Temptation island

It was probably one of the most surreal and amazing experiences I’ve ever had. Snorkeling in an almost pitch-black saltwater lake, diving down in the water and not being able to see the bottom and then being surrounded by tens of thousands of glowing light pink-orange jelly fish. Most were not bigger than my palm. It scared the hell out of me in the beginning but then when I reminded myself that these were the non-poisonous kind, they immediately became my best friends for that magical moment. It was very Space Odyssey! I was seriously contemplating stealing one of the creatures and keeping it as a pet at home but then I would probably be incarcerated.

Such was one of the beautiful experiences I had in Palau. The country’s airport is easily accessed by taking a direct two-hour flight via Asian Spirit from Davao. Palau has over 700 islands (a tenth of the Philippines) and has a population of just over 20,000 people, a third of which are Filipinos who have either migrated to the island or work there. The rest of the people are made up of Palauans and a small number of ex-pats. Having emerged from United Nations trusteeship (administered by the United States) in 1994, it is one of the world’s youngest and smallest nations. Approximately 75 percent of Palau is covered in native forest and mangrove. Much of the year, Palau’s climate is tropical and very ideal for island living.

Diving And Snorkeling Galore

Palau offers even the most “I’ve seen it all” divers a spectacular experience. Visualize diving with gentle Manta Rays as they circle a cleaning station to have their gills cleaned with small wrasses.

I don’t really dive but snorkeling more than satisfied during my trips to different island spots. My most favorite spot was the jellyfish lake. My snorkeling companions and I also explored the Milky Way, which is a lagoon that had water that resembled milk.  When we found out that the clay-like sand below us was good for our skin, my good friend Celine and I started spreading the stuff all over our face and bodies. 

Lunch was at another island which had a diving drop that immediately intimidated me because, next thing I knew, I could see at least seven sharks just 20 feet below me. I literally froze but after a while I realized I did not appeal to their tastes. Other must-see spots were a turtle and gargantuan clam shell dive, the cemetery lake — so called because the rock formations on the sea bed resemble tombstones.

Pleasure Tour

Sam’s Tours is the definitive Dive and Snorkeling Company to see all the sites. Celine and I even met a friendly guide who was more than glad to take us out to see the island’s night spots. Sam’s offers “A La Carte” Diving, Scuba Diving courses, Kayak Tours, Rock Island and Snorkel Tours, Land and Sportfishing Tours. 

Palau on land

There is nothing like the waters of Palau to make you forget all your earthly troubles. How a place so down to earth can be so otherworldly may seem a paradox, but in Palau it makes perfect sense.

When you’re not combing beaches or snorkeling away, Palau has delicious seafood places you can enjoy. In almost every corner you can find hybrid Japanese and Chinese restaurants with Filipino waiters! You can have sushi with your Peking duck! The pace of life is pretty slow and shops are simple filled with souvenirs and essentials alike. It really is a water lovers’ paradise and after a long trip down to the deep blue, nothing beats an ice cold beer right after. Small taverns owned by ex-pats are available. There are no “it” places, this is the anti-“it” place. This makes Palau a paradise for the jaded socialite and the weary nature lover. It’s the perfect place to reinvigorate the senses.

Palau wear

Palau’s one hot country so be sure to bring your linens, light tees, swimwear. It’s quite a laid-back country so one need not too pack your formal wear — leave your Blahniks and Balenciagas behind, please. 

Do make sure to bring lots of sun protection as Palau’s equatorial location can burn you instantly. 

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Sam’s Tours, Box 706, Horor Republic of Palau, call (680)+488-1062, visit www.samstours.com, or e-mail samstours@palaunet.com.

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E-mail me at djmontano@pacific.net.ph.