We have just received this News from Palau - Micronesia.

Shark Savers' "Thank you to Palau"
book presented to Palauan President Toribiong

Photo: Copyright PALAU HORIZON;
Courtesy www.sharksanctuary.com

You may recall that Shark Savers fielded two petitions regarding Palau. The first one opposed a bad shark fishing law and the second one thanked Palau for subsequently protecting sharks by creating the National Shark Sanctuary. We created a book consisting of your signatures and comments for presentation to President Toribiong. Today, our book was presented to the President on our behalf by our friend, Dermot Keane of the Palau Shark Sanctuary. Here is Dermot's report: Read the complete article @ Shark Savers' "Thank you to Palau" book presented to Palauan President Toribiong

TV report on Palau Shark Sanctuary just in...

Dateline video journalist David O’Shea takes his first ever scuba dive and plunges into the controversy over saving the ocean’s top predator. read more Click this LINK or the Image above.


In support of the Palau Shark Sanctuary & Sam's Tours

Palau Tour, Dive & Resort Operators at Duesseldorf
Boat Show 2010 Germany.

We have just received these Photos and article from Dermot Keane who is attending the Boat Show in Germany with other Dive and Resort Operators from Palau Micronesia. At the Palau Booth you find: Operators from Yap with other Palau operators including NECO MARINE, Fish’nFins & Palau Pacific Resort. China Airlines is also offering flights with direct service from Frankfurt to Taipei, with connecting service to Koror, Palau 4 times per week. Starting at 990 EU in economy class.

Sam's Tours participates in the Q Divers stand for the first time. We joined the Quality Divers network at the last BOOT Show and attended the Birmingham Dive Show in late Oct 2009 as our first show with QD. This is our first BOOT.  Traffic at the show was quite good with lots of interested shoppers who seemed serious about traveling and ready to buy.
Sam's Tours is also participating at the Palau - Yap Booth with other Palau operators including NECO MARINE and Palau Pacific Resort.

 

As always, the Stemmer Family is there in full force to support Sam's Tours with Kristina staffing the Palau Booth for Sam's Tours and mom Gisela covering the Quality Divers stand, while dad Bernd attends the BOOT representing China Airlines who offers direct service from Frankfurt to Taipei, with connecting service to Koror, Palau 4 times per week.starting at 990 EU in economy class.
 

 
Dermot Keane GM from Sam’s Tours and Vicktor at the
Sam’s Tours Booth in Germany

Sam's Tours good friend, sculptor Vicktor stopped by the booth. Vicktors granite sculpture of Hans and Lotti Haas will be unveiled at the show this week and then go to Vienna for display. http://www.vuam.net/
Presently Vicktors "Legends of the Sea" collection is on display at GOOGLE'S HQ in Cupertino, CA.
 
Vicktor has dived in Palau with Sam's Tours
His Pioneers and Heroes collection includes Valerie Taylor, Jacques Cousteau, Dr. Sylvia Earle, Stan Waterman
 
http://www.vuam.net/pioners_and_heroes.html
 
http://www.vuam.net/education.html

Vicktor the sculptor  www.VUAM.net  

From the Editor: PalauTours.com

I have just received this news from eyes2market in Germany, re. filming in Palau “Forgotten Islands”

© Gunther Deichmann - Courtesy palautours.com
Reef and Islands

Alii from snowy Hamburg,

As some of you already know Mr. Junker from MDR is currently filming in Palau for his broadcast "Forgotten Islands".
During the days of his filming he is blogging and MDR is showing his video diary (at least for the days where he is able to upload the film :-) )
http://www.mdr.de/junkers-tagebuch  (video diary)
www.mdr-junkers-tagebuch.de/

© Gunther Deichmann - Courtesy palautours.com
ancient stone path


© Gunther Deichmann - Courtesy palautours.com
Palau saltwater Crocodile

PALAU KIDS SEA CAMP
@ SAM’S TOURS
LET THE FUN BEGIN....


© Gunther Deichmann - discover the magic of Palau

THE PALAU KIDS SEA CAMP has started... just in from Palau; fun and education for Children another first for Palau and Sam’s Tours, locally sponsored by Continental Airlines, Palau Royal Resort and Sea Passion Hotel & of course Sam’s Tours our Partner in the Philippine Micronesia Alliance.

This is another first for Palau the first one being the Shark Sanctuary...not only is Palau a Shark Sanctuary but now contributing to Childrens education... learning about our environment while having real fun.

Special thanks to all the International sponsors: Sport Diver Magazine - PADI Diving Society - PADI Project Aware - SCUBAPRO - Uwatec
UK Underwater Kinetics - Sea Life Camera - DAN Divers Alert Network.

Good luck to all Kids and adults who
have joined this fun trip to Palau...
have lots of fun and be good.

We try to update you in the coming days on all of the activities from one of Natures best kept secrets...PALAU.

EXECUTIVE BRIEFING - FINAL

Kids Sea Camp – Palau:
November 22 – 28, 2009, Koror, Palau

Local Sponsors:
Sam’s Tours
Palau Royal Resort
Sea Passion Hotel
Continental Airlines

International Sponsors:

Sport Diver Magazine
PADI Diving Society
PADI Project Aware
SCUBAPRO - Uwatec
UK Underwater Kinetics
Sea Life Camera
DAN Divers Alert Network

About Kids Sea Camp: www.kidsseacamp.com

Kids Sea Camp was founded in 2001 by Ms. Margo Peyton, a scuba diver and mother of two children. Kids Sea Camp now visits over 8 countries around the world and is a two time Emmy Award winning prestigious program coveted by top diving destinations. Kids Sea Camps are hosted by PADI 5-Star Dive Centers in exotic destinations that include Bahamas, Bonaire, Belize, Costa Rica, Fiji, Grand Cayman, Galapagos, and now Palau!

Kids Sea Camp is a fun-filled vacation for families who love the ocean and promotes greater awareness of the marine environment with a strong focus on conservation. During Kids Sea Camp, students enjoy multiple educational activities teaching them new and fun things about the oceans in both classroom environment and hands-on programs.

There are approximately twenty families attending Kids Sea Camp Palau, mostly from the United States. All participants will stay at the Palau Royal Resort hotel while educational activities and evening programs will take place at Sea Passion Hotel.

Dermot Keane GM from Sam’s Tours during the welcome Ceremony

Sam Scott and Son during the welcome ceremony

The Kids have arrived...

Children will attend daily marine educational programs, based on their age groups, which include learning to snorkel and scuba dive. Dive certified adults and teens will enjoy snorkeling and diving on Palau’s world renowned outer reefs. SEEDS OF PROMISE, a Palau non-profit group, will conduct the educational activities and programs for children. Evenings will be spent together as families with themed entertainment following dinner.

Sam’s Tours is very pleased to have secured this much sought-after event for Palau with over twenty families attending the very first Kids Sea Camp to be held this side of the globe. We are also happy to report that we have secured Kids Sea Camp for Palau again in 2010, and expect more than fifty families to participate in an expanded program.

Kids Sea Camp - Principals & VIPS

EXECUTIVE BRIEFING UPDATED EFFECTIVE 11/22/09 – FINAL

Kids Sea Camp – VIP Attendee List

Margo Peyton: Founder Kids Sea Camp

Margo, who began diving in 1989 and is a PADI Dive Master with thousands of logged dives, founded Kids Sea Camp in 2001. She is also a photographer and an artist who works with local schools providing marine oriented educational presentations. Margo contributes to Oceans for Youth, Ocean Pals, Sea of Tomorrow, Ocean Wishes and many other charities, donating, proceeds, trips and art work for silent Auctions where proceeds go to her favorite charities. She has won two Emmy Awards for her educational programming.

In 2009, Margo was inducted into the prestigious Women Divers Hall of Fame, an international not-for-profit organization established to recognize the elite and outstanding women divers whose achievements have enriched the worldwide scuba diving community. Margo resides in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida after moving from the Cayman Islands.

