PALAU: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Enters Palau

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts unveiled a new resort with over-water villas in Palau, the pristine western Pacific island paradise, under its namesake Wyndham brand at a recent ground breaking ceremony.

Wyndham Palau is being developed by the Sea Sky International Development Group, a subsidiary of Global International Development Group.

The resort is located in the unspoiled region of Aimeliik, which is home to spectacular natural landscapes, ancient villages and crystal clear seas teeming with colourful marine life.

Upon completion, this 593-key resort will offer a choice of beautifully-appointed accommodations, including 132 hotel guestrooms and over 400 villas, with some perched on stilts over the warm, shallow seas.

These exotic rooms will be accompanied by other luxury villas nestled in the hillside and on the edge of the mangroves.

Wyndham Palau welcomes guests with a VIP lounge and offers an Executive Lounge - a private sanctuary featuring an array of additional amenities - for VIPs and Wyndham Rewards members.

Guests can access two free-form pools surrounded by a large sun deck and shady cabanas, a children's pool, a kid's club and a serene wellness centre.

The resort also includes a purpose-built conference centre with a wide variety of options for event planners, including a ballroom seating up to 140 guests and four meeting rooms for up to 60 people.

A collection of distinct F&B outlets will include a chic lobby lounge, beach bar and terrace, and pool bar.

The resort's all-day dining pool restaurant will serve Asian and international cuisine throughout the day, with indoor and alfresco seating, while a specialty Chinese restaurant will create exquisite epicurean experiences, including the option of private dining rooms.

With its tropical climate, rich history and pristine landscapes, Palau is a compelling proposition for international travellers, said Joon Aun OOI, President and Managing Director, South East Asia and Pacific Rim, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

Wyndham Palau will break new ground in this beautiful country, becoming the first upscale international resort in the Aimeliik region.

International visitor arrivals to Palau have jumped 50 percent since 2010, and the country remains an intriguing and appealing destination for many Asian travellers.

With direct air links from key source markets such as Seoul and Taipei, the prospects for Palau's tourism industry - including the MICE sector - remain incredibly bright, Mr Ooi added.

Palau comprises more than 200 lush, jungle-clad islands in the western Pacific Ocean, about 1,500 kilometres east of the Philippines.

While the country is small, its surrounding marine sanctuary is anything but; Palau's government has committed to protecting about 500,000 square kilometres of ocean - an area about the size of Thailand.

This makes it a paradise for divers and snorkellers, with healthy reefs that house an abundance of marine life, including approximately 1,500 species of fish, sharks, rays, turtles and more.

In fact, Palau's waters are so vibrant they have been dubbed the Underwater Serengeti.

We identified Aimeliik as the perfect place to open up a new frontier in Palau's tourism industry. Easily accessible from the Koror City and the airport, this is a stunning region with pure shores and lush natural landscapes.

With the global support of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, one of the hotel industry's most famous and respected names, I am confident that our stunning new resort will mark the start of an exciting new era for Palau, commented Ms Selina Zhong, President, Global International Development Group.

Wyndham Palau will be located just 20 minutes' drive from the Palau International Airport and a short boat transfer from Koror, the country's main commercial centre.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts offers more than 120 properties in the South East Asia and Pacific Rim region, including 12 under the Wyndham flag.

A recent ground breaking ceremony celebrated the upcoming development of Wyndham Palau, set to be the first upscale international resort in the country’s region of Aimeliik when it opens in 2021.

The property will offer 593 keys incorporating over 400 villas located either over the water, with mangrove views or on hillside. Guests will find two free-form pools, an array of F&B outlets including a specialty Chinese restaurant, and a wellness centre.

Families will love the children’s pool and kids’ club, and the MICE market will be served by the 140-pax ballroom and four additional meeting rooms.

With its tropical climate, rich history and pristine landscapes, Palau is a compelling proposition for international travellers, said Joon Aun Ooi, president and managing director, South East Asia and Pacific Rim, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

The 200-island country features a 500,000-sqkm marine sanctuary, approximately the size of Thailand, under government protection.

Home to reefs teeming with over 1,500 species of marine creatures, it makes the destination a diving and snorkeling paradise.

International visitor arrivals to Palau have jumped 50% since 2010, and the country remains an intriguing and appealing destination for many Asian travellers, said Ooi.

With direct air links from key source markets such as Seoul and Taipei, the prospects for Palau's tourism industry - including the MICE sector - remain incredibly bright.


Tourism Observer

MICRONESIA: Yap Islands, Showing Female Thighs Is Considered Vulgar And Immodest. No Shorts Except At Beaches.

Yap International Airport

Yap is one of the four Federated States of Micronesia.

Yap is comprised of the main island atoll of Yap with Maap and Gagil connected by road and Rumung, commonly referred to as The Forbidden Island, is accessible by boat but still within the reef.

Outside the reef, Yap extends towards Chuuk and has many outer islands and atolls; some of which are accessible by plane.

Yap or Wa′ab traditionally refers to an island located in the Caroline Islands of the western Pacific Ocean, a part of the Federated States of Micronesia.

The name Yap in recent years has come to also refer to the state within the Federated States of Micronesia, inclusive of the Yap Main Islands and its various outer islands.

The Yap Main Islands are considered to be made up of four separate islands: Yap Island proper or Marbaq, Gagil-Tamil, Maap, and Rumung.

The four are contiguous, though separated by water, and are surrounded by a common coral reef. They are formed from an uplift of the Philippine Sea Plate, and are referred to as high islands as opposed to atolls.

The land is mostly rolling hills, densely vegetated. Mangrove swamps line much of the shore, although there are beaches on the northern sides of the islands.

Excluding the reef area, Yap is approximately 24 km long, 5–10 km wide, and 98 km2. The highest elevation is 178 meters/584 feet at Mount Taabiywol in Fanif municipality on Yap island proper.

The Yapese people's indigenous cultures and traditions are strong compared to other states in Micronesia.

Colonia is the capital of the State of Yap which includes the Yap Main Islands and the Yap Neighboring Islands—the outer islands mostly atolls reaching to the east and south from the Yap Main Islands for some 800 km (500 mi).

Thease are the atolls of Eauripik, Elato, Faraulep, Gaferut, Ifalik, Lamotrek, Ngulu, Olimarao, Piagailoe (West Fayu), Pikelot, Sorol, Ulithi, and Woleai, as well as the islands of Fais and Satawal.

Historically, a tributary system existed between the Neighboring Islands and the Yap Main Islands. This probably related to the need for goods from the high islands, including food, as well as wood for construction of seagoing vessels.

In 2000 the population of Colonia and ten other municipalities totalled 11,241. The state has a total land area of 102 km2 (39 sq mi).

The island is famous for its stone money, which is rather large and cannot easily be moved.

The island was opened for tourism in 1989 and has seen a good amount of tourists visiting, especially for the scuba diving and to catch a glimpse of the traditional Micronesian island culture.

Skin Diver Magazine has called Yap the most interesting island in Micronesia and gives Yap the honor of being one of the magazine's top 3 dive sites.

Yap is known for its stone money, known as Rai, or Fei,: large doughnut-shaped, carved disks of usually calcite, up to 4 m (12 ft) in diameter most are much smaller.

The smallest can be as little as 3.5 centimetres (1.4 in) in diameter.Many of them were brought from other islands, as far as New Guinea, but most came in ancient times from Palau.

