Get ready to dive into unforgettable adventures!
A string of 340 coral and volcanic islands spread against the deep blue waters of the western Pacific, Palau is a picture postcard of paradise. TravelJingles in conversation with H.E. Mr. Neeraj Sharma, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Palau in India, to know more about this island country.
The Jellyfish Lake located on Eil Malk Island is considered a popular tourist attraction. Tell us about the three must-do things in Palau.
Palau, with its stunning natural beauty and diverse marine life, offers a wide range of activities for tourists. While the Jellyfish Lake on Eil Malk Island is undoubtedly the unique and popular attraction where you can swim alongside thousands of harmless jellyfishes, there are several other must-do activities in Palau that includes Rock Islands, a haven for divers and snorkelers with crystal-clear waters, hidden lagoons, and diverse marine life and also renowned for its world-class scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities. The underwater world is teeming with colourful coral reefs and diverse marine species. The Blue Corner, German Channel, and the Peleliu Wall are some of the top diving spots, where you can witness sharks, manta rays, and other marine creatures up close.
Halo is one of the most popular sweets in Palau. Tell us about the gastronomy of Palau.
As you mentioned, ‘Halo’ is a popular sweet in Palau made from grated cassava, coconut milk, and sugar, steamed to create a sticky, sweet delicacy. Palauan cuisine reflects a close connection to the ocean.
Sea food is a staple in Palauan gastronomy, with a variety of fish, clams, crabs, and octopus featuring prominently in their dishes with ‘Ulai’, a popular accompaniment to seafood dishes. Coconut is a fundamental ingredient in Palauan cuisine used to add richness and flavour to many dishes. ‘Bai’ is the traditional Palauan dish made with taro leaves, coconut milk, and usually some kind of meat or seafood. The traditional Palauan cuisine forms the backbone of the country’s gastronomy with the influence of other cultures in its fusion of flavours in their dishes.
The world’s first shark sanctuary was set up in Palau in 2009. Comment.
The establishment of the world’s first shark sanctuary in Palau in 2009, was a significant milestone in marine conservation efforts. This is a designated area where shark fishing is completely banned, providing a safe haven for these essential marine creatures and promoting sustainable ecotourism. Palau helped safeguard not only these apex predators but also the entire marine food chain.
