Fact 1: The Only Island Known For Jellyfish Lake
Visitors of Palau can enjoy a surreal and otherworldly experience of swimming with millions of jellyfish in the Jellyfish Lake. These golden orb jellyfish are not harmful to humans due to the absence of natural predators. Evolving over countless generations, the jellyfish of this lake have lost most of their stinging capability.
Fact 2: The United States Dollar Is The Official Currency
Even though Palau is an independent nation located in the Pacific Ocean, the currency used on the island is not the Palauan dollar, but rather the United States dollar. This is a legacy from the time when Palau was under U.S. administration after World War II.
Fact 3: Renowned Diving Destination
Palau is considered as one of the top dive sites globally due to its massive marine diversity and crystal-clear waters. The island is particularly famed for its ‘Blue Corner’, which is recognized as one of the best dive spots worldwide.
Fact 4: Home To Various Unusually Large Species
The islands of Palau house some of the most impressively large marine life and fauna. Apart from the large saltwater crocodiles cohabiting in its lakes, the island country is also home to giant clams that can grow up to 1.4 meters long!
Fact 5: Boasts A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is Palau's proud UNESCO World Heritage Site. Showcasing 445 uninhabited limestone islands of volcanic origin, the area is famous for its beauty, complex reef system, high concentration of marine lakes, and the wealth of different species that inhabit them.
Fact 6: Mysterious Primitive Art Carvings
Early inhabitants of Palau left numerous ancient stone carvings, generally considered to depict money. Known as the “rai stones,” these limestone disk carvings are present throughout the islands.
Fact 7: Battlefield Of World War II
Peleliu, an island in Palau, was a battleground during World War II. Here, one can explore the remnants of war, including rusting tanks, fallen aircraft, and other war relics dotting the landscape.
Fact 8: World’s First Shark Sanctuary
Palau designated its waters as a shark sanctuary back in 2009, becoming the first country in the world to do so. This move was aimed at combatting the decline in shark populations and preserving the marine ecosystem.
Fact 9: Innovative Environmental Initiatives
Prizing its natural beauty and environment, Palau initiated the 'Palau Pledge' in 2017, which necessitates visitors to sign a passport pledge to act in an environmentally responsible way on the island. This was a notable move towards environmental responsibility in tourism.
Fact 10: Houses The World’s Smallest Primate
The islands of Palau host the world’s smallest primate, the Palau Flying Lemur. These tiny creatures are only about a foot long and have a distinctive flying membrane enabling them to glide from tree to tree.
Fact 11: Bats As Dietary Staple
The Fruit Bat is a delicacy in Palau and is traditionally eaten as part of the Palauan diet. These bats are stewed with spices and served on special occasions.
Fact 12: The Most Linguistically Diverse Country In The World
Palau, with a population of over 20,000, has an impressive two official languages, Palauan and English, and numerous local languages spoken, making it one of the most linguistically diverse countries per capita.
Fact 13: The Oldest Known Malo Board
A remarkable archaeological find in Palau is the world's oldest known malo or surfboard. The board, made of breadfruit wood and decorated with intricate carvings, is estimated to be over 1,000 years old.
Fact 14: Enormous Underground Cave Networks
Palau’s terrain includes a breathtaking system of caves and tunnels, both above and below water. Tourists have the unique chance to explore these captivating subterranean landscapes.
Fact 15: Multiple Remains Of Miocene Era Fossils
Palau is home to multiple fossil sites that have produced a range of Miocene era remains. These fossils, some of which are over 20 million years old, offer invaluable insights into the prehistoric ecosystems that once flourished in the region.
Fact 16: Republic Of Palau Has The Oldest Traced DNA
A research conducted in 2008 found that the oldest traced lineage of DNA leads back to a single maternal line in Palau and dates 200,000 years back.
Fact 17: The Galactic Dance Of Palau's Starry Night Sky
The traditional navigation methods used by the Palauan seafarers were based on the clear celestial constellations that can be spotted in the night sky of the islands.
Fact 18: Have A Unique Connection With The Sea
The culture and everyday life of the Palauans have been deeply shaped by the sea. It is reflected in their traditional taboos or “bul” system, which is a form of conservation when fishing to ensure marine sustainability.
Fact 19: Host Of Mud Wrestling
Palau houses unique sports activities, leaving a heart-pumping impression on those who witness or participate. One distinctive traditional sport is mud wrestling, which is popular among the locals.
Fact 20: Palau Is A "Sister" To Taipei
Palau and Taipei are 'Sister Cities', a designation that indicates a formal, long-term partnership between two communities in two countries. The goal is to promote mutual understanding and cross-border cooperation.