Their value is based on both the stone's size and its history. Historically the Yapese valued the disks because the material looks like quartz, and these were the shiniest objects available.

Eventually the stones became legal tender and were even mandatory in some payments.

The value of the stones was kept high due to the difficulty and hazards involved in obtaining them. To quarry the stones, Yapese adventurers had to sail to distant islands and deal with local inhabitants who were sometimes hostile.

Once quarried, the disks had to be transported back to Yap on rafts towed behind sail-driven canoes. The scarcity of the disks, and the effort and peril required to get them, made them valuable to the Yapese.

In 1874, an enterprising Irish American sea captain named David O'Keefe hit upon the idea of employing the Yapese to import more money in the form of shiploads of large stones, also from Palau.

O'Keefe then traded these stones with the Yapese for other commodities such as sea cucumbers and copra. The 1954 movie His Majesty O'Keefe cast Burt Lancaster in the captain's role.

Although some of the O'Keefe stones are larger than the canoe-transported stones, they are less valuable than the earlier stones due to the comparative ease with which they were obtained.

As no more disks are being produced or imported, this money supply is fixed. The islanders know who owns which piece but do not necessarily move them when ownership changes.

Their size and weight - the largest ones require 20 adult men to carry, make them very difficult to move around.

Although today the United States dollar is the currency used for everyday transactions in Yap, the stone disks are still used for more traditional or ceremonial exchange.

The stone disks may change ownership during marriages, transfers of land title, or as compensation for damages suffered by an aggrieved party.

There are four other types of currency on the Island. First there is Mmbul which is a length of lava-lava, the cloth used for loincloths, three or four feet long and two feet wide, wrapped up in a Betel nut sheath.

Then there is Gau or Gaw, a necklace of shells, up to 10 feet in length. The shells come from Canet, an island near Ponape, from Ponape itself and from Euripik.

Since these come from a distance, Gau is worth more than Mmbul. Yar is money made of large shells about eight inches wide, pierced and tied on a coconut rope.

Finally, Reng is the name of money made of turmeric, which is ground and mixed with water and the paste shaped into a ball, typically used for tribal ceremonies.

The state of Yap consists of 134 islands and atolls. Twenty two of these are populated, stretching across an excess of 100,000 square miles in total area.

Yap's main island is made up of four high volcanic islands, accounting for 38 of Yap’s approximate total 50 square miles of land area.

The main island of Yap is where the state capital and commercial center, Colonia, is located. Most of the outer islands stretching approximately 600 miles east of Yap Island are coral atolls.

These atolls are sparsely populated by people different from the Yapese in both culture and language.

The US dollar is the official currency in Yap, and Micronesia.

There are three types of traditional buildings on Yap. The tibnaw is a family house and has a roof made of woven thatch of dried palm fronds.

Inside, there is one open room with no lavatory. Kitchens are separate structures - t'ang outside the family houses.

The faluw is the men's house; such buildings were built on the shoreline with easy access to the sea. Prior to World War I, women had been kidnapped and taken to the faluw. Today this practice no longer occurs.

Women considered it an honor to be chosen for the faluw, because only the most beautiful women would be taken there.

Such a woman was called the mispil or resident female of the faluw. As the island's culture was more and more influenced by the rest of the world's views on prostitution, this practice ended.

Largest of the three types is the p'ebay, a place for the community to come together for school, dances or meetings. As with all structures on Yap, it is necessary to obtain permission before entering.

There are a few men's houses that women are allowed to enter, however people must always ask for permission.

The Yapese language belongs to the Austronesian languages, more specifically to the Oceanic languages.

Yap was initially settled by ancient migrants from the Malay Peninsula, the Indonesian Archipelago, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands.

The people of the Neighboring Islands are descendants of Polynesian settlers,and as such have significant ethnic dissimilarities from the people of the Yap Main Islands.

Their culture and languages - Ulithian and Woleaian are closely related to those of the outer islands of Chuuk. English as used as a common language.

The Yapese and Neighboring Island Yapese were some of the most renowned navigators in the Pacific.

Yapese sailors traveled phenomenal distances in outrigger canoes, without the aid of a compass, navigating by the stars and the patterns of ocean waves using techniques of Micronesian and Polynesian navigation.

During pre-colonial times, the people of Yap established an island empire and dominion over what are now the Neighboring Islands of Yap State.

Beginning in the 19th century, Yap was colonized by the Spanish, Germans, and Japanese in succession.

The double-hulled voyaging canoe Alingano Maisu, gifted by the Polynesian Voyaging Society to master navigator Mau Piailug, is home-ported on the island of Yap under the command of Piailug's son, Sesario Sewralur.

Yapese society is based on a highly complex caste system involving at least seven tiers of rank.

Historically, the caste rank of an entire village could rise or fall in comparison to other villages depending on how it fared in inter-village conflicts.

Winning villages would rise in rank as a part of a peace settlement, while losing villages would have to accept a decline in comparative rank. In many cases lower ranked villages were required to pay tribute to higher ranked villages.

Further, dietary taboos might be imposed on lower ranking villages, i.e., they might be prohibited from harvesting and eating the more desirable fish and animals of the sea.

Within each village each family had its own rank comparative to the others.

Until the arrival of the German colonizers, the caste ranking system was fluid and the ranks of villages and families changed in response to inter-village intrigues and confrontations.

In the early 20th century, however, the German colonial administration pacified Yap and enforced a prohibition against violent conflict.

The caste ranking of each village in modern Yap thus remains the same as it was when the system was frozen in place by the Germans.

The freeze left the villages of Ngolog, Teb, and Gachpar in the modern-day municipalities of Rull, Tamil, and Gagil respectively, as the highest ranking.

Yap has a relatively small tourism industry, with the Yap Visitors Bureau reporting only 4,000 annuals visitors since 2010.

China's Exhibition & Travel Group (ETG) has announced plans to develop a 4,000-unit resort on the island.

Standard 110 volt and the same US type outlets are used on Yap.

Yap shares the same time zone (GMT + 10) as Sydney, Australia, and is one hour ahead of Tokyo, Japan.

Holidays on Yap Islands

Yap Day - Observed in first week of March Annually.

FSM Constitution Day – May 10

UN Day – October 24

FSM Independence Day – November 3

Yap State Constitution Day – December 24

Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian and Satawalese are the island's official languages, all of which are indigenous, but English is also spoken by many of the locals and travelers will have no problem getting by knowing little if any of the indigenous languages.

Many of the elderly Yapese people are fluent in the Japanese language as well.

Yap International Airport receives service from United Airlines.

Visas are not required for tourists staying 30 days or fewer. Travelers must have a valid passport and/or documentation of citizenship.

All visitors to Yap must have an onward or return ticket. Entry authorization for stays greater than 30 days must be obtained in advance from Immigration and Labor, FSM National Government, Kolonia, Pohnpei, FSM 96941.

United Airlines offers flights to Yap a few times a week from Guam and Palau. Certain Palau flights continue on to Manila.

Taxis cost $1 to $1.25 each way to go anywhere in Colonia. It's generally best to call for one rather than try to flag one down, as they are typically unmarked.

While there are a few taxi companies to choose from, the cheapest appears to be the one run by Outer Islanders.

Travelers are also free to use the public bus system in Colonia to get around.

