PALAU, MICRONESIA

Year:2002

Superb diving in the Western Pacific

Season: Year-round diving (optimum: November-June, conditions between mid-July and October are often wet and windy)

Visibility: 25-50 metres

Water temperature: 28-30°C

East of the Philippines, in the west of the Pacific, over 2,000 islands lie sprinkled across a vast expanse of sparkling azure tropical ocean. Known as Micronesia, this huge territory consists of less than 1% of dry land! Once a well-kept secret, Micronesia is quickly becoming recognized as one of the top dive destinations in the world. The archipelago encompasses more than 3,000,000 square miles of ocean, reaching over 6 miles deep in some parts of the Marianas Trench.

The islands of Micronesia are rich in life, both on land and especially in the surrounding seas. Fertile volcanic soil, warm tropical sunshine and abundant amounts of rain mean that these forest-clad islands are filled with exotic flowers throughout the year. Some of the islands are edged with sandy beaches, others are so densely covered with rainforest that the trees reach the shoreline. Fringing mangrove swamps form nature's own nurseries where most of the rich diversity of marine creatures start their hazardous lives in comparative safety before moving to the coral reefs or to the very deep waters that surround the islands. With some of the mcost exciting marine life in the world, it is no wonder that stories of Micronesia's diving glories are legendary!

Palau consists of an elongated atoll containing an archipelago of some 340 islands dotted across 400 square miles of ocean! Known as the 'Rock Islands', this maze of jungle-covered, mushroom-shaped outcrops is surrounded by a beautiful fringing reef offering seemingly endless drop-offs, coral gardens, caves, swim-throughs, blue holes, marine lakes and wartime wrecks. Inside the lagoon the glistening ocean hides a white and sandy sea bottom with areas of patch reef. Outside the lagoon is an encircling barrier reef where drop-offs fall vertically to 300 metres or more. Known by some as 'the shining star of Micronesia', Palau was voted number one in 8 out of 10 categories in a recent diving magazine poll ­ favourite drift dive, favourite wall dive, favourite photographic site... the list goes on and on! Although Palau has a reputation for strong currents, more often than not the currents are quite gentle and most dives are slow drifts along the reef walls, giving divers and photographers the opportunity to study the vibrantly lively and fascinating scene that is played before them.

Clothed in colourful soft corals, gorgonians and whip corals, the Big Drop Off is an underwater photographer's dream. The absolutely vertical wall begins at only about two metres below the surface. An abundance of invertebrates and a multitude of rare tropical fish display their wonderful shapes and colours against the background of the sheer wall. Schools of fusiliers patrol the reef and turtles, unicornfish and smart grey and yellow Onespot Snappers are always around whilst Grey Reef Sharks, Blue Marlin and hammerheads are occasionally seen.

For real excitement try Blue Corner, one of the most famous dives in the world but one that should be attempted only by experienced divers! There is a lot of current that rips over a shallow coral shelf and the adjacent wall. Hang on to the reef at the top of the wall or fasten on with a reef hook and watch the packs of Grey Reef Sharks circling in the blue water and moving very close to the wall. 'Al Capone', the resident Napoleon Wrasse will almost certainly keep you company here! Tuna, Manta Rays and Blue Marlin are amongst some of the big fish that can be seen here, whilst there is always the chance that a passing Whale Shark might appear.

Drop down the vast and amazing Blue Holes into an enormous cavern of staggeringly clear water and look up to see the circle of bright blue through which you have just descended! Fin through the window-sized hole that leads out to the reef wall.

Perhaps it is sufficient to say that Jacques Cousteau considered Ngemelis Drop Off to be the best wall dive in the world. The wall drops to over 300 metres and is covered in a multitude of sea fans, soft corals, whip corals, sponges and anemones. Here the reds, sunburst yellows and glorious pinks provide a colourful backdrop for numerous fish and brightly-coloured nudibranchs and other small creatures.

