PALAU – THE PACIFIC OASIS

Silvia Madina

Republic of Palau includes 260 islands, the most of those are situated in an enormous lagoon. It is sparsely populated, 70% from those lives at the island Babeltuap and island Koror. The archipelago Palau is situated at 750 km east from the Philippines and it is rounded from all of the sides from the Pacific Ocean. It is real oasis, isolated archipelago with an abundance of animal species. This destination is famous like the place with the richest flora and fauna in the world. The variety of animal and plant species is as on the dry land, as under the water. Here are met three big ocean currents, because of what the water around the island is full with over 1500 kinds of fishes and 700 kinds of corals. Palau is one of the most exotic and attractive destinations for the fanciers of the scuba diving. The list of the most beautiful sea bottom of the “International association of the sea scientists and the defenders of the natural resources” starts just with Palau.

In Palau the more and more quickly and successfully develops the tourism. The place characterizes with calmness and fairy beauty. Although the endless beach strip, in Palau are situated many woods, waterfalls and others nature richness that create favorable conditions for the practice of other sports like paraplanerism, hiking, climbing and canoe kayak.

Natural miracles and attractions

The capital of Palau is Koror – calm and peaceful city that is the most advanced and fashion from all of the others Pacific cities. It is full of restaurants, night clubs and stores. The main attraction of the city is the National museum of Palau where you can see exhibits from different epoques, describing the history and the culture of the island. Among them is a little collection of Japanese equipment of war from the Second World War, jewels, money from valves, sea graphics etc. Another attraction that doesn’t have to be missed is the Center of the Elders, where skilled masters teach local occupations of the young. The island is full of many caves and of exotic nooks like waterfalls and little rock islands. The traces of ancient cultures can’t stay unnoticed – mysterious statues, stone carvings and rock drawings. At the island Malakal is situated one of the biggest aquariums, where are organized a great number of research works with an objective the preservation of the environment of the Pacific Ocean. The 8th miracle is also situated in Palau. This is the medusa lake that is the only one and unique in the world. The swimming is permitted only with a mask and schnorkel and at the surface of the water, because at the depth surpassing 10 meters, the water becomes highly toxic. This is the reason the diving here to be strictly forbidden.

After in July 2004 is opened the airline “Palau Micronesia Air” the island enjoys higher attendance and transforms in easily achieved destination.

Photos:

1. – 2. Palau – the green oasis in “the blue desert”.

3. – 4. The snorkeling and the scuba diving are the main reason for the tourism in Palau.

5. – 9. Palau offers a number of other attractions and nature sights.

10. The national museum in Palau.

11. Palau offers exotic dishes with sea gifts.

Source: www.wikipedia.org; www.lizasreef.com; www.sogonow.com;

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