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THE RAINBOW'S END

by Madelyn Miller

THERE ARE FEW PLACES ON EARTH MORE BEAUTIFUL, PRISTINE OR RELAXED THAN PALAU. The Republic of Palau is a 125 mile long archipelago of high forested islands, sparkling coral atolls and stunning rock islands surrounded by a fringing coral reef in westernmost Micronesia. Once a well-kept secret by adventurous travelers, Palau is now established as one of the most alluring and unique visitor destinations in the Pacific.

Literally hundreds of emerald green islands shelter hundreds of square miles of warm sapphire blue waters that are home to one of the richest varieties of marine plants and animals anywhere. Palau was voted by CEDAM International as the number one underwater wonder of the world. Both above and below the surface, the waters of Palau are unparalleled in offering a glimpse of nature's ability to create pure magic.

Generations of explorers, traders, soldiers and administrators from several nations have left their mark on Palau, yet this nation and its people have managed to cling to and preserve the cultural traditions that make it unique in the Pacific.

The Rock Islands are Palau's premier visitor attraction. Beneath the surface of the sea, dazzling coral gardens teem with iridescent fish, and underwater cliffs drop thousands of feet in the horizontal distance of a few paces.

Inside the area sheltered by these tiny isles, calm seas afford ideal sites for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, jet-skiing, water skiing, and other sports. And the sand-fringed hideaways are perfect for picnics and relaxation.

Each of the more than 300 Rock Islands comprises a unique interrelation of sea and sand, flora and fauna, strewn across a 23-mile long lagoon, the Rock Islands are the remnants of ancient uplifted coral reefs, undercut by the persistent action of the saves, and draped with dark greenhouse foliage.

Considered by many experienced scuba divers as the ultimate dive experience, the Rock Islands are known internationally for blue holes, marine lakes, underwater caves, wrecks and seemingly bottomless drop-offs. In these lush, green limestone islands scattered in the central and southern region of Palau, there are more than 1,500 species of fish and 700 species of coral and anemones easily visible in the remarkably clear waters.

Diving is year-sound, with water temperature averaging 82-84 degrees, but even in these warm waters many prefer to wear a lightweight wet suit or lycra "skin " suit for protection and comfort.

Divers are transported to sites aboard high-powered speedboats. Only certified divers are allowed to go on dive tours. For beginners, experienced instructors conduct PADI or NAUI introductory courses.

Blue corner is one of Palau's most well-known dive sites. Schools of triggers, snappers, butterflies, barracudas and other fish surge along the steep drop-off, which is layered in a wide variety or hard and soft corals. Resident gray sharks are favorite subjects for underwater photographers.

Don't miss Jellyfish Lake, one of Palau's truly unique attractions. Through a quirk of evolution, jellyfish in this isolated marine lake have lost their sting, enabling snorkelers to swim amid clouds of the harmless invertebrates.

Palau offers the traveler a wide variety of hotel accommodations from full-service first-class luxury resorts to modest basic comforts for the budget conscious. No matter where you stay though, you will be embraced by Palau's abundant natural beauty and genuine hospitality.

PALAU VISITORS AUTHORITY
BOX 256
Palau
488-2793-1930.

Photos courtesy of The Limtiaco Company

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