These buses are often used to transport students and government workers and run between Colonia and the outer villages in early mornings and evenings.

Car rentals are available from companies such as 7D and Pacific Bus Company, both located nearby the Manta Ray Bay Resort.

Japanese right-hand drive cars are generally cheaper, with typical low-end prices ranging from $22 to $33 per day.

Most hotels provide transportation to and from the airport free of charge.

From Yap, visitors may charter a boat or take the government ferry to the Outer Islands. PMA Pacific also provides flights from Yap to Ulithi Atoll.

There are quite a few villages and places to learn about the unique island life. As always, you should ask permission before wandering about.

An alternative is the Yap Living History Museum, a display village in Colonia where you can see traditional houses and stone money.

Beaches are relatively few on Yap, and since they are all privately owned, you should always ask permission to use the beaches.

The beach at the Village View Hotel is a popular picnic spot among the locals, as it has several pavilions with picnic tables.

While reasonably picturesque but if only at high tide, swimming is not suggested, since the area near the beach is more muddy than sandy.

Once you wade out far enough, snorkeling will reveal a few lonely outcroppings of coral with attached marine life, but it's nothing compared to the reef.

The outer reefs around Yap are full of aquatic life not just mantas, and they attract divers from all corners of the globe.

Inquire about ship rides, private planes or for the more adventurous might consider looking into sailing on a tradition canoe.

Snorkel on the reef. The coral, fish, and even the giant clam species are similar to Palau, except that they are virtually untouched and unspoiled. And, if you go to the right spots, you can see manta rays or stingrays.

The tidal currents in Yap are extremely strong, and at certain times of the day you cannot hope to swim against it. Therefore, do not attempt to go out yourself.

Hire a boat, let the current take you where it wants, and wait for the captain to pick you up on the other side.

Surf the island's legendary waves.

Take a cultural tour and check out the local island life.

Visit the Traditional Navigation Society and take a ride in a traditional outrigger canoe.

Fresh fish, including wahoo, yellowfin tuna, skipjack tuna, snapper, grouper, and various reef fish, all for less than $2 per pound. It's best to call and ask about availability.

Yap Fishing Authority and Quality Catch are good places to start. If you ask nicely, they'll even clean the fish and sashimi it for you.

Yap offers few restaurants, with most found in the Colonia area. In Colonia, you can choose between; O'Keefe's $5.00 lunch specials include tea, rice, cabbage salad, soup and meat, MNUW, The schooner behind the Manta Ray resort.

Relatively pricey, but if you eat on Wednesday or Friday night, you may catch a movie.

Ganir - Filipino food with a raised veranda style dining area, ESA - a variety of options priced very well and Trader's Ridge with more great food and still reasonable.

Outside of the Colonia area you may find other eating options scattered. Grocery stores and convenience stores may also sell prepared food in takeaway containers in the morning and/or around lunchtime.

7D pool open every Friday night up to saturday morning. A kind of beer garden with a dancing stage animated with live music and 5 pool tables where locals hang out.

The Pine Bar and Grill is a brand new bar on the banks of Chamorro Bay. Its neon lights look somewhat out of place in Yap.

Manta Ray Bay Hotel. One of the larger hotels on Yap. Here you can make arrangements to scuba dive, and view the Manta Rays that the waters around the island are famous for.

Yap Pacific Dive Resort. The hotel is on the site of the original pre-war Japanese command post. Good service, nice outside area with swimming pool and restaurant.

ESA Bayview Hotel, A family owned and operated hotel located just outside downtown Colonia. Two scuba/snorkeling operators are located directly next door, to the right of the lobby entrance Beyond the Reef, and Nature's Way.

O'Keefe's Waterfront Inn. A very private and stylish guest house, right on Yap's waterfront.

Pathways Hotel. A more traditional design hotel with 9 local style cottages and full service restaurant.
Village View Resort, Wacholab, Maap, 30 Minutes North of Colonia.

Yap's only beach-front resort with a full restaurant, bar, and diveshop. Free pickup/dropoff to airport. Rooms have 110V, AC, mini-fridge, hot water. Rates start at $65/night for single occupancy; $75/night for double; $85/night triple. $65+.

Yap practises a rigid caste system creating an additional element of control over would be trouble makers.

So, as long as you are culturally sensitive and respectful, you will be able to experience an entire cultural immersion.

Do not wear shorts in public, except at beaches or swimming areas - showing female thighs is considered vulgar and immodest.

Public toplessness remains an accepted practice, though generally limited to ceremonial events and/or the older generation.

From Yap you can make the journey by boat or plane to Palau, Guam, or the Outer Islands of Yap.

If leaving by plane, note that there is a $20 airport facilities fee payable in cash upon departure.



Tourism Observer

CAMBODIA: Small Planet Airlines Announces €5.1 million For Year 2017, Wants To Become Largest Carrier In The Baltics

Leisure carrier Small Planet Airlines has announced financial results for the year 2017, reporting a profit of €5.1 million and full recovery from a loss incurred in 2016.

The company grew its yearly revenue to €323.1 million, a 45% increase from the year 2016, and transported 2.7 million passengers – 35% more as compared to the previous year.

Small Planet Airlines reported EBITDA topped €9.6 million, a significant increase from the loss of €0.5 million in 2016.

According to the airline’s estimates, it should become the largest carrier in the Baltic states by passenger flow, revenue, and fleet size already in 2018.

We dedicated last year to stabilizing our operations and learning from mistakes we have made, adding just 1 aircraft to the fleet.

I am glad that this year we can go for a full-speed growth again! 6 additional aircraft will join us in 2018, increasing our fleet to 28 Airbus aircraft.

Passenger numbers are set to increase accordingly – we hope to carry nearly 4 million holidaymakers in 2018.

Revenue should increase by one-third, says Kristijonas Kaikaris, the CEO of Small Planet Airlines.

Improving on-time performance was a key priority in Small Planet Airlines Get it Right strategy last year.

The decision to dedicate two stand-by aircraft paid-off well: only 1.36% of flights encountered delays of 3 hours or longer. The airline is determined to improve this indicator further in 2018.

This year Germany is becoming the fastest-growing market for Small Planet Airlines with 10 aircraft to be based in various German airports.

For years, Poland was the largest market for Small Planet Airlines operations.

However, this year we do not plan any significant growth there, the situation is stable and good, and 1 additional aircraft will join the Polish fleet.

In Germany, on the other hand, the growth exceeds 200% and is influenced by various factors. Firstly, Germany is Europe’s largest aviation market, so the demand is naturally high there.

The insolvency of Air Berlin opened an additional niche.

Secondly, diversification of markets was always among our goals, it is not business-wise to keep your eggs in one basket, says Mr. Kaikaris.

According to him, the airline’s growth in Germany is key to balancing seasonality, since German holidaymakers are less impacted by winter time.

Small Planet Airlines has already sold all available seats in Germany for the upcoming Winter season.

Another strategic market for improving utilization, Asia, is on a way to triple growth.

At the moment, Small Planet Airlines Co. Ltd. operates a fleet of two Airbus aircraft, but the number is estimated to grow to six or even eight aircraft by the end of 2018.

Based in Cambodia, the company focuses on outbound Chinese tourism, currently operating flights between Palau and Hong Kong as well as between Macau and Cambodia, Vietnam, Bali.

