This Newsletter has just came in from PADI & Palau....

Photo: © Gunther Deichmann

Alii (Hello) Everyone!

The PADI Diving Society and TY Sawyer are headed for Palau in September 2010. Yes, PALAU!
 
PADI Travel Network along with hosts Sam's Tours
and Palau Royal Resort are set for this awesome event
September 15-24, 2010. Sam's and Palau Royal are known for their Five Star service and attention to
detail

, you will not be disappointed. 
 
Palau, the eighth marine wonder of the world is known for its world-class diving, including famous sites like Blue Corner, German Channel and Ulong Channel.  Experience drift diving over spectacular walls, explore WWII wrecks and amazing close encounters with exotic marine life. In September 2009 Palau was named the world's first Shark Sanctuary so you'll see plenty of 
these magnificent creatures first-hand. Palau's wonders

are not just limited to the sea - the breathtaking Rock 
Islands are a sight worth traveling for and a snorkeling
trip to famous Jellyfish Lake will show you that not all jellyfish are created equal. 
 
Pricing starts at $2250 US per person for eight nights accommodations, five days of three tank boat dives, three meals daily, free enriched air, and much more.
And with all the Society shenanigans you can handle

(aka, parties, contests, prizes and your loyal staff!)
you wont want to miss this week. I hope you'll
consider joining us in Palau and discover where the rainbow truly ends.
 
If you want more information, Karin Sahm is standing-by to answer all of your travel questions. Email Karin or give her a call at 800 736-7021, ext. 165.
Of course, you can email me or call 800 729 7234 or
+1 949 858 7234, ext. 2322, as well. 
 
Hope to see you all in Palau!
 
 Kind regards,
 
Theresa Kaplan (formerly Gulledge)
Manager, PADI Diving Society 

Join Us. See Life. In Palau.

A PADI Diving Society Event; 15 - 24 September 2010

Photo Courtesy © Gunther Deichmann

Join PADI Diving Society for nine adventurous days and eight magical nights in Palau at the Palau Royal Resort. You'll enjoy five days of three-tank boat diving with PADI Five Star Dive Center Sam's Tours. with special guests, including Sport Diver's Ty Sawyer. Read more @ Join Us. See Life. In Palau.

Adventure Travel with your
Digital Camera in Paradise...
one of Natures best kept secret!

No Photoshop! Natural reflection in the amazing Rock Islands
Palau Micronesia. Original Image is in color, converted into
Black & White using the Monochrome Mixer in Aperture 2.

For detailed information please go to GD Photo Workshops

June 18 - 25, 2010
Palau Micronesia
GD Photo Workshop in Palau...Natures best kept secret, final details to be announced shortly, "ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS" Only 7 spaces remaining! 
10 participant limit! This Workshop is filling fast! If you want to see "inside" Palau better book your space now! More info @ http://www.deichmann-photo.com/gdphotoworkshop/index.html or contact Sam’s Tours @ http://www.samstours.com/

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

 A Hero’s Welcome for Palau
President Johnson Toribiong.

 

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

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

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

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

Below is part of a report I have received from Mr. Jem Kemp, Blue Horizons Travel in Manila who visited Palau recently the trip was organized and in part sponsored by the Palau Visitors Authority and Continental Airlines.

“We were then met by our guide and Marketing Representative from the PVA – the excellent Mr Kadoi Ruluked – who was to be with us for our trip. Kadoi was a fountain of knowledge and an obvious love of all things Palau related...”

© Gunther Deichmann - Bai, traditional meeting House

It’s an early start with a full day ahead of us. We are staying at the Palasia Hotel located in the centre of Koror. The room I am in has views across the tree-tops out to the sea, other rooms have town views. The Palasia is one of Palau’s better hotels and has approximately 165 rooms configured around a central open atrium. The hotel is especially popular with Asian tourists (mainly from Taiwan, Japan and Korea) although there were also a number of European divers staying there as well.

