Accommodation

I'm browsing on visit-palau.com at the moment looking for a place to stay in Koror for 4 nights. I found a place called HK Motel Minshuku to be the cheapest at $35 per night for a single room. I'm not going to be doing any diving, I know you must think then why the hell I should go there. I have my own physical reasons so don't bother trying to persuade me. Plus I kept ignoring the cheap fares on Asian Spirit for a while now but I can't anymore :) I had some really good times walking around like a maniac and doing a bit of hitchhike while I was in Guam and Saipan so I hope to do the same in Palau. While I'm trying to search for the cheapest hotel possible, I don't mind paying a bit more for a place that is centrally located. So my questions: is $35 per night as cheap as I can get or is there any other place that I may be able to do lower and if so, how's the location? For $50 a night, can I find any place centrally located?

Thanks.

One more thing, if I plan to get to Peleliu and spend one night there. Should I book a place to stay in advance or it's OK to just show up? Does anyone know Belau Air's schedule? Or it just flies when someone shows up? Do they still fly if there's only one person? I'm checking at http://www.gecpalau.com/belauair.htm but there's no schedule there.

There is an actual schedule. You can also take the local boat over to Peliliu- leisurely, nice ride, much much cheaper. The plane almost always has people going over. Usually they fly over to Anguar first which makes for some great scenery. And I would never try to disuade any one from going to Palau- it is beautiful. Do try to get out onto the water through the rock islands- you can get on a dive boat and see them. I think there are sometimes some rides through the islands also. I don't know about hitchhiking- but you can sit around in a bar and ask if anyone is going up to Balbedaob.

Where is Minshuku? I don't recognize the name. Sounds as if it might be out towards icebox point- not badly located. As far as a hotel in Peliliu- there aren't a lot, but there is an inexpensive one right by the dock- to the left of the newer motel. I would stop at the Visitors Center in Koror and see what they know- they will call over for you.

In fact, the boat is so much cheaper you could use the difference and stay in a really nice hotel I suspect, for 4 nights.

Thanks a lot for the great answers! How often does the boat leave for Peliliu and how long does it take each way? How much is it for one way? Is there a bike or a scooter that I may be able to rent to go around in Peliliu?

HK Motel Minshuku is across from the Palau Visitors Authority. So I guess that's a good location?

I seem to have way too many questions. I was planning on going to New Caledonia and Vanuatu but my work schedule doesn't match the airlines' schedule so I'm changing my plan and my head is a bit spinning at the moment.

Yes- for getting around it is a great location. If you look at the map of Koror, it is just at the fork in the road- to the right you cross the causeway to the hospital, to the left to ice box point and the clam farm.

As far as the boat, I do not remember. I am not even certain it is daily. It takes a couple of hours? (I am stretching my memory- this goes back 10 years since I have taken it.) Try the PVA website and see if they say anything about it. Or write to them or the Peliliu State people-someone will answer. Or someone who has been more recently than I might have info. I'm sure it is quite inexpensive- ??? $10 maybe ??? I can't imagine it being a lot more than that, but I might be off.

As far as bike/scooter rentals, I know from naught. I have never seen a scooter in Palau, although I do think someone has said they are available. With the sudden downpours, we rented a car when there. On Peliliu, there is a WWII monument tour. Terribly expensive ($75 or so). I suspect if you hook up with someone else you might be able to do it for the same together. It is worth while since the remains are amazing, but not easy to find.

Interesting story about the Navy duck boats that are there- I met and am friends with the navy captain who brought them over just after WWII. I was showing him pictures that we had taken last year and he nearly fell off his stool. He couldn't believe that they were still there now 50 years later. It is a small world.

Thanks. One more question(for now), did you get any rain when you were there? I'm looking at the weather chart and it does seem to rain throughout the year. I should be there from May 31 to June 4. I hope it doesn't rain too much but of course the weather is unpredictable these days.

I lived there for 3 years. Yes, I got lots of rain. The weather patterns have been tossed up in the air with global warming (no kidding). 2 years ago it was horrible from something like early April til August. But you can never never tell. You will certainly get rain. Almost 100%. But how much? Usually just a downpour for an hour in the afternoon. When we visited 2 years ago we didn't get a lot of rain, but also only got a single half sunset. But the rain is warm and my kids used it as a shower. Cross you fingers and have a great time. You don't melt. Just no see through wet tee shirts.

Hello Little Voice, I have some information for you having published a guidebook last year on Palau, but am headed out the door on a trip. Go to iUniverse.com, click on their book sales and go to Papa Mike's Palau Islands Handbook. You can view the whole book from that site. Plenty of information on places to stay, I favor the DW Motel over the HK as it is quieter away from the main road, but very reasonable. There is a whole chapter on Peleliu with boat schedule, phone number etc, have a great time.

Papa Mike
mikehollywood.com

Thanks again 5Waldos.

PapaMike, thanks I'll check it out.

One more question, is Lehn's Motel & Apartments OK? It says that it's located in a residential area but they're the only place that have been very good at exchanging emails.