Ben Franklin Department Store
One of the biggest, if not the most complete shopping mall in the town area. This department store sells local handi crafts, t-shirts for tourists, fridge magnets and little souvenirs. On the ground floor, there is a supermarket selling mainly american and japanese food stuffs. Things are pretty expensive in Palau, similar to that of the US ( bear in mind that the US dollar is their local currency). Got a t-shirt and some fridge magnets.
Theme: Gifts
Address: Koror, town centre Map of the Republic of Palau
This is by far the best map I have found in Palau. It has quite detailed maps of the islands especially of Babeldaob island where most maps only show the ring road. It covers all the main islands plus it has pictures and descriptions of some of the more notable sights. Another nice thing is that it has descpriptions of all the states and contacts for those states. I believe it cost $3.50 US and is endorsed by Belau Touristm Association.
Theme: OtherRed Rooster Beer
Back with my fascination of collecting beer and alcohol from foreign destinations (I don't know why, I never drink it). Palau now has it's very own brewed beer. It is called Red Rooster Beer an According to the label it is "Hand crafted in Palau from Fresh, pure, rain water 100% natural ingredients. Mor artificial preservatives or flavor." I believe there is 3 or 4 flavours and now there is starting to be a few souvenirs orientated around this beer. It costs the same as other beers on the island.
Theme: Food and Drink
Reef Hook
You've read about storyboards and other crafts, but the souvenir I can recommend is reef hook. You'll need it when diving in the strong current, you could rent it or even save yourself a couple of dollars by making one at home, but I'd suggest you buy one. Every dive shop sells them and it will be a nice remembrance of truly spectacular diving in Palau, even if most probably you will never need it again.
Theme: Sporting Goods Palauan Money Beads
Palauan money beads are probably one of the more interesting bead necklaces I have came across. They were used as currency back in the day for common transactions. Today they are still used but in more traditional ceremonies such as births, weddings and deaths. The beads are not originally from Palau and are thought to come from the Indonesia/Malaysia region. Legend also have it that they came from a Yapese island. I found this to be one of the more decently priced gifts to give to the women you know.
Theme: Local craft
Wooden Story Boards
A few tourist souvenir shops carry story boards, and the jail does as well. The jail is not that much cheaper than the shops that we saw, but they do have the best selection and more detailed works. These boards are carved pieces of wood, often teh roots from the tree. there is often some kind of local story attached to the back along with the carver. They are not cheap so be warned. small ones MAY be able to be had for $30 and they go into the thousands.we bought one and hung it on the wall, very beautiful if you can afford it. $50-4000 USD most are around the $80-200 range.
Theme: Local Craft
EXPLORING AND DIVING PALAU
Sam's Tours, is another dive shop in Palau that offers diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing and land tours. They have some great guides that provide educational and environmental information about the locales. Sam's Tours uses small, fast narrow boats which carry 4~8 divers.
Splash, the dive shop attached to the Palau Pacific Resort is recommended. The equipment available for rental is of high quality, and either new or well maintained. The dive masters are also very experienced, responsible and know the dive sites very well. Angelo at Splash is highly recommended as a dive master especially if you have not dived in stronger currents. It should be noted that Splash runs a rather large, wide diveboat, containing 20+ divers.
Welcome to Fish 'n FinsWelcome to the Fish 'n Fins website, home to Palau's leading dive and tour center. Established in 1972, we are the true pioneer dive operation in Palau. Fish 'n Fins was founded by one of Palau's first underwater explorers, Francis Toribiong. Fish 'n Fins Dive center along with the
Ocean Hunter fleet of liveaboards is owned and run by Navot & Tova Bornovski. We have created this website so it can guide and answer many of your questions about diving and visiting Palau with Fish 'n Fins. Palau is not only about diving! Learn more about Rock Island Tours,
Snorkeling,
Kayaking,
Land tours,
Fishing trips and more. For more details and information please
Contact us!
Antelope Dive Shop
Antelope Dive Shop is located
within the Palau
Marine Club. We have five boats in the docking area within shouting distance of the hotel, just waiting for daily aqua tours. Aside from diving,sea kayak,fishing,rock island and city tours handled by our friendly staff,diving upgrade courses are also offered. We have all the facilities and equipment for diving. There is a rinsing station and gear storage area conveniently located at the docking area.Antelope T-Shirts for memento!The gift shop's ready with diving equipment and ornaments from Palau.
Antelope has five modern boats. Three boats are speed boats and one is a cabin boat and a small boat. Antelope boats are designed primarily for diving and snorkeling tour, experienced boat captains operate them at all times.The boats are equipped with radios & cellphones,oxygen and emergency kits.
