Palau – Meet Me At The Rainbow’s End

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There lies a living Eden, and one of the few remaining paradises on earth – Palau. 

With untouched beauty that can only be found in this remote corner of the mighty Pacific, this oasis harbours a diverse environment, and an ancient island culture still alive with warm and inviting people.

This is a country that beckons to romantic explorers, urging them to experience its breathtaking wonders, encounter five thousand years of tradition, and to discover the lush tropical allure that is Palau.

palau tourism

Palau’s five hundred tropical islands offer endless attractions across both land and sea.  Visitors will find a wide variety of experiences from the wildly adventurous, to the luxuriously relaxing. 

As you arrive in Palau, a fly through the clouds offers a panoramic view of dazzling coral seas and lush green islands. 

Blessed with an average year round temperature of twenty seven degrees celsius, every day is a perfect day for exploration.

Palau is home to over 1,500 species of fish, and 700 types of corals – a vast marine paradise.

diving in palau fish

Dive or snorkel amongst living reefs, schools of colourful fish, coral gardens, and sunken treasures.


The Reefs Of Palau

Palau’s reefs are one of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World, including the finest wall diving in all of Micronesia.  One can even have a close encounter with dolphins, swimming with these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

coral reef palau

Hike down rivers and streams to spectacular waterfalls.  Kayak through shallow lagoons, jungle canopies and mangrove channels.  Keep your eyes open for the 147 species of birds that inhabit Palau, of which 13 of those species are endemic to Palau.

Relax, and enjoy to your heart’s content the world-renowned Rock Islands, that just recently have been inscribed into the World Heritage List for UNESCO.  This is a place where rugged emerald isles float above the sea, and it’s truly magnificent. 

Beyond the reef, these rich waters offer some of the best big game fishing in the world.


Jellyfish Lake

Of course, no holiday in Palau would be complete without a tour to the famous Jellyfish Lake, home to millions of sting-less golden jellyfish. This is the only environment of its kind in the world open for visitors.

Explore the exciting ancient history and traditions of the beautiful, friendly people who live on these islands.  In this land, stories depicting the creation of these magical islands were carved on the wooden beams of the traditional men’s meeting houses, found throughout the islands. 

Today, skilled craftsmen continue this art, carving elaborate souvenir storyboards, sharing the history and myth of Palau with all who travel here. palau storyboard

Palauans maintain a strong traditional society, with subsistence fishing, farming, and customs continuing in the midst of modern development. 

Ancient stone paths, many still hidden by jungle growth, zigzag across the island of Babeldaob, connecting the many prehistoric villages, each with its own unique history and myths. 

babeldaob palau

Seek out a traditional ceremony, still being practiced today, including the ngasech, or first birth, a celebration of a mother’s first born, where you can sing and dance with the welcoming locals. 

In more recent history, Palau has been influenced by Spanish, German, and Japanese cultures.  A site of many battles during World War II, you can explore the stirring remnants of war, both on land and under the sea. 

In 1994, Palau became an independent nation, with a strong and stable democratic government.  Today there are more than 20, 000 residents living in 16 states.  The area covers 198 square miles, made up of 500 islands, only 9 of which are inhabited. 

The economic and cultural center of Palau is the city of Koror.  Here you can visit the national museum featuring artwork, photography, and artifacts from all eras of Palauan history. 


Things To Do In Palau

You can spend an afternoon at the aquarium, or shop in the many charming boutiques, featuring local arts and crafts, as well as international treasures. 

After long, sun-filled days of adventure, relax in serenity in one of Palau’s many fine accommodations, as the fiery sunset punctuates the perfect day. 

Pamper yourself with a massage in a luxurious spa, or savour a delicious dinner in one of the many Palauan, Western, or Asian restaurants that pepper the islands.

capo d'orso hotel thalasso and spa

Palau is a place of history, culture, great natural beauty and warmth.  A place you can call home away from home.  Whether you choose to tour the Rock Islands with a group, dive with fellow adventurers, or laze in the sun, drinking in the island’s captivating beauty, Palau has it all.

Come – experience the wonders of Palau at the rainbow’s end!


Traveling To Palau – What You Need!

All nationalities must have a valid passport up to 6 months prior to expiration date to enter Palau.  A 30-day tourist visa may be obtained upon entry.  All visitors must have return, or onward air-tickets. Mandatory Departure Tax is currently $20.00 per person, and Green Fee is currently $30.00 per person; these taxes are payable directly on departure.


Accommodations In Palau

Palau offers the visitors a wide variety of hotel accommodations, from full-service luxury resorts and moderately priced bungalows, to economical motels and bungalows, modelled on traditional architectural styles.

While many of Palau’s guests prefer to stay in the town of Koror, where most resorts and motels are located, some prefer the more private and secluded bungalows of the northern and southern islands.  Whether price, comfort, or lifestyle are your considerations, Palau’s natural beauty ensures a pleasant experience and memorable stay.

About the author: Patrick has the record of travelling the most out of everyone, visiting over 30 countries around the world in 15 years, and sleeping in the most tents with the least amount of blankets and cushions.  He can literally sleep anywhere! A few countries Patrick has lived in include India, Mexico, Tanzania, and Morocco, and currently he lives in Peru.