Palau

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. It entered into force the following year when the islands gained independence.

Cities

Koror - capital

Understand

Palau is sometimes referred to as "Belau", due to the phonology of the local language.

Get in

Palau is completely surrounded by ocean: there is no way to travel overland to Palau. Hence, all international visitors arrive by plane or by boat.

By plane

Plane is the only real choice, there are flights from Manila twice a week (Wednesday and Saturday) and from Guam daily on Continental Micronesia. There are also two chartered flights from Taipei per week. There is only one airport in Koror.

By boat

Possible but not very easy.

Get around

Taxi and rented car.

Do

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.

Talk

English and Palauan are the official languages, although some islands also give official status to their own languages.

Sleep

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