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Remote places tickle a traveller’s imagination. It is with the unknown that one finds satisfaction. The thrill of seeking what’s out there is a basic emotional need.
No matter how far a place is, or how dangerous the travel would be, adventure seekers always achieve solace and sense of accomplishment by being submerged to the unfamiliar.
Within a world map lays hundreds of places yet to be discovered by the earthly intelligence and it is with this notion that more and more people went out their way to reach even the most far-flung and secluded.
Much to some people’s dismay, this place had been a melting pot already for people who travelled halfway across the globe for some adrenaline rush.
And as we move along time, we all hope that it can preserve the beauty that it has for centuries to come despite the inexorable pour of tourists. Welcome to Palau, a dwelling of everything untouched and splendor.
Location
Palau, officially the Republic of Palau, is an island country located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is geographically part of the larger island group of Micronesia.
The country’s population of around 21,000 is spread across 250 islands forming the western chain of the Caroline Islands.
The most populous island is Koror. The capital Ngerulmud is located in Melekeok State on the nearby island of Babeldaob. The islands share maritime boundaries with Indonesia, the Philippines, and the Federated States of Micronesia.
Climate
Palau has a tropical climate with an annual mean temperature of 82 °F (28 °C). Rainfall is heavy throughout the year, averaging 150 inches (3,800 mm). The average humidity is 82% and although rain falls more frequently between July and October, there is still much sunshine.
Typhoons are rare, as Palau is outside the main typhoon zone.
Transportation
The Palau International Airport (ROR) is Palau’s only international airport. Located in the Airai State which is about thirty-minute drive to Koror State, former capitol of the Republic of Palau.
A gateway to the scenic Rock Islands, Koror State is where most accommodations, tour operators and business establishments are located.
Most of the hotels and resorts in Palau provide airport pick up, but please request this service when you make your reservations with the hotel of your choice, before you arrive in Palau.
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Car rentals are available upon arriving at the Palau International Airport or at their various offices in downtown Koror. The prices vary depending on the size of the cars and model. Most vehicles in Palau are left-handed drive Japanese standard and there are some US standard. Equip yourself with a rental and Palau map and take yourself on a relaxing scenic drive to the big island of Babeldaob.
Taxis are available upon request just a phone call at a moment’s notice by calling the service station number. Taxis are equipped with a rate sheet for each destination, please be sure to ask for the rate sheet before using service. It is possible to make transportation arrangement directly with the taxi driver should you wish to retain their services during the duration of your stay. Many hotels and businesses can assist you in contacting a taxi on their premises.
What to See
Peleliu Wall
The Peleliu Wall, southwest of Peleliu, is one of the world’s finest dives, an abrupt 300m drop that starts in about 3m of water.
It’s a veritable treasure-trove of sharks, hawksbill sea turtles, black coral trees, mammoth gorgonian fans and an amazing variety of fish. Both White Beach and Bloody Beach have coral and good snorkeling; Honeymoon Beach is also good for snorkeling.
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Belau National Museum
This nifty little museum features exhibits from all eras of Palauan life, including artworks, photography, sculpture, storyboards and more.
As you move between floors it is fascinating, and more than a little eye opening, to trace the history of colonial occupation on the island.
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The museum grounds contain a striking wood-and-thatch bai (communal meeting centre), carved and painted with depictions of Palauan legends.
Although a recreation of an older bai that burned down in 1979, it’s built in the traditional manner, constructed of rough planks with notched jointing and set above the ground on stone stacks.
Badrulchau
In Babeldaob’s far north is a field with rows of large basalt monoliths known as Badrulchau, the origin of which is unknown. There are 37 stones, some weighing up to 4500kg (5 tons).
Many of the surrounding hillsides were once elaborately terraced into steps and pyramids; it’s thought construction began around AD 100 and was abandoned around 1600.
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Mother and Child Stone
The village of Ngermid is home to the Mother & Child Stone; apparently the Lot-like remains of a mum and kid who were turned to stone after the mother took a forbidden peek inside the village men’s house.
The defunct Hotel Nikko Palau used to be in operation around here; some say it closed down after guests began to see the ghosts of Japanese soldiers killed in WWII.
Blue Corner
Blue Corner, Palau’s most popular dive, is known for its sheer abundance of underwater life. Expect to be totally bedazzled by the incredible variety of fish, including barracudas and schooling sharks, as well as hard and soft corals.
Strong tidal currents nourish this chain of life, but also render it a dive for the more experienced.
Palau Aquarium
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This intriguing aquarium is part of the Pacific International Coral Reef Centre, a Japanese-funded research complex.
The aquarium aims to educate about Palau’s coral reef ecosystem and features 17 themed sections, each recreating a different habitat.
Images:
(1) www.dxcoffee.com
(2) www.flickr.com
(3) www.imgarcade.com
(4) www.tripadvisor.com
(5) www.yousearch.com
(6) www.thefullpalau.org
(2) www.flickr.com
(3) www.imgarcade.com
(4) www.tripadvisor.com
(5) www.yousearch.com
(6) www.thefullpalau.org
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