AIRAI WATER PARADISE HOTEL LEGEND

Palau's History

Palau's early history is still largely veiled in mystery. Why, how or when people arrived on our beautiful islands is unknown, but studies indicate that today's Palauans are distant relatives of the Malays of Indonesia, Melanesians of New Guinea and Polynesians. As for the date of their arrivals, carbon dating of artifacts from the oldest known village sites on the Rock Islands and the spectacular terraces on Babeldaob place civilization here as early as 1,000 BC.

The most noteworthy first foreign contact took place in 1783 when the vessel Antelope, under the command of English Captain Henry Wilson, was shipwrecked on a reef near Ulong, a Rock Island located between Koror and Peleliu. With the assistance of Koror's High Chief Ibedul, Wilson and his men stayed for three months to rebuild his ship. From that time onward, many foreign explorers called on Palau, and the islands were exposed to further European contact.

Foreign governance of our islands officially began when Pope Leo XIII asserted Spain's rights over the Caroline Islands in 1885. Two churches were established and maintained by two Capuchin priests and two brothers, resulting in the introduction of the Roman alphabet and the elimination of inter-village wars. In 1899, Spain sold the Carolines to Germany, which established an organized program to exploit the islands' natural resources.

Following Germany's defeat in WWI, the islands were formally passed to the Japanese under the 1919 Treaty of Versailles. The Japanese influence on the Palauan culture was immense as it shifted the economy from a level of subsistence to a market economy and property ownership from the clan to individuals. In 1922, Koror became the administrative center for all Japanese possessions in the South Pacific. The town of Koror was a stylish metropolis with factories, shops, public baths, restaurants and pharmacies.

Following Japan's defeat in WWII, the Carolines, Marianas and Marshall Islands became United Nations Trust Territories under U.S. administration, with Palau being named as one of six island districts. As part of its mandate, the U.S. was to improve Palau's infrastructure and educational system in order for it to become a self-sufficient nation. This finally came about on October 1, 1994, when Palau gained its independence upon the signing of the Compact of Free Association with the United States.

Employee's Rock Island Tour

August 30, 2010 is an unforgettable experience for the staffs of Airai Water Pradise Hotel as they toured in the beautiful and breath taking Rock Islands. The Staffs enjoyed a whole day filled with relaxation, food and some fun int he sun!!!

The group started out by going to the Milky Way, followed by a short trip to the famous Cemetery Cave, wherein the remains of the native Palauans ancestors layed to rest. The group snokled at the famous Clam Farm, Rose Garden and of course the trip will not fun if they didn't go to the famous Jelly Fish Lake.

Palau Diving Shop and Souvenirs

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: Other


Red 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 Fins
Welcome 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!

Our dive center page tells you about our shop, while the dive operations section explains everything you need to know about a days diving with us. Become a Nitrox diver or dive Nitrox for free if already qualified. You can also explore the other courses we have available, as well as our offerings for technical divers.

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.

Airai Water Paradise Spa Benefits

CLASSICAL BALINESE TRADITIONAL MASSAGE

(75MINUTES)

This treatment stimulates blood circulation, improves energy flow and relieves tension. The Balinese massage is a unique blend uses thumb and plam from medium to strong pressure. Regular massage theraphy can relieve muscle and stiffness, improve joint flexibility, range of motion and circulation of blood and lymph fluid, reduce blood pressure and posture.

STONE ENERGETIC TREATMENT

(75MINUTES)

Stone massage is a unique connection we experience with nature, offering a sense of profoundness and sacredness that we too often forget. Stone massage will notice a healing improvement of muscular aches, pains, sprains, strain poor circulation and reduce insomnia, depression and stress. Make body to become relax and fresh.

AROMA FACIAL REFINE TREATMENT

(75MINUTES)

This facial treatment provides a deep cleansing of all the skin types. A purifying scrub and a hydrating mask revitalize the skin. The treatment includes a head, neck and shoulder massage to enhance relaxation.

NATURAL FACIAL TREATMENT

(75MINUTES)

This treatment use the natural ingredients to cleanse, soften and bright the skin. Cucumber, honey uses for scrub and finally touch by cucumber mask or white egg. This treatment is also good for sunburn and dry skin and make skin look fresh and healthy.

