Honeymoons in Palau from The World's Greatest Honeymoons

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Paradise of the Pacific

When naming Palau as one of the world’s last Edens, National Geographic described it as “a secret corner of the ocean where ancient species still thrive in dazzling abundance, wildness, and wonder…as lush as any paradise of our imagination.”

That’s not hype, either, as you’ll learn if you come here. Tucked into a remote corner of the Indonesian Sea, this emerald-green archipelago of nearly 600 islands stretches across 400 miles of turquoise-to-cobalt waters. It’s a place of astonishing natural beauty. Rare orchids, plants, and vines embellish the island’s lush jungle interiors. Pristine coral reefs are rife with exotic sea life—one reason among many why Palau is considered one of the world's best dive locations. Rivers, lined only by fantastic flora and flourishing fauna, run unimpeded from point of origin to the sea. Palau boasts the largest number of plant and animal species in all of Micronesia—with 25% of them found nowhere else on earth but here.

The nation's most populated islands are Babeldaob, Koror, Peleliu, and Angaur. Babeldaob and Koror (where most Palauans live) are located on the archipelago’s northern edge and united by a bridge. Peleliu and Angaur are to the south, separated hundreds of uninhabited Rock Islands. The six Southwest Islands, nearly 400 miles to the south, mark the archipelago's end.

Palau was a Japanese stronghold during World War II, with Peleliu the site of one of the Pacific's bloodiest battles. In ensuing decades the USA administered Palau as a Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Palau has been independent since 1994, but the American legacy remains strong: English and Palauan are the official languages, and the U. S. Dollar is the official currency.

»»Detailed Palau Map ~ Map of Koror ~ Map of Oceania

Palau's Honeymoon Ideas

The Rock Islands: Palau is home to the Rock Islands, one of the planet’s most unique phenomena. Most of the 586 islands are quite small—islets is probably a better word to describe them. Made of limestone with coral origin, the islands are undercut right where their base meets the sea by wave action and eons of nibbling from prehistoric-looking mollusks called chitons. This gives the islands a unique mushroom shape, so that they seem to be perched atop a stem. Largely uninhabited and lushly green, the Rock Islands are kept from the fury of the open sea by the lagoon's fringe reefs. Thus protected, the lagoons hold amazing treasures—including one of the world’s greatest concentrations of coral and marine life, and some of its most remarkable dive sites. ~ Meandering about the islands is a never-ending adventure. Schools of colorful fish feed in reef shallows, exotic birds nest in high trees, white-sand beaches invite boaters to stop and laze around, caves filled with stalactites beckon. Sometimes a half dozen islets form a circle, with channels wide enough for a boat to enter into the center of a perfectly still, bright turquoise mini-lagoon. One island (Ulong) contains ancient rock paintings. Others hold rusting relics from World War II. Another holds giant stone money carved by ancient seafaring visitors from Yap who never made it back home. Maybe they just found the Rock Islands too beautiful to leave!

Jellyfish Lake: This 12-acre landlocked saltwater lake—on a tiny, uninhabited Rock Island called Ongeim'l Tketau, less than an hour's boat ride from Koror—is home to millions of Golden Jellyfish. It's home to the same number of Moon Jellyfish as well, but, since they live at greater depths, they are rarely seen. ~ The lake formed about 15,000 years ago, when sea levels rose at the end of the last ice age. Over millennia the jellyfish have evolved to have limited need for stinging cells. The sting remains, but has become imperceptible to humans, allowing us to safely snorkel in their midst (scuba diving is not allowed in the lake). ~ What’s it like to swim with the jellyfish? Imagine floating peacefully in the center of a hazy-green, backlit stage upon which millions of pale-orange balloons of various size engage in a slow ballet. And, by gently bumping into and then immediately heading away from your body, they transform you into the ballet’s center. It is, in short, a stunning experience. ~ The lake is extremely popular (every visitor to Palau wants to snorkel with the jellyfish, and who can blame them?). On a crowded afternoon it can get hectic enough to detract from what should be an oasis of calm. If you can arrange to come in the morning, when Ongeim'l Tketau has far fewer visitors, by all means do so. Jellyfish Lake deserves to be seen at its best.

