Whether you take the traditional island hopping route or secure your seats on Air Nauru’s new Paradise Express flight, the piece of Pacific heaven that is Palau is best discovered by basing yourself on Koror – the main commercial centre of the Republic. And, while the 340 island archipelago – without a single traffic light or coffee chain – has been a popular site amongst divers for decades, it has recently trended towards tempting travellers of the maxi-dress-and-lipstick-wearing variety. Offering an equally alluring array of excuses to visit. Including those enjoyed on land, air and water. No wetsuit required!
Testing the waters
To start, sea seekers can slip on their snorkelling masks and revel in Palau’s underwater beauty. Exploring a kaleidoscope of marine natives and gardens just beneath the surface of its Rock Island Southern Lagoon. These include the aptly named Rainbow Reef, Clam City and Shark City. Where the simple monikers do little justice to the depth of aquatic life you may encounter here. Among them are both hard and soft coral species (such as staghorn and cabbage varieties). In vibrant, vivid hues of violet, yellow, and orange. Feeder-filtering super-sized shellfish. And, gentle blacktip reef sharks. Who greet you with their fins and glide close enough for you to feel like you could be friends. Not food!
And, while you don’t need to be a qualified diver to explore Palau’s easily reachable wrecks and reefs, the recommendations of those professionals who are, may just be enough to entice you to invest in the ongoing education required to get your scuba license! Suggested sites include the Blue Corners (home to schools of snapper, barracuda and giant wrasse fish). The Blue Hole (where you will find a cavern filled with streams of sunlight from above). The Chandelier Cave (where glittering stalactites and stalagmite formations resemble glamour lights). And, the German Channel (a mecca for manta rays).
Other water-based adventures that ocean enthusiasts are invited to experience include kayaking through the maze of arches of Nikko Bay. Discovering the surreal beauty of the Milky Way – a natural phenomenon where the limestone mud formed in the depths of the ocean creates a silky, spa-like skin treatment. And, swimming in Jellyfish Lake. The UNESCO-protected waters where visitors can encounter two fascinating species of non-venomous creatures. Including the glowing dome-shaped bodies of the golden jellyfish and the gelatinous ghostly moon jellyfish. Both sans stinger!
To find out more, local providers Fish n Fins and Sam Tour’s are excellent contacts.
Salt of the earth
On land, history buffs will also find Palau rich with stories. The nation visually displays its ancient narratives through monolithic stones (according to oral tradition, the unfinished work of the ancient demigods). And bais – the yellow-hued huts that have served as both a meeting place for men and an art gallery of images designed to accompany Indigenous folklore passed down through generations for 400 years.
Similarly, Palau showcases its more recent (and complex) past through an old-school museum and several unofficial open-air ones. With WWII artefacts scattered across its 16 states. Particularly on Peleliu Island, the site of a fierce two-month battle between the US and Japan in 1944. Here, rusted tanks and the crumbling remains of the former Japanese military headquarters serve as part memorial/ part battlefield by the beach. And, offer poignant insights into Palau’s role in Pacific history.
For activities that are a little more immersive, guests can check out a woodcarving class, enrol in a glassblowing workshop, and hike the 217m-high Ngardmau Waterfall (the tallest in Micronesia.) Or, for something special, consider a visit to a local church. You need not be devout to appreciate the faithful parishioners harmonising hymns in their Sunday best.
Clear the air
Finally, for panoramic views and a unique approach to island hopping, a 45-minute open-door seaplane flight with Smile Air provides an exhilarating aerial perspective over Palau’s prismatic cerulean water waters and emerald-green islands. The views are breathtaking. The photo ops unforgettable. And, the thrill of being suspended in the wind, safely secured from the waters below with only a seatbelt, absolutely awe-inspiring.