Breakfast (and indeed Dinner) was on a buffet basis and although there do appear to be ‘a la carte’ options many of the hotels provide buffets for their meals. Interestingly the dining room was very busy between 07.00am and 08.00am and thereafter pretty much empty. Primarily this is because many people visiting Palau are taking part in daily tour activities such as diving, island tours, kayaking etc. Operators like Sam’s Tours (see more later) collect their guests from the hotels and then assist them back later that day. Very few of the hotels actually have their own dive operator or tour centre in-house and instead the typical model is for the hotels to concentrate on accommodation and for the tours and trips to be provided by external operators. Similarly, very few of the Dive Centres appear have their own accommodation or resorts.

Just a word on tourism in Palau; it’s proximity to the rest of mainland Asia means that it is a popular destination for Japanese, Taiwanese and Korean visitors. There are also a number of arrivals from China. However, diving is the main draw and it is rightly considered to be one of the best diving destinations in the world – this means that there are also steadily increasing numbers of European. Australian, SE Asian and US divers coming to experience the underwater world.

Breakfast at the Palasia was similar to many others – a combination of Western and Asian flavours. We were then met by our guide and Marketing Representative from the PVA – the excellent Mr Kadoi Ruluked – who was to be with us for our trip. Kadoi was a fountain of knowledge and an obvious love of all things Palau related. Our plan today was to see as many of the hotels, resorts and operators as possible during the course of the day. First stop was West Plaza by the Sea.

The West Plaza group own 5 hotels throughout the Koror area and they are very popular with visiting divers. Indeed Sam’s Tours provide some excellent value Diving / Touring packages using West Plaza as the accommodation. West Plaza hotels have basic but clean and efficient rooms, with television, a.c, tea and coffee making facilities etc and are ideal for those on a budget who wish to concentrate their resources on diving and touring. Blue Horizons will provide you with more details of flights, accommodation and diving packages for these hotels.

Next stop was Palau Plantation Resort which has more traditional buildings set in tropical gardens on the side of a small cultivated valley. Definitely popular with the Japanese market the rooms range from simple to high end.

We then briefly called into IMPAC Tours who provided some welcome cold drinks (March temperatures being a warm and sunny 36 degrees). IMPAC provide a range of tours and diving trips primarily for the Japanese market.

Our final stop prior to lunch was to call into the Palau International Coral Reef Center. The PICRC is located on the water on the south west tip of Koror. It is an autonomous government project and non-profit organisation designed to highlight Palau’s marine bio-diversity and to act as an educational / tourist tool. Of course nothing beats seeing the marine world in its natural habitat but this is an interesting place to visit for an hour or so. There are a number of themed aquariums and a great deal of visitor information is available.

Lunch was spent at the impressive Elilai Restaurant. Elilai is a set on a side of the hill of Ngerkebesang and has stunning views across the sea to the neighbouring islands. It is just 5 – 10 minutes drive from downtown Koror. Owner Takuya Mizokami and his team have prepared an interesting fusion menu and a modern dining space that is open and breezy. This is well worth visiting during a visit to Palau. The highlight of lunch for many was a perfectly fresh piece of tuna lightly fried and served ‘fish and chip style’!

Our afternoon continued with a visit to the Cliffside Hotel. Previously this was a very popular choice with Diving guests but has undergone a number of management changes over the past couple of years and some feedback has been a little negative. Rooms are big and spacious and it is to be hoped that the current management can restore the Hotel’s reputation.

Next up was Neco Marine one of the larger dive operators in Palau. They have a solid reputation and a good location with some excellent looking boats moored up to their dock.

Our final stop of the day was at Sam’s Tours where I met old friends and some new ones (hello Adela and Russelle) for the first time. Sam’s Tours considered to be one of the best Dive Operators in the Pacific and probably the world. No space here to do them justice so a full report on Sam’s to follow tomorrow.

At day end we returned back to Palasia for a tour of the hotel and facilities (include fitness centre, pool area, bar, restaurant etc) and a very pleasant meal where we joined by Janine Wong (General Manager) and Janice Aguon (Asst Manager - Sales and Marketing).

Finally, after wrestling with the vagaries of wi-fi access, it was time to head off to the room. The next day was a Rock Islands tour day and one which everyone was very much looking forward to….