Diving an Underwater Paradise: According to the Nature Conservancy, Palau leads the world in coral reef conservation efforts. Combine this fact with the region’s see-through waters, and you arrive at a happy result for divers: an exceptionally rich and colorful underwater world containing more than 550 species of hard and soft corals, 300 sponge species, and 1300 species of reef fish. ~ This underwater diversity accounts for the reason Palau has long been considered one of the finest dive locations on the planet. With more than 50 dive sites, each diving day is vastly different from its predecessors. Imagine swimming past rare giant clams, which can reach 4 feet in length and weigh more than 500 pounds. Or picture yourself hovering beside a deepwater wall while a huge manta ray glides gracefully past.

It’s not unusual for divers here to encounter endangered species like the Hawksbill turtle or even the reclusive Chambered Nautilus (now found only in the waters of a few Pacific Islands). Explore the stalactite-laden rooms in Chandelier Cave. Brave the Big Drop-Off—the 1000-foot, coral-imbedded drop called the world’s best dive by none other than Jacques Cousteau. Photograph reef sharks and barracuda at the famed Blue Corner. Or enjoy the riot of small, colorful fish at Ngerchong Coral Gardens. ~ As if that weren’t enough, Palau’s waters are home to over 40 World War II plane and ship wrecks that have long since become part of the marine ecosystem. For example, on a calm lagoon floor just off Koror, a large tanker has been sitting erect with a torpedo hole in its bow since the day it sank in 1944. Experienced divers can easily explore the ship—now covered with lush marine growth—through various entry points. Another popular wreck is the remarkably intact Jake reconnaissance seaplane, with wings still in place. ~ Diving is year-round in Palau, with the busiest time being January to April. »»More about Palau's dive scene

Babeldaob: At 128 square miles—27 miles long and roughly 2 miles wide—Babeldaob is Indonesia's second-largest island. It's also the largest by far of any other island in Palau, accounting for about 70% of the nation’s territory. The 98-mile coastline is bordered with healthy mangrove but also offers picturesque bays and a few lovely white-sand beaches. The pristine interior, with its thick native forests, is a study in every imaginable shade of green; several hiking trails allow you to glimpse this remote terrain, which has changed little over the centuries. There's also savannah grasslands, two lakes (one of which, Lake Ngardok, is Micronesia’s largest freshwater lake), streams, rivers, waterfalls, and wetlands. ~ Until just recently it was almost impossible for visitors to explore Babeldaob because it had only a few unconnected dirt roads. But now, thanks to a new 53-mile road encircling the island, you can take yourselves off on a unique adventure trek (or go on a guided tour and leave the driving to someone else). Among the many options:

Melekeok Bai. In ancient Palauan culture, each village had a mens’ meeting house known as a Bai (pronounced Bye), made of wood and decorated with traditional colors, designs, and legendary figures. Bais were raised from the ground and supported by strategically-placed stones. The Melekeok Bai, one of the oldest on Babeldaob, is a magnificent example of Bai architecture and art—the photo immediately above shows one of the many small, colorful designs that enliven the structure inside and out.

Ngchesar Jungle River Boat Cruise: This eco-adventure starts before you’re even on the boat—you'll walk through jungle to the dock along a trail lined with colorful indigenous plants. Once aboard the modern, all-aluminum open-air craft, you’re off on a 5-mile round trip to the ocean along the mangrove-edged Ngerdorch River. There’s plenty of bird life around, including the lovely Palauan Fruit Dove. You might catch a glimpse of a fruit bat pin-wheeling above, a Kingfisher chasing prey, a leaping Archer Fish, or even locals collecting an extra-special treat—big mangrove crabs—along the river bank. You're practically guaranteed to see salt water crocs, and when you do the captain stops the boat and lowers edible goodies on a pole so the big reptile will leap upward and snap its snout, allowing you to take gasp-inducing photos. If you're hungry back on terra firma, opt for a BBQ lunch in the jungle “summer house.” And it's fun to browse for local crafts in the gift shop in the replica bai.

Ngarchelong Stone Monoliths: This place, at the island’s northern tip, is a must-see! You’ll park on a cliff and trace a gentle downward path to a large open meadow with a stunning view of the ocean beyond. Scattered throughout the meadow are about 40 stone monoliths that date back 2000 or more years. A few have faces, and their sizes vary (some weigh as much as 5 tons). Nobody really knows when or how these stones came to be, but Palauans imbue them with sacred meaning. You may or may not feel that way yourselves, but you will definitely be moved by the mystery and beauty you find here.

