INFORMATION FOR VISITORS Provided by the Palau Visitors Authority

KOROR is the Republic of Palau’s gateway to other islands in the 325 mile-long archipelago. Only 3.5 miles long, Koror is bustling business center located between Palau’s Babeldaob Island and the tiny Rock Islands. Just behind the patina of modernization lies a vibrant culture molded by - yet distinct from - the influence of a series of colonial powers. Spain, then Germany, ruled the island chain, and evidence of a Japanese occupation is found in the form of monuments, stone lanterns, old buildings, airstrips, and the rusting reminders of World War II. The island’s traditional and multicultural past have combined to produce a cosmopolitan society that holds on to the ways of the past while easily adopting innovations.

KOROR

ROCK ISLANDS Placed like gems in a cobalt sea, more than 426 Rock Islands lie in a 23-mile long lagoon between Koror and Peleliu. It is no wonder that the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon was inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage Site listing in 2012. Remnants of ancient uplifted coral reefs, undercut by the persistent action of waves, and draped with dark greenhouse foliage, the Rock Islands are Palau’s premier visitor attraction. Beneath the surface of the sea, dazzling coral gardens teem with iridescent fish, and underwater cliffs drop thousands of feet in the horizontal distance of a few paces. Inside the area sheltered by these tiny isles, calm seas afford ideal sites for water sports. Coconut shaded, sugary sand beaches are the perfect hideaways for picnics and relaxation.

BABELDAOB AND KAYANGEL

PELELIU AND ANGAUR

SOUTHWEST ISLANDS

Palau’s northernmost destinations exemplify the geological extremes that characterize this island archipelago. Babeldaob is Palau’s “Big Island”, and fertile volcanic hills are criss-crossed with rivers, while Kayangel is the Republic’s only true coral atoll. Kayangel’s traditional subsistence lifestyle and pristine beauty have been kept intact because visitors are somewhat rare, due to the rustic accommodations and the relatively lengthy boat trip required in reaching

The second largest landmass in Micronesia after Guam, Babeldaob is 27 miles long and 15 miles across at its widest point. It is comprised of 10 of Palau’s 16 states, each with coastal and interior areas. In 2006 the new national Capitol was officially opened in Melekeok state. Access to the Capitol and much of Babeldaob is now possible via the new Compact Road. All roads within each state of Babeldaob are now accessible; however, roads to some of Palau’s natural and cultural sites may require hiking along a trail to the sites. Caution should be exercised during wet

Located southwest of the Rock Islands, Peleliu and Angaur offer visitors the relaxation of quiet villages set amid tropical jungles and fringed with pristine reefs. The tranquil beaches where the only footprints are your own belie the fact that towards the end of World War II, some of the

Located some 200-400 miles from Koror, these islands are sparsely populated with villages, structured much like the old days. Houses are made of intricately woven palm leaves and islanders still pursue the art of canoe building. The islands are a refuge for turtles and sea birds, surrounded by rich fishing grounds. Rustic government field-trip ships

these lovely atolls.

conditions.

bloodiest battles in the Pacific were fought on these islands.

travel to these islands periodically.

Pristine Paradise.

© David Kirkland 2015

© David Kirkland 2015

1

Visitor Information Pages

Upon departure from Palau, you are required to pay the following fees:

Palau offers many types of accommodations available to suit travellers that seek adventure, a unique experience, or those who prefer to relax and enjoy the sun and sea. Home stays, cottages and guest homes are available at the outskirts of Palau away from the bustling town of Koror forthose seeking absolute relaxation. Resorts, hotels and motels, bungalows and lodges are located in Koror and Airai for those who seek anactivity-filled vacation with more in-town experience. Or if diving is your sport and you prefer to be surrounded with the pristine blue waters and majestic Rock Islands, several live-aboards are available for your diving vacation. As well, several hotels are now offering relaxing spa and

Palau National Communications Corporation 2016 - 20172

Visitor Information Pages

Alii, and a warm welcome to all our visitors. Thank you for choosing Palau as your travel destination. Please let us know how we can improve our tourism industry by calling the Palau Visitors Authority hotline number 488-1965 from

Several airlines provide air services to Palau from Guam, Taiwan, Manila, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macao, and Japan, including United Airlines, Japan Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Asiana Airlines, Korean Air, and China Airlines, as well as some charter airlines. For more information, visit the Palau Visitors Authority web site at www.visit-palau.com.