Great attendance at the TTE...reporting in almost real Time from the venue at the Mall of Asia SMX


Mall of Asia SMX Travel & Tour Expo

The second day at the Travel&Tour Expo in Manila has been another success for the Palau Visitors Authority and participating Operators.
Of course with the support of Continental Airlines and their special packages from as low as US$ 495. - for 3 days. (for more info see the previous Blog from Friday)
Tomorrow is the last day of the Show, so you better hurry up and book your next vacation at Continental Airlines or Visit the PVA Palau Visitors Authority Booth at the Travel and Trade Expo Mall of Asia complex SMX for your Dream Vacation above and below the waves.
Thinking of getting Married? Then you have to check out the Palau Pacific Resort, they can make all the arrangement for you’re wedding and an unforgettable Honeymoon in Paradise.

Smiling faces at the PVA Booth: visit-palau.com
Left: representative from Fish n’Fins & Ocean Hunter, Carol Ngiraidis Vice President/CFO Dolphins Pacific, Darin d Leon General Manager and CEO Palau Visitors Authority (PVA), Adela M. Balangkig Accounting Manager Sam,’s Tours, Loreen Sugiyama Marketing Palau Pacific Resort (PPR) and Lutchie Jorge PVA Sales and Marketing Representative.

Continental Airlines, located right next to
the Palau Visitors Authority Booth, PVA

Saturdays huge Crowd

FOR MOR INFO AND PRESS RELEASES GO TO:
http://www.ptaatraveltourexpo.com.ph/

Super Special from Continental Airlines at the Manila 16th TRAVEL TOUR EXPO
Travel Period: January 21-march,2009
Dive Palau! -2 for as low as
US$ 495.- for 3 days...
Palau is only 2.1/2 hours away from Manila.

Including roundtrip economy class airfare to Palau,two (2) nights hotel accommodation,daily hotel breakfast and roundtrip airport transfers. For more information and reservation, please call Continental Airlines at; 818-8701 or 032 -233-7533 in Cebu City. Or contact your local Travel Agent.

The Continental Airline Booth is right next to Palau
Visitors Authority.

Palau Visitors Booth (PVA) Darin de Leon from PVA
and representatives from the Tour and Resort Operators.
http://www.visit-palau.com/

Palau Visitors Authority participation in the 16th TravelTour Expo 2009 in Manila, held at February 6 to 8 at Halls 2, 3 & 4 of SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. Participating Tour and Resort Operators from Palau: Dolphins Pacific, Palau Pacific Resort (PPR) Fish‘n Fins, Ocean Hunter & Sam’s Tours had all their representatives in the PVA Booth.

The TravelTour Expo was conceptualized by PTAA in 1994 to showcase the products and services of its members. Since then, the show has evolved into a much awaited annual industry event, covering practically all segments of the travel business.
After its successful move to SMX Convention Center this year, preparations are again underway for the 16th TravelTour Expo 2009 which will take place on February 6 to 8 at Halls 2, 3 & 4 of SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.
With the theme “Travel in Style” , the event features two new segments – lifestyle (which will cover travel accessories, health and wellness products and services, culinary schools, car rentals and the like) and food sellers with lounge areas.
PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR ANOTHER MORE IN DEPTHS UPDAYE SHORTLY, DIRECT FROM THE TRAVEL EXPO IN MANILA.

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

PRESS RELEASE FROM PALAU, MICRONESIA!

For Immediate Release from the
Balau Royal Yacht Club
EARTHRACE returns to Palau, Micronesia.

What is earthrace?
The goal of Earthrace is to set a new world record for a powerboat to circumnavigate the globe, running 100% renewable biodiesel fuel, and with a net zero carbon footprint. The amazing Earthrace boat will make the attempt starting from Sagunto in Spain. Earthrace is also undertaking a two year promotional tour, visiting 100 great cities around the globe. The crew meet local people, talk about their experiences, and most of all connect with people about the need to get renewable fuels into our energy mix and to inspire them to do something themselves to minimise their impact on the environment.

