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Best described as the jewel of the Pacific, this spectacular 643 km-long paradise is a dream destination. Made of limestone coral reefs that from the air look like giant green mushrooms, the Republic of Palau is truly nature at her most majestic. The tightly clustered archipelago consists of the high islands of Babeldaob, Koror, Peleliu and Angaur in the south. It also includes the low coral atolls of Kayangel to the northeast, Ngeruangel and over 500 limestone Rock Islands. Apart from Kayangel, Ngeruangel and Angaur, all the islands are inside a single barrier reef, and only eight islands are inhabited. The entire population is around 19,900 with the majority living in the provisional capital of Koror and an additional 2500 foreigners.
The Palauan capital was relocated to Ngerulmud, Melekeok State in the island of Babeldaob in 2006. The Spaniards named the group Los Palos (the native name is Belau), laid claim in 1898 and sold out to Germany a year later. In 1946 Palau became a Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands under the governance of the USA. In 1994 it gained its independence and was admitted to the United Nations.
The island group is divided into 16 states each maintaining the traditional clan system with English and Palauan the official languages. The people are hospitable and generous and continue to follow their old matrilineal culture.
A village tour of Babeldaob reveals some impressive historic and cultural sites. Trekking in the lush tropical forest of Babeldaob uncovers picturesque waterfalls, where exotic flora and faunas flourish unabated. Overnight accommodations in Babeldaob are available in the form of homestay programs and guest lodges that provide meals upon request. It is the custom to remove your shoes before entering a home.
Koror has breathtaking views of the islands, and the only Shinto Shrine outside Japan, a reminder of Japanese occupation during the war. There are two museums on the island, the Etpison Museum and the National Museum which was founded in 1955, and the oldest museum in the Mirconesian region. These museums display bounties of island treasures and on special occasions you can see Palauan women dressed in grass skirts perform ancient native dances on the museums' grass.
Overnight accommodation in Koror ranges from budget accommodation to luxury hotels and resorts with private beachfront views. Koror also has a range of restaurants that cater for all tastes.
Getting around in Koror is easy. Taxis are readily available, however they are not metered so it is worth checking the rate card before starting your journey. For independent travel, cars are available to rent.
From Koror you can take a tour boat to one of the many islands in the Southern lagoon for an all-day picnic or a scenic drive. Three ocean currents span Palau waters, bringing with them marine life that is four times as rich as that in the Caribbean. There are over 1500 species of fish and more than 700 species of coral. Divers can scale the 18 metre vertical drop-offs including the Ngemelis Wall descending some 305 metres. For the adventurous there are underwater catacombs filled with massive, ancient stalactites and stalagmites, the best being the Blue Corner and Blue Hole.
In the Mecherchar Island group is Jellyfish Lake, a magical stretch of water trapped inside a rock island that is fed by rainwater and home to thousands of jellyfish that have lost their sting. Snorkelling with them is a fascinating, surreal experience. Ten miles south-west of Koror is Ulong Island with its ancient rock paintings.
Travel by boat further south and you reach Peleliu. A good road system on Peleliu permits extensive exploration by land to beautiful sandy beaches and the many remnants of WWII including monuments and shrines on the island. Further south is Angaur, a quiet retreat with spouting blowholes and stunning sunsets.