A relatively little known fact about Palau is that possibly 50 ships were sunk in the lagoon during one of the fiercest battles in the Western Pacific during World War II. Warships and supply ships litter the ocean floor like broken and abandoned toys. Out of the turbulent horror of war came a new and peaceful creation. Now-silent guns, twisted metal and other artifacts of war were frozen in time to be re-born as the strata on which corals and sea creatures thrive. Never again will history repeat its awful destruction and the wrecks now belong to the sea. The wreck of the Japanese freighter Teshio Maru lies on its side in 20 metres of water. The hull, which is still fairly intact, can be penetrated safely. There are still bits and pieces to be found here, particularly shards of old crockery.

Facing into the Pacific Ocean, the very beautiful Coral Gardens, famous for its abundance of busy schooling small fish and intricate coral formations, offers another chance to encounter Whale Sharks as well as Manta Rays and tuna.

Close to Koror, the capital of Palau, is Chandelier Cave, which is situated under the island of Ngarol. The entrance is a 3-metres wide hole in the side of the rock island. The spectacularly colourful Mandarinfish is resident here in the reef's crevices. Once inside the cave the water is absolutely clear. Water which has filtered through the island into the cave system has formed a distinctive halocline layer that divides a crystal-clear freshwater lake from the saline waters of the ocean. Three easily-dived chambers are adorned with massive stalactites and stalagmites. Surface in each chamber and breathe fresh air! Shine your light round the spacious 'rooms' with their pink marble walls and ceilings, then descend and follow the light from the blue 'window' back to the cave entrance.

Millions of years ago a geological upheaval isolated a section of the marine lagoon in the centre of one of the Rock Islands, thus creating a land-locked lake. A ten minutes trek through the jungle brings divers to Jellyfish Lake, surrounded by jungle greenery and mangroves. Trapped in this inland 'sea', two species of jellyfish have evolved down their own pathway and somewhere on the way have lost their stings and become a distinct subspecies compared to those still found in the open lagoon. Clouds of jellyfish move around the lake following the sun's rays in a kind of 'jellyfish soup'. One used to be able to snorkel safely here while these unusual creatures bumped against your mask and body without causing injury, but recently the lake has been closed by the Palauan government to protect the jellyfish.

WEST PLAZA DESEKEL HOTEL

The West Plaza Desekel Hotel offers comfortable, straightforward accommodation for those who want to dive Palau's incredible reefs but who seek a much less expensive option than staying at the luxurious Palau Pacific Resort. Located about a 20-minutes taxi ride from the airport and close to Koror's main shopping district, this pleasant hotel offers spacious air-conditioned rooms with colour television and refrigerator. Most rooms have a terrace. The restaurant offers island cuisine including fresh fish, crab and lobster. In the evening why not visit the bar, which has a fine selection of cocktails and other drinks, and chat about the magnificent diving that Palau has to offer.

The most established dive centre on the island, Fish N'Fins is famous for its wonderful service to divers. Situated a 5-minutes walk from the centre of the town and right next to the Palau Marina Hotel, Fish N'Fins prides itself on taking clients to some of the most exciting dive sites in Palau including many wreck sites. Fish N'Fins is one of the few locally owned and operated dive shops in Palau. The daily two-tank dive leaves the dock at about 0830 returning in the afternoon. A third dive of the day and night dives are available locally. Boats are equipped with marine radio and have shaded areas for protection against the sun. Drinks and snacks are available on the boat. Most boats have a capacity of 6 or 8 divers to ensure that small groups of divers are grouped for similar skills an interests wherever possible.

£594 (non-divers: £220)

Includes:

· Airport transfers

· 7 nights room-only accommodation on a twin/share basis at the Palau Marina Hotel.

· 6 days diving (2 boat dives daily),lunches on board, dive guide, cylinders and weights. Kindly note that clients taking the morning flight back to Manila should limit their diving on the last day, depending on their computer's no-flying-time advice.

Supplement for 3 boat dives per day: £22 per day.

Supplement for a night boat dive: £43.

Additional Nights: £84 (without diving: £30)

Single Occupancy Supplement: £30 per night.

