Some travelers dream of places somewhat off the beaten track, where a fusion of humanity and nature lead them to new discoveries. Palau, an archipelago in westernmost Micronesia, is one of those rare gems.

Named by CEDAM International as “One of the Underwater Wonders of the World”, Palau has a spine-tingling 1,500 species of fish and hundreds of species of corals. And it doesn’t stop there. In a lagoon filled with emerald mushroom-shaped limestone islands, most of which are uninhabited, memories of a WWII lay undisturbed in shallow coves.

From the coral atoll Kayangel in the north, to the volcanic island, Babeldaob, filled with hidden cultural treasures, to the signature Rock Islands and Peleliu and Angaur Islands, Palau is a Technicolor wonder. Words alone cannot capture the beauty of these islands, so we invite you to explore our photo gallery to see for yourself. Following a century of foreign administration, Palau became an independent island nation through a Compact of Free Association with the United States in 1994. Although the 14,500 indigenous people (2005 Census) are quick to adapt to new innovations, they still treasure their culture and history, and are strong advocates of preserving their flora and fauna.Ron’s favorite expression, “There are a million lifetimes of learning in Palau” says it all. For such a tiny spec on the world atlas, the wisdom and heartfelt kindness of the Palauans is immeasurable.