Archives: Destinations

One of the most beautiful places on earththe outer atolls of the Republic of the Marshall Islands in Micronesia.

In the travel world, these atolls rank as billion dollar destinations!

But the truth is, it’s simply not possible to put a price on what you can experience on this adventure. The untouched, natural beauty of these atolls is the setting for a multitude of offerings. Breathtaking, captivating, and ultimately priceless. 

I had the opportunity recently to visit the atolls of Wotho, Lae and Namorik…

I flew from the Capital of Majuro to each of these atolls on the country’s domestic carrier, Air Marshall Islands.

It was a very comfortable ride on the 34-seat Dash8 to the atolls of Wotho & Lae.  Both atolls have mostly grass runways and, much to my surprise, we had very smooth landings – which I got to experience seated in the cockpit!

To Namorik we took the 18-seat Dornier which was a small aircraft but nevertheless still provided a smooth ride..

 

Once in the air, the sights were so incredibly breathtaking … the islets looked like a string of pearls gently strung across the beautiful blue ocean.

On the ground, the beaches were gorgeous and absolutely stunning, with such magnetic pulls that I could not help but immerse myself in the water.

 

The peoplewarm, friendly and welcoming. In fact, it seemed like they all came out to greet us upon our arrival. It was only later that I learned that this greeting is one of their traditions. They actually closed the school so all of the kids could go to the landing area. The “tradition” being that visitors bring candy to hand out to the smiling children. Sadly, we didn’t have enough for all 100+ kids but next time, I’ll be sure to bring a couple of cases! 

The foodall fresh and locally grown.  The coconut crab was to die forabsolutely delicious.

Throughout all of the atolls, the primary industry is copradried coconut meat that is used to make refined & cold pressed coconut oil for bar soap, beauty oil, and cooking oil … for me, it was the BEST skin moisturizer and sunblock ever!

In addition to copra, the farming of black pearls on Namorik (also known as Namdrik) Atoll is yet another lucrative eco-friendly sustainable industry for the community.

According to the Marshall Islands Guide:  

https://www.infomarshallislands.com/atolls-m-w/namdrik-atoll/

“The fact that Namdrik’s lagoon is enclosed, with no pass for boats, means it is pristine and perfect for growing pearls. Namdrik is the only place in the Marshall Islands where Black-lip pearl oysters are present in significant quantity, due to its enclosed pristine lagoon.”

The timing of our visit, however, was just a bit off.  They had just done a harvest before we arrived at the station. Thus, all we saw was the preparation of their equipment for the next season’s hang.

If only I could have stayed a little longer, I would have discovered even more.

The Republic of the Marshall Islandsa destination that continues to impress me everytime I visit.

PARANUII…

Pohnpei’s newest resort sits within the buffer zone of the World Heritage site of Nan Madol.

Nan Madol…

A floating ancient city constructed within a lagoon in the Pacific often referred to as the:

“Eighth Wonder of the World”; 

“Venice of the Pacific”;

“Atlantis of the Pacific”; 

“Eastern Atlantis”; or

“Mystery of the East”.

I first heard about PARANUII through an acquaintance who works as a civil engineer in the Federated States of Micronesia who shared his magnificent photos. When it was time to finalize my next trip to that part of the world, PARANUII made the list.

And so there I was, on the island of Pohnpei – heading to PARANUII !

Transport to PARANUII from my hotel in Kolonia town was quite remarkable…

First, a scenic 45min south-eastern drive through several municipalities all the way to literally where the road ends.

Then a boat ride along some mangrove canals.

But …because we had left our departure to PARANUII too late in the day…the tide was down and so the only option to get to our watercraft was to carefully maneuver our way over and through the trunks of mangrove trees.

Finally, onto our modern-day canoe…

Then off we went through the shadowy canals lined with mangrove jungles…

And within minutes, out came the beautiful bright sun with blue skies…and there it wasPARANUII in the distance!

Unbelievablesomething I did not expect to be out there in the middle of the ocean!

I could not help but marvel that this amazing place is so close to what some say is the eighth wonder of the world…

Not only was the resort incredibly beautiful but it was situated right next to what locals believe are ancient sacred grounds. 

