Before December last year, I had little awareness of the island nation of Palau.
So, when the opportunity arose, I eagerly packed my reef-safe sunscreen and set off for this unknown destination with our famil group.
Taking advantage of Nauru Airlines’ new direct flights between Brisbane and Palau, we arrived in Koror after a six-hour, red-eye flight.
Known for its commitment to environmental protection, Palau asks all visitors to sign a pledge in their passports to preserve and protect their unique island home.
As the sun rose on our first morning, the vibrant, unfiltered blue waters made it clear why this nation is so dedicated to environmental conservation.
Every local we met asked if we’d been out on the water yet. We spent multiple days exploring the pristine waters and snorkelling at The Drop Off, Clam City and Shark City. Even though I didn’t dive, the visibility and snorkelling conditions were some of the best I’ve experienced. I’ll definitely try diving next time!
One of the more unique experiences was covering myself in the sediment of the Milky Way, a natural lagoon, before rinsing it off in the hope of washing away 20 years of age – an amusing moment everyone enjoyed.
Surprisingly, some of my most cherished experiences in Palau were on land or in the sky.
A scenic flight with Smile Air offered memorable views of Palau’s paradise. The land adventure took us to Peleliu, a living museum of the Battle of Peleliu, where we explored poignant Second World War sites and memorials.
In Melekeok, we hiked inland to the traditional Bai Melekeoung, a men’s meeting house, guided by a local who shared stories of Palauan life.
This tour also included one of my favourite lunches of the trip. I called it the Palauan Bento and it was a morish selection of food prepared by the local women.
In the continued spirit of their efforts to preserve the environment, our plates were made from taro leaves (no single use plastics in sight) and our drinking vessels, also known as the humble coconut, were completely biodegradable.
Palau’s culinary scene was a delightful surprise. Every meal was impressive, with a mix of Palauan and Asian influences shaping the flavours.
Chef Yoko’s Giant Clam at Tori Tori was a standout and the Saturday Night Markets offered everything from freshly cooked lobster to steamed tapioca, all enjoyed to the sounds of local performers.
Our stay at The Cove Resort provided a central location and one of the best beds I’ve slept in, while the Palau Pacific Resort offered a peaceful paradise.
During our stay, we celebrated the resort’s 40th anniversary by participating in baby clam planting, highlighting the resort’s commitment to sustainability.
Palau, an island nation I once knew little about, left me with a deep appreciation for its efforts to preserve the environment and culture.
Though fulfilling, this trip felt too short, and I can’t wait to return to explore more of its wonders, both underwater and on land.