Small Planet Airlines will fly 240 routes from 15 European bases in Summer 2018.

The airline’s European fleet will grow to 28 aircraft – 20 Airbus A320s and 8 Airbus A321s.



Tourism Observer

PALAU: Palau A Spectacular Tourist Destination Worth Visiting

Palau (Belau) is a group of islands in the Micronesia area of Oceania, to the southeast of the Philippines.

After three decades as part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific under US administration, this westernmost cluster of the Caroline Islands opted for independence in 1978 rather than join the Federated States of Micronesia.

A Compact of Free Association with the US was approved in 1986, but not ratified until 1993. Palau officially became independent on 1 Oct 1994.

Early Palauans may have come from Polynesia and Asia. Depending on the origin of a family, Palauans may represent many parts of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. However, they are not traditionally considered to be Micronesian. For thousands of years, Palauans have had a well established matrilineal society, believed to have descended from Javanese precedents.

Palau had limited relations before the 18th century, mainly with Yap and Java. Had it not been for shipwrecked islanders who took refuge in the Philippines, Europeans likely would not have found Palau until much later. Englishman Captain Henry Wilson was shipwrecked off the island of Ulong in 1783 and it was Wilson who gave the archipelago the name "Pelew Islands".

In the late 19th century, possession of the islands was claimed by Britain, Spain, and Germany. In 1885, the matter was brought to Pope Leo XIII for a decision. The Pope recognized the Spanish claim, but granted economic concessions to Britain and Germany.

Palau then became part of the Spanish East Indies, along with the Northern Mariana Islands, the Caroline Islands and the Marshall Islands. They were all administered from the Philippines.

Spain sold the Palau archipelago to Germany in 1899 after which it was administered from German New Guinea, and a period of economic development began. German engineers began exploiting the islands' deposits of bauxite and phosphate, and a rich harvest in copra was made.

WWI intervened and the German period lasted only 15 years after which the League of Nations awarded Palau to Japan. The Japanese presence made Palau a major target for the Allied forces in World War II, and there were several major battles in the area.

Palau enjoys a tropical climate all year round with an annual mean temperature of 82°F (28°C). Rainfall can occur throughout the year, averaging a total of 150 inches (3,800mm).

The average humidity over the course of the year is 82%, and although rain falls more frequently between July and October, there is still much sunshine. Typhoons are rare, as Palau is outside the main typhoon zone.

The Environment
While much of Palau remains free of environmental degradation, areas of concern include illegal dynamite fishing, inadequate solid waste disposal facilities in Koror and extensive sand and coral dredging in the Palau lagoon. As with other Pacific island nations, rising sea level presents a major environmental threat.

Inundation of low-lying areas threatens coastal vegetation, agriculture, and an already insufficient water supply. Wastewater treatment is a problem, along with the handling of toxic waste from fertilizers and biocides.

Saltwater crocodiles are also indigenous to Palau and occur in varying numbers throughout the various mangroves and even in parts of the beautiful rock islands. Although this species is generally considered extremely dangerous, there has only been one fatal human attack in Palau within modern history, and that was in the 1960s. In Palau, the largest crocodile measured in at 4.5 metres (15 ft).

The nation is also vulnerable to earthquakes, volcanic activity, and tropical storms. Palau already has a problem with inadequate water supply and limited agricultural areas to support its population.

On 5 November 2005, President Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr. took the lead on a regional environmental initiative called the Micronesia challenge, which would conserve 30% of near-shore coastal waters and 20% of forest land by 2020.

Following Palau, the initiative was joined by the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and the U.S. territories of Guam and Northern Mariana Islands. Together, this combined region represents nearly 5% of the marine area of the Pacific Ocean and 7% of its coastline.

On 25 September 2009, Palau announced that it would create the world's first shark sanctuary.Palau banned all commercial shark fishing within the waters of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The sanctuary protects about 600,000 square kilometres (230,000 sq mi) of ocean,a similar size to France.

President Johnson Toribiong announced the sanctuary at a meeting of the United Nations.President Toribiong proposed a worldwide ban on fishing for sharks.In 2012, Palau received the Future Policy Award from World Future Council, because "Palau is a global leader in protecting marine ecosystems".

Business
Palau's economy consists primarily of tourism, subsistence agriculture and fishing. Tourist activity focuses on scuba diving and snorkeling in the islands' rich marine environment, including its barrier reefs' walls and World War II wrecks. The government is the largest employer, relying heavily on U.S. financial assistance. Business and tourist arrivals numbered some 50,000 in fiscal year 2000–2001.

The population enjoys a per capita income twice that of Micronesia as a whole. Long-term prospects for the key tourist sector have been greatly bolstered by the expansion of air travel in the Pacific, the rising prosperity of leading East Asian countries and the willingness of foreigners to finance infrastructure development.

Air service has at times been spotty. Palau Micronesia Air, Asian Spirit and Pacific Flier provided service to the Philippines and other destinations at various times during the 2000s, but all suspended service.United Airlines now provides near-daily service to and from Guam, and once-weekly service to Yap. Also, Delta Air Lines provides service three times per week to Tokyo.

In November 2006, Palau Saving Bank officially announced bankruptcy. On 13 December 2006, the Palau Horizon reported that 641 depositors had been affected. Among them, 398 held less than US$5,000, with the remainder ranging from US$5,000 to US$2 million. On 12 December, 79 affected people received compensation. Mr. Toribiong said, "The fund for the payout came from the balance of Palau government's loan from Taiwan."

From a total of US$1 million, which originally was for assisting Palau's development, US$955,000 was left at the time of bankruptcy. Toribiong requested the Taiwanese government use the balance to repay its loans. Taiwan agreed to the request. The compensation would include those who held less than US$4,000 in an account.

The income tax has three brackets with progressive rates of 9.3 percent, 15 percent, and 19.6 percent respectively. Corporate tax is four percent, and the sales tax is zero. There are no property taxes.

Movement
Palau International Airport provides scheduled direct flights with Guam, Manila, Seoul and Taipei and since December 2010, Tokyo-Narita. In addition, the states of Angaur and Peleliu have regular service to international destinations.

Freight, military and cruise ships often call at Malakal Harbor, on Malakal Island outside Koror. The country has no railways, and of the 61 km or 38 mi of highways, only 36 km or 22 mi are paved. Driving is on the right and the speed limit is 40 km/h (25 mph). Taxis are available in Koror. They are not metered and fares are negotiable. Only Koror offers bus service. Transportation between islands mostly relies on private boats and domestic air services. However, there are some state run boats between islands as a cheaper alternative.

Polpulation
The population of Palau is approximately 21,000, of whom 70% are native Palauans of mixed Melanesian, and Austronesian descent. There are many Asian communities within Palau. Filipinos form the largest Asian group and second largest ethnic group in the country. There are significant numbers of Chinese and Koreans.

There are also smaller numbers of Palauans of mixed or full Japanese ancestry. Smaller numbers of Bangladeshi and Nepalese migrant workers and their descendants who came to the islands during the late 1900s can also be found.

Most Palauans of Asian origin came during the late 1900s with many Filipinos, Chinese, Bangladeshis and Nepalese coming to Palau as unskilled workers and professionals.There are also small numbers of Europeans and Americans.