Archaeologists believe Nan Madol was built around 1100-1200 CE but no one has yet determined exactly how, since some of the massive individual basalt stone logs in its construction weigh as much as 100 tonnes and come from a quarry in a region over 25 miles (40km) away!

It was easy to just relax and do absolutely nothing…

Or take a walk around the island and simply explore…

For the energetic visitor(s), the resort also has a number of activities available such as the big ocean swing, the wooden see-saw, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and even beach volleyball and table tennis.

Note:  Resort facilities are still under construction including their Pavilion with Teppanyaki Grill and Coffee Bar.  Rooms are furnished with 1 queen or 1 king size bed depending on which room you’re in and a couple of futons. There is also a small stove and refrigerator along with cutlery, cooking and glass ware.  Meanwhile guests are asked to bring their own F&B supplies which can be prepared/cooked either in their room or at designated BBQ areas until construction of their Pavilion is completed.

The next morning came too soon…

It was just way too short of a visit…

This I know, I will return to discover more of what this mysterious place has to offer.  And you should too.

PARANUII…a definite item for the bucket list.

Where else can you stay in such close proximity to enigmatic ruins that might, perhaps, be compared in mystery and awe to that of the great pyramids and other ancient wonders in the world.

I always eat at Rose Garden Restaurant whenever I visit Palau because they’re happy to prepare whatever I ask for – every single time…and, it’s as fresh as fresh can be, to boot.

A quick advance email to Ms. Sara at the front desk ensures the kitchen has exactly what I want and when.

Dinner 1 was deep fried fresh whole parrot fish…Island-style on the scenic hillside of this charming place.  I was in heaven!

Dinner 2 was stuffed local crab and whole rabbit fish…Island-style on the hillside again and still in heaven!

Then from “Island-style” hillside, I went to Elilai for fine dining on the seaside.  That is, fine dining to the extent of presentation, taste and ambiance-wise.  Attire-wise, patrons came in all dress styles as we were, after all, on a tropical island.

Elilai is renowned for its international cuisines influenced by Palauan and Pacific Rim infusions.  For starters, it was the Koror Mangrove clams,

coastal fish chowder with warm bread and a platter of fresh sashimi, wow!  I could have continued ordering those dishes over and over again! BUT…I knew there were more tantilizing dishes to come.  

Up next was the Palauan Steamed Fish with locally grown organic veggies, this was quite unique as it was wrapped and baked in parchment and when my server unsealed it, ohhhhh the aromas that filled the air!

Elilai…a definite must-dine when in Palau.

Then, as a visiting delegate of the PATA MicrONEsia Chapter conference after touring several interesting northern land sites on our Destination Experience Tour 1, we were hosted by Governor Sharp Sakuma and the good people of Ngaraard State to an exquisite Palauan-style lunch buffet at Kuabes Park.  Another wow!  What an array of delicious local food ranging from fresh crab, lobster, fried fish, BBQ ribs, steamed chicken, fruit bat (YES-the incredible FRUIT BAT dish! SO SO GOOD in my book!) yellow & purple taro, tapioca, pumpkin, papaya & spinach soup. Totally amazing!

Fresh Crab, Lobster

Fried Fish

BBQ ribs

Steamed Chicken

Fruit Bat

Yellow & Purple Taro

Pumpkin

Spinach Soup

Papaya

Tapioca

For Destination Experience Tour 2, we traveled across the crystal-clear blue and turquoise southern waters of Palau to the state of Peleliu.  

After a step back in time touring WWII sites with Master Guide Des Matsutaro, we had yet another out-of-this-world Palauan-style lunch buffet with this one hosted by Governor Emais Roberts and the good people of Peleliu State at Camp Beck known locally as Kambek.  

Their extraordinary table consisted of steamed giant mangrove crabs (and I mean GIANT one pincer was the size of my whole hand!), stuffed local crabs with coconut known locally as ukaeb, fresh BBQ fish, yellow taro, refreshing chilled young coconuts to drink and a whole lot more that I just had no room left in my tummy for.  I did take a couple of small bags of breadfruit and banana chips to-go which proved to be a good move as I retired to my room.

So, as you can see, in addition to their world-class famous diving, their magical Milky Way, their mystical Monoliths and carved stone faces, their unique Jellyfish Lake, their breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site, the Rock Islands, amongst a host of other interesting things to see and do“…it’s about the food too!”

