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.

Get in

thumb|375px|Visa policy of Palau

See

thumb|Rock Islands 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

thumb|240px|Bull Shark

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

thumb|Red Rooster beer

Many licensed establishments in Palau — from quiet little bars to Japanese-style karaoke bars complete with bar girls. For a decent affordable drink, try Sam's Dive Shop or High Tide. Alcohol is readily available at most stores. Public drinking is not allowed, and the local police are more than happy to inconvenience you if you are caught.

Red Rooster Beer. Despite its size Palau has a small brewery, to be found next to the West Plaza by the Sea hotel (see below). It offers Amber and Stout and three other beers. Abai Ice in Koror is a small hut that offers fresh fruit smoothies — highly recommended.

Stay safe

Palau is quite a safe country to visit. Walking in downtown Koror at night, even past midnight is quite safe. But as with any place in the world today, common sense prevails. Pedestrians should be careful, as sidewalks are limited even in downtown Koror.thumb|240px|The remote atoll of Helen Reef Saltwater Crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) still exist in Palau's mangroves and in the beautiful Rock Islands and can potentially be found anywhere on the island. Despite their fearsome and, in some areas, very justified reputation, here they rarely grow to the immense size that they do in Australia and New Guinea. There was only one fatal attack by a crocodile in Palau within recorded history and that occurred in 1965. The biggest crocodile in Palau's history was 15 feet in length; large, but average size for saltwater crocodiles in most other countries. The rarity of attacks probably stems from the fact that there are no more than 150 adult individuals on the island. Snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular in Palau. A 2012 attack on a tourist was the first since 1965. According to one survey, it appears crocodiles are unjustly hated by the locals, in harsh contrast to the worship they are given by the indigenous peoples of Australia, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The reasons for this are unclear.

Bull Sharks are common in the coastal waters and estuaries, so caution must always be taken while scuba diving or snorkeling.

Stay healthy

According to the CDC, tap water in Palau is generally safe to drink. Drinking from private wells is not recommended.

Respect

Palauans have been known throughout history for their hospitality. Many Palauans are very understanding, realize cultural differences, and easily give respect for foreign visitors. Be sure, however, to always pay respect to the local culture. As with any other ethnic group, rude remarks or any form of prejudice against the local culture is not taken kindly. Palauans can be just as angry and rude as they are kind. As long as you do not disrespect the culture, violate historic areas, pollute, or harm the ocean in any way, you will find the local atmosphere very laid back and easy going.

Palau is a matrilineal society with very strict roles for men and women. Ideas such as feminism are not standard to the Palauan population, and an overly zealous attempt at instilling such ideas is taken as annoying, ignorant, and obnoxious. Most Palauans, however, gladly engage in such debates and find intellectual conversations interesting. Locals do not expect foreigners to understand the national identity and local culture, so a quick apology for any wrongdoing is more than enough to satisfy a little friction.

Dress respectfully. Do not wear swimming suits or short shorts/skirts in towns or villages.

Connect

There are 2 ways to get connected to the Internet in Palau. You can use free Wi-Fi, which is common around Koror, or you can get a SIM card from one of the 2 carriers (PNCC, Globus). You can buy a SIM card from mini marts, shopping centers or the carriers' official stores.