KOROR, PALAU, May 29, 2008:

Earthrace, the world’s fastest eco-boat returns to Palau on its second attempt to break the Round-The-World record set by the vessel Cable and Wireless back in 1998. The 24,000 nautical mile journey began in Spain and has included crossing the Atlantic Ocean, transiting the Panama Canal, and crossing the Eastern Pacific enroute to Hawaii. The current leg of the journey now underway took EARTHRACE from Hawaii to Majuro, Marshall Islands with Palau as the next refueling stop before heading for Singapore.

The complete round-the-world itinerary includes Sagunto (Spain) – Horta (Azores) – San Juan (Puerto Rico) – Colon (Panama Canal, Panama) – Manzanillo (Mexico) – San Diego (USA) – Maalaea Harbor, Maui (Hawaii) – Majuro (Marshall Islands) – Koror (Palau) – Singapore – Kochi/Cochin (India) – Salalah (Oman) – Port Said (Suez Canal, Egypt) – Sagunto (Spain).

EARTHRACE powered in to Hawaii well ahead of the record time however she suffered a fuel line failure shortly after departure that reduced her to one engine, slowing her progress from Hawaii to the Marshall Islands where repairs were made to get her back in the race. Even on one engine, EARTHRACE manages 16 knots so despite the delays, she remains very much in the race.

Skipper Peter Bethune said: “The progress we’ve made so far is nothing short of outstanding, but it’s nervous times. There are so many possible situations that can slow
you down when you take on a challenge as ambitious as this, but the team has so far managed to overcome every obstacle that’s been thrown at us. “We’ve conquered the Atlantic and most of the Pacific, at an average speed of 20 knots. The engine problem is a setback but we have overcome challenges all the way through the race so far.”

Earthrace is already beyond the half-way point on its historic round-the-world record attempt to circumnavigate the globe in a vessel powered by renewable bio-diesel, a fuel created from plants and waste materials. Given diminishing fossil fuel reserves worldwide as highlighted by rapidly escalating gasoline costs, EARTHRACES goal to focus attention on the need to develop renewable sources of energy makes more and more sense.

EARTHRACE is crewed by skipper Peter Bethune, New Zealand; Robert Drewett, Britian; Mark Russel, Britian; and Adam Carlson, Sweden. The Royal Belau Yacht Club bestowed Lifetime Honorary Membership on Skipper, Peter Bethune during his last visit to Palau, recognizing him for his outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the art of circumnavigation.

EARTHRACE is scheduled to arrive in Koror, Palau late Saturday evening, May 31. The public is invited to join the Royal Belau Yacht Club in giving EARTHRACE and her crew a warm welcome to Palau at the Royal Belau Yacht Club, located at Sam’s Tours in Malakal, immediately following port clearance and refueling, Saturday evening.

On Sunday, EARTHRACE is open to the public for a unique opportunity to get a close up view of this radical wave-piercing high speed craft.

EARTHRACE is scheduled to depart late Sunday, June 1 or early Monday, June 2.

For more information, please contact the Royal Belau Yacht Club at 488-4382 or contact Sam’s Tours at 488-7267.

EARTHRACE on-line: www.earthrace.net

Tags: EARTHRACE, Environment, Conservation, Marine, History, biodiesel

Late breaking NEWS from PALAU Micronesia!
...brought to you by palautours.com

Ban on live fish export becomes law in Palau Micronesia
a step in the right direction to preserve Palau's natural
environment and unique Bio-diversity.

See below excerps from a News Paper article by the
Horizon News Staff

With a stroke of his pen, president Tommy Remengesau, Jr. has put a stop to the export of live reef fish yesterday in Bai Mengeliakl,
Ngarchelong. Remengesau signed into law the Senate Bill.
President Tommy Remengesau, Jr. makes it clear, the significance of stopping the exportation of live reef fish yesterday.

Tags: Conservation, Nature, Protect, Environment, Bio Diversity

We are almost there...the Palau Tours website almost completed ready for you to use...the most comprehensive and informative site on the NET soon for YOU to browse. Please stay tuned or subscribe to our Blog. Visit Palau Tours @ www.palautours.com

GD

© Gunther Deichmann - Milky Way, Palau Micronesia

Tags: Diving, Travel, Websites, Palau, Nature