It was like pulling teeth to leave this amazing place. Now it is just a dream – a dream of sadness at being back yet a dream still tinged with those amazing turquoise waters – that are in front of me whenever I close my eyes. I cannot sleep. I stay awake and write about Palau and this remarkable trip.
I gorged myself silly on sashimi the last few days – both from fish that I caught and that my home-stay hosts caught. Peleliu Island has experienced so much pain. I spent a full day there and toured the limestone caves still littered with WWII relics including intact sake bottles, canteens, helmets, etc. Ever gone fruit bat hunting at night? Do it when you visit Palau! Or perhaps at least try the fruit bat soup – broth which contains the full furry bat.
And I can’t wait to back to one of those 2 small private resorts in the middle of friking nowhere on the furthest north part of the country.
Now when I meet travelers anywhere in the world who tell me they are from California, I’m tired of asking them which part of the state they are from – now I rephrase my question —- “which part of Los Angeles are you from?” I scored the first time I asked this question 2 days ago to movie director from the San Fernando Valley!
My father is palaun, so Palau is my home islands. It’s paradise. Looking forward to have a vacation on there. A perfect spot for diving and I love to eat luut ma prack ma diogan.
I have never been too Palau, but from your discription it sounds amazing. I can skip out on the furry bat soup though. No thanks!
I’ve always wanted to visit Palau. The rock islands specifically seem “otherworldly” almost like you’ve been transported to the movie Avatar.
I’ve heard that the local population isn’t very welcoming when it comes to travelers and tourists. Did you find this to be true? I’ve heard that ever since the production crew from “Survivor” came in and destroyed the reputation of American travelers, it hasn’t been a very welcoming place.
It sounds like you had a blast though! Thanks for the great posts!
Travis – yes, I’m trying to return to Palau – early next year – its a fascinating country for a number of reasons. I found the local population to be extremely welcoming – I spent several nights at a homestay – which was a good intro to the local culture. Thanks for stopping by.