News
Palau preserves its nature and biodiversity for locals and visitors alike
The Republic of Palau, a tropical archipelago in the Western Pacific, is known for its incomparable island landscape, pristine dive sites and world famous wonders of nature such as the limestone Rock Islands. Some of the larger islands have brackish water lakes – the most famous is probably the surreal “Jellyfish Lake” on the island of Eil Malk. On others of the mushroom islands, there are remains of the famous stone money, which made the island of Yap, 500 kilometers away, popular. While 70 percent of Palau’s population lives on the main island Koror, the entire island state consist of more than 300 islands, many of them are completely uninhabited.
Due to its unique geography, the Palauans realized early on how much they benefit from a healthy flora and fauna. Nature conservation is a living tradition, maintaining a balance with the sea was and is essential for the wellbeing of the island population. The local custom “Bul” is an example for this; the ancient practice of temporary closing certain areas for fishing so that marine life can recover. In view of this, it no longer seems surprising that the democratic island state declared its territorial waters the world’s first shark sanctuary in 2009. In 2010, the protection was extended to all marine mammals, in 2014 commercial fishing was banned within the Palau sea area – the National Marine Reserve was established.
Both visitors and locals highly benefit from this. Palau’s underwater world has always been vibrant with life, which led the discoverer and diving pioneer Jacques Cousteau to say that Palau is one of the best diving areas of the world. He is right; pelagic encounters happen every day, water temperatures are pleasant and the visibility is good. Well over 1.000 species of fish of all sizes can be observed not only by divers but also by all those exploring the waters of the Rock Island swimming and snorkeling.
On the water, kayak tours and sailing cruises up to several days can be enjoyed. On land, there are museums with different themes, a Coral Reef Center, land excursions along the traces of World War II and guided tours to places of still living traditions. Or, one simply enjoys the everyday island life, because Palau is authentic, a living organism with pubs, live concerts, sports events and charming people.
A true paradise at the other side of the world.
For further information on Palau, please visit click here
Social Media:
www.facebook.com/pristineparadisepalau/.
Photo credit: © Judith Hoppe
Palau will be featured in the next issue (Spring 2020) of Dive Travel Adventures magazine!
Dive Worldwide has recently introduced Kenya to its portfolio of dive destinations, making it a new must-visit for divers. The company has chosen Temple Point Resort, located in Watamu, a small town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast. The resort embodies the spirit of Kenya, with thatched roof buildings and bright white interiors, complemented with local art. The Creek Deluxe rooms enjoy a creek view and sunset vistas, whilst Boutique Garden rooms offer peace nestled in lush greenery.
An abundance of activities such as golf, stand up paddleboarding and kite surfing await those looking for action; while those in search of rejuvenation may partake in a range of yoga classes, or indulge in the spa. Spend evenings dining poolside dining or lazing in hammocks suspended over the creek; there is no detail missed at Temple Point.
The waters surrounding Temple Point Resort are bustling with life, however, there is also an opportunity to explore on dry land. Tsavo National Park is close enough for a day safari, allowing guests to double up on the wildlife experiences Kenya has to offer, from elephants to whale sharks.
Suggested Dive Itinerary: Dive and Discover Kenya
Embark on an adventure to one of Africa’s finest marine parks, Watamu, the first of its kind in the continent. Created in 1968, Watamu offers excellent diving and snorkelling for those of all experience levels. Lively coral reefs and the surrounding waters are home to over 1,000 species of fish, devil rays, mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles.
DEAL: Stay 12 nights for the price of 10 at Temple Point Resort
Price: Dive and Discover Kenya now costs £2295pp, saving £150 per person. Including international flights from the UK, 12 nights’ B&B (for the price of 10), transfers, 5 days, 10 dive pack, tanks and weights. Based on travel in September ONLY. https://www.diveworldwide.com/trip-ideas/dive-discover-kenya#details
For more information visit: diveworldwide.com or call 01962 302 087
Over the next 12 months, specialist scuba holiday company Dive Worldwide will be supporting Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation with donations collected from client bookings to any one of its stunning dive destinations around the world. The independently-owned operator expects to raise £3000 for the UK charity.
Manager at Dive Worldwide, Phil North, said: “We’re especially excited to work with Bite-Back and support its intelligent, creative and results-driven campaigns to end the UK trade in shark products and prompt a change in attitudes to the ocean’s most maligned inhabitant.”
Bite-Back is running campaigns to hold the media to account on the way it reports shark news along with a brand new nationwide education programme. Last year the charity was credited for spearheading a UK ban on the import and export of shark fins.
Campaign director at Bite-Back, Graham Buckingham, said: “We’re enormously grateful to Dive Worldwide for choosing to support Bite-Back. The company’s commitment to conservation helps set it apart from other tour operators and we’re certain its clients admire and respect that policy. For us, the affiliation is huge and helps us look to the future with confidence we can deliver against key conservation programmes.”
To launch the fundraising initiative, Phil North presented Graham Buckingham with a cheque for £1,000.
Visit Dive Worldwide to discover its diverse range of international scuba adventures and visit Bite-Back to learn more about the charity’s campaigns.
MORE INFORMATION
Call Graham Buckingham on 07810 454 266 or email graham@bite-back.com
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