Environmentally Conscious Palau: What Makes This Indian Ocean Paradise Special

The sight of the island group automatically brings dreams to life. A place can hardly look more paradisiacal: wooded and hilly islands with white sandy beaches in the middle of an azure ocean. But where is Palau actually located, and what makes this island nation unique? We'll reveal that to you here.

Palau is part of the Micronesia island region and is located in the western Pacific. It's more than 1,243 miles to the northern coast of Australia , and in between is Papua New Guinea. Palau itself consists of around 350 islands, but only eleven are inhabited. It's estimated about 17,600 people live in Palau. You can find the capital, Ngerulmud, on the island of Babeldaob.

Although Ngerulmud is the capital of Palau, it has the smallest population. Just about 300 locals live there. According to the Federal Foreign Office , Palau is a presidential republic modeled after the United States. This means the president is both the head of state and head of government. Palau has been independent since 1994. Previously, it was a UN Trust Territory under United States administration. Despite the independence, there is a current agreement with the USA, which is responsible for Palau's security and defense.

Anyone traveling to Palau should have a diving certificate in their pocket, as the underwater world is the main attraction of the island nation. It's rated as one of the best diving destinations in the world and 'entices the intrepid explorer with its breathtaking underwater landscapes,' as described by the official tourism agency.

Throughout the archipelago, there are thousands of different types of underwater creatures, including approximately 1,450 reef fish species and more than 500 coral species. The Napoleon wrasses and bumphead parrotfish, particularly popular among divers, are protected species here. Naturally, sharks also feel at home in this underwater paradise, and Palau was declared the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009.

There are over 50 official dive spots and just as many wrecks to explore. These include Japanese seaplanes and shipwrecks from World War II, which are the remnants of the Battle of Palau from September to November 1944 between American and Japanese troops.

The water temperature is very comfortable, at approximately 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. On good days, you can see up to 328 feet underwater.

A popular dive spot is the so-called German Channel. In fact, Germans dredged an artificial channel here in 1908 to facilitate shipping. Today, manta rays and schools of sharks are attracted to this area. In the Ulong Channel, you will find one of the best drift dives in the world. Divers hook themselves to the reef and can then enjoy the sight of hunting sharks, mackerels, barracudas, and groupers.

But there's more to discover than just Palau's underwater world. You'll find dense jungles, hidden caves, and historical sites. About 75 percent of Palau's area is covered with forests and mangroves. One-third of the more than 100 plant and animal species are endemic, meaning they live only here.

The island nation is committed to preserving this stunning nature. The so-called Palau Pledge was introduced here in 2017. It's an environmental commitment that all international visitors must sign upon entry. This is then stamped into their passports. With this regulation, Palau promises their children that they will preserve and protect the country.

After the end of the pandemic, another initiative named O'lau Palau was launched. The program is managed through an app, and travelers who make sustainable decisions, such as visiting culturally significant sites, buying local food, or reducing their carbon footprint, earn points which they can exchange for on-site experiences.

Since 2020, sunscreens containing ingredients like oxybenzone, octocrylene, and parabens have been banned. This is to protect the coral reefs. Incidentally, such bans also exist in Tulum, Mexico and Hawaii.

'In 2015, we had a big tourist wave from mainland China, which harmed the environment!' said the President of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr., to Condé Nast Traveler. Palau doesn't have to become the next Phuket, he added. To prevent that, the island nation is currently developing a luxury tourism model. The goal is to avoid mass tourism and continue protecting the ecosystem.

The culture of Palau was mainly influenced by Japan and the USA and is deeply rooted in the locals to this day. They also call themselves Rechad er Belau, the traditional name for Palau. In Palauan culture and traditional life, women are the core of society. They are considered pioneers of tradition, administrators of progress, and embodiments of resilience.

Additionally, in Palau, you can gain insights into traditional crafts. This includes weaving, woodcarving, and ceramics. Sailing is another deeply rooted tradition that you can experience on a corresponding sailing tour - in a canoe!

In Ngarchelong, you can visit an ancient site with stone monoliths. It's dated to the year 161 AD, and there are no other sites of this kind in Palau. It's speculated that the pillars are the remnants of a large meeting house.

Traveling to Palau takes up to 25 hours. The only airport, Roman Tmetuchl International Airport, is located on the southern coast of the island Babeldaob. Once there, you can travel on the main islands with a rental car.

Looking for more inspiration? Find tips for all top travel destinations with bettercities.net.

bettercities.net