Refractory Road

Six days of kayaking and camping in Palau’s Rock Islands, including a visit to Jellyfish Lake.

Time-lapsed video taken while paddling a kayak from the Ngchus campsite to Ironwood Beach in Palau.

Video of paddling a kayak through tunnels and small arches in Palau’s Rock Islands. Includes the entrance to Lost Lake.

Time-lapsed video taken while cycling around the island of Peleliu in Palau.

A time-lapsed video taken while paddling a kayak from the Ngchus campsite to Klo Toi Beach, Palau.

Video taken while paddling in and around Fantasy Lake and Woodswallow Bay, Palau.

Underwater video of a ball of bait fish, taken while snorkeling in the cove at the Ngchus campsite, Palau.

Underwater video taken while snorkeling at Ironwood Beach in Palau.

Underwater video of the Fish Bowl snorkeling site in Palau’s Rock Islands.

Video of the sunken, Second World War, Japanese fighter plane in the cove at the Ngchus campsite, Palau.

A description of a three-day trip to Peleliu, and touring the remains of the battle fought there during the Second World War.

If we return to Palau, we will do things differently. For equipment, we will bring our own kayak. We have a Long Haul Mark II Expedition folding kayak, which we have already transported by plane for use in the Bahamas. It’s a bit costly to pay for the extra baggage fees, but no more costly than renting a touring kayak; […]

We explored Palua’s largest island for two days, driving the entire perimeter each day, and stopping at a few places. Babeldaob is sparsely inhabited.  It has rolling terrain and lush vegetation, which reminded us of Costa Rica.  The main road that rings the island is a very good, two-lane, paved highway.  Most intersecting roads are paved for a couple hundred […]

The arrival process for Palau was unremarkable. It was the standard immigration and customs checks. Our passports were quickly stamped, nothing intrusive was done with our baggage, and no fees were charged. As of this writing, United States citizens did not require visas for visits of one year or less. The departure was more bureaucratic and costly. At the entrance […]

Weather There are, reportedly, two seasons in Palau: the dry and the rainy.  What months are said to fall in these two seasons depends upon the source.  After looking at multiple sources, the average seems to be: Dry season:        November – April Rainy Season:   May – October We imagine this is a matter of degrees, as Palau has a high […]

Night sounds from camping at Ngchus campsite in the Rock Islands of Palau.

Audio recordings from the Peninsula Campsite in the Rock Islands of Palau.

Review of the Paradise Cove Restaurant and Bungalows in Palau.

A description of how to legally collect shells in Palau.

Review of the Penthouse Hotel, in Koror, the Republic of Palau.

Review of the Dolphin Bay Resort on the island of Peleliu, in the Republic of Palau.

Review of the Taj Restaurant in Koror, Palau.

Review of Carolines resort hotel in Koror, Palau.

Comments on mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and sand fleas in Palau.

Review of Red Rooster Beer, the Beer of Palau.

              Public boat from Peleliu to Koror: US $37.00 (US $15.00 each person, plus luggage fees) Breakfast at Penthouse Hotel: US $30.00 (includes US $6.00 tip) Taxi to Penthouse Hotel from Koror boat landing: US $7.00 (includes a US $2.00 tip) Taxi to Marine Resources Department: US $5.00 Fee for government shell permits: US […]

              Room at Dolphin Bay Resort (includes meals): US $230.00 Bicycle rental: US $10.00 (US $5 each, half day) Snacks at local store: US $18.00 Internet card at hotel: US $10.00 (for two hours of access) TOTAL: US $268.00

              Room at Dolphin Bay Resort (includes meals): US $230.00 Bicycle rental:  US $10.00 (US $5 each, half day) Beers at hotel: US $40.00 Snacks at hotel: US $3.00 Water and cola at a local store: US $9.00 TOTAL: US $392.00