more than a thin neoprene wetsuit.
Air temperatures are around 28°C, with 29-30° during the day and 24-25° during the night.
The Palau rainy season is between June and August. At this time, the trade winds shift, bringing more rain. February and March tend to be the driest months, with an average humidity of 80%. The rainy seasons still include lots of dry days though, and the dry days can still see plenty of rain.

As Palauan President Tommy Remengesau Jr once noted, ‘In Palau you can guarantee that you can catch a fish if you go fishing, but you can never guarantee what the weather will be’.

Fortunately, typhoons are rare as Palau lies beyond the main typhoon path. However, the typhoon season in the region is June to December, and occasional storms and high winds reach Palau during these months. Typhoons are least likely between February and April.

The ‘high season’ in Palau

Purely in terms of weather conditions, the best diving season in Palau is generally considered to be from December to March. During these months, you will enjoy calmer, warmer water and less rain.

However, of course, hotels are also pricier and the dive sites busier. If you are going to visit during the high season, book your accommodation well in advance.

The ‘low season’ in Palau

The low season, in contrast, falls in May, June and September. During these months, Palau experiences the most rain and wind, though it remains hospitable.

Owing to the relatively poor weather conditions, there are fewer divers, the dive sites are less busy – and airfares and accommodation are thus cheaper.

The diving is still excellent, however, and the majority of dive sites remain accessible throughout this period.

The ‘transitional months’

In the remaining months – April, July, August, October, and November – visitors can make a trade-off between prices/popularity and weather conditions.

Palau sees more rain during this period, but accommodation is usually cheaper and easier to find.

Costs to consider

Hotels in Palau are expensive, but divers can benefit from ‘room-and-scuba’ package deals with the local dive centres.
Quotes from dive operators will not tend to include equipment rental, and full-set hire costs US$50-75 per day.
A permit is required for diving and snorkelling. For Rock Island, these cost US$50 and are valid for ten days. The Peleliu permit is US$30. All permits can be purchased at dive shops.

Don’t forget…

Due to the risk of decompression sickness, your last dive should be completed at least 24 hours before flying.
Certified divers will be required to show proof before a reputable dive operator will take you out on a dive. So, make sure you bring your papers.

The best dive sites in Palau

The most popular dive destinations in Micronesia are Chuuk/Truk Lagoon, where visitors particularly enjoy the WW2 wrecks; Yap Island, with its mantas, sharks and macro marine life; Pohnpei, with its ‘Manta Road’, named for the resident community of Manta rays; the beautiful Guam; and of course Palau.

And Palau itself is home to a diverse array of dive sites. Let us introduce you to just a few of them.

CHANDELIER CAVE

Chandelier Cave is a large cave with five ‘rooms’ or chambers. Divers can enter the cave at 25ft, and swim from room to room through underwater tunnels. Surface in the chambers to look around and explore the stalactites and stalagmite formations.

An excellent spot for a wide-angle photo!

Mandarin Fish, crabs, and shrimps can be found near the entrance, as well as damsel fish and solider fish in the deeper water.

Needless to say, this is an adventurous dive. Both the diver and guide – a guide being essential! – must be experienced. You should all be properly trained and equipped, with at least cavern certification. You will need lines, reels, and backup lights.

In addition, there is minimal light and visibility can potentially fall to zero. In these cases, it is possible to become lost. Consequently, dives must be conducted at the right time of day and in the right conditions.

GERMAN CHANNEL

The German Channel separates the Ngemelis and Ngercheu Islands, forming a connection between the inner lagoon and open sea. Created over a hundred years ago, the manmade channel enjoys nutrient-rich waters brought up from the depths on strong currents, and today attracts both a wealth of marine life and keen divers.

Famous for its mantas, eagle rays, reef sharks and species of schooling fish population, the site is home to virtually every sort of tropical marine life. Fly effortlessly over the reef, or simply settle in a lively area and wait for the action to come to you. The Channel hosts a manta cleaning station, so hover in place and observe the cleaner fish removing parasites from the skin of the rays.

Boating traffic can be heavy here, so caution when surfacing is a must. A member of your team should send up a safety sausage (SMB) on a line before the final ascent.

ULONG CHANNEL

The Ulong Channel is one of the best drift dives in Palau, offering unparalleled opportunities to glide over white-sand valleys and sprawling lettuce corals. Divers can hook onto the reef and observe hunting sharks, jacks, barracudas, and groupers in their natural habitat, before riding the current along the channel.

The site has a depth of 5-20 metres, and is accessible to intermediate level divers (and upwards). Located in the northern Rock Islands, west of Ulong Island, it can be reached by a 40-50 boat ride from Koror.