Gotta Love Palau!

Flights to Palau land at Airai, or Palau International Airport, which serves direct flights from Babeldaob to Guam, Seoul, Taipei and Manila. Chartered flights are available through various operators. A cruise to Palau would call at Malakal Harbour on the island of Malakal.

HOW TO GET TO PALAU

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Going To Palau

Flights to Palau land at Airai, or Palau International Airport, which serves direct flights from Babeldaob to Guam, Seoul, Taipei and Manila.  Chartered flights are available through various operators. A cruise to Palau would call at Malakal Harbour on the island of Malakal.

The good news is that getting to Palau has never been easier, thanks to Nauru Airlines’ new non-stop weekly service between Brisbane and Palau. Called the Palau Paradise Express, this six-hour flight departs Brisbane on Tuesdays at 11.30pm for Palau International Airport (ROR), and arrives back in Brisbane on Thursdays at 5.30am.

Additionally, for those who want to explore more of Micronesia’s stunning vistas, underwater landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Nauru Airlines also offers a new Island Hopper Service. www.nauruair.com/about-us/news/palau-nonstop

Nauru Airlines’ island hopper flights

Experience multiple destinations in one, convenient trip with Nauru Airlines’ exciting island hopper flights.
These flights make their way through the islands of Nauru, Kiribati, Majuro and Pohnpei then land in Palau – the journey there becoming an adventure in itself.

FLASH SALE : 2-for-1 Palau airfares!
For a limited time, Nauru Airlines is offering its new Brisbane-to-Palau direct flights as a two-for-one airfare – so two people can travel to Palau for AU$1199 (including taxes).

The sale time for these fares is only from 16-31 May, and stays must be for 7-15 days for travel between 21 May and 20 July.
Fares are non-refundable and cannot be modified.

www.nauruair.com/about-us/specials/brisbane-palau-2-4-1-sale

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Where is Palau on the map?

Palau is here on the map.

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Accommodations in Palau

Palau offers plenty of accommodation options, no matter whether you intend to save or splurge. Palau hotels and resorts can be found in Koror, where you can find budget to luxury options with private views of the beach.  For a more homely, minimalist vibe, consider home stays or guest lodges that provide meals on your request. Some of these may not be near or within Koror and may be booked through holiday packages from dive shops.

Check out these accommodations in Palau

• S&C Hotel & Apartments
• Palau Sunrise Sea View Landison Retreat
• Palau Pacific Resort
• Airai Water Paradise Hotel & Spa

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Where to eat in Palau

Dine at Palau’s Elilai Restaurant, serving Pacific Rim cuisine complemented by breathtaking views.

We are excited to announce our new location at Medalaii, Koror, next to Palau Conservation Society. Elilai Seaside is on the North end of the Minatobashi Bridge leading to Malakal. It is our pleasure to serve you at our waterfront dining space with amazing sunset views and a new menu.

The restaurant offers a well-balanced menu featuring exquisite Pacific Rim cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients including Palau’s renowned seafood and organic greens sourced from local farms.

Enjoy fresh fish, crab, grilled steaks, hand made pasta and homemade desserts accompanied by a vast selection of fine wines, signature cocktails and the largest beer selection on the island.

There’s a complimentary shuttle to and from the restaurant and you can book here.

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Getting around in Palau

Palau has no railways and not all its highways are paved. Nonetheless, Koror is easily navigable by bus and cab. Taxis are common but not metered, so do check the rates and prepare to negotiate with your driver if necessary.

Car rentals in Palau are also available so do note that driving is on the right. Private boats and domestic airlines serve as the main modes of transportation for travelling between islands.

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Palau’s Currency

The US Dollar is used as the official currency and many hotels and tourist facilities allow limited foreign currency exchange. It is also worth noting that tipping is optional but appreciated.

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Entry Requirements

• Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity period.
• Visas are not required for tourists visiting 1 year or less.

For more information on the entry requirements to Palau click here.

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Palau Weather & Climate

With an annual average temperature of 27°C, Palau’s tropical warmth is part of its appeal. Rainfall occurs intermittently throughout the year but more so during the July to October period.