First snorkel at the Jelly Fish lake

Ron G. Steven “Rogest”: Marine Artist

Ron Stevens is a renowned marine artist, dive instructor, and North American Group representative for Mike Ball Expeditions Australia. Ron has worked with Kids Sea Camp since 2003, sharing his interests in painting, poetry, song and dance with kids and adults alike. Ron’s work has been featured in many diving and marine environment magazines.
For more information visit: www.rogest.com

Ms. Carolyn Pascal: Publisher, Bonnier Corp www.sportdiver.com
Sport Diver Magazine
Scuba Diving Magazine

Mr. Jerry Beatty Associate Publisher
Dive Training Magazine

Relax 'n Unwind at the
Palau Pacific Resort

Celebrating 25 Years.

Dive & Travel Awards 2008 Winner
Best Resort Hotel & Best Diving Resort Hotel
Reader's Choice

Palau Pacific Resort is surrounded by the pristine, crystal blue waters of the western Pacific Ocean, combining the true spirit and culture of the islands with a tranquil ambience and beauty, in a world-famous resort destination for both scuba-divers and non-divers alike.

Palau Pacific Resort is the only luxury international resort in Palau featuring a private 1000-feet blanket of white sand beach with excellent snorkeling right off the hotel's beach front, a freshwater outdoor beachside swimming pool and Jacuzzi overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This superb hotel has two outdoor tennis courts, a saltwater fish pond with over 200 fish, clams and stingrays, the hotel's all-day alfresco restaurant and a fine dining restaurant offer the finest seafood and international cuisine.

Coconut TerraceEnjoy casual alfresco dining facing the sea! Coconut Terrace offers a delicious buffet breakfast, a la carte lunch, and a la carte or theme night buffet dinner with live music and local dance entertainment featured most every night. 150 seats
Cuisine Type: International Operating Hours: Daily - 6:30 am to 11:00 pm
Meduu Ribtal Restaurant Meduu Ribtal offers a unique dining experience in air-conditioned comfort in an island motif setting, featuring Pacific Rim cuisine including fresh local seafood, U.S. prime beef and island specialties with live music featured most every night. 40 seats
Cuisine Type: International Operating Hours: Daily - 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Akoi Koi BarA cozy gathering place off the hotel lobby. A popular place to get together with friends.
Cuisine Type: Drinks and snacks Operating Hours: Daily - 11:00am to 11:00 pm
Mesekiu WaterholeAn oasis under the palm trees by the beach, serving refreshing tropical drinks and offering an all-day snack menu.

http://www.palauppr.com/



For more info on Palau and the Palau Pacific Resort
please go to:
http://www.palautours.com/ppr-hotel.html

Please sign the Thank You Palau in appriciation for the Worlds first Shark Sanctuary, just click on the LINK below or the image.

THANK YOU from around the World!

Go raibh maith agat - Gracias - 谢谢您 - Bedankt - Salamat - merci - Σε ευχαριστώ - terima kasih - Danke -Cảm ơn bạn - ขอบคุณ - ありがとうございました - 謝謝您 - Dankie - شكرا لك - tänan teid - Благодаря - धन्यवाद - grazie - dziękuję - TACK SJÄLV - благодарю - tänan teid - 감사합니다 - obrigado - تشکر از شم - Teşekkürler - א דאנק - Дзякуй - Kiitos - תוֹדָה - köszönöm!

http://www.sharksavers.org/get-involved/sign-these-petitions/608-thank-you-palau.html

For more information visit: www.sharksanctuary.com   or  www.sharksanctuary.blogspot.com

For Immediate Release:
KOROR, PALAU, 9/28/2009, 7:45 p.m.
 

 A Hero’s Welcome for Palau
President Johnson Toribiong.

 

A well deserved and warm welcome to
Palau President H.E. Johnson Toribiong

Palau President H.E. Johnson Toribiong arrived home moments ago to a hero’s welcome at Koror International Airport, Palau. The founder of Palau Shark Sanctuary, Dermot Keane, Managing Director of Palau dive shop Sam’s Tours, was on hand to greet the President and thanked him for declaring Palau a Shark Sanctuary.
 
The large welcome committee included grateful members of the Palauan community who greeted President Toribiong with flower leis and loud applause upon his arrival. Palauans are understandably proud of their President who declared Palau as a Shark Sanctuary during his recent address to the United Nations, General Assembly, on Friday, September 25, 2009.
 

A warm welcome...Dermot Keane from the Shark Sanctuary &
President Toribiong from Palau at the arrival only hours ago at the Palau airport

Despite his long journey from Washington D.C. to Palau, the President was clearly moved by the warm reception and graciously thanked everyone for showing up to welcome him. Palau Shark Sanctuary once again thanks and admires President Toribiong for his landmark declaration of Palau as a Shark Sanctuary.
 
Palau Shark Sanctuary was founded in 2001 with a goal of securing a declaration by Palau that the waters of their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are a Shark Sanctuary.
For more information visit: www.sharksanctuary.com   or  www.sharksanctuary.blogspot.com

Breaking NEWS! President Toribiong just arrived in Palau few minutes ago from New York and the UN where he had made World News declaring Palau a Shark Sanctuary!

© Gunther Deichmann - Palau Airport from the air

50plus people to meet him at airport.....applause, flower leis, Shark Sanc T-shirts and Shark Sanc banner. More info and I hope images later direct from Palau...

http://www.sharksanctuary.com/

We have just picked up this fantastic NEWS from http://www.deichmann-photo.com/blog.html
Congratulation to Palau and our respect to President Johnson Toribiong for taken this step towards the conservation of our Marine Life, in particular to the protection of our Sharks. A fantastic example to others, who will hopefully follow soon

Environmental NEWS from Palau, a world first towards the conservation and protection of Sharks. We are proud to be associated with the Shark-sanctuary in Palau.

Breaking News & a breakthrough in Conservation from Palau Micronesia!
Palau Does Care!


© Gunther Deichmann - Shark and Underwater photographer
at the Blue Corner Palau, Micronesia;
for more images on Palau please visit the PhotoShelter Gallery at:
Marine Life and other Palau images

Palau President Toribiong has announced only a few hours ago at the UN in New York that Palau is the first WORLD SHARK SANCTUARY ! This is a milestone in the conservation and preservation of Sharks in Palau, setting an example for the rest of the World. More information and updates as they become available soon.

The original message:
Just been advised that Palau President Johnson Toribiong will announce in 30 minutes at the UN Conference in New York that Palau is the first WORLD SHARK SANCTUARY !!!!!!!!!!! 

Excerpts from the announcement by President Johnson Toribiong;
As many as 100 million sharks are killed each year around the world."These creatures are being slaughtered and are perhaps at the brink of extinction unless we take positive action to protect them," said President Toribiong.
Other related LINKS:

http://www.palautours.com/

http://www.palautours.com/blog.html

http://www.sharksanctuary.com/index.html

http://sharksanctuary.blogspot.com/

The Nature Conservancy is not only Protecting nature but preserving life and plays a big environmental role in Palau Micronesia. Protect and treasure one of Natures last Paradise on Earth below and above the waves.

© Gunther Deichmann - unique marine bio diversity,
image above: Soft Coral Arch Palau

“We need a little more compassion, and if we cannot have it, then no politician or even a magician can save the planet.”
Dalai Lama

Excerpts below from Nature Conservancy website...

© Gunther Deichmann - Palau is home to many Bird
species, like this Rookery near Kayangal

...Legendary for its astonishing marine diversity and beauty, even named one of the “Seven Underwater Wonders of the World” by divers, Palau holds far more than seems possible in the 170 square miles it covers.
Underwater, Palau supports an amazing 373 coral species, and nearly 1,300 varieties of reef fish... read more:
Click this LINK to Natures Conservancy, with more environmental info on Palau.

Support The Nature Conservancy & Palau Conservation Society
Keeping Palau a “Wonder”


© Gunther Deichmann - Palau is an important nesting ground for Turtles


© Gunther Deichmann - dense unspoiled rainforest and unique vegetation


© Gunther Deichmann - flesh eating plant from Palau

For more images on Palau please visit my Photoshelter Gallery
Click the LINK and type your subject e.g. Palau, Jelly Fish lake,
Rock Islands, Aerials etc. or what ever you’re looking for in the Search Box.