Travellers must have a valid passport not less than 6 months from date of expiration and must have a return or onward ticket. A 30-day tourist visa is issued upon entry. It is necessary for citizens of Myanmar and Bangladesh to have

Most hotels are located throughout Koror, Palau’s provisional capitol, which is a group of islands connected by bridges and causeways. Airai State, close to the Palau International Airport, is about a twenty minute drive from downtown Koror. While most of Babeldaob can be visited by car, Peleliu, Angaur and Kayangel are accessible by boat or aircraft only. For a listing of accommodations, visit the www.visit-palau.com web site.

Visitors wanting to camp are required to make arrangements with a local tour operator or state office of the particular village or area.

Palau enjoys a pleasantly warm climate year-round with an annual mean temperature of 82°F (27°C). Rainfall can occur throughout the year and the annual average is 150 inches. The average relative humidity is 82% and although rain falls more frequently between July and October, there is still much sunshine. Typhoons are rare as Palau is located outside of the

We appreciate your constructive comments, complaints, and recommendations. It is our continuing mission to work closely with the tourism industry and the community in exceeding our visitors’ expectations and offering world class

We hope you enjoy your stay and take with you the fondest memories of our pristine islands, and the warm hospitality of our people. We ask that you only leave your footprints in the sand and we look forward to the pleasure of welcoming you back to Palau.

PVA Hot Line Number 488-1965

GETTING TO PALAU

VISA REQUIREMENTS AND RELATED

ACCOMMODATIONS

CAMPING

CLIMATE

Monday to Friday at 8AM to 5PM.

services to meet our guests’ satisfaction.

massage services.

typhoon zone.

a pre-approved visa.

Casual and summer clothing is worn throughout the year. Swimsuits and short shorts are not acceptable in the town. Hats and sunglasses are highly recommended, and the use of sunscreen is essential.

Numerous rental car companies exist, and local taxis are available at a moment’s notice. There are also domestic airlines and helicopter charters that can take to you

Koror has over 25 restaurants, serving Palauan, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, American, Thai, Indian, and Italian dishes. Excellent fresh local seafood is the specialty available in almost all restaurants.

WHAT TO WEAR

TRANSPORTATION

DINING AND NIGHTLIFE

traditional dances to lively Palauan bands.

Departure Tax: US$20.00Green Fee: US$30.00TOTAL FEES: US$50.00

outlying islands and atolls.

VISA AND FEE REGULATIONS WILL CHANGE OCTOBER 2016. For more information, visit: www.pristineparadisepalau.com.

Although Koror is not a large town, visitors interested in mementos of their stay will find a surprising array of items available and moderately priced. Palau is famous for carved wooden storyboards recounting ancient legends, fine pandanus weaving, uniquepostage stamps and contemporary paintings

Be sure to browse through the small locally-owned grocery stores where you can find everything from canned goods to lanterns, fishing tackle to betel nut, and hand-painted fabric sewn locally into the style of your choice. In the middle of town, you will find a Senior Citizen gift shop, where the local products they create, such as woven pandanus baskets andbags, are sold. For more information, phone

Water-related sports are Palau’s most popular pastime, and several companies offer scuba diving, sports fishing, boating, water skiing, snorkelling, parasailing, kayaking, and ocean exploration of island marine lakes, caves, and wrecks. Palau has a variety of exciting annual sporting events such as fishing tournaments, canoe races and a triathlon. There is also a national gym with regular basketball games and other sports. For more information, call the Palau Visitors Authority at

Belau National Museum. Located just outside of the central town area on the road past Koror Elementary School, the museum houses an extensive collection of story boards, paintings, and other handcrafted items, plus a traditional Palauan Bai and botanical garden on the grounds. Visitors’ hours are 7:30am - 4:30pm on weekdays and 10:00am - 4:00pm on Saturdays. Call 488-2265 for more information. Bethlehem Park. At this downtown location, the Palau Visitors Authority hosts twice-monthly Night Markets which feature live entertainment, dance performances, and vendors selling their best food, T-shirts, and other souvenirs. Dolphins Pacific. A short 10-minute boat ride from Malakal Island in Koror, Dolphins Pacific is a non-profit corporation and the world’s largest education & research facility of its kind. Experience swimming or diving with dolphins, or a lesson on training them - a memory to be treasured. Weddings even can be arranged upon request. The facility is also designed to accommodate special individuals who are physically challenged. Phone 488-8582 for more information. Etpison Museum. Located centrally in Koror, the Etpison Museum features attractive display of old photographs and artefacts from Palau. Spend a leisurely afternoon in the gift shop. Phone 488-6730 for more information.

SHOPPING

OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST IN KOROR

SPORTS

and prints.

488-2575.

488-2793/1930.