BODY SCRUB (75MINUTES)

Glow with radiance after these exfoliating treatment. Our body scrub is not only for blood circulation but cleanses, moisturize and heal as well. Choice of body scrub: Seaweed, Coconut, Coffee, Turmeric or Tamarind. This treatment romove dead skin cells and make your skin smoother.

FOOT TREATMENT (45MINUTES)

The feet are first given a foothbath to cleanse and soften the skin before dead skin cells buffed off feet scrub and followed by a relaxing massage.

HAND TREATMENT (45MINUTES)

Hand scrub to cleanse and soften the skin. A relaxing hand massage completes the treatments.

NECK AND SHOULDER REFRESHING TREATMENT( 45 MINUTES)

To reduce stress and muscle aches focus in your neck and shoulder.

LOVE WAVE ( 180 MINUTES)

Aroma Therapy Massage followed by natural facial treatment and scalp massage. This also stimulates blood circulation and relieves tension, make your body relax and reduce pain. Inclusive of spa meal and spa drinks.

AIRAI DELIGHT (75MINUTES)

Combination of Swedish and reflexology massage. Neck, shoulder, foot and scalp massage. This massage is a unique blend uses thumb and palm from medium to strong pressure.

SPA GUESTS FEEDBACK

• Good Room. Relaxing atmosphere
  Treatment very good.
• The people were great.
• Quality of the massage was excellet!
• My blood circulation got better coz of hot stone.
• It was comfortable .I could laid back.
• I had feel good by the hot stone.
• Music should continue for the duration of the treatment.
• Asia's hands is strong & she did an excellent massage.
• Kind and outstanding service..
• I had feel great. If I come again to palau I also visit your spa.
• I couldn't understand english it would be better if you have japanese speaking staff.

Most Popular Restaurants in Koror

CARP RESTAURANT
The Carp Restaurant is located right on the water in Malakal, part of Koror. Carp is not too far from Kramer’s Café, another of the popular restaurants in Koror. It is named Carp Restaurant because the folks that run the Carp Island Resort, in Palau’s Rock Islands, also own this restaurant. Yuri, the owner and the main cook of this restaurant is a Japanese woman who is very friendly and she can speak Palauan fluently. She is married to Itaro, who is half Palauan and half Japanese.Carp restaurant serves a tasty, varied menu but more likely Japanese food with reasonable prices. Prices normally start from US$ 5.00 per dish. Favorite foods are Tofu Beef, Tofu vegetable, Fish, either fried or baked as well as fish soup, Sashimi, Sweet and Sour Shrimp or Fish, Chicken vegetable, Beef vegetable, several curry dishes, and as one of their specialties, Tempura vegetables, shrimp and fish. Like so many restaurants in Palau, Carp serves fresh sashimi of several different types of fish that is fantastic, and will surprise you how inexpensive it is!Carp is open from 10:00 a.m to 2.00 p.m for lunch and then open again from 4:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m. daily for dinner.What makes this restaurant unique is because it serves the best local delicacy in town.

The famous FRUIT BAT SOUP! Palau has a species of small, insect eating bats, which are not eaten, but most conspicuous are the large fruit bats that can often be seen flapping their wings and gliding through the last afternoon skies. The fruit bat is cooked in coconut milk, ginger and some others local spices then it is boiled for few hours. I’m sorry, but I must admit I never tried it myself because I couldn’t stand seeing the eyes of the fruit bat in the soup! In addition, fruit bats often have a very distinct scent, which is not for everyone. But, believe it or not, just about anyone who has tasted this soup found it delicious!

The Taj restaurant

The Taj Restaurant is the best (and only!) Indian restaurant in Palau. Since it is located on the main road through Koror, Palau’s former capital and still the population and commercial center, it’s very easy to locate this cozy and friendly place. The smile and hospitality of Robert, the owner of The Taj will make you feel welcome and comfortable to indulge in the tasty food of this restaurant.Indian atmosphere is felt strongly here. A big painting of an Indian lady decorates the wall, a statue of a Hindu God placed in the corner and different colors of soft sarongs hanging from the ceiling add to the calm impression of this restaurant. You will get extra entertainment while you wait for your food since they have a glass-walled kitchen, so that you can see the chef in action while preparing various dishes. If you like to enjoy the fresh ocean breeze while you eat, you could sit outside since The Taj just made an extension to its restaurant! The Taj serves a delicious and affordable variety of Indian food starting from US$7.00 per dish. Best recommended foods are Garlic Cheese Nan, Pulau Rice, Chicken Tikka, Butter Chicken, Briyani and Tandoori Lamb. Besides, The Taj also offers different kinds of drinks and sisha as well. ** Lunch buffet on Fridays at US$8.00

