Palau

Understand

After three decades as part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific under US administration, this westernmost cluster of the Caroline Islands chose independence in 1978, instead of joining the Federated States of Micronesia. A Compact of Free Association with the US was approved in 1986, but not ratified until 1993. Palau became independent on October 1, 1994. It is illegal to sell/buy or use sunscreen or skin care products that contain chemicals that damage the reef. Details can be found on the ICRI web page.

History Early Palauans may have come from Polynesia and Asia. Depending on the origin of a family, Palauans may represent many parts of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. However, they are not traditionally considered to be Micronesian. For thousands of years, Palauans have had a well established matrilineal society, believed to have descended from Javanese precedents. Palau had limited relations before the 18th century, mainly with Yap and Java. Had it not been for shipwrecked islanders who took refuge in the Philippines, Europeans likely would not have found Palau until much later. Englishman Captain Henry Wilson was shipwrecked off the island of Ulong in 1783 and it was Wilson who gave the archipelago the name "Pelew Islands". In the late 19th century, possession of the islands was claimed by Britain, Spain, and Germany. In 1885, the matter was brought to Pope Leo XIII for a decision. The Pope recognized the Spanish claim, but granted economic concessions to Britain and Germany. Palau then became part of the Spanish East Indies, along with the Northern Mariana Islands, the Caroline Islands and the Marshall Islands. They were all administered from the Philippines. Spain sold the Palau archipelago to Germany in 1899 after which it was administered from Ge

See

Most visitor attractions are found on and around The Rock Islands or Chelbachebover. These 250 rock islands — many tiny, uninhabited places — offer some enchanting views and are a World Heritage site. Popular dives include Blue Corner, Blue hole and the German Channel. Take a guided tour along ancient stone monoliths and terraces while your guide tells you about the legends that surround them. With just over 21,000 inhabitants, even the capital might feel like a village, but there's a handful of interesting sights and a few museums showcasing traditional Palau culture and the country's turbulent war time history. Again though, it's the sheer beauty both above and under water that makes visitors rave about this small island nation. Palau is the site of the world's first shark sanctuary across 629,000 kilometers in exclusive economic zone and breeds a variety with 135 species of endangered sharks.

Do

Palau is most famous for scuba diving. The Blue Corner, with constant sharks and a high current, is less than 1 hour's boat ride from most resorts. There are many local dive shops and live-aboards that offer tours, including tours to World War II battle fields. The Blue Corner, German Channel, Ulong Channel and Blue Holes are all amazing dive sites. Snorkelling in jellyfish lake has become less popular lately. This lake contains jellyfish which have evolved away their stingers in the absence of predators. There are many tours you can join (US$100, 2023) which will go to the jellyfish lake to snorkel. Scuba diving is not permitted, nor is necessary, in the jellyfish lake. However, the warming of the lake, caused by climate change, forces the jellyfish to leave it and go elsewhere. As a result, jellyfish are present in the lake only sporadically, and not in the numbers seen only a few decades ago. Seeing them is not guaranteed.

Eat

Palau has large communities from Taiwan, the Philippines, Korea, Japan and the United States and the local stores have evolved to supply their needs. So Koror offers an amazing range of foodstuffs in its stores, at a price of course. Japanese-inspired Bento lunch boxes are very popular. Koror also has the largest concentration of restaurants.

Drink

Many licensed establishments in Palau — from quiet little bars to Japanese-style karaoke bars comple

Buy

Money

Palau uses the U.S. dollar as its currency ("$", ISO currency code: USD). It is divided into 100 cents.

Costs As you might expect from a remote island where tourism is the main industry, prices are comparatively high, and even a low-end daily budget would be around $100/day. An increase in visitor numbers in 2015-16 (including many Chinese package tours) has caused overcrowding; in 2017, President Tommy Remengesau proposed policy intended to reposition Palau as a destination of primarily "five-star hotels" (so fewer visitors, at a higher cost) to limit the negative environmental and social impact.

Handicrafts Palauan storyboards are traditional wood carvings depicting Palauan myths and legends.

Getting there

Visa requirements Visas are not required by citizens of any Schengen country (90 days), Taiwan (90 days), the United States (a year), Israel (90 days), the Marshall Islands (1 year) and the Federated States of Micronesia (1 year). Nearly all other visitors can obtain a 30 day visa on arrival, except for citizens of Bangladesh and Myanmar who must obtain a visa in advance. Upon entry, visitors must sign the Palau Pledge, a promise to protect the environment. Single-use plastics and non-reef-safe sunscreens are prohibited.

By plane The only realistic choice. There is only one airport, Airai (ROR IATA), or officially Roman Tmetuchl International Airport, on Babeldaob. This airport is served by scheduled direct flights from Brisbane, Guam, Manila, Nauru, and Tokyo, and charter flights from Hong Kong. As of 2023 there were no taxis waiting for incoming passengers at the airport, so you will need to organise your transfer to your hotel in advance (approx US$30).

By boat Possible but only recommended for experienced mariners. Cruise ships occasionally visit Palau.

Getting around

By taxi There are many local taxis.

By car If you rent a car, be prepared to drive slowly on some bumpy roads. Palau features both left- and right-hand drive cars, which can cause some confusion. If you drive south to Ice Box Park, the facility behind it is a sewage treatment plant. The road further north is paved and is very nice... once you get past the airport. Renting a motorcycle is also a good idea. Palau is small enough to ride around on one, and rentals are relatively cheap.

By boat Any other diving will be from a boat, after an hour or more ride which will cost around US$150 for a two-tank dive. There are no dive spots or beaches on Koror, the main island.