Languages
The official languages of Palau are Palauan and English, except for two states (Sonsorol and Hatohobei) where the local language, Sonsorolese and Tobian, respectively, along with Palauan, is official. Japanese is spoken by some older Palauans and is an official language in the State of Angaur.Including second-language speakers, more people speak English than Palauan in Palau.

The German and Japanese occupations of Palau both subsidized missionaries to follow the Spanish. Three quarters of the population are Christians (mainly Roman Catholics and Protestants), while Modekngei (a combination of Christianity, traditional Palauan religion and fortune telling) and the ancient Palauan religion are commonly observed.

Japanese rule brought Mahayana Buddhism and Shinto to Palau, which were the majority religions among Japanese settlers. However, following Japan's World War II defeat, the remaining Japanese largely converted to Christianity, while the remainder continued to observe Buddhism, but stopped practicing Shinto rites.

There are also approximately 400 Bengali Muslims in Palau, and recently a few Uyghurs detained in Guantanamo Bay were allowed to settle in the island nation.

According to the 2005 census 49.4% of the population is Roman Catholic, 21.3% Protestant, 8.7% Modekngei and 5.3% Seventh-day Adventist. Only 1% of the population was estimated to be Buddhist in 2010, with the Chinese community also practicing Chinese folk religion as well.

In 2009, the small Jewish community sent two cyclists to the 18th Maccabiah Games.

Culture
Palauan society follows a very strict matrilineal system. Matrilineal practices are seen in nearly every aspect of Palauan traditions, especially in funeral, marriage, inheritance and the passing of traditional titles.

The cuisine includes local foods such as cassava, taro, yam, potato, fish and pork. Western cuisine is favored among young Palauans and the locals are joined by foreign tourists. The rest of Micronesia is similar with much less tourism, leading to fewer restaurants.

Tourists eat mainly at their hotels on such islands. Some local foods include an alcoholic drink made from coconut on the tree; the drink made from the roots of the kava; and the chewing of betel nuts.

The traditional government system still influences the nation's affairs, leading the federal government to repeatedly attempt to limit its power. Many of these attempts took the form of amendments to the constitution that were supported by the corporate sector to protect what they deemed should be free economic zones.

One such example occurred in early 2010, where the Idid clan, the ruling clan of the Southern Federation, under the leadership of Bilung, the Southern Federation's queen, raised a civil suit against the Koror State Public Lands Authority (KSPLA). The Idid clan laid claim over Malakal Island, a major economic zone and Palau's most important port, citing documents from the German Era. The verdict held that the Island belonged to the KSPLA.

Regions
Babeldaob (Melekeok)
the largest Island, with a population of roughly 6,000 people, also Babelthuap, Babelthwap, Babeldoub, Babeldaub, etc.
Koror
home of the largest city of the same name
Rock Islands
made up of almost 300 mostly uninhabited islands, home to Jellyfish Lake, a lake with millions of jellyfish with very weak stingers where snorkelers can safely swim.
Peleliu
about 700 people live here, mostly in the village of Kloulklubed
Angaur
remote southern outpost with about 200 inhabitants, site of a major WWII naval battle and a modern day surfing destination of some repute
Sonsorol Islands
consists of Sonsorol and Hatohobei states, these islands are home to about 100 people way to the southwest of the rest of Palau.

Cities

Melekeok - is the new capital with a small population.This is on the island of Babeldaob and is a pleasant drive from Koror along the new road constructed by Daewoo. Head out over the bridge and the road to Melekeok is clearly signposted.
Koror - the largest city and former capital. Koror contains Palau's only real concentration of shops, restaurants, and hotels. Many of the largest dive operators are also based here.

The South West islands of Palau are worth a visit if you have your own marine transport such as an ocean-going yacht. There are Sonsorol, Fana, Meriil, Hatohobei and Helen Reef, a conservation area. However be sure to take mosquito repellent if visiting Meriil as its local name is dancing island.

Go there and you will find out why! If intending to visit any of these islands it is a wise idea to make the acquaintance of the governors at their offices in Koror itself. If you are lucky you just might be able to take a trip on the island supply vessel the Atoll Way.

Sleeping is on a hard wooden platform along with the other souls who are either returning to their home islands or maybe the doctor from Peleliu island hospital who is making a routine visit to check up on the health of the islanders.

Visa-free
Marshallese, Micronesian, and US/American Samoan citizens do not require a visa to enter Palau for up to a year. Citizens of Israel do not require a visa for up to 90 days.

Visa
Nearly all other visitors can receive a free 30-day tourism visa on arrival. Citizens of Bangladesh and Myanmar must obtain a visa in advance for entry. For the latest information, contact the Palau Embassy in your country.

Most travellers arrive by air from Guam, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan (Taipei), or the Philippines (Manila).

Visitors must have a current passport, and a return airline ticket to travel to Palau. Warning: there is not one, but TWO taxes you will have to pay on exit from Palau,$30 green tax and $20 head tax,a total of $50.

The only realistic choice. There is only one airport, Airai (ROR), on Babeldaob.

Visitors can take United Airlines' daily flights from Guam (c. $600), which has connections to Japan and the United States, as well as from Manila, Philippines.

Delta Air Lines launched daily service to (ROR) from Tokyo-Narita (NRT) on December 2010 with connections on to many destinations throughout Asia as well as to its hub cities in the US,including Hawaii.

Asiana Airlines and Korean Air currently operate regularly scheduled flights from Seoul's Incheon airport.

There are also chartered flights direct from Taipei, South Korea, and Japan on a variety of operators.

The airport is small and has few facilities, and it might happen that no taxis are available on arrival. The best option is to book in advance local transportation with your hotel, otherwise you should call taxi from downtown to pick you up.

There are some car rental booths, but they might be closed on weekend. Again, if you need to rent a car, is better to book in advance. As of December 2016, airport facilities are deplorable,you cannot buy even a bottle of water.

Taxis are extremely expensive,$20 to $30 for a distance of about 6 km to Koror,this is a complete rip-off.

The airport has no Internet connection whatsoever, paid or free; there is no air conditioning in the main hall. Be warned that the airport is simply dirty and filthy,except for a few tiny seats, there are no places to sit. On exit, employees run a scam they force you put your toiletries into a bag, but not any bag and if you do not have it, they force you to buy it from a store right there so bring your ziplock bag to prevent this rip off.

Getting to Palau By boat is possible but not very easy.

Taxis and rented cars are available. Lots of local taxis can be found in Koror - they are not metered and fares are negotiable.

If you rent a car, be prepared to drive slowly on some bumpy roads. The road north was recently paved and is very nice once you get past the airport. Traffic moves on the right, however many cars are right hand drive which can cause some confusion.

The national speed limit is 40 km/h (25 mph). If you drive south, to Ice Box Park, please note that the facility behind it is a sewage treatment plant.

To move between the islands, you can make use of private boats or use the "government run boats" as a cheaper alternative.

Palau is most famous for scuba diving. One of the most famous dive sites - Blue Corner, with constant sharks and a high current - is located less than 1 hour's boat ride from most resorts. Many live aboards like Ocean Hunter operate out of Palau. There are also tours to WWII battle fields on Palau.

The Blue Corner, German Channel, Ulong Channel and Blue Holes are all amazing dive sites. You can dive the same site again and again and have completely different experiences each time.

