This Tiny Paradise Island Aims for a Unique Kind of Traveler

While looking into a trip to Palau , a small island country scattered across Micronesia On its western side, I came across abundant details regarding its renowned mushroom-like Rock Islands and remarkable dive locations, featuring more than 50 World War II shipwrecks.

However, when I arrived, I found that the place was keen to showcase something different: its vibrant cultural heritage on dry ground.

Efforts by the distant island chain to promote experiences such as guided village tours and traditional craft workshops seem to be aiding the resurgence of tourism after hitting low points during the pandemic era. Data from the nation’s tourist board shows visitor counts climbing dramatically from around 5,000 in 2021 to over 50,000 in 2024. Despite ongoing political frictions with China, travelers from this country remain at the forefront of the revival.

We're renowned for our pristine waters, yet there's much more to discover," explains Sean Tekriu, greeting tourists at Palau’s Badrulchau Stone Monoliths, among several inland draws promoted by local tourism authorities. "Our aim is to highlight our culture, history, and way of life.

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Palau, consisting of over 300 islands, can be accessed directly from various places such as Brisbane in Australia, Guam, Hong Kong, Macao, the Philippines, and Taiwan. The archipelago is renowned primarily for its marine environments, featuring around 1,500 types of fish and approximately 400 varieties of hard coral.

Palauans are fervent about safeguarding these natural treasures And they have set aside 80 percent of their waters as a protected sanctuary — among the highest percentages globally. When we arrived, we had to sign the "Palau Pledge" in our passports, vowing to protect the environment for coming generations.

Numerous tourists visit to explore the sunken ruins of the former Japanese naval base. Pacific One of the most prominent artifacts is the Iro Maru, a huge vessel measuring 470 feet long, which lies intact on the ocean floor. Schools of lionfish and clownfish swim swiftly through its passageways.

Jellyfish Lake, formerly Palau’s top spot for social media posts, where tourists used to take pictures alongside countless non-stinging jellyfish, has become almost devoid of life because of increasing sea temperatures. Nonetheless, visitors such as me can continue to admire Palau’s underwater splendor at locations similar to Ngemelis Wall, also referred to as the Big Drop-Off. While drifting near the water’s surface, I observed large groups of colorful fish and caught sight of a nurse shark far beneath, gradually fading from view as the coral wall descended dramatically over a thousand feet into the abyssal depths.

My tranquil floating experience was abruptly disrupted by a sharp pain on my knee. Upon surfacing, I noticed it had started bleeding, but couldn’t pinpoint what caused it. It wasn’t until much later, when looking through my photographs, that I identified the probable perpetrator: A notorious and combative Yellow-and-Black Titan Triggerfish appeared in one of the frames, showing off its small yet dangerously sharp teeth as its jaws were open.

At Tebang Woodcarving Shop, craftsmen preserve Palauan oral traditions using traditional hand-carved wooden panels known as storyboards. Tourists have the opportunity to buy these artistic creations, some of which may extend up to 20 feet in length, or enroll in classes to master the skill themselves.

"We have a deep enthusiasm for telling our tales," asserts McMichael Mutok Jr., emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding his nation's heritage via his endeavors at the National Register. According to folklore, as he elucidates, one widespread narrative revolves around the breadfruit tree. This story recounts how envy towards a miraculous fish-generating tree culminated in both it and an entire island being plunged beneath the waves.

The Etpison Museum exhibits numerous storyboard displays along with Micronesian artifacts including massive Yapese stone money. Similarly, both the Etpison and Belau National Museums offer extensive insights into regional traditions and historical events, featuring ceremonies like "first childbirth," a significant rite aimed at purification and recovery for new mothers.

A map of Palau:

To get an interactive experience, visit Belau Eco Glass, which is both a gallery and a center for repurposed art located within the Koror State waste management complex. Here you have the opportunity to turn discarded materials into beautiful creations during their glassblowing sessions, or simply buy finished items such as intricate vases and colorful jewelry. Following my exploration of the exhibits, I exited with a charming set of tangerine-hued earrings.

We also visited the bi-monthly 680 Night Market, which brings together performers along with vendors and craftsmen for an engaging blend of live music, traditional dancing, regional food, freshly harvested goods, handmade crafts, and keepsakes beneath the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, I enjoyed the ocean vistas from under the bridge connecting Koror Island—Palau’s main commercial and diving destination—with Babeldaob Island, known for its natural attractions and historic locations.

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On Babeldaob Island, adventurous travelers have the opportunity to explore Ngardmau, which stands as Micronesia’s highest waterfall. Accessible through a challenging, muddy path within the dense jungle, visitors must decide whether they want to undertake an audacious river crossing—something I opted out of for the sake of more cautious individuals—or take a less wetter pathway alongside the stream. Those who make this trek are ultimately treated to invigorating swims in the natural pools located below the cascading waters upon reaching their destination.

History enthusiasts They might consider visiting the ruins of Kaigun Sho, a World War II Japanese communication center. Located at the unpopulated north end of Babeldaob, I strolled past the leftovers of an old Japanese lighthouse. The breathtaking views of the vast Pacific made the journey worthwhile, even though only scant traces of the building remain.

Close by, we explored the historical and tranquil terraces of the Badrulchau Stone Monoliths. These ancient ruins date back to 150 AD and feature over 34 pillars thought to be remnants of an impressive assembly hall. I was particularly drawn to the enigmatic beginnings of this place, especially the regional tales about a mischievous deity who deceived other gods into scattering rocks all around the land.

Mutok Jr. believes that promoting tales like these via culture-driven tourism could boost Palau’s reputation to be on par with places such as Pohnpei’s Nan Madol. Easter Island ’s moai.

"Aside from having visitors explore our past and understand our community, that holds great significance for us," he states.

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