Jive Cafe and Restaurant

P.O. Box 10107Koror 96940

Telephone: 680-488-5483,3779,0606

Fax: 680-488-5777

Email: jive@palau-impac.com

Website: http://www.palau-impac.com/JIVE

Contact: Ms. Yumiko Sugawara

Nice and pleasant location to command sunset. From the terrace you can observe fishes and corals. We serve variety of healthy food at a reasonable price. We have 9 Recipe of Japanese low calorie food. We also have vegetarian food like tofu. We also have selection of wine (California, Italy, Moldova ,etc.), cocktails and Japanese sake and shochu. We are open daily for breakfast 7:00-10:30 am, for dinner 16:30-23:30.

Telephone: (680) 488-1010Fax: 680-488-1471

Rock Island Cafe

OPERATORRock Island CafeP.O Box 428Koror 96940
DESCRIPTIONP.O Box 428, Koror, Palau 96940

Tel: 680-488-1010 Fax: 680-488-1471

Located in Medalaii, Koror.

Facilities: Bar. Tables: 25. Rooms: 1. Entertainment: Cable TV. Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Groups: Yes. Credit Cards: Not accepted.
Days of Operation: Closed Friday evening until Saturday evening
INCLUSIONS
SPECIAL NOTES:American & International dishes. The best pizza in Palau.

Palau: An Introduction

Palau - officially the Republic of Palau (Palauan: Beluu er a Belau), is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, some 500 miles (800 km) east of the Philippines and 2,000 miles (3,200 km) south of Tokyo. Having emerged from United Nations trusteeship (administered by the United States) in 1994, it is one of the world's youngest and smallest sovereign states. In English, the name is sometimes spelled Belau in accordance with the native pronunciation. It was formerly also spelled Pelew.

Early Palauans may have come from Polynesia and Asia. Depending on the origin of a family, Palauans may represent many parts of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. However, they are not traditionally considered to be Micronesian.
The archipelago is also known as "The Black Islands". Vintage maps and village drawings can be found at the Australian library online, as well as photos of the tattooed and pierced Ibedul of Koror and Ludee.

Carbon dating and recent archaeological discoveries have brought new attention to the archipelago. Cemeteries uncovered on the islands have shown that Palau has the oldest known burial ceremony in Oceania. There had been a dispute as to whether Palau was established around 2500 BC or 1000 BC. New studies seem to disprove both of these dates. Palau's ancient trading partner, Java, has also come under close scrutiny since Homo floresiensis was found. Like Flores, remains of small-bodied humans have been found in Palau.

For thousands of years, Palauans have had a well established matrilineal society, believed to have descended from Javanese precedents. Traditionally land, money, and titles passed through the female line. Clan lands continue to be passed through titled women and first daughters but there is also a modern patrilineal sentiment introduced by imperial Japan. The Japanese government attempted to confiscate and redistribute tribal land into personal ownership during World War II, and there has been little attempt to restore the old order. Legal entanglements continue amongst the various clans.

Picture shows the New Capitol of Palau located in Melekeok State.

Dolphins Pacific

Dolphins Pacific is the world's largest marine mammal interaction, educational, and research facility. Located in Northern side of Nheruktabel Island in the Republic of Palau called "Dolphin Bay" is just minutes from the island of Koror's popular dive resort, and unique like no other place in the world.

Situated in a 200-million-gallon saltwater lagoon, our modern impoundment and dock facilities provide an expansive, healthful marine environment for our resident population of dolphins, as well as relaxing eco-friendly venue for everyone to enjoy. In addition to the controlled under water habitats that are designed for safe, enjoyable dolphin interaction. Dolphins Pacific includes a large expanse of natural lagoon where dophins and guests can swim, snorkel, play and dive in the legendary waters of Palau. The facility is equiped with wading flatform suitable for use by children to elders, and also designed to accomodate individuals with/are physically challenged.

