Palau Vacation and Trip Information

Palau consists of six island groups of more than 300 islands in the North Pacific, southeast of the Philippines, from the mountainous main island of Babelthuap to many low, coral islands surrounded by barrier reefs. Rather than join the Federated States of Micronesia, the country opted for independence in 1978.

Famous for its rock islands and the World War II battle of Belilou (Peleliu), Palau is also well known to fans of the television show, Survivor. For those seeking slightly more substance than reality television, the people of the island also have a long tradition of storytelling. The history of the island and its people have been passed down through the generations in chants, stories, dances and legends.

Exploring the islands, one of the more unusual attractions is Jellyfish Lake. On a small rock island near the capital of Koror, this enclosed body of salt water is home to a large population of jellyfish who have, over a millennia, lost their sting due to the absence of predators. Pulsating from one side of the lake to the other, the harmless jellyfish surround (and tickle) all snorkelers.