 Palau
Rock Islands, Palau
Author: Peter R Binter (public domain)
Palau is an island republic on the western part of the Pacific Ocean. It is located to the east of the Philippines, to the south of Japan, and to the north of West Papua, Indonesia. It covers 459 sq km (177 sq mi) and has a population of about 21,000 (2011 estimate). Its capital is Melekeok while its biggest city is Koror.
Guide to Palau Hotels
Here's a list of hotels in Palau that you can book online, listed by city, with full description, star rating, address, location map, evaluation, and prices as offered by different booking sites.
More on Palau
Palau is nine hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+9). Traffic is driven on the right here. The US dollar is used as the official currency. The phone IDD code is +680. The electricity here is 120V/60Hz using North American plug.
Jellyfish Lake of Palau
Author: Lukas (Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic)
Geographically, Palau comprises sixteen main islands, the major ones being Angaur, Babeldaob, Koror and Peleliu. The most populous island is Koror, which is home to two-thirds of the population. The country experiences a tropical climate with only minor variation in temperature throughout the year, averaging around 28°C (82°F). The wet season is from July to October, and unlike many Pacific nations, it is rarely hit by typhoons.
Palau was historically known as the Black Islands. It has been inhabited for thousands of years when Europeans first arrived there in the 18th century. It was a colony of Spain until 1899, when it was sold to Germany. Administration of the islands then passed to Japan in 1914.
The Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge between Koror and Babeldaob, Palau
Author: Abasaa (public domain)
After the defeat of Japan in the Second World War, Palau was taken over by the United States. In 1947 it became the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. The road towards independence began in 1978, when Palau opted out of the Federation of Micronesia It became fully independent in 1994. Today it is one of the youngest and smallest countries within the United Nations.
The 2008 estimate GDP of Palau at purchasing power parity was $164 million, equivalent to a per capita GDP of $8,100. Traditional an economy based on agriculture and fishing, today Palau's economy is shifting towards greater emphasis on tourism. The country has a number of diving spots such as barrier reefs and World War II wrecks that attract divers and snorkellers from around the world. The island is also working towards becoming an offshore financial center.
Belau National Museum, Palau
Author: Abasaa (public domain)
Visiting Palau
Visitors from the United States do not need a visa while visitors from most other countries are given a free 30-day tourist visa upon arrival. The only international airport in the Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR), located north of Airai on Babelthuap Island. The airport receives regular flights from Guam, Manila, Seoul and Tokyo.
Badrulchau Stone Monoliths, Palau
Author: Abasaa (public domain)
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Major Cities in Palau
- Melekeok - capital
- Koror - biggest city
Places of Interest in Palau
- Aimeliik Stone Face
- Badrulchau Stone Monoliths
- Chelechui Terraces
- Jellyfish Lake
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