TOURS AND ACTIVITIES
On land, the local bird life with its multiple varieties and species is a must to explore, observe or study. Among them are the Palauan pigeons, kingfishers and a rather tiny owl. The northern islands attract frigates and noddies, while boobies, cockatoos and parrots inhabit the Rock Islands .
A wide variety of marine conservation efforts such as farms for clam seeding maintained by the Palau Mariculture Demonstration Center can be visited, as can the Palau Aquarium which showcases a host of amazing and fascinating creatures that can be viewed without having to dive. The Aquarium is divided into several sections that feature exceptional depiction and description, so aside from the stunning creatures to be seen, the entire experience becomes an educational one as well.
For the visitor interested in ancient culture, Palau is as good as it gets. Major attractions are the traditional Palauan meeting houses, or Bais . Bais were built by using only traditional tools and materials, and their carvings and painting are rather stunning. The National Museum and Melekeok State constructed traditional Bais for visitors to visit and explore. Palauan money beads, or Udoud ra Belau , are unique and famous components of Palauan history and can be seen in Museums all over the islands along with other intriguing memorabilia representative of the country's past.
Still carried out today, but in a much shorter version, is the First Childbirth Ceremony, a fascinating ritual that originated long ago from a man raised in Peliliu and named Mengidab Rutkoel. According to local lore he was part spider and part spirit as well, which gives the ritual its own mystic. |