Bai's stone foundations

Foundations, Melekeok Bai

Flowers along jungle trail

Jungle Trail Flowers

Stone Monoliths, Ngarchelong

Ngarchelong Monoliths

Ngatpang Waterfall: Getting to the falls requires a bit of exertion and staying alert on the slippery forest path, but 20 minutes later you’ll be glad you persevered. The falls are surrounded by the greenest of rainforest and a melodic backdrop of nature sounds. Enjoy a swim in the clean, cool water.

Agrotourism Project: Twenty-one species of tropical fruit are grown on this display farm, from the familiar pineapple and papaya to the exotic jujube, rambutan, and soursop. A nature trail takes you through a tropical forest populated by colorful birds, agricultural experts are on hand to answer questions, and you can pick up a bottle of taro wine or noni juice for your picnic beneath one of the summer huts. Phone: (680) 544-5804

Babeldaob is not only home to many animal species found nowhere else in the world, it also shelters highly-threatened and endangered species such as the Green and Hawksbill Sea Turtles, the Micronesian Megapode, and the Palauan saltwater crocodile (Indonesia's only saltwater croc). To learn more about the island's natural environment and the ongoing struggles to maintain Palau's ecological integrity, visit the Palau Conservation Society. This excellent website is laden with solid information about all aspects of Palau's environment.

Dolphins Pacific: Providing unique human-dolphin encounters against one of the most stunning natural backdrops on the planet, Dolphins Pacific—a few minutes’ boat ride from central Koror—is the world's largest marine mammal interaction, educational, and research facility. It’s ideally situated, smack in the middle of an azure-colored saltwater lagoon; you’ll find yourself entranced by the surroundings when you’re not mesmerized by the dolphins. Various encounters and tours are available, from a 25-minute “see the dolphins” visit to a one-day “experience the life of a dolphin trainer” program. If you opt for the Dolphin Symphony, you'll swim or snorkel with a few dolphins, while the Close Encounter is a one-hour interactive dolphin experience.

Palau Aquarium: You can dive in Palau's fabulous waters every day of your honeymoon and you still won’t see all the marine creatures found at this aquarium, a division of the Palau International Coral Reef Center. Aside from vast numbers of neon-colored reef fish, you’ll observe Giant Clams, stingless mastigia jellyfish, rare deepwater creatures such as the chambered nautilus (photo), an enormous variety of coral, light-producing cave dwellers, critters dependent on camouflage to survive, and much more. Themed exhibits—ranging from how Palau was formed to ocean floor topography to the dynamics of reef systems—help you discover the secrets of this unique corner of the world. You’ll learn about the geology of the Rock Islands, the intricate symbiotic relationships that allow coral reefs to survive, how corals reproduce, the unusual breeding practices of the seahorse...

Museums²: Koror’s two major museums provide an excellent overview of Palau’s history and culture. Each has its own set of strengths, and together they dovetail into a comprehensive look at Palau's history, natural wonders, and culture. ~ Collections at the Belau National Museum—Micronesia’s oldest museum, established in 1955—center on culture, history, and the natural world. Expect to see storyboards, sculpture, artworks, and historical displays that mix documents with illustrations or photographs. Beside the entrance is an authentic, thatch-roofed Bai. As tradition dictates, it’s set above the ground on rock piles, constructed via wood joinery and rope lashing, and colorfully painted inside and out with symbolic designs and legendary creatures. The museum itself holds a fascinating exploration of Palau’s complex past relationships with Germany, Japan, and the United States. The small gift store sells hand-woven olbaol purses and baskets, wooden storyboards, and other items. ~ The Etpison Museum holds the impressive private collection of founders Shallum and Mandy Etpison. It’s a treasure trove of rare and valuable artifacts such as ancient pottery dating back to 640 B.C. or the glass paste beads brought to these islands centuries ago by traders, shell money, ceremonial costumes, domestic utensils, weapons, and tools. The theme-based displays include a look at foreign influences on Palau; money beads; traditional sailing canoes; and an impressive collection of shells (some quite rare). The large gift shop is one of the best places in Palau to find locally-crafted storyboards, art, jewelry, and other items.

