"Be in Awe Just Below Palau's Surface" - Adelaide Now Blogs About Their Experience

"THE only sound is my relaxed breathing complemented by oars skimming the ocean water. I feel humbled surrounded by such unspoilt natural beauty.

The stillness of the water allows the kayak to glide effortlessly, leaving long, V-shaped ripples behind us. Towering above like giant green, fluffy mushrooms are some of the estimated 250 to 300 rock islands of Palau. Once thriving coral reefs under the water's surface, these limestone and coral islands now ascend up to 207m. The mostly uninhabited islands appear to float, their foundations having eroded over millennia.

After three days in Palau, it feels as if I've been here a week, probably because our schedule is running on what the locals call "Palau-time", basically meaning time is no factor.
Palau is listed as one of the top destinations for avid scuba divers but as I discovered, this Pacific island nation has a whole lot more to offer..." Click here to read full article.

Palau Is Diving Into 2011 With A Host Of Special Hotel Packages

Palau is one of the seven underwater wonders of the world, where large schools of sharks, manta rays, colorful soft corals, dramatic wall dives and adrenaline pumping drift dives are some of the features. And now, to accommodate Micronesia destined travelers, several Palau properties are offering special packages for those that want to take the ultimate plunge.

Palau Pacific Resort

Available for booking from now through February 28, 2011, for travel periods between April 1 – July 15, the Palau Pacific Resort is offering a special February Internet booking offer that starts at only $285 per night with a package that includes the following value added benefits:
- Daily Breakfast for up to two people
- Roundtrip Airport Transfers for up to two people
- 15% Discount at Elilai Spa by Mandara for spa treatment
- 10% Discount at Elilai Spa by Mandara for retail products

Palau’s most luxurious beach resort, the Palau Pacific Resort sits on 64 acres of lush tropical gardens and is the ultimate tropical getaway in Micronesia. It is just a 30 minutes commute from the international airport, on the west Shore of Arkabesang Island, Koror, Republic of Palau, Western Caroline Islands. For reservations and additional information, please call 680-488-2600 or visit http://www.palauppr.com/.

Ngellil Nature Island Resort

The brand new Ngellil Nature Island Resort is offering an introductory rate of only $150 per night for accommodations only. The add-on rate for meals (which include breakfast, lunch and dinner) is $50 per person.

This one-of-a-kind eight room property is only accessible by boat transfer and is ideal for couples or those that want to truly get away from it all. The full-service property features accommodations made of natural products from the islands; barbecued meals made on site; private beach for hotel guests only; private hiking trails which wend through a lush jungle; sea kayaking; snorkeling; and fishing.
For reservations and additional information, phone 680-587-1059; fax 680-587-3631; or email ngellilnaturalisland@yahoo.com.

Palau Plantation Resort

In order to provide the best value to guests, Palau Plantation Resort features room only rates so that guests can start with the basics and build their own itinerary. The best value for a family or group is the Suite Villa (with 5 rooms) for only $480 per night. Rates start at $180 per night for other room and suite types.

The Palau Plantation Resort is a unique tropical resort born from an idea that transpired from its exotic location. Built upon a nice milieu, typical of a jungle of modern times, the resort has bloomed into one of the most idyllic resorts in Palau. The property features a wide selection of traditional styled cabins, cottages and villas surrounded by the natural beauty of a tropical paradise. Palau Plantation is a chic resort brimming with a Palau inspired flavor set against the relaxing natural environment. For reservations and information, phone 680-488-3631; fax 680-4887425; or email plantation@palautelecoms.com.

The Palau Beach Bugalows

Featuring special rates that start as low as $40 per night, the Palau Beach Bunaglows is a small family-run resort next to one of the nicest beaches on the big island of Babeldaob, about 30 minutes by car from Palau International Airport, and about 45 minutes from Koror. It's a great way to experience the peace and quiet of traditional Palau away from the main town of Koror. The bungalows feature single or double bed & bathroom, plus a living room with kitchenette. The living room has an extra futon bed. The daily rate per unit is just $40 + 14% tax or $45.60 (per bungalow), payable in cash only.

Airai Water Paradise Hotel & Spa
The Airai Water Paradise Hotel & Spa is now featuring an Island Dream Package, which is available from now through December 31, 2011. Rates start at only $100 a night for a Standard Room or $130 a night for an Ocean View Room. The package includes the following: Daily breakfast for two; tax and service charge; airport shuttle; and for those that stay over four nights, free Tropical Snack Set and Starry Night Cocktail.

Airai Water Paradise Hotel & Spa (AWP) is a legendary Palaun castle symbolizing the story of immortal love at the end of the rainbow. In the local art featured at the hotel, guests will find Palau’s largest Story Board and the magnificent history exhibition that highlights the cultural wonder of this Micronesian paradise. Additionally, the property features the destination’s only waterpark with a 720 degree water slide, speedy water slide, Olympic pool, and multi-function spa pools. The hotel also offer limited spa services. For additional information and reservations, please contact Tel:(+680)587-3530; Fax:(680)587-3533; or via email at services@airaiwaterparadise.com.

Travel Destination Feature on Palau

The Palau islands are formed by more than 200 islands, of which only eight are inhabited. All of the islands but three are located within a single barrier reef and represent two geological formations. The biggest islands are volcanic and rough with interior jungle and enormous areas of grassed terraces. The Rock Islands, known as the Floating Garden Islands, are of limestone formation, while Kayangel, at the northernmost region, is a typical coral atoll. Palauan people are mainly Roman Catholic and their official language is English.

The country has a hot, humid climate with a rainy season (May to November). Palau’s currency is the US Dollar.Some tips to take into account when visiting Palau: US driving permits are accepted, the electricity runs on 115/230 Volts and the country code is 680.

Read on...

National Geographic Feature on Palau

Located in the western Pacific, the more than 250 islands that constitute Palau—a Japanese stronghold during World War II—were assigned to U.S. administration by the United Nations in 1947. Economically tied to the U.S., the territory became an independent nation in October 1994. About 70 percent of Palauans live in the capital city of Koror on the island of Koror. Tourism is the country's main industry, with the rich marine environment inviting snorkeling and scuba diving. Read on...

Photo credit: Tim Laman

Blogger Jane Cassie "Jane of the Jungle" shares her Palauan Adventure

When I was seven years old, a harmless garter snake crossed my path and put me into panic mode. Now, half a century later, I still get the heebie-jeebies whenever I think of one. So after hearing that a one-eyed eel (close enough to a snake) may be lurking about in the nearby riverbed, I freeze in my tracks.

My husband and I are visiting Palau, an archipelago of 500-or-so lush islands that sprawl over the North Pacific. And as well as checking out the amazing treasures that thrive beneath the waves, we explore a few above the pristine surface -- the Ngardmau Waterfall being one of them.

As legend has it, the curtain of water that plummets 30 metres (100 feet) was created by this slimy creature. After falling into an endless sleep, he magically transformed into the river and his head became the waterfall. Whether fact or fiction, snake or eel, my skin begins to crawl after listening to this mythical tidbit. Read on...