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General Information


Palau Scuba Diving Travel and Accommodations
The jewels of Palau are its 200 Rock Islands, densely forested limestone islets of varying sizes and shapes.

Palau's unique geography makes it a divers' mecca. Three major ocean currents converge there, funneling a wide variety of marine life: 700 corals and anemones, 1,500 kinds of reef and pelagic fish, rare chambered nautilus and giant tridacna clams that are commonly over four feet long and weigh a quarter-ton.

Palau Scuba Diving Travel and AccommodationsMoreover, Palau Lagoon encloses dozens of World War II shipwrecks, coral reefs, blue holes, giant undersea tunnels, stalactite-filled caves and over 60 vertical dropoffs.

Because of the diversity and density of the marine life and the topography of the islands, Palau is regarded as one of the best dive sites in the world.

Add clear waters with visibility often more than 100 feet, sea temperatures that average 82 degrees, some of the least visited and most romantic islands in the South Pacific

Getting There

Flights

The only two airlines with regularly scheduled flights to and from Koror (Palau) are Continental Micronesia and Far Eastern Airlines. Continental flies to Palau through either Guam, USA, or Manila, Philippines. Japan Airlines offers a charter flight from Tokyo,and the Palau Trans Pacific Airlines has charter flights from Taipei. Palau Micronesia Airlines is soon to open and will cater to the micronesia main islands as well as Palau.

Continental Micronesia Airlines schedule to Koror, Palau from:
Guam - Koror direct daily flight
Manila - Koror direct flight Wednesday and Saturday only

Far Eastern Airlines schedule to Koror, Palau from:
Taipei,Taiwan - Koror direct four times per week Tuesday, Thursday,Saturday and Sunday

From the west coast of the US the route to Palau is via Honolulu and Guam. If you prefer going through Asia you can fly to Japan, Guam and then Palau. Or fly from the west coast of the US to Hongkong, Guam and then Palau. You can also fly to Taipei,Taiwan and connect to Palau four times weekly.

Departure Tax - $20. US

Flying Times and Distances to Palau
The following list contains times and distances to Palau from Main Points of Departure:
From: Distance (statute miles) / Flight Time
Honolulu: 4609 / 8:45
Guam: 813 / 1:45
Manila: 1041 / 2:35
Tokyo: 2394 / 4:25
Taipei: 2533 / 4:55
Seoul: 2804 / 5:35
Los Angeles: 7161 / 13:55
New York: 9612 / 18:55

Domestic Airline:
Belau Air - Daily and charter flights to the islands of another and Peleliu.

Visas

All tourists may visit Palau for 30 days, visa is issued on arrival for up to 30 day stay and can be extendend and passport should be valid for 6 months further and onward tickets and documents required by entry.

Customs, Immigration and Health Requirements
One bottle of liquor and up to 200 cigarettes can be brought into Palau duty-free. Importation of controlled substances and weapons is strictly prohibited. Proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate) by U.S. citizens is required. Visas are not required. Non-U.S. citizens must have a valid passport. All visitors must have return travel arrangements or approval by the Chief of Immigration for an extended stay. The fee is $100.00 (U.S.). Cholera and Yellow Fever immunizations are required for those arriving from infected areas.

Travel Tips

Getting Around
A few hotels provide airport transportation for their guests. Otherwise, there's a shuttle bus service, taxis and car rental available at the airport. Visitors are allowed to drive in Palau for 30 days with their home country's driver's license. Driving is on the right, and the speed limit is a doddering 25mph (40k/h).

Weather
Palau enjoys a pleasantly warm climate all year round with an annual mean temperature of 82° degrees F. (27° C.). Rainfall can occur throughout the year, and the annual average is 150 inches.
Palau's water temperatures are in the low 80s °F (high 20s °C) year-round. Palau is located 400 miles north of the equator and is completely out of typhoon range. The weather is almost the same year round. There is no real wet or dry season.

Time
GMT/UTC plus 9 hours

Electricity
110/230V, 60Hz (American style outlets)

Banks
There are banks in all the major tourist areas, where credit cards and travellers' cheques are widely accepted. Neither tipping nor bargaining is mandatory in Palau.

Shopping
Shopping Centers and Restaurants:Open daily till 10:00PM

Communication
US Postal Service- Zip Code 96940,
Internet Service - Internet Cafes are available in Koror
International Phone Service-Direct call or Prepaid Phone Card
Cellular Phones-Cellular service exists but is not compatible with any international cell phone system.

Palau Activities
The most popular recreational activities are scuba, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, beaches, sportfishing, tennis.

Climate
Tropical, hot and humid with occasional showers

Best Time to Visit
Year Round

 

 















Rates & Services as well as travel regulations are subject to change without notice.

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