Palau, MICRONESIA
Airing Date: May 19th, 2003
The islands of Palau in Micronesia are a divers dream.
Aside from its gorgeous weather, its lush tropical landscape and its sparkling clear water, Palau offers incredible dive sites that are rich with limestone outcrops, underwater caves and diverse marine life.
Rock Islands, part of Palau's group of islands, are considered to be the crown jewels of Micronesia. Because of their unique shape they are often referred to as emerald mushrooms rising from a turquoise-blue sea.
It's the picture of paradise; more than 200 limestone outcrops dense with green jungle and home to crocodiles, fruit bats and a variety of birds. A boat trip around these islands will reveal a number of magnificent white sand beach hideaways, perfect for a secluded picnic or adventurous overnight stay.
The water surrounding Rock Islands offers some of the most abundant and varied marine life in the world, including the fascinating Jellyfish Lake. This lake is a delight for snorkellers, as there are about ten million jellyfish swimming around you.
If you're keen to head out into the deep blue for some of the best diving in the world sign up on one of the organised diving trips. After boat cruises takes you to a dive spot known as Blue Corner. This is where three currents meet, which means you're guaranteed heaps of marine life and heaps of sharks.
As part of your descent you journey through a hole in the reef that's 30 metres deep. Then, once you've reached the bottom an enchanting underworld awaits you. Because visibility is so good you can see marine life for what seems like miles, and yes, even sharks. But these sharks are as harmless as the colourful fish that inhabit the cave - humans are apparently too big to eat.
Although snorkelling and diving around here are popular activities, you can see the magical underworld water from the comfort of a kayak. Paddling quietly through the lagoon, you can see the magic below through water that's as pristine and clear as glass - here lies a world full of colourful reef and tropical fish. You may even be tempted to jump in and join them.
The facts
Flights for Palau leave from Cairns. Qantas flies to Cairns daily from all capital cities. Prices start at $858 from Perth and $501 from Sydney.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
Through Travelworld, Talpacific has package deals flying Continental Airlines from Cairns, including three nights at Palau Pacific Resort and four nights in Guam starting from $1779 per person twin share.
Travelworld
Tel: 13 14 35
Sam's Tours offer full-day dive packages, including tanks, transfers and a Rock Island tour for $175 per person.
Sam's Tours
Tel: 0011 680 4881062 (international)