SIAES TUNNEL

A large tunnel deeply undercutting a sheer wall, the Siaes Tunnel is certainly atmospheric. Its vast chamber boasts picturesque coral formations and gorgonians, and it is home to manta rays and whitetip sharks.

JELLYFISH LAKE

Jellyfish Lake is a world-renowned site. Home to a vast number of jellyfish, the lake is isolated from the sea, but connected to the outside by a network of fissures and channels in the porous limestone. The lake’s tides rise and fall, in sync with those of the surrounding lagoons. The spot is accessed by a short hike over a jungle-covered ridge.

The jellyfish stay close to the surface, migrating across the lake daily to follow the sunlight and obtain the energy they need from the photosynthetic algae in their tissues. Snorkelling is the perfect way to observe and photograph these famous jellies.

Though they do have the ability to sting, it is so mild as to be largely unnoticeable (except on sensitive tissue like lips).

Jellyfish Lake is also home to anemones, sponges and tunicates, as well as gobies and other small fish.

BLUE CORNER

The world famous Blue Corner is thought to have been the birthplace of reef hook diving. A ridge at 15-20 metres, it extends out into the ocean and then drops into the deep.

An excellent site for divers of all levels of experience, novices will particularly enjoy the abundance of hard and soft corals. When there is a current, the site is excellent for drift diving, which unfortunately should only be undertaken by experienced divers as the currents can get intense and change direction quite rapidly.

The site forms a gathering point for reef fish of every description. There are schools of jacks, snappers and barracuda, as well as white-tip and grey reef sharks and Napoleon wrasse. There are also eagle rays, mantas, turtles, tuna, and wahoo. Lucky divers can even meet billfish, whale sharks, and whales.

Located in the southern Rock Islands, northwest of Ngemelis Island, Blue Corner can be accessed by boat from Koror in 50-70 minutes.

BLUE HOLES

Within easy swimming distance of Blue Corner is the sister site of Blue Holes. This large cavern is accessible from both the shallow reef top and deeper points on the wall, and it is ideal for divers of all levels of skill.

There are four vertical shafts, reaching down 35 metres, and each opening on the top of the reef. The shafts lead down into a vast cavern, and the shafts of sunlight from overhead give this spot a genuinely sublime beauty. A dive here is genuinely an otherworldly experience.

Blue Holes is in the southern Rock Islands, northwest of Ngemelis Island, with a depth range of 5-25 metres. The spot can be reached by boat in 50-70 minutes from Koror.

CHUYO MARU

Situated close to Koror, Chuyo Maru is a shipwreck resulting from a bombing in April 1944. The site is now home to a range of fish life, and is covered with soft and hard species of coral. The remaining artefacts include a large anchor winch, stern gun, and the remains of a brass compass.

HELMET WRECK

Helmet Wreck is another popular shipwreck dive. This Japanese coaster was sunk during WWII and is today the site of various wartime remains and ship artefacts, including rifles, ammunition boxes and electrical pars. The site’s name comes from the many helmets found in the aft hold, melded together by decades of corrosion.

PELELIU WALL

For lovers of drift diving, Peleliu Wall is the ideal dive spot. The deepest reef structure in Palau, it is not without its risks, but dives at 80-90 feet are considered ideal.

There are huge coral fans on the face of the wall, with crevices housing marine life attracted by the nutrient-rich current waters. There are also sharks, barracuda, and jacks – all feeding on the Moorish Idols, Yellowtail Fusiliers, Bumphead Parrotfish, Pyramid Butterflyfish, Palette Surgeonfish and Sergeant Majors.

For more information contact

Palau Visitors Authority
Address: PO Box 256, Koror, PW 96940
Phone: +680-488-2793/1930
Email: pva@pristineparadisepalau.com
Website: www.pristineparadisepalau.com
Fax: +680-488-1453

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Where to Stay in Palau

by Katherine Sansom / March 25, 2018

Where to Stay in Palau: Updated Accommodation Guide for 2024

Palau is a paradise for world travelers, offering breathtaking natural beauty with pristine beaches, lush greenery, and crystal-clear waters. Your choice of accommodation can greatly enhance your experience in this island destination, so it’s essential to choose the perfect spot. Whether you’re seeking luxury, adventure, or a tranquil escape, Palau has a range of hotels, resorts, and bungalows to suit every taste and budget.

Here’s a refreshed guide to some of the best places to stay in Palau for 2024.

S&C Hotel & Apartments

S&C Hotel & Apartments

Located centrally in Palau, S&C Hotel & Apartments blends comfort and convenience. With airport transfers and modern amenities, this hotel offers a homey vibe for all travelers. Each room features air conditioning, a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, complimentary tea and coffee, and a terrace for relaxation. Some rooms even include kitchenettes, perfect for guests planning longer stays.