Natures Kaleidoscope below and above the waves. Exclusive Travel Report from Palau Micronesia! Photographs... The Pearls of the Pacific...


© Gunther Deichmann - ... Palau Airport

Palau the hidden Crown Jewel in the Pacific…never heard about it? About time we introduce you to one of the most charming places on Earth… some call it… the forgotten Paradise or the Pearls of the Pacific.
No words can describe Palau... even before you land the view from the arriving aircraft will take your Breath away.

© Gunther Deichmann - aerial View of the Rock Islands

© Gunther Deichmann - The mysterious Milky Way

I have been traveling to Palau the past 15 years and I still cant get enough of its beauty above and below the waves. Quoted as one, if not the Best Dive destination in the world.
Like a child in a candy shop, I am like that every time I travel to Palau, discovering new things all the time…it is just awesome. It is one of those places one should visit at least once in their lifetime.

© Gunther Deichmann - Soft coral Arch Palau


© Gunther Deichmann - Eagle Ray at Blue Corner


© Gunther Deichmann - meet the BIG ones at
Blue Corner & Dive with Sam’s Tours

The information below is courtesy of Palautours.com containing information how to get there and a very brief inside of this truly remarkable place. For all our Camera enthusiast we highly recommend Sam’s Tour’s Digital Photo Center which is fully equipped with iMac Computers and state of the art Software like Aperture.

© Gunther Deichmann - The Nautilus our “living fossil”

There are many ways to get to Palau and flying direct is not always the most economical or timely method. Many guests that fly in from the states catch a flight out of L.A. or San Francisco to Japan and then catch a flight from Japan to Guam (there are multiple flights a day from Japan flying into Guam) and then Guam to Palau. The use of frequent flyer miles is also available, remember to book early or have a great travel agent if you are trying to go that route.
Continental Micronesia is the major airline of Micronesia and flies into Palau 6 days a week: 2 times a day on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays; and once a day on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. (Please note: these schedules are subject to change it is advisable to check with your airlines first)
They have service from Guam 6 days a week, with connections to and from Yap on Wednesdays and Sundays. There is service to and from Palau from Manila, Philippines (this seems to be the best way to travel to Palau from Asia or Europe); twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There is service to and from Kaoshiung and Taipei, Taiwan on Tuesdays and Saturdays; and service to and from Taipei, Taiwan on Thursdays and Sundays on Far Eastern Air Transport (or FAT Airline). Japan Airlines (JAL) has flights to and from Palau twice a month.

Palau offers you the world's most beautiful tropical paradise. Famous for it’s diving, Palau is rated as one of the world's best diving destinations by scuba aficionados. And why not...Palau has unspoiled reefs, caves, and walls with the most amazing array of marine life you can ever imagine.

© Gunther Deichmann - Napoleon Wrasse, get close to Marine life.

Palau beckons to you with some of the world's most
awesome natural wonders.

Imagine the whitest beaches you will ever see, gardens of coral just beneath the clearest waters, lakes filled to the brim with "sting less" jellyfish. Forests, waterfalls and caves that have never been ravaged by man, and hundreds of islands of the purest beauty abound all along our pristine archipelago.

© Gunther Deichmann - swim with jelly fish and not getting stung.

Palau beckons to you with some of the world's most awesome natural wonders. Imagine the whitest beaches you will ever see, gardens of coral just beneath the clearest waters, lakes filled to the brim with "sting less" jellyfish.

© Gunther Deichmann - ... awesome Palau Waterfall

Palau. To many the name conjures up images of lush jungles atop mushroom-shaped limestone islands surrounded by turquoise waters so abundant with life that it is nearly impossible to ingest it all. With magnificent reefs that contain over 1300 species of fish and 400 species of coral, it is no surprise that it is recognized as one of the best and most consistent places to see a huge diversity and abundance of both small tropical fish and large pelagic predators.

© Gunther Deichmann - The Natural Arch, Palau


© Gunther Deichmann - Explore amazing Palau by Kayaks


© Gunther Deichmann - Kayaking through the Mangroves

There are several reasons for Palau's diversity of life, particularly the marine life, with some of the major factors being the variety of habitats and reef structures as well as its location. Between the coastal mangroves of Babeldaob and the outer reef walls of the Ngemelis and Pelelui, exists an extensive shallow and deep water lagoon containing limestone islands, sheltered marine lakes, and narrow passages that provide a mixture of different habitats that support a variety of fish and coral. Further, the ranges of reef structures, from sheer vertical walls to underwater caves provide numerous places for species to live. If the diversity of habitats in Palau is poised to accommodate a terrific amount of marine life, its location is the reason that much of the marine life made it here in the first place. Palau resides just outside of the ‘Coral Triangle' an area recognized as the center of marine biodiversity and has three major bodies of water converge on the island. To the East is the Pacific Ocean, to the West the Philippine Sea, and to the South, the Celebes Sea.

© Gunther Deichmann - paradise is waiting for YOU.

As the Pacific Ocean, the Philippine and Celebes Seas circulate, the potential to bring larva of coral, fish, and invertebrates to Palau from different parts of the Indo-Pacific region is very high.

© Gunther Deichmann- have your own Island

Terrestrially, Palau has one of the most diverse assemblages of flora and fauna in Micronesia The different geology, predominantly the limestone Rock Islands and the large volcanic main island of Babeldaob provide excellent substrate for a diverse number of trees, plants, birds, and reptiles. There are over 1250 species of plants, 140 species of birds (including 8 endemic species), and 50 species of amphibians and reptiles (including the largest reptile, the Saltwater Crocodile, (Crocodylus porosus ). With all of the diversity in Palau , both above and below the water, it will amaze even the most seasoned naturalist.

© Gunther Deichmann - Sunset in the Rock Islands


© Gunther Deichmann - enjoy the Spa at the Palau Pacific Resort.


© Gunther Deichmann - see You soon in Palau Micronesia.

See pages after pages with stunning images and information on Palau @ http://www.palautours.com/
You can Check also with the Palau Visitors Authority (PVA) for more local information once you have arrived in Palau.
For a Birds-eye view of Palau check out Palau Helicopters @ http://www.palautours.com/palauheli-other.html

For more information please contact the Palau Visitors Authority & click this LINK for all Tour Operator Listing and other activities

Or check the Palau Blog spot

Above: The most comprehensive Pocket Guide Book on Palau and Environs, available at all leading Dive Centers, General Stores, Hotels and Resorts.

For more Photos on Palau please click this LINK there you find three seperate Galleries on Palau

© Gunther Deichmann- Jelly Fish Lake in Palau

Sam’s Tourswas instrumental and supported the German Crew from the famous GEO Magazine during their stay in Palau.

Video: Unterwasserwelt Palau
Palau ist ein Archipel im Pazifik. Dort erforschen Wissenschaftler die Mechanismen der Evolution - in Salzwasserseen mit abermillionen Quallen
Excerpts from the online article:
Wo liegt Palau?
Der Inselstaat Palau liegt nördlich von Papua-Neuguinea im Pazifischen Ozean und gehört zur Region Mikronesien. Je nach Zählweise gehören 250 bis 350 Inseln zu dem Archipel. Die 20.000 Einwohner Palaus bewohnen jedoch nur neun. Hauptstadt ist Melekeok.

Von 1899 bis 1914 war Palau deutsche Kolonie, danach beherrschten Japaner die Inseln bis zum Zweiten Weltkrieg. Seit 1994 ist der Staat unabhängig, hat aber einen Assoziationsvertrag mit den USA unterzeichnet. Das heißt: Für die Verteidigung Palaus sind die USA zuständig.

Wissenschaftler erhoffen sich in dem Tümpel Ongeim'l Tketau, einem Quallentümpel, Rückschlüsse auf die Geschichte des Ozeans ziehen zu können.
Mehr @
http://www.geo.de/GEO/natur/oekologie/60465.html?p=1&q=palau

Latest NEWS...

