Latest NEWS: Shark Savers' "Thank you to Palau" book presented to Palauan President Toribiong
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
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 the Duesseldorf Boat Show 2010 Germany
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
Announcement from eyes2market: 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 & Sam's Tours hosting the Kids Sea Camp 2009 another first for Palau.
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
Celebrating 25 Years! Relax 'n Unwind at Palau Pacific Resort, Reader's Choice Dive & Travel Awards 2008 Winner.
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
Thank You Palau...from around the world for the Shark Sanctuary.
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
Late NEWS: A Hero’s Welcome for Palau President Johnson Toribiong, the Shark Sanctuary is a reality now
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 back in Palau few minutes ago from New York and the UN

© 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...
Congratulation to Palau and our respect to President Johnson Toribiong towards the conservation of our Marine Life, in particular to the protection of our Sharks.
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/
Conservation: Keeping Palau a Wonder & a Natures Paradise...Support the Nature Conservancy.

© 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.
Exclusive Travel Report: Palau or better known as the Pearls of the Pacific. Natures Kaleidoscope below and above the waves.
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
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
Sam’s Tours in Palau & the German Geo article...

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
|
|
Breaking NEWS...Palau resettling detainees from Guantanamo Bay...
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.
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 |
KIDS SEA CAMP (KSC) in Palau… an award-winning educational vacation program for families that love the ocean at Sam’s Tours.

© 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...Your Top Travel Destination for Diving & Nature Lovers plus great accommodation
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.
New York Times reports on Controversial Human Fossil finds in Palau Micronesia
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...? Is it from a Horror Movie? Amazing Critter below the waves at night … what is a Bobbit Worm?
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
Late NEWS: Sharks in peril? Repeal of Palau's Shark Protection Laws Proposed!
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
From only US$ 495.- to Palau in Micronesia with Continental Airlines: 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
It's official.......Sam's Tours wins PVA's Tour Operator of the Year Award!
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.
Theme nights with Live Entertainment at the Palau Pacific Resort
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
Fly Fishing and catch the Mahi Mahi in Palau Micronesia...
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
Sail and Dive...cruising the Rock Islands contact the Royal Belau Yacht Club in Palau Micronesia

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.
Palau reveals new fish species... Pacific dives recover novel fish... The bright blue damselfish is finally in the hands of science, blue damselfish found 120m down off Palau
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
Palau and Micronesia…things you should know...

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.
Sport Fishing in Palau Micronesia...from Big jacks, Spanish mackerel & gigantic Marlin...
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
Welcome to PALAU...by palautours.com, Visit Palau and explore this Nature Paradise below and above the waves...
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.
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.”
KAYAK Tours in PALAU MICRONESIA...EXPLORE & DISCOVER the Rock islands by Kayak... an Adventure in Paradise
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
Traveling to PALAU MICRONESIA not only for its fantastic DIVING, Palau has a lot more to offer its beauty will even surprise the most seasonal TRAVELER, Visit the PEARLS of the Pacific
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/
PALAUTOURS.COM presents a Culture Delight... visit the Museums of Palau...Books on Palau...& interesting articles.
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
Soon on PALAUTOURS.COM Biodiversity...Diving in Palau...Kayaking the Rockislands in Palau Micronesia...
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

Latest NEWS from PALAUTOURS.COM updated DIVE SITES, Wreck Diving, Hotel accommodation…Conservation & other Business establishments

© 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/
The PALAU CONSERVATION SOCIETY protecting Palau's natural resources...with Environmental projects and conservation efforts
© 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
A Journey with Palau Helicopters... the Pearls of the Pacific from the air.
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.
PALAUTOURS.COM represents...some very cool places for your dining in Koror Palau Micronesia
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
Melekau Your Consulting & Insurance Partner in Palau, Micronesia...local Business You can trust...brought to YOU by PALAUTOURS.COM
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.
Did you know? Palau Pacific Resort was named ASIA'S leading Diving Resort in 2007...the World Travel Awards.

© 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...
PALAUTOURS.COM updated today May 7th 2008...including the FSM...plus a lot more very soon.
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
PalauTours.com is offering all you need for Your Journey to PALAU... Your ultimate Tour Guide...information on Resorts, Restaurants, Hotels...Diving plus a lot more...
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
Human Fossils in PALAU MICRONESIA discoverd...an amazing find... recently screened on National Geographic TV...

© 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/
HISTORY of PALAU MICRONESIA also know as Belau...natures best kept secret in the Pacific...Discover the treasure above and below the waves
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











