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If you are an island owner, Palau, who is on the 2021 world’s best travel destination list, will surely satisfy all your illusions about the sea. If you ignore the beauty for now, the sustainability of Palau’s travel is also worth savoring.
In this cold winter, “escape” with LP to this Pacific island country, and experience the dreamlike non-toxic golden jellyfish, the 2,000-foot-lower seabed fault, and the beauty that is unique in the world~
Palau’s sustainability
You don’t have to go into the water to enjoy a trip to Palau, but diving into the water will definitely be the icing on the cake. This small island in the Pacific Ocean is one of the most spectacular diving and snorkeling resorts in the world. Active policies and protective measures have been implemented for 10 consecutive years, requiring tourists to sign the “Oath”. The pristine Palau Islands can be called a model in the field of sustainable development.
© Seth Schy / Lonely Planet
The tropical Palau archipelago has 576 white-sand islands scattered in the depths of the Pacific Ocean and hundreds of miles from the nearest neighboring countries. Some of these islands have world-class landscapes.
This paradise is highly respected by scuba divers and sun and beach lovers. Indulging in it, you will inevitably think Palau is a perfect paradise. However, as the sea level continues to rise and the self-sufficient lifestyle is broken by the tourism-led development model, the consequences of ecological imbalance are gradually appearing, and Palau is in a dangerous situation-it must build a more sustainable future.
© Seth Schy / Lonely Planet
In order to leave a wealth of biodiversity, unique local wildlife and unique cultural heritage to future generations, Palau has frequently introduced protection measures in the past 10 years. In 2009, Palau established the world’s first shark sanctuary and designated 80% of its territorial waters as marine sanctuaries; in addition, it was the first country to ban the use of sunscreens harmful to coral reefs.
Rock Islands Southern Lagoon has 445 densely forested islands and blue lagoons. The volcanic scenery is extremely magnificent. It was listed as a World Heritage Site in 2012. The funds introduced by the heritage project are used to strengthen the management of wildlife on the island.
© Seth Schy / Lonely Planet
Tourism occupies half of Palau’s GDP and is an indispensable part of people’s lives. However, this country hopes to attract high-net-worth travelers, and the number of people must be controlled within a sustainable range to reduce the burden on natural resources. pressure. After arriving in Palau, all tourists must sign a contract called the “Palau Oath”, swearing that they will absolutely observe the environmental protection purpose of responsible travel during their stay.
How effective is it? The inhabitants of the islands are witnessing. However, education efforts may be the most critical. Policy makers have incorporated climate change, environmental research and sustainable travel into school curricula, and passed the baton to the next generation, hoping to keep Palau as an island country forever.
Explore Palau
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Most visitors to Palau choose to spend a good time underwater. Palau is the world’s most magnificent diving and snorkeling destination, with coral reefs, blue caves, relics of World War II, hidden caves and tunnels, more than 60 vertical cliffs, and breathtaking corals, fish and exotic oceans. biological. There are also miracles of natural evolution, such as giant clams weighing more than 250 kilograms, and 21 million soft and elegant non-toxic jellyfish living together in a lake.
©Ippei Naoi/Getty Images
Palau’s land is home to a wide variety of unique flowers and animals: exotic birds fly by in groups, crocodiles crawling slowly in the swamp, and patches of orchids bloom in the backyard garden.
©Ippei Naoi/Getty Images
Palau also includes Koror, a multilingual state, and the stunning Rock Islands; Barber Daub Island is a paradise in the Pacific that has been forgotten by time; Peleliu, once devastated by war, is fascinating Resort; Angaur is small and peaceful; Kayangel and Ngeruangel have atolls; don’t forget the distant South-West Islands.
Rock Islands
©Ippei Naoi/Getty Images
It is no exaggeration to say that places like the Rock Islands are nowhere else on earth. In the blue sea 32 kilometers southwest of Koror, it is composed of more than 200 limestone islands. Due to the mushroom-shaped eroded islands at the bottom, the Rock Islands is called Chalbacheb by the locals and is regarded as the pearl of Micronesia. All the small islands are covered by green vegetation, which stretches for 32 kilometers dotted with the sea.
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The waters around the Rock Islands have more than 1,500 species of coral reefs and pelagic fish. Divers may see manta rays, sea turtles, moray eels, giant clams, sharks and dugongs. This water area is the richest and most diverse area of marine life in the world, so it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2012.