Associated Press
Palau cites human rights in resettling detainees
Associated Press, 06.11.09, 12:44 AM EDT
WELLINGTON, New Zealand -- Palau's president says his tiny Pacific island state considered human rights - and not China's reaction - when it agreed to take in 17 Chinese Muslim separatists detained at Guantanamo Bay.

Palau President Johnson Toribiong says his country has agreed to a U.S. request to resettle the detainees out of humanitarian concerns and because their imprisonment is unlawful...more at;
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap

More links to this breaking story you find at the following links.

cites human rights in resettling detainees
Forbes - NY,USA
AP , 06.11.09, 12:44 AM EDT WELLINGTON, New Zealand --Palau's president says his tiny Pacific island state considered human rights - and not China's...
See all stories on this topic
agrees to take Uighurs held in Guantanamo
Ynetnews - Israel
The tropical Pacific island nation ofPalau said on Wednesday that it had agreed to temporarily take in 17 Chinese Muslims held at the US detention center...


United Press International - USA
WASHINGTON, June 10 (UPI) -- The Pacific island nation ofPalau has agreed to take 17 Chinese Muslims detained at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, US officials said...

Palau to Take Uighur Gitmo Detainees
FOXNews - USA
Two US officials reportedly said that the US was prepared to givePalau up to $200 million in development, budget support and other assistance in return for...

Palau

Palau

UPI NewsTrack TopNews

US Money May Have Swayed

The Kids coming to Palau Micronesia…maybe a bit older then the image below, but then it is never to early to find out about the Environment, our Marine life or Scuba Diving.

© Gunther Deichmann - It is never to early...learn how to dive.

We have picked up this post from Sam’s Tours Palau, see below the details.

Monday, May 11, 2009
Late Breaking News! KIDS SEA CAMP coming to Palau!
We’re delighted to report that Sam’s Tours has been selected to host the very first KIDS SEA CAMP (KSC) in Palau slated for this November. Kids Sea Camp is an award-winning educational vacation program for families that love the ocean.
Kids Sea Camp PALAU 2009: November 21 – 28, 2009.

Kids Sea Camp is the brain child of Margo Peyton, a scuba diver since 1989. This Scuba mom with husband Tom, two kids of her own, Jen and Robbie, decided it was important for her family to spend time together doing what she loved the most, scuba diving & travel.
Kids Sea Camp is a full week's schedule of events and educational programs that promises great times and learning experiences for families with kids age 4-15. Each week includes 7 nights accommodations, diving, meals, excursions, activities for both adults and kids including, diving, snorkeling and many PADI Specialty courses.
KSC is hosted at PADI 5 Star Dive Resorts around the world which include Cayman Islands, Bonaire, Roatan, Fiji, Curacao, Galapagos and now in PALAU! Sam’s Tours and Palau Royal Resort, a Nikko Hotels International partner http://www.palau-royal-resort.com/ are teamed up to host this exciting event. Space is limited so get in touch with Sam’s Tours right away if you’d like to participate.
Families can spend a week scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, discovering underwater photography, meeting other families and making friends from all around the world. Kids Sea Camp is the perfect family vacation for those that love to scuba!
Sam’s Tours PADI Five Star National Geographic Dive Center is proud to have been selected to host Palau’s very first Kids Sea Camp and we are already in full swing planning an exciting action-packed week of fun in the sun!
For more information on Kids Sea Camp please visit http://kidsseacamp.com/ although details of the Palau Kids Sea may not be posted yet.

For bookings please contact: kids@kidsseacamp.com or e-mail Sam’s Tours Reservations Desk at: reservations@samstours.com
Kids Sea Camp PALAU 2009: November 21 – 28, 2009.

CLASSIC PALAU...FROM TOP DIVE SITES TO YOUR ULTIMATE IN ACCOMMODATION & fine dining...

Graphic © palautours.com

Explore Palau below the waves with Sam’s Tours and pamper yourself at the Palau Pacific Resort.

Palau is famous for its outstanding Landscapes and spectacular Dive Sites, a dream for every Nature Lover & Diver on the Planet.

After a good day of hiking, exploring, snorkeling or kayaking what better place to relax then at the Palau Pacific Resort. Tied from walking? Why don’t you view Palau from the air, take a great Helicopter ride with Palau Helicopters and get a birds eye view of the Rock Islands.
In the evening you have the choice to wine and dine at the Palau Pacific Resort or venture to the Taj for some exquisite authentic Indian food, or you can hang out at Kraemers for some good food and a drink or two.
Watch the Sunset with your Dive Buddies at the Bottom Time Bar and Grill right at Sam’s Tours after your Dive.
New to Palau, don’t know what to do? You can check always with the Palau Visitors Authority or with your local Tour Operators what is happening around town or what trip to take.

Debate Over ‘Little People’ Intensifies After Recent Island Discovery
The bones and a single skull of these “little people” are believed to be remains of a separate species of the human family that lived about 18,000 years ago on an island in Indonesia, as the scientists who made the sensational discovery concluded in 2004.

But persistent skeptics have contended in a recent flurry of scientific reports that they were nothing more than modern humans with unusually small bodies possibly malformed by genetic or pathological disorders.

Neither side is backing off in this sometimes bitter row...read more at the New York Times @
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/18/science/18litt.html?_r=1

Another Alien afternoon...

I have picked up this Blog Post from our good friend and top Underwater Photographer Tony Wu, I personally have never seen or encounter this one, if any larger it will send shiver down your spine. Now I know where Hollywood gets all those Alien Movie Ideas from, of course from our so precious and little explored oceans.
You have to check this one out… on purpose I have not included the image, I like to keep you in suspense, he, he. See the LINK below.
GD
Excerpts from Tony Wu’s Blog post:
Incidentally, a few nights ago on another night dive, we found and played with a couple of bobbit worms (Eunice aphroditois)…
a nocturnal, predatory polychaete worm.
I first sought out and photographed these scary animals about a decade ago in Secret Bay, Bali. We stayed up most of the night, diving in dark, cold waters to observe bobbit behaviour…read more and view the Bobbit Worm @

http://www.tonywublog.com/20090319/fright-night.html

Sharks in peril?

Late NEWS received from Sam’s Tour’s Blog, posted by Dermot Keane today the 18th of March 2009.

Repeal of Palau's Shark Protection Laws Proposed!

A Bill is now before Palau's OEK (Congress) that if passed would eliminate Palau's strong shark protection laws and actively encourage fishing for sharks and the taking of shark fins.

Senate Bill No. 8-44 seeks "to amend Title 27 of Palau's National Code to allow for the commercial fishing of sharks within Palau's Exclusive Economic Zone, to impose a tax on the export of sharks and tuna-like species, and for other related purposes."
The proposed law is a potentially severe blow to Palau's tourism industry of which scuba diving is the mainstay. Palau gained international recognition in 2004 for passage of landmark legislation that protected sharks, turtles and rays and outlawed the practice of shark-finning. Under Senate Bill 8-44 it is unclear whether shark fishing and or shark-finning is or is not permitted and the ambiguity will make it virtually impossible for law enforcement to successfully prosecute potential violators. Sections of the bill read as follows:
"It is unlawful for any person: to remove the fins of or otherwise intentionally mutilate or injure any such shark"...
Read More @ Sam’s Tours Blog

Continental Airlines: Fly from only US$ 495.-to Palau Micronesia from Manila, Philippines until March 2009!
Hurry... & book your flights now for an unforgettable Vacation in Paradise.

Please call Continental Airlines in Manila Philippines at; 818-8701 or 032 -233-7533 in Cebu City.

What a great Christmas Gift...Palau scores high in the latest Readers' Choice Survey SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE

Here are the results of SCUBA DIVING MAGAZINE Readers' Choice Survey:
SCUBA Diving Magazine Top 100 Readers' Choice Survey Jan/Feb 2009 Issue

Pacific & Indian Oceans

TOP DIVE DESTINATIONS:
1. Palau
TOP WALL DIVING:
1. Palau
TOP UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY:
1. Palau
TOP MARINE ENVIRONMENT:
2. Palau
TOP MARINE LIFE:
2. Palau
TOP VISIBILITY:
2. Palau
TOP WRECK DIVE:
3. Palau
TOP BIG ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS:
4. Palau
TOP MACRO LIFE:
5. Palau

Congratulation to the Management and staff at
Sam,’s Tours in Palau Micronesia for achieving
this outstanding Award!


