Palau
This nation of over 300 volcanic and lush green limestone islands and turquoise lagoons is among the most picturesque and unique in the Pacific Ocean. While Jellyfish Lake, world-class scuba diving and World War II history may steal the show, there are also tropical rainforest tours and mysterious stone monoliths to marvel at. For a nation consisting much more of water than land, Palau is very much an ocean-lover’s destination and a country that often leads the way in terms of marine conservation.
Divers come for the sharks, wrecks and healthy reefs and to experience an island lake full of stingless jellyfish. History buffs love the sites of battle like Peleliu that were of such importance in the war in the Pacific. A trip to this tiny Pacific country has many amazing elements to make it live long in the memory.
Recent Palau Articles
A World War II History of Palau: Setting the Scene for Invasion
In early 1944, during World War 2, American sea power was beginning to make inroads on the southern flank of Japan's Pacific frontier territories. The islands of the Pacific were of key strategic importance since they helped to facilitate the protection of the...
Palau’s Impressive History of Marine Protection – On the Frontline
Blacktip reef sharks are protected in Palau. Photo courtesy: Aggressor Fleet Palau is a remote island nation in the Pacific Ocean, east of the Philippines and north of West Papua in Indonesia. It is one of the world's smallest countries with only around 20,000...
Diving with Trevallies – Apex Predators of the Reef
Trevally are among the more common fish encountered by divers, in a variety of species. These powerful silvery predators patrol the reefs and are often seen preying on smaller fish, making exciting, sudden dashes around the reef and thrilling any on-looking scuba...
Diving with Turtles – Underwater Ninjas
Turtles are among the best loved of sea-dwelling creatures. This is due both to their cute appearance and personality, as well as their declining numbers and their need for human protection, turtles are among the best loved of sea-dwelling creatures. Everyone loves an...
Diving with Tawny Nurse Sharks – Oooh Matron!
Dive with tawny nurse sharks. Photo courtesy: Macana Tawny nurse sharks are quite commonly encountered by divers. You may see them lying on a sandy floor or huddled together in their favourite cave or crevice during the day, or witness them hunting on a night dive....
Diving with scorpionfish: Motionless and Venomous
Scorpionfish are among the ocean’s most fascinating and enigmatic creatures, captivating divers with their extraordinary camouflage and formidable venomous spines. Belonging to the family Scorpaenidae, these ambush predators are found in tropical and temperate waters...
Diving with Moray Eels – a Foray into the World of Morays
You are finning along a reef with fish swimming all around you when suddenly something makes you stop on your tracks. You see a sight that at once captivates you and implores you to fix your gaze on a head protruding from a hole, seemingly glaring out and opening and...
Diving with Napoleon Wrasse: Ocean’s Most Curious Fish
Diving with Napoleon wrasse in the Philippines. Photo courtesy: Robert Yin An exquisitely patterned fish, the giant yet gentle Napoleon wrasse is a favourite fish to encounter for divers in many regions of the world. This is because, in areas where they are still not...
Diving with Lionfish: a Devil Firefish or a Turkeyfish?
A lionfish at Lankayan Island, Malaysia One of the most photogenic fish you are likely to come across when scuba diving is the lionfish; a fish as beautiful as it is dangerous. Often found lurking in quiet areas of a reef or a wreck, the firefish has a very...