About Palau

Kids Sea Camp Palau
August 19-29, 2011

Join KSC and Discover the Eighth Wonder of the World!

Of the thousands of idyllic islands that dot the vast Pacific Ocean, Micronesia's westernmost island chain known as the Palau archipelago, is perhaps a best kept secret. Rich in natural beauty, steeped in ancient culture, Palau is truly Mother Natures' work of art!

Vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life; hidden lakes full of ancient creatures; white sandy beaches; thriving rainforests and spectacular waterfalls offer a splendid backdrop to Palau's fascinating geological formations, significant archaeological sites and world renowned underwater wonders.

Calm protected waters, soft sand beaches, hidden marine lakes, Micronesia's richest flora and fauna, remarkable birding, superb snorkeling and world class scuba diving make Palau the perfect place for adventure, exploration or just simple peaceful relaxation. We hope you join in the fun as KSC discovers this wonder of the world!

HISTORY:

Palau was first brought to the attention of the outside world when Captain Henry Wilson of the English vessel “Antelope” was shipwrecked on Palau's barrier reef near the island of Ulong in 1783. With assistance from Koror's High Chief Ibedul, Captain Wilson and his crew used wreckage of the Antelope to build another vessel and sailed away three months later.

Joining them on their journey back to England was Lebuu, son of the high chief. Word of Captain Wilson's voyage spread, leading to further European contact and in 1885, Spain was granted control of Palau by Pope Leo XIII. In 1899, Palau was sold by Spain to Germany who quickly established mining and other operations tapping Palau's resources.

Following Germany's defeat in World War 1, the islands of Palau were granted to the Japanese under the Treaty of Versailles in 1919 and by 1922 had become the administrative headquarters for Japanese controlled territories in Micronesia and the South Pacific. Japan closed off Palau (and their other possessions in Micronesia ) from the rest of the world and began heavy fortification of the islands. Palau saw heavy fighting during World War II, including massive aerial bombardments of Koror launched from fast carrier task forces and particularly during the assault and liberation of Peleliu Island by U.S. Marines which resulted in horrendous casualties on both sides. Remnants of WWII are still visible throughout Palau today including a huge fleet of ship wrecks and plane wrecks resting at the bottom of Palau's inner lagoon.

Following Japan's defeat in WWII, the Caroline Islands which include Palau, Yap and Truk, the Marianas Islands which include Saipan, Tinian and Rota, and the Marshall Islands which include Bikini Atoll, became United Nations Trust Territories to be administered by the United States.

On October 1, 1994, Palau became the last of the Trust Territory islands to gain independence following the signing of a Compact of Free Association with the United States and became the newest member of the United Nations. While Palau continues a very close relationship with the United States, it is nonetheless an independent republic and sovereign nation.

GEOLOGY:

The Palau Islands are an archipelago composed of about 350 islands and atolls having an area of approximately 160 square miles. Babeldaob is the largest island, having an area of 128.5 square miles. The highest altitude is Mt. Ngerekelechuus in its northwestern part, 794 feet above sea level. Palau can be classified into four types of island: volcanic; reef and atoll; low platform; and high limestone. Several of the islands are a combination of these four basic types. The volcanic islands of Babeldaob, Meyuns, Malakal and Koror make up most of the land area.

All the islands except two small atolls to the north and the islands of Angaur and Peleliu to the southwest are enclosed within the barrier or fringing reef.

Palau's eastern shore drops off steeply to the Palau Trench which reaches a maximum depth of 27,000 feet about 30 miles offshore while the western shore slopes gradually to depths of 18,000 feet about 250 miles to the west.

MARINE BIO-DIVERSITY:

Palau is located at a cross roads where the enormous Pacific Ocean meets the Philippine Sea, creating one of the worlds' richest zones of tropical marine bio-diversity, making it a truly world-class scuba diving destination that few places on the globe can rival. Palau's marine eco-systems include barrier reefs, fringing reefs, seagrass beds, marine lakes and mangrove forests.

Palau is internationally renowned for its' marine bio-diversity which includes over 1,300 species of fish, an abundance of large pelagic animals, and over 700 species of corals. Palau was chosen by National Geographic Society as the first Underwater Wonder of the World and was featured on Discovery Channels “Living Eden’s” series as one of the world's last living “Eden’s”. Palau is home to one of the highest number of species not found anywhere else in the world and its marine habitats support a greater density of coral, fish, and other invertebrates than any other place on Earth. Seven of the nine species of
giant “Tridacna” clams are found in Palau along with the world's most remote population of Dugongs.

TERRESTRIAL BIO-DIVERSITY:

While best known for amazing marine bio-diversity and a reputation as an underwater wonderland for scuba divers and snorkelers, Palau's terrestrial bio-diversity is equally diverse and stunning, making Palau an absolute treasure trove for avid birders and terrestrial naturalists of almost every interest.

Terrestrially, Palau is home to Micronesia's largest resident populations of bird, animal and plant species. The main island of Babeldaob is the second largest landmass in Micronesia (after Guam) and is recognized as one of the largest undisturbed tropical rainforests in Micronesia. Babeldaob is home to Ngardok Lake and Ngermeduu Bay, the largest natural lake and largest estuary in Micronesia, respectively. Palau has over 1,260 species of plants including over 800 that are native.

REMINDER: ALL US PASSPORTS MUST BE VALID FOR UP 6 SIX MONTHS PRIOR TO EXPIRATION DATE TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY. AIRLINES ARE ENFORCING THIS

All schedules, itineraries and package inclusions are subject to change.