Palau: Where are the beaches and how to get to them?

I am going to Palau for 3 weeks (Oct 24 - Nov 14). I am a diver but don't intend to dive every single day since I am on a limited budget (taking a long break between school and work).

I would like to just relax on a beautiful beach and contemplate for a significant part of my trip. I would like to know where the nice beaches are and how to get to them from the center of Koror (as I will be staying at Lehns Apt & Motel).

Based on what I've read, it seems that getting to a beach and going for a little swim and snorkeling isn't as easy as I had imagined for a place surrounded by water. I read in the Lonely Planet guide that one of the nicest beaches and snorkeling spot is at Palau Pacific Resort but they charge nonguests $25 (perhaps even more now) to use the beach per day. Could I use part of the beach that is not hotel property? Are there other beaches closer to Koror Center?

Also are there laws against sunbathing topless or nude? Is it unsafe for a female traveler to go to the beach alone?

Thank you!

People do not go sunbathing topless or nude in Palau. As a matter of fact, if you are not with tourists but at a local beach, wear shorts, as the upper thigh is considered not something to reveal. As far as beaches, there is one going down towards icebox point on the left- long island. There is also some snorkeling in that area. Agree that the best beach is at the PPR. It is actually a man made beach so there is no area that is not a part of the resort. I would think that you could get away with some sunbathing if you went and had a lunch there, or even a drink. But again, not topless. You can also go up to North Beach and stay there for a bit- they have a great beach. You would be safe there, and the beach at long island would be safe- usually just kids there.

Most of the beaches are in the rock islands. But those are a boat trip away. It is cheaper to go out if you aren't diving, and might be able to work out something- getting dropped on a deserted island and picked up on the way back for example. Or just snorkeling.

You can take a taxi to Long Island beach, $3.00-4.00 cab ride. As 5 Waldos suggests, you can hop a ride with a dive boat operator, or spend a day or two over at Carp Island Resort, which is quite a bit less than Palau Pacific Resort. What about a trip to Angaur or Peleliu, spend a couple of days over there where beaches are fairly plentiful and the ferry ride is quite reasonable. Forget the topless or nude sunbathing unless you travel away from Koror.

Have A Great Trip!

Papa Mike
www.mikehollywood.com<BR>Papa Mike's Palau Islands Handbook

And I wouldn't think about it outside of Koror either. It really isn't done. Maybe if you get onto one the deserted rock islands- but I'd be prepared to robe up if a boat came by. Palauans don't even wear bathing suits for the most part.

Ferry ride to Anguar? Peliliu yes, but don't think there is one to Anguar. Pretty rough patch between the two.

5 Waldos & PapaMike, Thank you very much for the useful information. I imagined the sunbathing issue would be similar to the norm in the Northern Mariana Islands (where I spent several months since there are also Palauans & other Micronesias there). However, in the Northern Mariana Islands, it is not actually illegal, so the locals can ask you not to do it but the police won't be able to give you a fine. That's what I am wondering about. Surely, I would find a secluded spot shall I decide to sunbath, but my concern is that I don't want to get a fine if someone does sees me.

Ice Box is on Malakal if I remember correctly from what I've read, so Long Beach would be on Malakal too, is that correct? I am thinking about renting a bike. I am used to biking long distance so looking at the Koror area map, it seems that I could easily bike everywhere. I know I shouldn't make assumptions about anything, so my question is are the roads bike friendly? no problems crossing the brides with my bike? and would you recommend it? are the serious bike theft problems? can I even bike to the big island?

One more question, I tried to find North Beach on the map but couldn't find it. Could you tell me where it is and how would I get there from Koror center please? Thank you so much for all your help.

North Beach is a "resort" on Balbedaob. Not someplace you could ride to for an afternoon.

It is probable that it is not actually illegal to sunbath. And out in the rock islands it is probable that you could find a secluded spot. Not many places in the Koror area that are secluded. You could certainly bike around the Koror area, although the distances when you get to Balbedaob get longer. Overall the roads are generally bike friendly I would guess, except in "downtown" Koror. There are a fair number of hills, especially on the road out to the PPR. And as you wander about you will find small enclaves from different parts of the islands. Some more approachable than others.