Sam’s Tours location in Palau Micronesia

It's official.......Sam's Tours wins PVA's
Tour Operator of the Year Award!



Sam's Tours - TOUR OPERATOR OF THE YEAR!

The Palau Visitors Authority (PVA), Palau's official tourism board, announced their selection of Sam's Tours as "TOUR OPERATOR OF THE YEAR" for 2008. The announcement and award presentation took place during the Annual Christmas Gala of the Belau Tourism Association (BTA), Palau's private sector tourism industry association, recently held at the Palau Pacific Resort.
Awarding winning is not new to Sam’s Tours which has been consistently recognized over the years not only by government and industry bodies for their commitment to development of sustainable tourism in Palau but also by their customers for consistent service excellence. In 2007 Sam's Tours received a Top 10 Sponsor Award from PVA for "their continual support and sponsorship" and in 2006 the private sector Belau Tourism Association recognized Sam's Tours with their Outstanding Member Award for their "dedication, support and commitment over the years to Belau Tourism Association and its objectives.”
The readers of a leading international dive magazine have recognized Sam’s Tours more than any other dive center in Palau or Micronesia with seven “Readers Choice Awards” since 1997 including a Gold List Award for top dive center, top staff, and top value.
Sam’s Tours is the first and only dive center in Palau to receive the Palau Conservation Society “Ten Year Partner in Conservation Award” and is a Corporate Sponsor of the Palau Shark Sanctuary, a shark conservation organization founded in 2001 by Sam’s Tours General Manager, Dermot Keane, to help bring an end to the destructive practice of shark-finning by foreign fishing fleets operating in Palau’s waters. The Palau Shark Sanctuary received a PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Environmental Education Gold Award for their work.
“Sam’s Tours has consistently demonstrated their long standing commitment to responsible tourism development, environmental preservation, and excellence in customer service and while recognition is not what drives us to excel, we sincerely appreciate the acknowledgment of our efforts by our industry peers and our valued customers alike” said Dermot Keane, General Manager, Sam’s Tours.

Greetings from Palau Pacific Resort!

Weekly Theme night Buffet Dinner effective on November 17, 2008.

 

Thank you for your continued support in the Palau Pacific Resort.

Phone: (680) 488-2600 ext. 474
Fax: (680) 488-1606
Email: loreensugiyama@ppr-palau.com
Web: www.palauppr.com

Enjoy the fun and thrills of sportfishing and the adrenaline rush of fighting lively game fish including Marlin, Giant Trevally, Yellow Fin Tuna, Dogtooth Tuna, Skip Jack Tuna, Mahi Mahi. Or try your hand at spin-casting for Giant Trevally, Groupers, Red and White Snappers, Barracudas, and the like.

All tuna species, Wahoo and reef fish are in abundance year-round.

All Photos courtesy of Sam’s Tours Palau

Bill Fish are most productive from March through December and Mahi Mahi are most productive in December through April.
So why dont you book your next fishing trip with
Sam’s Tours or Neco Marine in December when the Mahi Mahi is still around to give you a great workout...

The latest NEWS from Sam’s Tours is Fly Fishing now in Palau
Fish in the worlds most exotic fishing hotspots

* Fly fishing and light tackle fishing.
* Coastal and Night Fishing, River estuaries, Flats, Lagoons, Sea grass, Reefs and
Open Water Fishing.
* Casting Lessons provided for beginners!
* Tarpon, Bonefish, Barracuda, Giant Trevally,
Tuna, Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) etc.
* Catch and release only.
* All New Premium Equipment for
Fly, Spincasting and Baitcaster.
* 2 Boats for flats, rivers or reefs,
20', and 16' flats.
* Family fishing trips, great for kids.
* Wade fishing trips on request

Tags: Fly fishing, Marlin Fishing

Have you ever considered a Sailing Trip around the Rock Islands in Palau?
Sailing and Diving in Palau with the Eclipse @ http://www.palau-divensail.com/

Sailing trips and deep sea fishing are among the more relaxing sea going activities, and what could be better than a silent cruise through the many protected lagoons, undisturbed by the whine of motorized vessels. For lunch or dinner, or simply to marvel at the fabulous sunset, just anchor adjacent to one of the sandy beaches, sit back, relax and be pampered by your friendly crew.

Amazing NEW find in the Pacific, Palau reveals new fish species...
for the images and Video please go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7564126.stm

Pacific dives recover novel fish...Marine biologists being filmed for a BBC TV series have confirmed an astonishing 13 new fish species on a single expedition in the Pacific Ocean.

The bright blue damselfish is finally in the hands of science.
The researchers have a further 15 animals they think may also be new to science but require additional study. The haul comes from deep dives made across reefs in Micronesia. The quest to find the novel fish is detailed in the series Pacific Abyss and includes the capture of a long-sought and spectacular damselfish. The team concentrated its efforts on waters referred to as the "twilight zone".
Sited some 60m (200ft) to 150m (500ft) down, this is a transition region between depths that still receive some sunlight during the daytime and waters that are in perpetual darkness.

The twilight zone is rarely explored, being below the activity of normal scuba activity but above the operations of most submersibles.
The scientists had to use sophisticated closed-circuit rebreather gear to avoid decompression problems. Even so, for safety reasons, their dives were strictly time-limited, and each sortie saw a quick scramble to net as many different fish as possible before the required slow ascent to the surface.
The newly described species include several new colourful damselfish in the Chromis genus; at least one new species of basslet (from the Plectranthias genus); an unusual hawkfish and a new species of butterflyfish.

The most spectacular recovery was of the bright blue damselfish found 120m down off Palau. This was described recently in the scientific literature by team-member Dr Richard Pyle, from the Bishop Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii.
The fish has been named Chromis abyssus in honour of the TV series.
The story is a more complicated one, however, because Dr Pyle first saw this fish more than a decade ago. Other researchers, too, had sightings, including one from a small submersible and another from a Remotely Oerated Vehicle (ROV).
It was during the BBC filming, though, that nine specimens were finally captured, allowing for an official scientific submission this year.
Discovery of a new fish species
Pacific Abyss starts its three-part run on Sunday, 17 August, on BBC One, at 2000 BST
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7564126.stm

Tags: Damselfish, Discovery, BBC Divers, New Fish Species, twilight zone, Abyss, Pacific Ocean, DIVING, Hawkfish, Basslet

The region known as Micronesia, meaning tiny islands, is in fact a vast areathat includes over eight nation-states and thousands of islands ranging from uninhabited atolls to overcrowded coral outcrops. Stretching from the Marshall Islands just west of Hawaii to the Caroline Islands east of the Philippines, and from the Marianas Islands to the north and Gilbert Islands to the south, Micronesia has less combined land area than the smallest state in the United States, yet more ocean area than the entire mainland USA. Located north of the equator, Micronesia sits on the fringes of the epicentre of marine biodiversity, making it a tropical diving paradise second to none. For scuba divers, the islands of Palau (or Belau), an independent republic since1994, and the island states of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae, which make up the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) are of the greatest interest. From the magnificent mantas of Yap, to the fascinating WWII wrecks of Truk Lagoon (Chuuk) to the schooling sharks of Palau’s renowned Blue Corner, Micronesia ranks among the world’s top high-voltage dive destinations.