3

Visitor Information Pages

Ngarachamayong Cultural Center. This beautiful center set amidst a lovely tropical garden offers a large theatre and conference room that can accommodate up to 700 people and a variety of smaller meeting rooms, making it ideal for meetings, incentives, conferences & exhibitions. Phone 488-5909/6901 for more information. Palau Mariculture Demonstration Center. The world’s first and largest clam hatchery is situated in an area known locally as icebox. Visitors are welcome weekdays from 8 am - 11am and 1pm - 4pm. Call 488-3322. Palau International Coral Reef Center. This research center located at M-dock features several outdoor pools and aquariums showcasing the unique and beautiful creatures of the various habitats of Palau’s diverse marine environment. Phone 488-6950 for more information. Tebang Wood Carving Shop. Watch the storyboard carvers while they create the beautiful legends onlocal hardwoods. Phone 488-4252 for more information.

Palau National Communications Corporation 2016 - 20174

Visitor Information Pages

Palau’s country code is 680. All calls within Palau are local calls. The international access code is 011. To place an international call, dial 011 + country code + city routing or area code + local

Call international long distance from landlines with PNCC Debusch prepaid phone cards (sold at more than 100 locations),

For more details see the Information Pages at the front of this directory, call PNCC at 680.488.9000 or email to pnccservice@palaunet.com. Website: www.palaunet.com

PALAU COUNTRY CODE & HOW TO CALL LONG DISTANCE

The official currency is the US Dollar. VISA, JCB, and Master Card are widely accepted at stores and visitor facilities. There are FDIC insured banks and major hotels with limited foreign currency exchange. In addition, wire transfers can be done

CURRENCY AND CREDIT CARDS

through Bank Institutions.

number.

or via prepaid PalauCel mobile service. To send international text via PalauCel mobile service (selected countries available): Dial: + country code-area or city code-number Example to Hawaii: +1808541xxxxPNCC International Operator (7am-12midnight daily): dial “0”

Palau is in Zone 8 of the U.S. Postal System, and U.S. domestic rates apply. International mail is slightly higher. The post office is located on the main road in Koror, across from the Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC) office. Palau’s stamps are favoured by collectors worldwide and can be purchased on site. Palau’s zip code is 96940, except for the Palau National Capitol in Ngerulmud, Melekeok, which is 96939.

POSTAL SERVICES

Koror has three private medical clinics and a public hospital with a modern recompression chamber. The hospital emergency number is 488-2558. There are also dispensaries located on Babeldaob Island, Peleliu, and Kayangel that can treat minor ailments and injuries.

MEDICAL SERVICES

The Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC) offers nationwide GSM-900 mobile coverage , plus 3G mobile data coverage in Koror, Airai, Melekeok and Peleliu (WCDMA-900). For international roaming select 55201 or PLW01, or use prepaid PalauCel SIM with Airtime Cards. Prepaid PalauCel SIM cards are sold at PNCC in Koror and Airai, and selected local vendors. Airtime cards are sold at more than 100 locations, and can be used for voice,

Use PNCC Prepaid Internet Cards to access more than 150 Wi-Fi

PHONE, GSM CELLULAR AND INTERNET SERVICES

text and 3G mobile data.

Hotspots throughout Koror and nationwide.

TIPPING Tipping is optional, but appreciated.

PALAU VISITORS CHANNEL Shown on PNCC Digital TV Channel 37, the Palau Visitors Channel is a colorful, lively 24-hour continuous source of information on activities, services, and places of interest to visitors. See the beauty of Palau on your TV screen and decide where to go and what to enjoy next!

Eco-Paradise FM, a government-owned radio station on 87.9 (89.1 in Babeldaob), and three privately-owned stations on FM 89.5 or 88.5 in Babeldaob (WWFM), 88.9 (KRFM), and 89.9 (PWFM) offer a variety of local Palauan and international music. PNCC Digital TV, operated by Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC) offers 65 channels including CNN, Fox News, BBC News, ESPN, and NHK, shown satellite direct 24 hours a day, as well as popular U.S. entertainment and children’s programming, plus several movie channels. There are two local newspapers, Island Times and Tia

MEDIA

Belau. See Radio Broadcasters and Publishing in the Yellow Pages.

Republic of Palau

For additional information:PALAU VISITORS AUTHORITY

P.O. Box 256, KororRepublic of Palau 96940

Tel. (680) 488-2793/1930 • Fax (680) 488-1453Hotline: (680) 488-1965

Email: pva@visit-palau.comWeb site: www.visit-palau.com

Location:Capital:

Land Area:Political Status:

Official languages:Total Population:

Electricity:

7º 30’ North Latitude 133º 30’ East LongitudeMelekeok171 square miles/444 square km. Compact of Free Association with the USAEnglish and Palauan17,501 (2012 estimate)*Single phase 60 cycles, 115/230 volts AC

© PVA 2015

*Source: Office of Planning & Statistics