Palau is also famous for its jellyfish lakes. These lakes contain jellyfish which have evolved away their stingers in the absence of predators. There are many tours which will go to the jellyfish lake to snorkel.

SCUBA diving is not permitted, nor is necessary, in the jellyfish lake. Palau Jellyfish Lake is included in the category of natural phenomena and scientific mysteries. Aside from the cost of the tour which is about $100, there is $100 permit for the jellyfish lake which is valid for ten days.

Long Island Park offers a mildly interesting snorkeling area. It's located just south of the two bridges that connect Koror and Malakal. From Koror, cross the first bridge and then turn left.

Icebox Park, at the southern tip of Malakal, offers a nice view. However, swimming is not advised as it is immediately adjacent to a waste water outlet,clearly visible at low tide.

Nikko Bay is a great place for kayaking and snorkeling. A good place to launch your kayak is Ngermid Boat Pier. Head a few hundred meters south from the pier and you will see a floating wooden dock, under which lives a huge Napoleon fish. Snorkeling around the islets to the immediate west of the dock is quite impressive.

IMPAC, short for Imperial Palau Corporation provides day tours to Rock Islands including jellyfish tour and kayaking tours.

Expedition Fleet, is the largest privately owned live-aboard fleet in the Philippines. Their ships operate all over the Philippine Island and Palau. Expedition Fleet is known for experienced and professional Dive Masters as well as excellent service on board.

Splash, the dive shop attached to the Palau Pacific Resort is recommended. The equipment available for rental is of high quality, and either new or well maintained. The dive masters are also very experienced, responsible and know the dive sites very well. Angelo at Splash is highly recommended as a dive master especially if you have not dived in stronger currents. It should be noted that Splash runs a rather large, wide dive boat, containing 20+ divers.

Fish 'n Fins. is the oldest dive center in Palau. They currently have two live-aboard vessels, as well as seven smaller (and faster!) dive boats, operating from the base in Koror. The guides are very professional and are more than willing to share their extensive knowledge of the ocean and the life in it. Divers can use Nitrox EAN 32 for the same price as air. Gas mixtures for technical divers are also available.

Sam's Tours, is another dive shop in Palau that offers diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing and land tours. They have some great guides that provide educational and environmental information about the locales. Sam's Tours uses small, fast narrow boats which carry 4~8 divers.

Palau Dive & Scuba, Small, personable service that brings together all the information on dive sites, conditions and dive centers for Palau.

Sara Guide Service,Environmentally responsible professional sports fishing guides in Koror. They have experienced Palauan boat captains and Japanese and Western guides that make you feel welcome. Catch and release fish and have a great time! Great food too on their 8 and 10m boats.

Palau Dive Adventures,is located on the premises of the popular Sea Passion Hotel. Palau Dive Adventures dive shop runs tailored group trips (8-10 divers)on a weekly (M-F) basis. Divers dive all week from the same boat, with the same group and dive guide. At night they stay in comfortable,land-based accommodations.

The entire week's dive site itinerary is tailored to the desires of the guests and the staff at Palau Dive Adventures works with the groups to ensure maximum time on the water by day and comfort on land at night. Palau Dive Adventures supplies Nitrox EAN 32 and will accommodate special dive needs and requests.

Languages

English and Palauan are spoken widely and are the official languages.

Palauan is a Malayo-Polynesian language that is influenced by Japanese, Spanish, and German. For example: mado (window) or tanjobi (birthday) are Japanese words, and ikelesia (church) comes from Spanish.

In the states of Sonsorol and Hatohobei, the local languages Sonsorolese and Tobian respectively are official languages alongside Palauan.

Japanese is an official language in the state of Angaur, and is widely spoken across Palau by older Palauans.

Filipino (largely based on Tagalog) is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and shops due to the large number of Filipinos working in these establishments. Kuya (older brother) and Ate (older sister) are even used as general terms for calling out to people.

Attractions

Palau International Coral Reef Center, Very educational aquarium with a good souvenir shop. Emphasis of displays is on education. They include a topographical map of Palau; a recreation of a mangrove swamp, a seagrass aquarium; an inner reef aquarium; an exhibition of coral and another of the country's famed jellyfish; deep-water aquariums and a couple of salt-water crocodiles to end the tour. Easy walk from downtown Koror in the direction of Malakal.

Etpison Museum, Main Road, Koror, Palau,on the right side of the road coming from the airport going to Koror. The museum is dedicated to the late Palau President Ngiratkel Etpison (1989-1993). The 3-story building houses 2 floors of Palauan and Micronesian artifacts, displays, photography and information. The top floor has restrooms, more displays, and a large gift shop selling art, jewelry, books and souvenirs. It also doubles as the French Consulate office in Palau. $10 (tourists).

Shopping
Palau uses the US dollar as its currency. Visa and Master cards are commonly accepted, however, American Express generally is not accepted. WCTC and Surangel and Sons are the two biggest stores with a grocery and department stores. There are numerous souvenir shops, convenience stores, and boutiques throughout Palau but the largest concentration is in downtown Koror.

If you are from a country or territory with the US dollar as a official currency, you will not need to worry about understanding prices and currency transferring. Also if you are from Bermuda, East Timor, Panama, or Bahamas, the official currency of the mentioned countries and territories have fixed exchange rates to the US Dollar. Meaning what price is said in Palau will be understood with your country's/territory's official currency. Example; $150 US Dollars will equal $150 Bermudian dollars, but you will still have to exchange currencies.

W.C.T.C. Shopping Center, Koror Located at the heart of Koror.This is the shopping destination in town. It has a full-size grocery store, a drug-store, digital photo printing, The Athlete's Foot, and a full-service department store with a broad selection of local souvenirs.

Surangel and Sons Company, Main Road, Koror, Palau. The store has a grocery at the ground floor, department store on the second floor, and other shops and offices on other floors. Surangel and Sons Company (SASCO) is a multi-faceted company carrying a wide range of products for wholesale and retail distribution. Surangel's Grocery offer the islands most complete selection of fresh produce, frozen meats, canned goods and health food.

Mason's Hardware Do-It Center offers a large selection of quality hardware and construction supplies at low prices. Surangel's Department Store carries a broad range of products from Bench, Rusty Lopez, Dickies, Huffy, Freestyle, Fisher Price, Hufty, V-tech and Sony are but a few of the brands we carry. RAW Surf & Dive Shop offers a wide range of surf wear, scuba diving gear, sporting goods and fishing supplies. Brands carried include: Quiksilver, Roxy, Billabong, O'Neil, Oakley, Levis, Scuba Pro, Adidas, Accel Sports, Wilson, Crossman, Strike Pro Lures, Yo-Zuri, Omoto Fishing Tackael and Pen Reels among others.

As you might expect from a remote island where tourism is the main industry, prices are comparatively high, and even a low-end daily budget would be around $100/day. Meals in restaurants and cafes are generally between $5 and $10. Snack shops that also serve hamburgers, pasta, and rice meals offer food starting at $3. Meals in mid- to high-end restaurants start at $20.

Palauan storyboards are traditional wood carvings depicting Palauan myths and legends.

Dining
Almost everything. Palau has large communities from Taiwan, the Philippines, Korea, Japan and the USA and the local stores have evolved to supply their needs. So Koror offers an amazing range of foodstuffs in its stores, at a price of course. Japanese-inspired Bento lunch boxes are very popular.