Aerial view of pinchers lagoon, a favorite spot for dive training
due to its shallow waters. (excerpts from Fins Magazine)

:: PALAU ::
Palau was first brought to world attention when Captain Henry Wilson of the English vessel “Antelope” was
shipwrecked on Palau’s barrier reef near the island of Ulong in 1783. With assistance from Koror’s High Chief
Ibedul, Captain Wilson and his crew used wreckage of the Antelope to build another vessel and sailed away three
months later. Joining them on their journey back to England was Lebuu, son of the high chief. Word of Captain Wilson’s voyage spread, leading to further European contact, and in 1885, Spain was granted control of Palau by Pope Leo XIII. In 1899, Palau was sold by Spain to Germany, which quickly established mining and other operations to tap Palau’s abundant natural resources. Following Germany’s defeat in World War I, Palau was granted to the Japanese under the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, and by 1922, it had become the administrative headquarters for Japanese-controlled territories in Micronesia and the South Pacific. Japan closed off Palau (and other areas in Micronesia) from the rest of the world and began heavy fortification of the islands. Palau endured heavy fighting during World War II, including massive aerial bombardments of Koror, particularly during the assault of Peleliu Island by US Marines that resulted in horrendous casualties on both sides. Remnants of WWII
are still visible throughout Palau today, including many ship and plane wrecks resting at the bottom of Palau’s
inner lagoon. On 1 October 1994, Palau became the last of the UN Trust Territory islands to gain independence, following the signing of a Compact of Free Association with the United States, and it became a member of the United Nations.

Exploring, kayaking and spectacular diving in Palau
(excerpts from Fins Magazine)

Palau is located at the crossroads of the Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Sea, which is one of the world’s richest
zones of tropical marine biodiversity. This makes Palau a world-class scuba diving destination that few places on
the globe can rival. Palau’s marine ecosystems include barrier reefs, fringing reefs, seagrass beds, marine lakes and mangrove forests. Palau’s marine biodiversity includes over 1,300 species of fish, an abundance of large pelagic animals and over 700 species of corals. Palau was chosen by the National Geographic Society as the
first Underwater Wonder of the World and was featured on Discovery Channel’s “Living Edens” series. It is home to one of the highest number of marine species in the world, and its marine habitats support an enormous density of coral, fish and other invertebrates. Seven of the nine species of giant Tridacna clams are found in Palau, along with the world’s most remote population of dugongs. Palau’s signature dive is Blue Corner, a shallow reef-top promontory with vivid corals, huge schools of fish and ever-present schools of patrolling sharks.Without a doubt, Blue Corner consistently lives up to its reputation for “adrenaline diving” and is a dive that can be repeated time and again without fear of boredom!

In our next few blogs we introduce you to Yap, Chuuk and Pohnpei...plus a lot more.

Tags: Adventure Travel

Fishing in Palau is yet another treat. Be it light tackle or deep-sea fishing, Palau's turquoise waters have it all. Big jacks, Spanish mackerel, or the ultimate game fish, gigantic Marlin are all found here. Palauan men take great pride in their fishing skills and there's much to be learned from their vast experience, so it's best to hook up with one of the organized fishing tours or to charter a boat with seasoned crew members from any of the boat operators.

A variety of traditional conservation methods are still observed ensuring healthy fish populations. There are also formal restrictions such as the Koror State Rangers' annual enforcement of no fishing between April 1 and July 31 in Ngerumekaol, and no fishing at any time within one mile of Ngemelis Island...read more @
http://www.palautours.com/tour-fishing.html

Tags: Sport Fishing, Marlin, Action

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To get you excited about Palau we have decided to bring you this little slide show direct on our blog, sit back and enjoy.
For more images please visit our Photo Gallery @http://www.palautours.com/gallery.html

ROCK ISLAND TOURS for more detailed info please go to: http://www.palautours.com/tours.html

Among the most popular tours is the exploration of the awe-inspiring Rock Islands, with its stunning topography and the wide variety of action to be experienced.

Dive shop activities such scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking tours as well as sailing, water skiing and banana boat rides, the latter especially fun for kids, are all available. With two atolls to the north and a fringing reef surrounding the main island, encounters with exotic marine life and kaleidoscopic coral formations are not uncommon.

The white sand beaches, which mostly slope very gently into shallow water, are a joy for all age groups, accommodating everyone from novice swimmers to experts. Another exciting diversion is fishing, with its unique catch-and-release fishing technique an environmentally friendly alternative.

Tags: Travel info, PALAU NEWS

Palau Micronesia one of the TOP 10 Dive Destinations quoted by Forbes Traveler in 2007
Blue Corner, Palau, Micronesia
Forbes Traveler
Blue Corner, Palau, teems with all manner of sea life—from turtles to barracudas and sharks. There are WWII wrecks, too. The current is fairly strong here, and most divers use a reef hook so you can "just kinda hang out and watch the action in front of you," says Tom Morrisey. "If you're lucky you'll see lots of sharks feeding naturally right in front of you… a lot people call it the best dive in the world." The best time to dive Palau is from October to early June.”

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Tags: Aktivitäten, Unterkunft, Pressemitteilungen, PALAU REISEN, Tauch Urlaub, Unterwasser

KAYAK TOURS IN PALAU MICRONESIA

For visitors preferring to paddle rather than walk, kayaking tours are the perfect way to really get into the island archipelago. Kayaking conditions are diverse , ranging from leisurely (serene water inlets) to challenging (those with strong current, prominent waves or shifting tides).

Palau's famous Rock Islands are a maze of over 400 jungle-caped, mushroom-shaped islands within the barrier reef. What better way to become more intimately familiar with them than to kayak amongst them. Shallow lagoons, tunnel entrances to hidden marine lakes and lost wrecks all await discovery for those wanting to spend some time paddling amongst the islands. The calm water and slow pace gives the explorer plenty of opportunities to observe native vegetation as well as see a variety of sea, shore, and forest birds that inhabit the rock islands...
for more information please visit palautours.com

Tags: Kayaking, Rock Islands, Discovery, Diving, Travel, Websites, Palau, Nature

It is easy NOW to travel to Palau Micronesia, we have updated our BLOG PAGES applied a little make up like added the actual weather info on Palau and fixed a few other things, but most important added some sponsored links.
Furthermore we have updated our main site with more nice photos and filled in some missing text...

How You get to Palau? Where is Palau?
Very easy with the Filipino Travel Center in Manila
We like to introduce you today to one of our first Travel Agencies…Filipino Travel.



http://www.filipinotravel.com.ph/

They have years of experience and could help you also to spend some extra days in the Philippines if you arrive from abroad and like to continue to Palau Micronesia, click on the link for more information.
If you living in the Philippines go and see them and you find they can make all your travel arrangements to and from Palau plus a lot more.
Traveling to PALAU & to all other destinations in MICRONESIA from the Philippines has just become a lot easier.

For all other info we have also added the Palau Visitors Authority PVA as a permanent link.



http://www.visit-palau.com/

Tags: Filipino Travel, PALAU Travels

The concept behind PalauTours.com is actually very simple…showcasing only the very best visuals and at the same time providing as much information as possible. Our Blog is constantlty updated to share with you the latest NEWS and local information.
We can help you to plan your trip prior YOUR departure from any destination in the world.
Providing you with articles written by writers who have visited Palau or from our own on staff Marine Biologist who is only to happy in providing YOU the information you might require on Palau’s amazing Marine Biodiversity.

Today we like to introduce YOU to the Belau National Museum and the Etpison Museum in Koror.
Both Museums are defently worth a visit or two, scroll through the amazing History and Culture of Palau. The Museums contain native work, past and present, shell and stone money, which is now used as family jewelry. Both places have excellent souvenir shops, a good choice of local handicrafts, T-shirts, Postcards and publications on Palau.

The Books below are available through out Palau's
major Retail outlets, Gift shops and Dive Centers,
at the Belau National Museum
and Etpison Museum.


“ PALAU ” Dive Sites, History & Culture
(Revised 2nd Edition)


“ PALAU BOOKLET ” – A photo guide through
Palau, Micronesia. Featuring some of the best
images on Palau by Gunther Deichmann world
renowned photographer.
Visit palautours Photo Gallery @
http://www.palautours.com/gallery.html
______________________________


Below two articles on Palau…

Palau: Snorkeling and Diving Paradise
Pristine South Pacific Island Country Beckons
By Larry Taylor

Not a lot of American travelers know about Palau. But just ask avid divers or snorkelers. If they haven’t already been there, they will tell you Palau is at the top of their list of “must go” spots.