Deposit: £100

PALAU PACIFIC RESORT

Half an hour from the airport and 10 minutes from the town of Koror is the luxurious Palau Pacific Resort, one of the finest hotels in the entire Pacific region. Set in 64 acres of verdant tropical gardens that are often filled with brilliant tropical flowers, the hotel boasts its own golden sandy beach. Huge hammocks hanging in the gardens invite you to laze away the day. The swimming pool is just a few strides from the main hotel lobby. The tennis courts are equipped for night play, there is a fully equipped fitness centre and there are also two outdoor heated whirlpool jacuzzis. In the elegant Meduu Ribtal dining room at the water's edge one can try Palauan delicacies or European cuisine. Enjoy the best seafood in the region at the Coconut Terrace or sip a cocktail in the evening breeze at the Mesekui beach bar. Each of the 160 guest rooms and suites has air-conditioning, refrigerator and mini-bar as well as its own private verandah. Garden View and Ocean Front rooms have two twin beds or one queen-sized bed and en-suite facilities.

Splash dive centre is a PADI five star centre and retail dive shop. It caters almost exclusively for clients of the Palau Pacific Resort and is situated by the foot of the pier at the resort. They offer boat and shore diving, and have two large dive boats complete with photo tables, freshwater showers and dive platforms. Photo Palau is their latest addition, offering a full service underwater photo and video centre, including E-6 processing, instruction and rentals.

Deluxe Garden View Room

£922 (non-divers: £559) from 7 May-22 December.

£1031 (non-divers: £667) from 4 January-6 May.

£1133 (non-divers: £769) from 1-3 January, 23-31 December.

Deluxe Ocean Front Room

£1031 (non-divers: £667) from 7 May-22 December.

£1119 (non-divers: £756) from 4 January-6 May.

£1276 (non-divers: £912) from 1-3 January, 23-31 December.

Please note that intermediate rates will apply to stays that straddle seasons.

Includes:

· Airport transfers.

· 7 nights room-only accommodation on a twin/share basis at the Palau Pacific Resort.

· 5 days diving (2 boat dives daily), lunches on board, dive guide, cylinders and weights.

A third boat dive may be available locally at a charge of US $35, whilst night boat dives cost $75. Shore diving is available day or night at a charge of US $5 per tank, payable locally.

Additional Nights:

Deluxe Garden View Room

£148 (without diving: £76) from 7 May-22 December.

£163 (without diving: £91) from 4 January-6 May.

£178 (without diving: £106) from 1-3 January, 23-31 December.

Deluxe Ocean Front Room

£163 (without diving: £91) from 7 May-22 December.

£176 (without diving: £104) from 4 January-6 May.

£199 (without diving: £127) from 1-3 January, 23-31 December.

Those making short stays at the Palau Pacific Resort before or after a cruise on a liveaboard should bear in mind that transfers will be required, at a cost of £30 per person round trip, between the airport and the hotel, in addition to the overnight cost.

Single Occupancy Supplement: The supplement payable is the same as the 'non-divers' rate for week-long stays and the same as the 'without diving' rate for any additional nights.

Deposit: £300

BIG BLUE EXPLORER

For those who are looking for a high quality but more affordable liveaboard choice in Palau, here it is! The Big Blue Explorer carries a maximum of 18 passengers in 9 cabins served by 16 crew members. Each fully air-conditioned cabin has a larger lower bed and a single upper bed along with private en-suite head and shower facilities. Hair dryers are provided in all cabins. There are 8 open rinse showers on deck. The on-deck jacuzzi offers a pleasant way to relax after the diving. For the underwater photographer, a dedicated camera room with E-6 processing is available. Divers are whisked to their dive sites on board one of Big Blue Explorer's four skiffs. A backward roll over the side and the diving begins. The experienced staff are there to pick you up at the end of the dive and transport you back to the 'mother ship'.

Meals are a mixture of Asian and European dishes, served buffet style. Breakfasts are served in the salon and lunches and evening meals are served in the upper deck bar and salon area. Barbecues are a popular feature of the cruises. Soft and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase from the bar.

