CEBU, Philippines - Alii (hello in Palau)! Palau to me is a paradise island enhanced by the innate warmth and hospitality of the locals.
Our first day was spent visiting hotels, resorts and tour operators. We stayed a glorious 20 minutes with each property. Sumptuous lunch was hosted by the Palau Visitors Authority headed by Ms. Luz Jorge at Elilai Restaurant, where the fish filler, which I heard is prepared in a distinct way, is very delicious. From where we were seated, one can see the picturesque view of the islands and virgin forest. Dinner was at the Palasia Hotel, our home for the night.
The next day got everyone excited. We were headed to Rock Island for some sea adventure! Our day started early. We were picked up at the hotel by Fish & Fins Tour and transported to their dock where our host, Ms. Tova Harel-Bornovski, equipped us with our snorkels, fins and life vest before we boarded a huge speedboat. Rock Island proved to be an exhilarating experience for everyone.
Our first stop was at Milky Way Island, sheltered between rock islands. This popular site got its name from “thick milky deposits” at the bottom of the sea, which is considered as Palau’s very own natural beauty cream. We had a great time applying the soft mud on our faces. But beware, you are prohibited to bring the mud elsewhere or else you get fined or land in jail for stealing a natural treasure/wonder according to our host, Ms. Jorge. We then proceeded to Jelly Fish Lake, Palau’s world renowned hidden lake. Before reaching the hidden jelly fish lake, you have to climb a rocky mountain and upon reaching the top, you have to go down and there, the clear blue lake awaits you. It was a refreshing treat for us after a tough climb up and down! Though it was quite a taxing experience, it was all worth it. We all cheered, “We made it!” We then had a fabulous time swimming amongst millions of jellyfishes that didn’t sting at all! We then learned they are called “innocent jellys” and were told to swim very slowly so as not to harm them.
And the adventure went on. We took another dip and did some snorkeling at Clam Island, which were filled with colorful clams that were up to almost a hundred years old! I learnt that these clams, when cooked in coconut milk, are also a popular delicacy for Palauan people. Our next stop was Carp Island. On our way there, we passed by the Soft Coral Arch, said to be one of Palau’s famous attractions. It was featured in the opening scene of the popular reality television show Survivor Palau. The area is also a favorite spot for picture-taking amongst tourist. At Carp Island, a new paradise unfolded before our eyes. They have beautiful and colorful cottages and a huge open restaurant that can accommodate 50 people. And oh, the chef is a Filipino from Batangas! This is probably why lunch at Carp was truly Pinoy. I guess he intended it for us on that special day. Time flew so fast, we had to say goodbye to continue on our ocean journey. The sea reminded me much of an emerald stone – like a gem that sparkles. Truly, Palau is the crown jewel of the Pacific.
Our speed boat stopped at a nearby island where sharks swam harmoniously with a school of fishes and human beings. As proof, three of our tour participants who were brave enough - Jordan, Amaki and John - tried swimming and had a truly close encounter with Palauan sharks. Whew! And we all held our breaths!
We were then brought to our home for the night, the Palau Royal Resort, for a well deserved break. We had to rest to prepare ourselves for the next day’s adventure.
After a hearty breakfast at the Pacific Resort’s Coconut Restaurant, IMPAC Tours brought us to crocodile jungle for a river cruise. The jungle cruise is located in Ngchesar state and opened on January 2007, making it one of Palau’s newest attractions. The jungle river cruise takes about an hour back and forth on an aluminum boat that can carry up to 40 passengers at a time, depending on the tides of the river. The river boasts of beautiful mangrove trees and landscape, as well as the resident salt-water crocodiles that have become celebrities to the visiting tourists.
We then headed to the Etpison and Belau National Museums. I love museums because it is a place where a country’s history is best kept. It gives us tourists a better understanding of the country’s art and culture. We also visited Palau’s seat of government and recharged our bodies from the breathtaking view from where we stood; crystal clear greenish-blue ocean with tiny islets surrounding it.
But the trip was far from over. Dolphins Pacific then whisked us to Dolphins Island for a dolphin close encounter program which is approximately a one-hour interactive experience that begins with an educational lecture on the natural history of the dolphins and their environment. Guests are then directed to a wading platform and are made to interact with the adorable and friendly creatures. Most of us got a kiss from the dolphins. Furthermore, while a few of us were at Dolphins Pacific, the men went off scuba diving at Rock Island sponsored by Sam’s Tours. Kayaking was also an optional tour offered by Sam’s.
The Belau Tourism Association of Palau warmly hosted dinner on our final night and it was an honor and opportunity for us to meet and mingle with their tour operators/officers with no less than Palau Visitors Authority Managing Director Darin de Leon. Ms. Luz Jorge, PVA marketing sales coordinator and Mr. Kadoi Ruluked, PVA marketing representative, was with the group all the time and we can only thank them for their warm hospitality. Of course, I would also like to thank my airline boss, Mr. Ray Samonte, for being a great companion and Abby Peredo of our Manila sales office.
Everyday was a fantastic and learning experience. My one week Palau escapade was truly a wonderfully exhilarating one! I am very sure the others felt the same way, too. And in behalf of Continental Micronesia Airlines and our GSA, Transpacific Air Service Corp., the Palau Visitors Authority and our Top Travel agents: Blue Horizons, Buceo Travel, Cruise Island Adventures, Fair Travel, Universal Holidays, Rajah Travel, Space Travel, Horizon Travel, Glouzen Travel, Ark Travel, Arfel Travel and Wanderlanes Travel & Tours, thank you very much!
Continental Micronesia Airlines flies to Palau every Wednesday and Friday from Manila. You may call us at 4147267 or 2337533 for your bookings and inquiries. Or call your favorite travel agent.