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