Manta diving up German Channel Palau © amanderson2
You can also choose an alternative way of sightseeing-take a helicopter and overlook the densely packed islands scattered in front of you.
Dreamy golden jellyfish lake
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There are about 80 saltwater lakes hidden in the Rock Islands, and snorkeling in Jellyfish Lake was once an experience that must not be missed. There were millions of non-toxic and harmless transparent jellyfish in the lake, and they can be seen in large numbers slowly swaying along the light. These thin, fragile pink creatures are like countless beating brains, united together, shuttled as if they were in outer space. However, it is said that due to the warming of the ocean due to the El Niño phenomenon, the lack of precipitation has caused the salt content of the sea to rise, and the number of jellyfish in the jellyfish lake has dropped sharply. A similar situation occurred in 1999, and I hope these elves can tide over the difficulties.
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Where hell becomes heaven
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Peleliu is an extremely comfortable island. There is only one village on the island. Apart from walking and diving, I am afraid there is nothing else to do here, but this is also its charm. In 1944, Peleliu Island was once one of the most tragic battlefields of World War II. On an area of only 13 square kilometers, more than 15,000 people lost their lives here in two months. It is not easy to find the previous battlefield by yourself. It is recommended to ask a guide because there is no sign.
“Easter Island” in Micronesia
Badrulchau, at Ngarchelong © Anna Lee
The discovery of the archaeological site of the Badrulchau Group of Stone Statues inevitably makes curious people want to explore Palau’s mysterious past. If you are interested in Easter Island in Micronesia, don’t miss it. This archaeological site is located at the northernmost tip of Babeldaob. You will see giant basalts spread on the hillside, some stones weighing 5 tons. The legend is that the gods put these stones there to support the bai (men’s club) that can accommodate thousands of people. But who made the stone statues and why is still a mystery. Badrulchau is also a perfect picnic spot with stunning views.
Michael Runkel/Danita Delimont / Adobe Stock
Be beautiful in the milk lake
Although it is called a lake, Milk Lake is actually a piece of sea surrounded by archipelagoes. It is named after the gray volcanic mud deposited after the eruption of the volcano, and the water is milky white. To go to Milk Lake, you usually need to rent a boat or sign up for a group tour. The guide will dive into the water to get some volcanic mud, and everyone will wipe their whole body. As for the amazing beauty effects in the legend, you will wait for you to experience it yourself.
Throw into the arms of Ngardmau waterfall
Thomas / Adobe Stock
Ngardmau waterfall is one of the most important attractions in Babardaob. The waterfall pours down from the highest peak of Palau, the 217-meter-high Ngerchelchuus, which is extremely refreshing. You can choose to hike or take the monorail to reach the highest waterfall in Micronesia. Although it is not easy to hike along the jungle trail for half an hour, it is definitely worth a try if physical strength allows. Don’t miss the opportunity to jump into the cold water of the waterfall and take a dip.
Diet
Crabs © anthonioo & Mei-Ling
Palau’s cuisine is a fusion of Japanese, Korean, Filipino and American flavors. If you love seafood, you will have a good taste. Sushi and sashimi are the most popular dishes. Mangrove crabs and shellfish can be found everywhere.
When to go
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December to March: The peak travel season for Japanese and Korean tourists. Devil fish and grey reef sharks can be seen.
April to May and September to October: July to October is the strong wind season, which may affect some diving activities.
June to August: The rainy season is the most abundant. June is the season with frequent thundershowers.
Escape stronghold
©Brian Laferte
Most of the accommodations in Palau are located in Koror and surrounding islands. Standard hotels and motels are the main choice. There are also some open sea resorts. Although there are many options for accommodation, the price is quite high. Generally, the price of a mid-range hotel is RMB 800-1500, and the price of a motel is not less than RMB 400. If you are here for diving, you may wish to consult the package price of diving and accommodation at the dive shop. Be sure to book a hotel before going there during peak season.
Tips for escape
Bai er a Ngesechel a Cherechar, Koror Palau © sandwich
Before embarking on a lazy island life, visit the Belau National Museum and Etpison Museum in Koror to learn about the country’s past.
Escape certificate
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At Koror Airport, you can apply for a visa on arrival for free, and you need to hold a return ticket or a ticket to a third country. The stay period is 30 days.
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