Palau

Quick Facts

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Capital

Melekeok

Population

19,000

Government

Republic

Religions

Christianity (Catholic, Protestant), Modekngei

Languages

Palauan, English

Calling Code

+680

Nationality

Palauan

Local name

Belau or Beluu

Introduction

My turtle!

© All Rights Reserved lacontessa

No one should pretend that Palau's towns and culture are its finest attractions. They are not. Palau is a destination unashamedly promoted by its water-based activities, most notably diving. Momentous vertical walls are in ready supply: there's at least sixty, some of which are world-renowned, like the Ngemelis Wall and the Peleliu Wall. WWII wreckages are equally numerous, since Palau, a Japanese territory prior to the war, was a hotly contested set of islands.

But perhaps the most memorable thing about Palau are the Rock Islands. These somewhat strange sights are characterized by thick rock heads petering down into skinny bases, wrought so by the eroding powers of the tide. They are great to look at, but even greater to dive around, with a stunning variety of sea life also drawn to the magnificent rock pillars.

Brief History

Geography

States

Palau consists of 16 states, the majority of which can be found on the largest island Babeldaob. The most populated island is Koror, where roughly two-thirds of Palauans live. Peleliu and Anguar are the two other major islands. The coral atoll of Kayangel is situated to the north of all these islands and the roughly 200 Rock Islands lie to the west of the main islands. Another group of 6 remote islands, the Southwest Islands, lie about 600 km from the main island chain.

• Babeldaob is made up of the states of Aimeliik, Airai, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngarchelong, Ngardmau, Ngaremlengui, Ngatpang, Ngchesar and Ngiwal.
• Koror
• Peleliu
• Anguar
• Kayangel Atoll
• Southwest Islands is comprised of the states of Hatohobei and Sonsorol.

Towns

• Melekeok is the country's new capital
• Koror is the largest city and was the capital until 2006

Sights and Activities

• Scuba diving
• The Belau National Museum

Events and Festivals

Weather

Getting There

By Plane

Palau International Airport, also known as Babelthuab Koror Airport, has direct connections to Guam, Taipei and Manila.

Far Eastern Airlines flies from Taipei to Koror in Palau at least twice a week.
From the Philippines there are budget flights with Asian Spirit from both Manila and Davao.
Continental Micronesia Airlines (subsidiary of Continental Airlines) flies daily from Guam to Koror.

By Boat

Getting to Palau by boat is mainly limited to those travellers who have access to their own yacht. Cruise ships occasionally dock at Malakal Harbour.

Getting Around

By Plane

By Car

Taxis are a convenient form of transport and charge fixed fares. If you have access to your own car, be aware that driving is on the right and the speed limit is 40 km/h. There are 61 km of highways, of which 36 km are paved.

By Bus

Koror maintains a bus service.

By Boat

Most transportation between islands is by private boat.

Red Tape

Citizens of the US don't require a visa and most other visitors have no trouble getting a free 30-day tourism visa on arrival.

Money

Work

Study

Language

Palauan and English are both official languages in Palau.

Some useful Palauan phrases.

• Chochoi (Yes)
• Ngdiak (No)
• Ke uangerang? (How are you?)
• Alii (Hello / Are you there?)
• Ke mlar ker? (Where did you go?)
• Ke mor ker? (Where are you going?)
• Sulang (Thank you)
• Ke chad er ker el beluu? (Where are you from?)

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

Post