Jungle River Boat Cruise

Palau Jungle River Boat Cruise
On July 2nd, the Palau Visitors Authority Management and associates went on a tour on one of Palau’s newest attraction, the Jungle River Boat Cruise. Located in Ngchesar State, the Jungle River Boat Cruise is one of Palau’s Eco-friendly tours giving clients an ideal way to relax and see nature firsthand. The River Boat Cruise is the brainchild of Mr. Billy Takamine, who is a native of Ngchesar State. The River Boat Cruise takes about one hour back and forth on an all-aluminum boat that can carry up to 40 passengers at a time, depending on the tides of the river. The tour starts at the main dock and goes upstream coming out to the ocean that is approximately 5 miles long with 2.5 mile each way.
Six PVA Associates and two interns from University of Guam and Xavier High School were very impressed by the tour and the beauty that garden along the path to the boat dock. During the tour, they got a chance to see the crocodiles, a total of three who swam by the boat as soon it approached upstream. According to the boat operator, the crocodiles are a little bit of celebrities to their adventurous guests. The River Boat Cruise facilities include a gift shop, two “summer houses” resembling Palauan bais’ with colorful paintings which is used for resting area and in the future for entertainment and basket weaving demonstrations. They offer several packages to clients that include barbeque set lunches with entertainment, basket weavings and Babeldaob tour.

Airai Water Paradise Staffs experienced and enjoyed the relaxing tour as passing the river and feeding the crocodiles. The staffs enjoyed taking pictures at their Summer house with different animals too.

Art of Palau

The storyboard is a new form of Palauan art. Storyboards are portable adaptations of a traditional story. Since the 1930's many master carvers have produce storyboards wtih unique styles nad compositions. The process of storyboard carvings has many steps. The first step is to find an appropriate peice of wood. The wood is cut into large and small peices. They may cut pieces into smaller planks with a table saw . The carvers sand the rough wood surface by hand or with an electric sander until it is smooth. Once the board and tools are ready, the artist starts with his composition of the story. It may take several days before an artist visualizes his composition. An artist's creativity brings a story to life. Once the artist sketches his composition on the wood, he is ready to carve. Once he completes the carvings, he sands the whole board with fine sandpaper until it is smooth. In this picture is a finished storyboard which tells the Palauan legend of the Breadfruit Tree. This is the largest Storyboard in Palau which is located in the Lobby of Airai Water Paradise Hotel & Spa!

Worlds Famous Rock Islands

World famous 70 Islands and home of the Ngerukewid Islands Wildlife Preserve. A shallow lagoon surrounds the Preserve and a western barrier reef protects it from the open ocean's waves. At least 100 species of plants, 28 species of birds, 80 species of coral, 169 species of fish and 260 other marine invertebrates inhabit this Preserve. The relatively small size and the inaccessibility of the Ngerukewid Islands discourage inhabitants. No one is allowed into the Preserve without permission. The Rock Islands are linked in places by long, steep, heavily vegetated strips on upthrusted limestone. Islands are slowly undercut by wave action as well as chemical and biological erosion until, ultimately, they tumble into the lagoon to become a platform for additional coral growth. There are approximately 70 marine lakes in the Rock Islands. The lakes are very different from each other in terms of the marine life found in them. The marine lake vary in size. Smaller Lakes are the size of a small farm pond. Larger lakes can be as long as 1.25 miles.

The Stone Money of Yap

Yapese myths claim that an ancient navigator sailed his canoe 250 miles to the neigboring island of Palau and discovered a sparkling rock, which today's geologists call "crystalline calcite." This material forms the colorful, glistering walls of limestone caves that honeycomb Palau's Rock Islands.

According to the legends, the navigator instructed his sailing crew to carve pieces of rock in the shape of a full moon. A hole was cut in the center of the stone disks so that they could be carried on wooden poles. Radioactive carbon dating indicates the Yapese may have been producing stone money as fas back as 1,500 to 2,000 years ago.

ROC Navy Arrives in Palau

April 13, 2010 the ROC Naval Ship arrive at Palau around 2:30 in the afternoon. Around 800 ROC Navy including its officers visit Palau for a 3-day exploration. They visit hotels, dine at restaurants, buy souviners and play in water for their 3-day stay here in Palau.