The Rock Island Cafe in Koror is a great place for a quick bit of American-style food. It is located a little west of the Court House on Koror Island.

Kramer's on the wharf at Malakal. A bit hard to find for the first time but food is good and the nightlife always interesting.

Bem Ermii is in a small trailer near the courthouse in downtown Koror, and makes great burgers and milkshakes.

Carp is a good medium-range option with generous portions and well prepared dishes of Japanese and local flavor, including coconut crab. It's located adjascent to the Palau Royal hotel next to the dock that takes you to the Carp Island resort.

Several other places of note in Koror are the Taj, an excellent Indian restaurant, Fuji, a reasonably-priced pseudo-Japanese restaurant or Dragon Tai on the way into Koror.

Keanos (Formerly Little Italy), Main Street, Koror (Across from Palasia Hotel),Keanos has an extensive, tasty menu, primarily Italian cuisine, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The atmosphere is bright, and two entrees and two drinks came to $45.

Anathias Cafe, Main Street (Across from Palau High School),Closed Sunday. Anthias Cafe is an inviting bar/restaurant, playing American jazz in both the enclosed downstairs and open air upstairs sections. Large menu with a reasonable bar selection, $5 local draft beers served in chilled glasses. Prices are typical of Palau. Only downside is substantial traffic noise when on the upstairs deck.

Wining

The legal drinking and purchasing age of alcoholic beverages is 21.

Red Rooster Beer.Despite its size Palau has a small brewery, to be found next to the West Plaza by the Sea hotel.It offers Amber and Stout and three other beers. Abai Ice in Koror is a small hut that offers fresh fruit smoothies,highly recommended.

Many licensed establishments in Palau from quiet little bars to "Japanese"-style karaoke bars complete with bar girls. For a decent affordable drink, try Sam's Dive Shop or High Tide behind Neco dive shop. Alcohol is readily available at most stores.

Public drinking is not allowed, and the local police are more than happy to inconvenience you if you are caught.

Q-ball club, (koror),you can play pool and chill out.

Palm Bay Bistro, Malakal right behind West Plaza Malakal, south Koror, right before the Ice Box Plant.Great steaks and pastas, and it has the best bartender in Koror with a jewel of a collection of signature drinks and coffees.

Also serves Red Rooster Draft on tap and is located right next door to the Palau Brewing Company, Palau's own microbrewery. Brewery tours also available upon request.

Accomodation

Rose Garden Hotel, Mcyuns, Koror. Built into a hill side, the rustic Rose Garden has a lot of steps, which would be difficult for elderly or disabled guests to negotiate. The on-site restaurant serves large portions of good quality local, Japanese, Korean and American staples. A hotel shuttle is available to ferry you into town for $6.

Budget

Palau offers a number of guest house style boutique accommodations. Some are close to or within Koror, some are not. These are available for international bookings via dive shops that offer holiday packages. Prices range from US$50 a night upward.

Guest Lodge Motel, The Guest Lodge Motel offers a nice and clean place to stay if you just need a place to sleep and relax between days of outdoor activities. Note that the building looks a bit shoddy from the outside, because the top floor is not finished. Rooms have AC, refrigerator, Cable TV, 130 V as well as 230 V power outlets, shower/bath, towels etc.

Ms. Pinetrees Hostel / Bed and Breakfast. This is a beautiful hostel-style villa with modern amenities and two types of rooms: dormitory or private. Air conditioning and wifi available; common areas make guests feel right at home—two living rooms, large outdoor terrace, dining room, and fully-equipped kitchen, movie collection, etc.

Guests can reserve a bed, room or the entire villa,sleeps up to 16 guests. Not located on the water, but down a quiet street and an easy two-minute walk to the main street with shops and restaurants.

Mid-range

There are also a number of nice basic hotels available in Palau.
Sea Passion Hotel, The hotel has many room types to choose from, including sea view and mountain view rooms accommodating 1-4 people in a room. On-site facilities include a dive shop Palau Dive Adventures. A Watersports Center specializing in day snorkel and kayaking trips.

Airai Water Paradise Hotel & Spa, The hotel features three of the largest things of Palau—the largest storyboard full of Palau history, the largest water park with two water slides, and the largest olympic-sized swimming pool. Standard rooms, honeymoon suites, and newly-renovated ocean view suites are available.

The Penthouse Hotel, The hotel is located in downtown Koror, just across WCTC. A favorite among locals for meetings and functions. It has rooms with two double beds or a singe queen-sized bed. Each room has a refrigerator, TV, bath tub, and iron, ideal for businessmen and visiting students. Breakfast is not included in the rate but their in-house restaurant serves American, Palauan, and Filipino dishes plus baked goods and cakes. ″.

West Plaza by the Sea, Features 36 rooms overlooking the ocean lagoon and nearby islands. Rooms range from standard class to deluxe rooms with kitchenettes, and a penthouse suite on the roof deck with a large private veranda, whirpool bath, kitchenette, and plenty of spacious living area.

West Plaza By the Sea also features the Red Rooster Cafe. The cafe offers a wide selection of Japanese Cruisine, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The nightly happy hour features Palau's only locally brewed beer on tap, Red Rooster Draft. ″.

West Plaza Desekel,Conveniently located near museums, restaurants and banks. West Plaza Desekel offers 30 rooms ranging from deluxe to standard accommodations. Located on the Hotel's ground floor is the Deskel Market, a full service grocery store complete with ice cold beverages, fresh local and imported produce and a large assortment of Western and Asian foods. ″.

The Caroline's Resort, A few minutes outside of downtown Koror, this charming option offers accomodation in several bungalows nestled in the hills amongst the jungle. The bungalows are quite well equipped with A/C, satellite TV, attached bathrooms and bar fridges.

Each also has an external patio with views over the ocean. Nice touches include the option to have breakfast served on your patio, and guests also have access to the Palau Pacific Resort's amenities so you can enjoy the beach and pool during the day.

High Class

There are lots of reasonably high end resorts on Palau, most catering for scuba divers.

Palau Pacific Resort is a world class resort on the outskirts of Koror. Known locally as PPR, it is very nice (beautiful beach, excellent restaurant, vaulted ceilings) but it is also quite a ways out of Koror (10-15 minute drive). They do run an hourly shuttle into Koror most evenings, or it will set you back about $7 each way for a cab.

Palau Royal Resort One of the newest hotels in Palau - catering largely to Japanese. Conveniently located in Malakal, only a couple minutes walk away from either Sam's Dive Shop or Neco Marine.

COVE Resort Palau is a waterfront haven designed for adventure and relaxation alike, offering 71 rooms and three suites with Sealy Deluxe mattresses and upgraded amenities like 48-inch flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars and room service.

Resort features include complimentary international daily buffet breakfast, the largest lagoon pool in Palau, with relaxed island cocktail bar, onsite dining at The Hungry Marlin Restaurant and Bar and concierge assistance offering tailor made dive and rock Island tours and dolphin encounters.

Palau Community College offers both AS/AA degrees and occupational certificates. The campus library is open to the public, and offers computer terminals for community members and visitors to check email.

Employment
US citizens and citizens of the U.S. territory of American Samoa may live and work freely in Palau.

Aside from U.S. military aid, Palau's economy is heavily focused on tourism and offshore banking. However in comparison to most other Pacific island territories and countries, the average Palauan can earn up to US$8,000 a year. Which in the case of money, Palau is one of the best options.

