How to Find Luxury Hotels in Palau

Palau is a Micronesian cluster of islands marked by verdant mountains and sky-blue seas. This archipelago offers travelers the opportunity to enjoy a truly world-class tropical vacation.

Things You'll Need

• Passport
• Computer with Internet access

Instructions

Book Luxury Accommodations in Palau

1. Use the Palau Visitors Authority Trip Planner to make inquiries about accommodations; however you cannot book online through their Web site (see Resources).

2. Stay at the Palau Pacific Resort, which offers 1,000 feet of white sand beach and 64 acres of lush gardens, plus alfresco dining at any time. Make reservations on the Web site (see Resources) or by calling 011 ([phone]. (From outside of the United States and Canada, call 00 ([phone].)

3. Stay in luxury accommodations outside Koror and take a free shuttle or a cab ride (approximately $5) into the city for some nightlife.

4. Know that some of Palau's finest hotels may be found in Koror. These accommodations offer ample luxury amenities, including spa tubs, room service, a 24-hour front desk, restaurants, health clubs, swimming pools, health clubs and beauty services.

5. Enjoy scuba diving by visiting one of Palau's many luxury hotels that offer facilities catering to this activity. Some boast attached dive shops with first-rate scuba gear and knowledgeable instructors.

Learn About Palau

1. Know that Koror is the capital of Palau. Koror is also the largest city in the archipelagic nation.

2. Be aware that Palau is a tiny nation. Palau's population numbers just over 18,000.

3. Understand the U.S. dollar is the official currency of Palau and English is the official language. Japanese and Palauan are also spoken.

4. Keep in mind that a visa is not required for Americans entering Palau.

5. Fly into Palau's only airport--the Airai Airport, located in Koror. Flights are available from the Philippines, Guam and Taiwan.

Navigate Palau

1. Visit the Palau island of Babeldaob. The island offers dense, unexplored jungles and white-sand beaches, and it is home to villages steeped in history and culture.

2. Rent a car and do your own driving in Palau. Visitors with a foreign driver's license are legally allowed to operate vehicles in Palau for up to 30 days.

3. Savor Palau's delicious cuisine. Dishes to try include creamy taro leaf soup with coconut, local fish soup with fried garlic rice, mangrove crabs in spicy sauce, grilled prawns and baked lobster with garlic butter.

4. Hitch a ride with a local. Many Palauans travel from island to island via private speedboat. They're often more than willing to give you a lift, provided you agree to help pay for gas.

5. Buy a Palauan storyboard. These wood carvings are designed to portray scenes in ancient Palauan folklore. They're available at many shops in Koror. The local jail also sells storyboards made by prisoners; the revenue generated by this endeavor is funneled back to the families of the incarcerated.

Tips & Warnings

• The Palau Visitors Authority does not offer booking by phone.

• Telephone country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.

• Exercise caution when swimming or scuba diving in the waters of Palau, since sharks are common in the region.

• Wait 24 hours after scuba diving before boarding an airplane.

• Travelers leaving Palau are subject to a $20 departure tax.