| Palau, an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, is renowned for its pristine coral reefs, shipwrecks, and diverse marine life, attracting divers from around the globe. Palau, officially the Republic of Palau, is an island country in the Micronesia region of the Western Pacific Ocean. It consists of over 250 islands and is located southwest of the Philippines, about 800 miles (1,300 km) east of New Guinea. |
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General Info
Palau is a captivating island nation with pristine coral reefs, a fascinating culture, and welcoming people. It's an ideal destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience.
Palau is known for its:
- World-class diving: Palau is a renowned diving destination, famous for its pristine coral reefs, shipwrecks, and diverse marine life.
- Excellent fishing: Palau is a haven for anglers, offering opportunities to catch various fish species, including tuna, grouper, and trevally.
- Kayaking adventures: Explore Palau's mangroves and lagoons on a kayaking expedition, enjoying the stunning scenery along the way.
- Hiking trails: Embark on a hike through Palau's lush rainforests, with trails suitable for all levels of hikers.
- Cultural immersion: Delve into Palau's rich culture and history by visiting ancient villages, museums, and other cultural sites.
Climate: Palau has a hot and humid climate year-round, with a rainy season from May to November.
Popular dive sites:
- Jellyfish Lake: A unique freshwater lake teeming with harmless jellyfish, offering an unforgettable snorkeling and diving experience.
- Blue Corner: A world-famous dive site famous for sharks, large pelagics, and strong currents.
- Chandelier Caves: Underwater caverns adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
- German Channel: A channel teeming with colorful fish, soft corals, and shipwrecks.
- Peleliu Wall: A massive coral wall teeming with diverse marine life.
Marine life:
Palau is home to an incredible array of marine creatures. You can encounter sharks, vibrant fish, hard corals, soft corals, sea turtles, eels, seahorses, and much more.
Diving season:
Diving in Palau is possible year-round. Water temperatures remain relatively constant around 27-29°C (81-84°F). However, the dry season (December to April) generally offers the best underwater visibility.
Respect the local culture:
Palau is a very traditional and conservative society. It's important to be respectful of the local culture and customs. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Dress modestly: When visiting villages or attending cultural events, it's best to dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees.
- Avoid public displays of affection: Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon in Palau.
- Ask permission before taking photos: It's always a good idea to ask permission before taking photos of people.
Considerations:
- Palau is a relatively expensive travel destination.
- English is widely spoken in Palau, but Palauan is the official language.
- Palau's currency is the US dollar.
- Thai citizens can enter Palau without a visa (Visa on Arrival) and can stay for up to 30 days.
Getting There
Flight Info.
Since there are no direct flights from Thailand to Palau, you will need to transit through countries that have flights to Palau. The main airlines that fly to Palau include:
- Philippines (Philippine Airlines): There are flights from Manila to Koror (Palau’s main airport).
- Guam (United Airlines): If you fly to Guam, a U.S. territory, you can take a connecting flight to Palau.
- Taiwan (China Airlines): Flights are available from Taipei to Palau.
- Japan (ANA or Japan Airlines): You can travel from Tokyo to Palau.
Be sure to check flight schedules and availability, as flights to Palau are limited and may require booking in advance.
(Information is subject to change. Please check before traveling again.)
Overnight
Once you've booked your flights, you'll need to find accommodation. There are a variety of options to choose from, including hotels, resorts, guesthouses, and vacation rentals. If you're on a budget, there are a few hostels on Koror Island.Emergency
- Belau National Hospital (BNH): Located in Koror, the capital of Palau, BNH is the largest and most comprehensive hospital in the country. It has a dedicated hyperbaric chamber for treating DCS patients.
- St. Joseph's Referral Hospital (SJRH): Situated in Melekeok State, SJRH is the second-largest hospital in Palau. It also has a hyperbaric chamber for treating DCS.
- EKT Hospital: EKT Hospital is a private medical facility located in Koror. It offers hyperbaric chamber treatment for DCS patients.
Additional Information:
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Divers Alert Network (DAN): DAN is an international non-profit organization that provides emergency assistance and support to divers. They have a 24/7 hotline that you can call for assistance in the event of a DCS emergency. The DAN hotline number for Palau is +670 734-2333.