Typhoons are rare due to Palau being outside the typhoon zone.

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 eat:

• Elilai Restaurant
• canoehousepalau.com

What to do:

• Elilai Spa
• Fish n Fins

Discover one of Ho Chi Minh City’s leading international five-star hotels.

Since opening on Christmas Eve 1959, Caravelle Saigon has gained renown for being at the heart of everything important. Located in the city centre, the hotel is a short walk to iconic landmarks and locations, such as the Saigon Municipal Theatre, also known as the Opera House, and Notre Dame Cathedral. The historic Dong Khoi Street, modern Nguyen Hue Walking Street, and the legendary Ben Thanh Market are also nearby.

The five-star accommodation meets all the expectations of the modern traveller. Newly renovated rooms feature upgraded decor and finishings including bathrooms with imported marble throughout. Rooms start at 34 square metres and feature large soundproof windows which offer guests unparalleled views across the heart of the city, including the historic Opera House on one side and glimpses of Saigon River on the other.

The centrepiece of Caravelle Saigon’s recent upgrade is the Signature Lounge, situated on the ninth floor of the Heritage Wing, it boasts one of the best executive lounges South East Asia has to offer. Serving breakfast, afternoon tea, evening canapes and cocktails, the Signature Lounge is the perfect way to end a long day, hold a small business meeting or relax over a book and a glass of the all-day complimentary sparkling wine. All Signature room types and suites enjoy exclusive access to the lounge.

Nineteen Buffet Restaurant is renowned for its unparalleled seafood buffet and five-star dining experience. Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar on the top floor of the Heritage Wing is one of the few remaining bars in this rapidly developing city with a long and colourful history to tell. Cafe de l’Opera and Tapas Kitchen offer quite possibly one of the best locations where you can enjoy great views with a dash of history, and a slice of modernity all rolled into one.

State-of-the-art hotel facilities and services complement Caravelle Saigon’s gracious Vietnamese hospitality. Secluded and private, the freeform pool is the ideal place to bask in the sun and relax with a refreshing drink or swim a few laps. The fitness centre is fully-stocked with the latest equipment, and a sauna and steam room are available too. Kara Spa provides a calming and tranquil sanctuary for total relaxation with pampering wellness treatments and massages.

Discover five-star services and facilities at this new luxury hotel at Danang Bay.

Catering to leisure or business, individual or group travellers, and situated in a unique location where the Han River flows to the East Sea, Danang Golden Bay Hotel offers views of the surrounding mountains and sea. It is also an ideal starting point to discover the natural beauty and historical charms of the area.

Inspired by the finest world heritages, Danang Golden Bay evokes a sense of serenity and a traditional Vietnamese ambience complemented by sophisticated modern architecture.

Make yourself at home in one of the 949 air-conditioned rooms and suites. Each decadent room features a balcony and furnishings befitting a five-star establishment. A 42-inch Smart television with cable programming provides entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers feature designer toiletries and sanitary gold fixtures. Fully-furnished suites which include kitchenettes are also available for families and long-stay guests.

With seven restaurants, Danang Golden Bay Hotel offers a selection of dining options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything inbetween. Start your day at The Horizon with a sumptuous breakfast buffet, discover Vietnamese and Asian inspired cuisine with a stylish edge at Golden Square, and enjoy a refreshing cocktail at The Golden Pool Bar. Located on the rooftop of the hotel, with views to Danang City, F29 Sky Bar Restaurant is an authentic French dining venue for true gourmets.

Relax and be pampered at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments and facials. If you’re looking for recreational opportunities, there is a natural-lit fitness centre and a golden infinity pool on the 29th floor complete with 24k gold tiles. There is also a children’s pool and a kids club for the little ones. For memorable occasions, the hotel can cater for not only indoor conferences but also outdoor galas, concerts, exhibitions or culinary shows for up to 450 guests.

Staying at the hotel, you can enjoy a leisurely walk around the hotel’s park, with 13 miniature wonders of Vietnam and the world, such as One-Pillar Pagoda, the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, the Pyramids of Giza, Great Wall of China, Statue of Liberty, and the Turtle Shrine, among others.

Excellent service delivered by friendly staff will ensure that your stay at Danang Golden Bay is truly memorable and exceptional.