Security
Palau is quite a safe country to visit. Walking in downtown Koror at night, even past midnight is quite safe. But as with any place in the world today, common sense prevails. Pedestrians should be careful, as sidewalks are limited even in downtown Koror.

The constitution prohibits private ownership of firearms. Mere possession of bullets,used as a necklace or amulet by some is punishable by law.

Health

Saltwater Crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) still exist in Palau's mangroves and in the beautiful Rock Islands and can potentially be found anywhere on the island.

Despite their fearsome and, in some areas, very justified reputation, here they rarely grow to the immense size that they do in Australia and New Guinea.

There was only one fatal attack by a crocodile in Palau within recorded history and that occurred in 1965. The biggest crocodile in Palau's history was 14', 2" in length - large, but this is an average size for saltwater crocodiles in most other countries.

The rarity of attacks probably stems from the fact that there are no more than 450 adult individuals currently on the island.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular in Palau and there has never in recent history been a report of an attack on a tourist.

Judging from a recent survey, it appears crocodiles are quite unjustly hated by the locals, in harsh contrast to the worship they are given by the indigenous peoples of Australia, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

The reasons for this is that crocodiles are a delicacy to some native islanders.

Bull Sharks are common in the coastal waters and estuaries, so caution must always be taken while scuba diving or snorkeling.

Palauans have been known throughout history for their hospitality. Many Palauans are very understanding, and realize cultural differences and easily give respect for foreign visitors. Be sure however, to always pay respect to the local culture. As with any other ethnic group, rude remarks or any form of prejudice against the local culture is not taken kindly.

Palauans can be just as angry and rude as they are kind. As long as you do not disrespect the culture, violate historic areas, pollute, or harm the ocean in any way, you will find the local atmosphere very laid back and easy going.

Note that Palau is a matrilineal society with very strict roles for men and women. Western ideas such as feminism are not standard to the Palauan population, and an overly zealous attempt at instilling such ideas is taken as annoying, ignorant, and obnoxious.

Most Palauans however, gladly engage in such debates and find intellectual conversations interesting. Be sure to keep in mind that locals do not expect foreigners to understand the national identity and local culture, so a quick apology for any wrongdoing is more than enough to satisfy a little friction.

As a Compact Free Association nation, Palau's official postal service is the United States Postal Service. For travel reasons, the USPS treats Palau as a territory. So the postal requirements in Palau are the same in the other C.F.A. nations and the US.
Internet

Almost all internet and telecommunications services in Palau are provided by Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC).

International sim cards (US, Philippines, Japan, and other countries) will be assigned a local number upon arrival as long as the phone can access GSM 900.

This conveniently allows you to use your own cellphone and sim card without buying a $25 PNCC sim card. If you do not receive a local number automatically, you may have to manually select PalauCel or PNCC as network provided.

After receiving your local number, you have to load it with airtime that are available at a minimum of $10 prepaid card. After your load has been confirmed, you can now make and receive calls. To send and receive text messages or SMS, you need to change your message center to +680 779 0000.

Many hotels, restaurants, and coffee bars offer free Wi-Fi service. It may be relatively slow especially when there are several people trying to connect. PNCC also provides Wi-Fi service with prepaid cards available at $5 and $10 denominations. Wi-Fi service is better in downtown Koror.

There is a $50 Embarkation Tax consisting of a $20 Airport Departure Tax and a $30 Environmental Protection Fee levied on most passengers departing by air.

The tax is paid just before you go through immigration and is cash-only.

There is an ATM in the airport lobby.

GUAM: China Impacts Guam, Saipan, Palau Tourism

China’s economic growth has slowed down, but its multitrillion-dollar economy still affects Guam and other islands in the Western Pacific, said a local economist.

When China’s economic growth slows, it tends, like other countries would, to rattle its military sabers, said Joseph Bradley, senior vice president, chief economist and business continuity officer at the Bank of Guam.

Bradley and two other experts were guest speakers Friday at an economic forum sponsored by the Guam Chamber of Commerce Small Business Focus and Development Committee, in partnership with the Guam Small Business Development Center. The forum was held in the Outrigger Guam Resort.

China’s saber-rattling such as its current territorial disputes with smaller neighboring countries in the South China Sea — could lead to increased U.S. military presence and spending in Guam, Bradley said.

He’s neutral on U.S. military expansion on the island, but Bradley said if U.S. military spending does increase significantly, more economic opportunities could open up on the island.

Increased U.S. military presence in Guam could add jobs, more income for island residents and increased tax contributions from the paychecks of military and support personnel, he said.

Tourism and defense spending are key drivers of Guam’s $4 billion-a-year economy.

The number of tourists from mainland China isn’t huge; it’s just above 1 percent of Guam’s 1.4 million visitor arrivals last fiscal year, Bradley said.

However, Guam’s visitor industry has been hoping that the mainland Chinese tourism market could become a major source of the island’s tourists.

Guam has spent years trying to pursue a visa-waiver program for mainland Chinese visitors, but has so far been unsuccessful.

Chinese investments are already dominant in Palau and Saipan, local experts said.

In the island Republic of Palau, Bradley said, Chinese investors have brought in “buckets full of money.”

They’re buying up hotels and apartment buildings and converting them into bed-and-breakfast places, Bradley said.

Some of the small, local tourism operators in Palau, however, are beginning to feel pinched by the massive foreign investment.

Bradley said Chinese investors are also bringing in their own tour boat and tour bus operators in Palau, so local small businesses are struggling to compete.

In Saipan, Chinese investments include proposed massive hotel and casino development projects.

If all of the proposed hotel developments in Saipan materialize, Saipan would have more hotel rooms than Guam, said money management expert David John, another speaker at the “Guam Economic Outlook” seminar.

Guam outlook

Gary Hiles, chief economist at the Guam Department of Labor, said government of Guam General Fund revenues increased 3.8 percent to $699.6 million in fiscal 2015.

However, while individual income tax payments increased 30 percent, business tax collections and corporate income tax payments decreased 4 percent, according to Hiles. Corporate tax credits were part of the decrease, he said.

Hiles and Bradley agreed that the economy is progressing, but not at a robust pace — yet.

There’s about $1.3 billion sitting in accounts and for military construction projects in Guam, but the projects haven’t been contracted out yet, Hiles said.

Japan has contributed more than $1 billion to help the United States move some of the Marines in Okinawa to a new base in Guam. That relocation is expected to cost more than $8 billion.

If the military starts awarding contracts, the local economy is poised for an upswing, Hiles said.

The good news about Guam’s economy this year is there hasn’t been any glaringly bad economic news locally, John said.

A few hundred jobs were added to the local economy, and in addition to an increase in the number of working Guamanians, many island residents are working more paid hours, John said.

Hiles said the private sector job numbers increased 2.4 percent, local government job numbers increased 1.4 percent, while the federal government jobs total increased 1 percent.

Private sector employers had more than 46,970 people on payroll, GovGuam had 11,760 personnel, and the federal government employed 4,030 in Guam, as of March this year, Hiles said.

Lower gasoline prices also have added spending money in the pockets of island residents, John said.

Island residents buy about 5 million gallons of gasoline at the pumps each month, and prices at the pumps are at least $1 lower than they were over a year ago, John said.