Palau offers you the world's most beautiful tropical paradise. Famous for its diving, Palau is rated as one of the world's best diving destinations by scuba aficionados. And why not...Palau has unspoiled reefs, caves, and walls with the most amazing array of marine life you can ever imagine.
Palau beckons to you with some of the world's most awesome natural wonders. Imagine the whitest beaches you will ever see, gardens of coral just beneath the clearest waters, lakes filled to the brim with "sting less" jellyfish. Forests, waterfalls and caves that have never been ravaged by man, and hundreds of islands of the purest beauty abound all along our pristine archipelago.
Palau Travel Guide
Full Name
Republic of Palau
Former Name
Palau District (Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands)
Capital City
Koror; note - a new capital is being built about 20 km northeast of Koror
Government Type
constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 1 October 1994
Area Size
total: 458 sq km
Time Zone
UTC/GMT +9 hours
Climate
Palau enjoys a tropical climate all year round with an annual mean temperature of 27 °C. Rainfall can occur throughout the year, averaging a total of 3,800 mm. The average humidity over the course of the year is 82%, and although rain falls more frequently between July and October, there is still much sunshine. Typhoons are rare, as Palau is outside the main typhoon zone.
Geography
Westernmost archipelago in the Caroline chain, consists of six island groups totaling more than 300 islands; includes World War II battleground of Beliliou (Peleliu) and world-famous rock islands. Palau's most important islands are Angaur, Babeldaob, Koror, and Peleliu. The latter three lie together within the same barrier reef, while Angaur is an Oceanic Island several miles to the South. About two-thirds of the population lives on Koror. The coral atoll of Kayangel is situated north of these islands, while the uninhabited Rock Islands (about 200) are situated to the west of the main island group. A remote group of six islands, known as the Southwest Islands, some 600 km from the main islands, are also part of the country and make up the States of Hatohobei and Sonsorol.
Languages
Palauan 64.7% official in all islands except Sonsoral (Sonsoralese and English are official), Tobi (Tobi and English are official), and Angaur (Angaur, Japanese, and English are official), Filipino 13.5%, English 9.4%, Chinese 5.7%, Carolinian 1.5%, Japan
Culture
Probably the most noticeable aspect of Palauan culture is the people's connection with the sea. Traditionally, it was the duty of the family to go to sea to harvest fish and battle against enemy villages. As the sea was the source of their livelihood, men developed a close relationship with the waters of Palau, becoming versant in the currents and the phases of the moon and the behavior of the fish they sought to put on the table.
History
After three decades as part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific under US administration, this westernmost cluster of the Caroline Islands opted for independence in 1978 rather than join the Federated States of Micronesia. A Compact of Free Association with the US was approved in 1986, but not ratified until 1993. It entered into force the following year, when the islands gained independence.
Travel Information
Continental Airlines (CO) operates from Guam. Koror Babeldaob (ROR) on Babeldaob Island, which is near Koror Island, is situated 19km northeast of Airai. Buses and taxis are available to Airai and Koror (journey time - approximately 30 minutes). Departure Tax US$20. International cruise lines seldom call at Palau ports. Visitors who sail privately to Palau will find Naval Oceanographic charts to be most useful. US Naval Chart HO 5500 covers the entire region of Micronesia. Unscheduled inter-island boat services are available to Babeldaob and Kayangel. Anguar and Peleliu have scheduled boat services.
Accommodation
There is a wide variety of accommodation on Palau and the outlying islands, ranging from first-class luxury resorts with most services, to the mid-priced bungalows and motels. While most resorts are located in Koror, there is quieter and more secluded accommodation available on the southern islands.
Visa Requirements
Visas are not required by nationals of the EU, Australia, Canada and USA, who are issued entry permits on arrival. Nationals of the USA do not require a visa for stays of up to one year. All other nationals referred to above do not require a visa for stays of up to 30 days. For longer stays, permission must be granted from the chief of immigration. Nationals of countries not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Extension is possible for two times 30 days if application is made no less than seven days beyond expiration of visa. Entry permit is valid for 30 days. Passports valid for at least 30 days beyond intended period of stay required by all nationals of countries referred to above except US nationals holding proof of citizenship accompanied by any other photo ID document. All nationals of countries referred to above staying longer than six months must register with the chief of immigration within 30 days after arrival. As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air to and from the USA are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008.
Getting Around
Traffic drives on the right. The road network is extended beyond Koror to Babeldaob Island with many coral and dirt roads connecting to other states. A 4-wheel drive car is recommended if you wish to see Babeldaob. Cars can be hired from the airport. The speed limit is 40kph (25mph). There are many taxis in Koror offering comfortable travel. They are not metered and fares are fixed.
Health & Safety
Cholera and Yellow Fever immunizations are required for those arriving from infected areas. Palau has two private medical clinics and a public hospital. As health care is not free, health insurance is recommended. Most visits to Palau are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
National Holidays
1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 15 Mar - Youth Day. 5 May - Senior Citizens’ Day. 1 Jun - President’s Day. 9 Jul - Constitution Day. 3 Sep - Labour Day. 1 Oct - Independence Day. 24 Oct - United Nations Day. 22 Nov - Thanksgiving Day. 25 Dec - Christmas Day.
Currency
U.S. Dollar (USD)
Electricity
115/230v AC
Emergency Numbers
911