Palau is an archipelago of over 400 islands in the South Pacific with less than 20,000 citizens. About 90 percent live in Koror state, where tourists usually stay. The attraction–lying off Koror are the Rock Islands, approximately 300 islets, protected by a huge barrier reef. An underwater paradise…
read the complete article @
http://travellady.com/Issues/September07/4438Palau.html

__________________________________

Dazzling Palau & its turquoise waters under the radar
The islands with dazzling undersea life are little known to Americans, or anyone else for that matter.

By Rosemary McClure, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

Palau, Micronesia

An underwater armada sailed by my dive mask, turned as if on cue and sailed by again -- a dozen bright splashes of color sparkling in the calm, clear water. These yellow-tailed fusiliers were showing off for a clumsy human intruder, I thought, and I laughed.

Clumsy, indeed. I exploded to the surface coughing. I'd forgotten you can't laugh underwater; I'm always so excited when I'm nose to nose with a school of fish that I overlook the limitations of having a snorkel clenched between my teeth.

The fusiliers and I were swimming in aquamarine water off the coast of Palau, a tiny Western Pacific nation that's considered an underwater wonder of the world…
read the complete article @
http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-trw-palau11jul11

Tags: Culture, Museum, History, Belau Culture, Books on PALAU, Publications on PALAU, MICRONESIA, Federated States of MICRONESIA

Early next week we finish the section on Biodiversity – Palau Diving - & Palau Kayaking as you know and as per our last Blog the Dive Sites are all there now including the Wreck Diving…see below some excerpts & so much more in the coming weeks, stay tuned or subscribe to our blog @ http://www.palautours.com/blog.html

Your PalauTours Team
http://www.palautours.com

Biodiversity

Palau. To many the name conjures up images of lush jungles atop mushroom-shaped limestone islands surrounded by turquoise waters so abundant with life that it is nearly impossible to ingest it all. With magnificent reefs that contain over 1300 species of fish and 400 species of coral, it is no surprise that it is recognized as one of the best and most consistent places to see a huge diversity and abundance of both small tropical fish and large pelagic predators…
read more next week @ http://www.palautours.com



Palau Diving

National Geographic Society named Palau as the first Underwater Wonder of the World, and it continues to live up to it’s reputation as one of the planets finest places to SCUBA dive. The diversity of marine life in combination with the variety of dive sites provides even the most experienced fish-watcher with amazing diving opportunities. The dive sites around Palau include sheer vertical walls, current-swept channels, high intensity dives like the famous Blue Corner, relaxing dives in coral gardens, unique dives like Siaes Tunnel and Blue Holes, and plenty of wreck diving…read more next week @ http://www.palautours.com



Palau Kayaking

Palau’s famous Rock Islands are a maze of over 400 jungle-caped, mushroom-shaped islands within the barrier reef. What better way to become more intimately familiar with them than to kayak amongst them. Shallow lagoons, tunnel entrances to hidden marine lakes and lost wrecks all await discovery for those wanting to spend some time paddling amongst the islands. The calm water and slow pace gives the explorer plenty of opportunities to observe native vegetation as well as see a variety of sea, shore, and forest birds that inhabit the rock islands…read more next week @ http://www.palautours.com

Tags: MICRONESIA, Bio Diversity, DIVING, Kayaking, Wreck Diving,, Website

We are happy to announce that the following updates have been completed on the PalauTours.com website:


© Gunther Deichmann - Blue Hole
Palau Micronesia
http://www.palautours.com/

More than 60 dive sites with descriptions (click on the image above) have been placed now, we are still working on some of the images in the right order but all the information is now there.

Completed the Wreck Diving pages

Updated also the Research & Conservation page have added detailed info (see below or click on the image)



Under Hotel accommodation PPR is now available.
Under Other Business establishments Palau Helicopters is now offering their service we also added the Palau Shop
A few pages still being worked on but will be available very shortly, in the meantime enjoy the site.
Your Palau Tours Team
http://www.palautours.com/

Tags: Hotels, Helicopters, Conservation, DIVING, Shopping, Wreck Diving,

PALAU CONSERVATION SOCIETY keeping Palau the way NATURE intended.... protecting and preserving Palau's natural resources.


© Gunther Deichmann - Turtle returning to the sea.

Named one of the world's last “Edens” by National Geographic, Palau is truly blessed with an abundance of natural wonders. From the sublime Rock Islands to Micronesia's largest undisturbed forest, adventure seekers from around the world come to Palau to engage in world-class diving and snorkeling. Palau's magnificent reefs and coral gardens provide the underwater enthusiast with an unparalleled diving experience, where encounters with sharks, mantas, sea turtles and a kaleidoscope of reef fishes are commonplace... read more on the Palau Conservation Society @ http://www.palautours.com/palau-conservation.html


© Gunther Deichmann - pristine mangrove coastline

Tags: Environment, Conservation, Marine, Protect, Global warming, Save our Planet

A Journey with Palau Helicopters...
the Pearls of the Pacific from the air.



This blog is brought to you by
PalauTours.com
http://www.palautours.com/gallery.html

Experience the Palau Rock island the ultimate way...give Matt YOUR Pilot from Palau Helicopters a call and get a birds eye view of the amazing Rock Island.

Option 1. Rock islands, natural arch, 3-coconut island, long lake, Milky Way, Japanese lighthouse, Lighthouse channel.
Flight time: 10-15 minutes

Option 2. Rock islands, Natural arch, Ngchus beach, Ngermeiaus island, Giant clam beach, Jelly fish lake, 3- coconut island, Long lake, Milky way, Japanese lighthouse, Lighthouse channel.
Flight time: 25-30 minutes

Option 3. Rock islands, Natural arch, Ngchus beach, 70 islands, Blue holes, Blue corner, Ngemelis island, New drop-off, Big drop-off, German channel, Long beach, Jelly fish lake, Ngermeiaus island, Giant clam beach, 3-cocounut island, long lake, Milky way, Japanese lighthouse, Lighthouse channel.
Flight time: 40-45 minutes


© Gunther Deichmann - Birds eye view of the 70 islands


© Gunther Deichmann - PPR from the air,
we can also land at Palau Pacific Resort PPR to
pickup resort guests.

Most experienced locally based pilots who have been flying here 8 years and very familiar with the area.
Office and helicopter are located in Malakal Koror, no long drives to the airport and back.
We have free pickup and drop off service.
You might see dugongs, mantas, turtles, sharks etc., on most flights, or a flight over one of Palau Waterfalls is a great experience.
Phone numbers: Office: 680 488 6669
& cell 680 779 5831.

Tags: Helicopters, Aerials, Travel info, TOURS, Rock Islands, Flying, Transportation

Soon we feature all the Bars and Restaurants in Palau @ palautours.com
Introducing today ... only two of many other fine Restaurants in Korror Palau, a wide variety of eating
places and Restaurants are available in Koror the "Capital" of Palau.
There is nothing better then a good meal after a great day of Diving, water-sports or exploring the islands .

PALAU has big choice of international Cuisines from local Palauan food, Japanese, Chinese, European,
Thai, Indian and many others...plus fantastic Seafood of course.

Check out the Bottom Time Bar and Grill at Sam's Tours...great for breakfast (and not only breakfast)
with some of the best coffee in town...or visit the famous Rock Island Cafe
with their oversize portions of American food and some great Pizza. You can also venture to the
Palau Pacific Resort or better know as PPR for a fantastic
Buffet at Sunset, there is something for everyones taste in Palau Micronesia.

Kramer's Cafe at Pirate's Cove -
Highly recommended
International and Pacific Island dishes.
Try the famous "Hammerhead sauce"!
( NOT made from Shark fins I might add,
a René special.)



Tel: 680-488-8448, Fax: 680-188-5271
Waterfront location at Malakal Harbor.
Featuring International and Pacific dishes,
blackened sashimi, cold German beer.


The Taj Palau -
Highly recommended
A Taste of India, a recreation of an
aristocratic Indian home.
ask for Robert your Host
Located on the 2nd floor of the PDC
Building in downtown
Koror. Ph/Fax: 680-488-2227


© Gunther Deichmann - India 2008

Tags: FOOD, Resorts, Restaurants, Entertainment, After the Dive, Local BUSINESS, PALAU, MICRONESIA

Melekau...YOUR Insurance and Consulting Partner in Palau Micronesia
This article is brought to YOU by PALAUTOURS.COM


http://www.melekau.com/


Melekau Insurance and Consulting has provided business services in Palau since 1995.