Storyboards: When it comes to art, Palau is renowned for its remarkable storyboards—carved hardwood boards that relate ancient tales and legends. Storyboards can be flat or shaped into a fish, turtle, or other familiar Palauan objects. Mahogany and ironwood are the top choices, but woods such as mangrove, island chestnut, or breadfruit can also be used. Sometimes a storyboard is painted, but most often the work is left alone except for a polishing that highlights the wood's colors and grain. ~ The storyboards seem so engrained in Palauan culture that it's startling to discover they're a fairly recent development, introduced here in the 1930s by a Japanese artist named Hisakatsu Hijikata. Palauans took to this art form immediately, and have done it proud. You’ll find huge storyboards in the lobbies of upscale resorts, and smaller ones in restaurants, grocery stores, and anywhere else you go. ~ Finding a storyboard to buy is easy, as they’re sold just about everywhere, too. But you might enjoy visiting two unique places in Koror where Boards are created. Climb up the rickety stairs to the open-air Tebang Wood Carvers (top photo), and you’ll see half a dozen local artisans in action and dozens of boards in various stages of creation. The carvers are friendly and have developed the knack of answering questions while continuing to work; a small shop is located below. Or try the Koror Jail, where inmates are taught how to carve the boards (and thus develop a sustainable skill). The walls in the jail’s shop are covered floor to ceiling with storyboards—the selection is incredible. The photo below is of two inmates proudly showing off a storyboard they've created.

Peleliu: You don’t have to be a World War II buff to enjoy a visit to Peleliu Island. The trip alone—about 45 minutes in a high-speed boat, zipping over turquoise water and past hundreds of those delectable Rock Islands—makes it worthwhile. Once on land you’ll be enchanted by the island’s remote beauty and the feeling that you’ve stepped way back in time. About 600 people live on 4.6 square mile Peleliu, which possesses few cars. ~ It seems impossible that such a sleepy, laid-back place was the site of one of the war’s bloodiest battles, which raged for more than two months in autumn 1944. Your astonishment only grows as you tour the island. When you stand on the pristine white sands of Orange Beach, the guide informs you that these very sands once ran red with blood. Walking along an overgrown jungle trail you encounter rusting old tanks and big guns and even a Japanese Zero airplane—all rusting and falling apart. The little van bumps along a dusty, unimpressive, potholed track, and you learn that, in 1944, it was an airfield with a location strategic enough to fight over at a cost of 11,000 lives. The yards of village homes are decorated with rusty steel battle helmets, airplane propellers, or empty bomb casings. A museum holds all manner of artifacts and relics from the battle. At the Peleliu Battlefield—a U. S. National Historic Landmark—the monument to the American dead is made of coral. A Japanese memorial overlooks a peaceful lagoon. The proof of battle piles up, and yet the thought of battle in this sublime place never seems to make sense. ~ Divers might want to stay on this little reef island for a few nights, as it’s adjacent to some of Palau’s best diving spots such as Yellow Wall and Peleliu Express, and about 20 minutes from Blue Corner and Blue Hole (Peleliu’s excellent Maml Divers can arrange your dive trip/s; a simple but elegant bungalow on the beach is yours at Dolphin Bay Resort), and you'll enjoy darn fine local cuisine at the Yellow Wall Restaurant.

Kayaking: Palau's uplifted limestone islands are studded with marine caves, natural archways, tropical beaches, emerald bays, and even siphon tunnels leading into inner lagoon wonderlands. There's no better way to explore this labyrinth of limestone—this gorgeous Micronesian maze—than with the eco-friendly kayak. Guided by professional local naturalists, the subtle beauty of the multi-colored reefs, tropical flowers, and endemic birds comes to life. Among the myriad hidden treasures are the world-famous marine lakes and lagoons. Accessible only via kayak at precise tides, you’ll weave through crystal clear mangrove forests into awesome isolated oases. Protected from winds, waves, surf, surge, and current, these protected habitats are home to reef fish nurseries, shark & stingray pupping grounds, and are filled with nesting sea birds, fragile corals, enormous clams hundreds of years old, and—perhaps most impressively—giant baskets of multi-colored coral. Nowhere else on earth do you find so many species in such unique assemblages in such a protected environment.

More Info: Palau's Official Blog ~ Palau Visitors Authority

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All written material ©WGH ~ Photos: ©Suzanne Rodriguez (Peleliu Island, Bai at Palau National Museum, Melekeok Bai foundation and detail, monoliths, trail flowers, Dolphins Pacific, storyboard carver); Koror Jail (storyboard); all other photos courtesy of Palau Visitors Authority.