Survivor is filming in Palau again. Over on Survivor Sucks they are speculating that North Beach cottages will once again serve as Loser Lodge (where those voted off from the tribe stay for the remainder of the game).

Here is a map from Dan Bollinger speculating where what will occur.

Check out post #333 (Wezzie) on Survivor Sucks for a summary of information of what areas will be used for the show as well as hotels impacted.

Marine restrictions and their dates have been posted.

Be aware that the Sucks thread contains possible spoiler information about the show itself.

That post says that Ngereblobong is on Eil Malk, but it's more likely at North Beach Cottages according to Dan Bollinger.

Dan Bollinger's map is based on marine restrictions imposed by the Koror State Government from October 15 to December 12, 2007.

Charlenechiu, Long Beach is actually between Koror and Malakal.

On bike riding, let me cut and paste from a certain guidebook.

Bike Rentals: In Koror there is but one bike rental location, IAC Bike Rentals on the main road in Koror, they are not easy to get a hold of, they only list a fax number of 488-8141 and their hours are 1:00 to 10:00 PM. The problem is their primary income comes from performing outboard engine work, which they do in the mornings and bikes in the afternoon, so you will need to go by in the afternoon to arrange for bike rentals. Their rates are on a sliding scale, encouraging longer rentals. Day one is US$12.00, day two is $10.00, day three $8.00 and day four is $6.00. Weekly rates are US$45.00 and a two-week rental is $59.00. The bikes are of the mountain bike variety and look to be fairly new and in good shape. If you are interested in a biking itinerary, refer to the four itineraries section of the book. There are bikes to be rented on Peleliu, at both Mayumi’s guesthouse and their neighbor the Storyboard Beach Resort. The bikes are US$10.00 at both places, with the later having the nod on a newer fleet. On Angaur you can rent a bike from Grace over at Island Villas guesthouse for US$10.00. Palauans are not exactly bicyclist friendly while driving, so keep an eye out for traffic in downtown Koror. The same holds true for pedestrians, as Palauans favor the right shoulder as if crossing the double yellow line would result in revoking of their driving privileges for life.

Biking Babeldaob (Page #125...

This really is a wide-open itinerary, since no boat or plane connections are required to take the trip. Study the limited lodging options available in Babeldaob before you set out to insure that you have a place to stay at the end of the day. If you wish to camp on your trip contact the applicable State Office and request permission, they will put you in touch with a landowner who is willing to let you camp on their property. For some the 58 miles of the compact road is days ride, but keep in mind that you are close to the equator and you will be riding in a mountainous jungle setting. Take along plenty of water and if possible avoid the midday heat. Bikes are not readily available in Palau, so you will need to contact IAC Bike rentals in Koror (See Bike rentals in the “Getting Around” section of Koror) to reserve rental bikes.

Papa Mike

PapaMike, I would like to visit Carp Island Resorts, but I can't seem to find the rates on the web. How much is it to stay there? and for the meals? I read that there are boat rides from Koror, do you know how much it costs to get there and back? Thank you!

PapaMike, I would like to visit Carp Island Resorts, but I can't seem to find the rates on the web. How much is it to stay there? and for the meals? I read that there are boat rides from Koror, do you know how much it costs to get there and back? Thank you!

charlenchiu, have you tried Carp Island website at www.carpislandresort.com? The rates for beachside cottages are US$80.00 single, but they also have smaller dive rooms which are substantially less than the cottages. You can pay US$45.00 for day use and take their boat down in the morning, leaving at 8:00 AM from Palau Diving Center Dock next to Carp Restaurant on Malakal. The boat ride takes about an hour, traveling through the Rock Islands, which in itself is a great trip. The price includes your lunch and return boat ride.

Let me know if you have further questions.

Papa Mike
Papa Mike's Palau Islands Handbook