Our operations include an established insurance agency; business development services for small to medium sized businesses; and environmental consulting services.

Benefits of using Melekau :

• Experience with insurance requirements and products for Property & Casualty, Life, and Group Health;

• Network associate relationship with Center for Development of Enterprise (CDE), an EU institute, provides access to private sector development programs.

• Knowledge of local laws and regulations pertaining to environmental requirements;

• Being part of the community facilitates negotiations with government and community agencies;

• Advantage of being Palau based ensures low overhead and increased ability to meet cost controls;

We welcome the opportunity to discuss our experience and services in more detail with you.

“Melekau” is Palauan for protecting and sheltering, in the way that the fronds of a coconut palm can be used to provide shelter from the elements.

Tags: Local BUSINESS, PALAU, KOROR, Insurance, Consulting, MICRONESIA, Property, Group Health

© Gunther Deichmann - The place to be at sunset...
Click on the image above or the link below &
visit Palau Tours.com
http://www.palautours.com/

Palau Pacific Resort...
Asia's leading Diving Resort 2007, Micronesia,
The Pearls of the Pacific!

http://www.palauppr.com/ja/
Click the link above and visit PPR's Japanese website

One more reason why YOU should stay at the Palau Pacific Resort during your next vacation, surrounded by a beautiful Garden and your very own Beach.
Dive Palau in the morning and relax at Sunset at the beach or visit the Mandara Spa, it doesn't get any better.


© Gunther Deichmann - relax at the
tranquil Spa...


© Gunther Deichmann - different Orchids are everywhere...

Tags: Resorts, Hotels, DIVING, Spa, Well Being, Vacation

PalauTours.com Now... Welcome to Micronesia!
The colors of the Pacific...
(FSM - The Federated States of Micronesia)


Chuuk (Truk Lagoon) - Yap - Kosrae & Pohnpei
Click the image or the link below
http://www.palautours.com/micronesia.html

As promised... we have just updated the
palautours.com site changes and NEW additions are as follow;
Micronesia section is updated see the screenshot on this blog - a Palau and Regional map has been added -
in the Photo Gallery we have now provided caption on all the images for easy identification - Getting here is
been updated - some pages have additional text - plus we have changed some photos in various categories.
More to come by this weekend and an incredible update is in progress for the Dive sites of Palau, we will feature
most of the dive sites and not only the popular ones, a big undertaking but I am sure you enjoy it once that is done.
We try very hard to have our first listings up also by Sunday, please stay tuned or start subscribing.
Your Palau Tours Team

Tags: PALAU, MICRONESIA, FSM, Federated States of MICRONESIA, Yap, Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Island hopping

PALAUTOURS.COM
Your Tour Guide to Palau and Micronesia



© Gunther Deichmann - Kayaks in the Rock Islands, Palau
click the image and go to our Gallery @
http://www.palautours.com/gallery.html

PALAUTOURS.COM is a unique and very informative site for
all Your requirements before traveling to Palau in Micronesia.

The site is fully up and running but we have to fix some minor glitches
and add some more exciting pages for you.
By this coming weekend we should have everything just about in place.

The interesting part is, not only Palau will be represented but we include
islands like Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae in due time.
Just stay tuned or subscribe to our RSS feed for the latest developments.

With these addition we bring you a lot closer to this amazing part of the world, You dont get any closer to Nature...above and below the waves.

To some extend these islands are still unexplored in parts hence the recent discovery of some unusual inhabitants (see our last blog) the scientist are still debating who and where these small people came from. PalauTours.com is trying to keep you well informed from this part of the World, not only on leisure activities, but news on Marine life, Science projects, discoveries and of course environmental related issues. If you have any interesting stories please dont hold back, send it to us, we love to publish it.



© Gunther Deichmann - Hotel, Resorts, Restaurant and Bar
Guide/Information
on Palau...click the image and go to Palautours.com
http://www.palautours.com/gallery.html



© Gunther Deichmann - Duty Free & Retail stores, Tour Operators
Government offices, Conservation & Medical services
plus a lot more...click the image and go to Palautours.com
http://www.palautours.com/gallery.html



© Gunther Deichmann - the World famous Blue Hole and
Blue Corner, Palau, plus many more different dive sites in our
Dive section including Dive Centers & Dive Resorts...
click the image and go to Palautours.com
http://www.palautours.com/gallery.html

We like YOU to use Palau Tours as your Resort, Hotel, Restaurant, Dive & Tour guide... YOU be amazed how beautiful this part of the world really is.
The Editor

Tags: MICRONESIA, Hotels, Resorts, Information, TOURS

© Gunther Deichmann - in the Dawn of Time
Palau Micronesia, for more on Palau click on
the image or the link below:
http://www.palautours.com/

3,000 year old small body humans
in Palau, Micronesia

Watching National Geographic on TV the other
day I was very fascinated by this amazing story,
only to read about it later on the Net again.
See below some excerpts from this truly
fascinating story.
For all the details and photos see the
link below the article.


© Gunther Deichmann - the Rock Islands of Palau Micronesia,
for more on Palau click on the image or the link below:
http://www.palautours.com/

PLoS One completely surprised me today by releasing this paper,
“Small-Bodied Humans from Palau, Micronesia.”
The research comes from South African and American
researchers, and the paper was edited by John Hawks,
who apparently can really keep a secret it seems. I had
no idea about this study and find it a really remarkable
find since fossils of another small bodied human, Homo
floresiensis, were found about 1,000 miles south of
these new findings.

So how were these bones found? Lead author, Lee Berger, writes to National Geographic
News that he was kayaking around rocky islands about 370 miles east of the Philippines,
when he found the bones in a pair of caves in 2006.
Crazy story! I wish I would find something like that while vacationing.
He reports that the, “the [Ucheliungs and Omedokel] caves were littered with bones that had
been dislodged by waves and piled like driftwood. Others had remained buried deep in the
sandy floor, and more, including several skulls, were cemented to the cave walls.”
http://anthropology.net/2008/03/10/3000-year-old-
small-body-humans-in-palau-micronesia/

Tags: FOSSILS,, MICRONESIA,NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC,, Culture,, Discovery,

Welcome to PALAU TOURS NEW
Website & Blog. Did You Know...?
A little HISTORY of PALAU also known as BELAU,
Micronesia.


© Gunther Deichmann - WWII Tanks on the island of Peliliu Island,
Palau Micronesia, for more info please visit:
http://www.palautours.com/palau-history.html
or click on the image above.

PALAU presents a multitude of recreational alternatives, and
certainly eco-tourism and sports activities are favorites. For WW II
memorabilia, the hills of Peliliu Island are a must to explore, but be
careful; some of the ammunition may still be live. Additionally,
many of the various battle sites feature intriguing, bat-filled caves.

The magnificent islands of the Republic of Palau, fondly called Belau
by its friendly inhabitants, were named by early explorers and have
been known to the outside world at one time or another as West
Caroline Islands, the Palaos, the New Philippines, Panlog, and the
Pelew Islands.

Not with standing Palau's intriguing variety of names, in 1696 survivors
of two canoes full of seafaring natives from the Micronesian island of
Yap told Spanish priests about the islands' existence after they washed
up on the shores of Samar Island in the Philippines. What followed were
several determined attempts to reach them, but only in 1710 did Capitan
Francisco Padilla – in command of the Santissima Trinidad galleon –
finally discover and land on the Palau island of Sonsorol, where they
were met with open arms by friendly natives... visit Palau Tours NEW
Website for more History and information
@ http://www.palautours.com/palau-history.html

Tags: Discovery, Diving, Travel, Websites, Palau, Nature, Underwater,Unterwasser, Digital Photo Center,, Belau,Culture,, Environment, Conservation, Marine, History, Scuba Diving, Tauchen,Island hopping, Inselhuepfen,, Yachting, Sailing, Kayaking, Photography