Palau is the tropical paradise you’ve never heard of, but the one you won’t stop talking about to your friends after you visit it.
The reason you’re unaware of the island’s existence is most likely because it used to be next to impossible to reach from Australia: you would need to catch several connecting flights with the overall travel time taking as long as 20 hours.
Qantas has drastically slashed it after launching a new direct flight from Brisbane in December: the plane ride now only takes around six hours.
As far as tropical paradises go, Palau ticks all the boxes: turquoise waters, mesmerising sea life and picture perfect weather.
Everything about the island has a laid back charm to it: its president Surangel Whipps Jr wears an oversized beige jacket to his public appearances, while the reef sharks are harmless and safe to swim next to.
The island once drew as many as 160,000 visitors in a single year before the Covid pandemic wiped out the tourism industry.
The locals, with the help of Palau Visitors Authority, are keen to get the figure back up and draw in more Aussies because they know we live for outdoor adventure.
And the island has plenty to offer on that note.
Palau is the tropical paradise you’ve never heard of, but the one you won’t stop talking about to your friends after you visit it
I’m a first-time snorkeller, but several members on my tour group were more seasoned and swore Palau was one of the best places they have ever visited
What to do
Snorkelling is a must-do with Neco Marine offering an immersive tour around the Rock Islands – an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Milky Way is home to some of the warmest water and has a beautiful gem blue colour that is so out of this world it has to be seen to be believed.
Local legend has it the clay at the bottom holds reverse-ageing powers – all you have to do is apply it to your skin.
I’m a first-time snorkeller, but several members on my tour group were more seasoned and swore Palau was one of the best places they have ever visited.
Given the immensity of the coral reefs and abundance of sea life, I find it easy to believe.
For a true appreciation of the natural beauty, I recommend an aerial tour with Smile Air.
There are plenty of land-based activities to break up the days in the water and one of them includes a tour of Peleliu – a key battleground in World War II.
Destroyed artillery, tanks and bunkers are sprinkled around the island and serve as a visceral lesson on one of the darkest moments in history.
While Palau offers an abundance of natural beauty, the locals have just one request from visitors: that you treat it with respect.
When you enter the country you’ll be asked to sign a pledge to the island nation.
It’s not too big of an ask, especially when you hear horror stories about how some badly behaved tourists have treated the sea life in the past: one case involved hotel staff discovering guests boiling a jellyfish in a kettle.
While Palau offers an abundance of beauty to be appreciated, the locals have just one request: that you treat it with respect
When you enter the country you’ll be asked to sign a pledge to the island nation, where you will promise to respect the sea life
The island nation is a proud matriarchal society and has a rich history that can be discovered on the Airai Cultural Heritage Tour or a day out on a traditional boat .
What to eat
It may come as no surprise that Palauans love seafood – and they have plenty of it to offer.
Ukaeb is a dish made up of a mix of minced crab meat and coconut milk that is served in the shell of the animal.
Mangrove crab and fish are among the abundance of options available. Clam on ice is a refreshing and tasty option served by Japanese fusion restaurant Tori Tori.
One vegetable makes a regular appearance in the dishes and that is taro. I’m fairly confident locals have exhausted every variation of the Polynesian potato.
Demok is a soup made from the leaves of the root vegetable, coconut milk and crab; then there’s a much sweeter and cooler variation that is a personal favourite.
If you’re looking for more familiar tastes, the Taj Palau offers the best Indian food on the island while Elilai Seaside Restaurant and Bar offers a range of meals from steak to Italian – the best time to eat here is during sunset for the breathtaking view.
American favourites, such as burgers, can be had at Drop Off Bar and Grill. Restaurant Canoe House has similar cuisines with the added bonus of karaoke night.
Note: for the more adventurous and daring foodie there is the option of bat soup at The Penthouse.
I tried a bit of it under the impression it was a dish regularly eaten in households.
I then learned most of the younger generation are not a fan – and this is more of a culinary relic from their grandparent’s time. Good to know!
Palau Pacific Resort offers everything you could want from a resort: breathtaking views, impeccable service and a private beach
The bungalows and villas are perhaps the biggest selling point and make the perfect option for a honeymoon or romantic getaway
If you’re looking for something a little closer to town, Cove Resort would be your next best bet
The hotel is an incredibly close walk to several tour operators – which is always handy – and sits next to a dock so you don’t have to travel far to get to your fishing boat.
Where to stay
Palau Pacific Resort offers everything you could want from your accommodation: breathtaking views, impeccable service and a private beach.
The resort is celebrating its 40 year anniversary – a clear sign it has continued to be a hit with guests throughout the decades.
The bungalows are perhaps the biggest selling point and make the perfect option for a honeymoon or romantic getaway.
There is something quite mesmerising about being able to look through a window in the floor and watch sea life swim in the water below.
If you’re looking for something a little closer to town, Cove Resort would be your next best bet.
The hotel is an incredibly close walk to several tour operators – which is always handy – and sits next to a dock so you don’t have to travel far to get to your fishing boat.
What to know
Palauans are very family-orientated as you will discover at the night markets: a chance to try local dishes while listening to bands and watching dance troupes.
The island nation is a proud matriarchal society and has a rich history that can be discovered on the Airai Cultural Heritage Tour or a day out on a traditional boat.
Everything on the island has a much more relaxed vibe compared to the bleak chaos and humdrum of big cities.
As you ride in your taxi, you’ll see concrete houses with corrugated metal roof sheets on the roadside. Their vibrant facades stick out of the dense, green vegetation.
The island nation is a proud matriarchal society and has a rich history that can be discovered on the Airai Cultural Heritage Tour
Everything on the island has a much more relaxed vibe compared to the bleak chaos and humdrum of big cities
Stray dogs wander the streets and there’s only one lane for each direction of traffic on the main road.
Occasionally you’ll see a small truck or a ute with workers sitting on the back tray.
They will give you a friendly wave and smile, exposing their reddish teeth.
It’s a discolouration that can be linked to their frequent chewing of betel nut – a seed that gives an artificial lift to their alertness.
Qantas may have only launched the direct flights at the end of last year, but the airline claims it is already showing promise among Australians.
Palau has so much to offer it is bound to give other tropical getaways such as Fiji and Bali a run for their money.
Disclaimer: This all-expenses paid trip to Palau was provided by Qantas.