For an unforgettable holiday south of Hoi An, the luxurious and all-inclusive TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An is located directly on the sandy beach of Tam Tien.

The expansive hotel complex offers all the facilities for a sensational stay, including several swimming pools, elegant rooms and suites, three restaurants serving top Asian and international cuisine, a varied professional sports program offer, and a stylish spa for absolute relaxation and pampering.

A selection of 318 rooms is spread across three buildings. Providing every modern comfort, each room offers a large en suite bathroom with a walk-in shower, a spacious private terrace with table and chairs and internet access. Room categories include 150 Duo Superior and 16 Suite Superior rooms, 25 Villas containing 12 Duo Deluxe rooms, 120 Junior Suites, six Suite Deluxe, two Grande Suites Seaview and 12 Royal Villas Seaview.

TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An is perfect for a relaxing, first-class holiday in Vietnam with extensive facilities. The holistic BLUEf!t program offers a varied fitness course where guests have access to functional training, yoga, fitness rooms, tennis courts and beach volleyball. The concept also includes informative and balanced nutrition advice to complement your training goal.

Watersports include stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing and surfing. For those looking to unwind, the spa offers a haven of wellness and relaxation with a range of pampering beauty treatments.

The resort’s knowledgeable BLUE Guides will be happy to help you plan any excursions. Hoi An is just 50 kilometres from the hotel, where you can take a stroll through the Old Town, or explore Hoi An in the evening under the atmospheric light of the lanterns.

Multiple dining venues, including three bars, cater to all tastes, and full board and half board packages are available. Begin your day with a hearty buffet breakfast, or craft your own breakfast menu à la carte. Lunch is served on the beach with a varied menu of international classics and Asian specialties. The three bars offer ideal locations for the perfect holiday moment with exotic cocktails and long drinks at the beach and the pool, as well as freshly squeezed juices, the best coffees and other refreshing beverages.

Offering over 500 square metres of versatile meeting space and a further 2,000 square metres of idyllic outdoor event, TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An’s excellent location and upscale amenities make the perfect conference, beach wedding or incentive destination.

A stay at one of Kanda’s 36 elegantly contemporary, very private pool villas, encourages deep immersion into calm, tranquil relaxation.

The villas are nestled above a serene cove, in a quiet oasis with unfettered views across the Gulf of Siam, yet only a five-minute drive away from the hustle and bustle of Chaweng’s nightlife and shopping district. It’s the perfect location for a luxurious retreat for families, friends or couples. Choose from one-, two-, three- or four-bedroom configurations with separate living spaces, full-size fully-fitted kitchens, dining and living rooms with state-of-the-art TV and sound systems, private garden areas with 10-metre pools, sun loungers and an outside sala.

Concierge, who are members of the internationally acclaimed Les Clefs d’Or organisation, are on-hand to offer a range of personalised services including advice or bookings for excursions, car rental, in-villa cooking classes or barbeque, babysitting, private catering, yoga or Thai boxing classes. If you provide your contact details before arrival, Kanda will send you a shopping list, which will be in your cupboards on arrival.

The fabulous RockPool restaurant and bar provides a culinary experience that brings together the very best of the East and West in a breathtaking location with unparalleled ocean views. It’s the perfect place for a romantic dinner for two, a family meal, a sumptuous and elegant afternoon tea, an evening cocktail or just a relaxing coffee or cold drink as you admire the view. There are two pools for guests, including a large main pool and children’s pool.

The kids club offers fun supervised activities. The wellness centre focuses on fitness in the well-equipped gym, and Thai treatments and therapies using herbs and beauty products in calm meditative surroundings.

If you are looking for a picture-perfect location to host a special event, then Kanda Pool Villas is a must. With the crystal-clear waters as a backdrop during the day and moonlit starry skies reflecting on the ocean at night, it’s an idyllic enclave for your special occasion. Have your wedding ceremony with the sand beneath your feet, on RockPool’s terraces or for more intimate gatherings, choose one of Kanda’s private and spacious four-bedroom Oceanfront Pool Villas.

Event planners are on-hand to decorate the venue however you desire, while the chef’s team will work magic to prepare your culinary passions. Ceremonies can also be planned in a remote Samui location, from beach to jungle or waterfall.