The ship carries 70 tons of fresh water and makes 10 tons per day. The vessel has the latest safety and navigation equipment, including two emergency oxygen supply kits. A satellite telephone system allows for international telephone and e-mail contact. Both nitrox and re-breather courses and facilities are available. Two kayaks are available for guests' use.

Big Blue Explorer sails from Malakal Harbour in Koror on Sunday morning for 6 nights cruises throughout the year. Guests may join the boat on Saturday (dinner excluded).

This arrangement makes Big Blue Explorer the ideal choice for divers based in Europe with limited time to spare as the schedule fits in exactly with the Saturday flight service from Manila. It is possible to leave the Europe on a Thursday and return a week the following Sunday after having enjoyed 7 nights on a liveaboard in Palau!

A Big Blue Explorer brochure is available from our office on request.

7 nights cruise

£1194

Includes:

· 7 nights cruise on Big Blue Explorer on a twin/share basis with full board, including fruit juice, water, tea and coffee, plus complimentary accommodation (excluding dinner on Saturday night).

· 6 full days of diving (up to 4 dives per day, including night dives where possible), cylinders and weights. Kindly note that clients taking the Saturday morning flight back to Manila after the cruise should limit their diving on the last of the cruise, depending on their computer's no-flying-time advice.

Please note: A US $15 per person dive permit fee will be collected on board.

Transfers: Passengers arriving from Europe will not be able to make use of the scheduled free transfers available for passengers travelling from North America. There will be a charge of US$ 60 each way for a private boat transfer from/to Koror (Palau) Airport or one of the local hotels. (This charge is for a boat, not per person.)

Additional Cruise: A 10% discount applies.

Single Occupancy Supplement: If you are travelling alone and are willing to share a twin cabin with a fellow passenger of the same sex you can avoid paying any supplement, even if Big Blue Explorer cannot find you a cabin-mate! If you prefer to have a cabin to yourself a 50% supplement applies.

Deposit: £300

SUN DANCER II

The stunningly elegant Sun Dancer II started operation with the Peter Hughes' Dancer fleet in 1997. Decked out in the now famous blue and white Dancer livery, she carries a maximum of 20 passengers in 10 staterooms each with private head and shower. The two Master Staterooms on the Main Deck have a queen-sized bed, private head and shower, TV/VCR and picture window views. Seven Deluxe Staterooms on the Main Deck each have either 2 twin beds or 1 king-sized bed, private head and shower and picture window views. The Owner's Suite on the Dolphin Deck has 2 twin beds or 1 king-sized bed, private head and shower, TV/VCR and porthole views at either side of the cabin. Each cabin provides a quiet and elegant space for relaxing, reading or sleeping. Towelling robes are provided for your stay on the boat. Clean towels are provided daily and clean sheets are provided mid-week. Complimentary toiletries are placed at the wash basin and each cabin has a built-in hairdryer. Ten crew offer superb service at all times, from morning coffee in your room to taking your tank at the dive platform on your return to the boat or providing hot towels at the end of a night dive.

The dive deck features a water fountain, mask defogging station, weight belt area, two showers, and a supply of fresh towels. Special rinse tanks for cameras are situated on the dive deck. Dive information is displayed on a large board which shows depth and marine life information. Two motorized dive tenders, which return to the boat after each dive, are used for all dives in Palau. Of special interest to underwater photographers is the spacious multi-tiered, carpeted photo-table complete with photo supplies and small towels. E-6 processing is available daily. Light tables are always available for slide viewing. A full camera and video rental service is available at daily or weekly rates. The boat has a photo pro on board who will assist you with your photography and also, if you wish, take a customized video of your diving holiday. Sun Dancer offers Nitrox facilities at an extra charge and a range of courses including PADI Advanced Open Water, IANTD, TDI and PADI Nitrox certification, Rebreather certification and Paul Humann Fish and Creature Identification. A full range of diving equipment is available for rental.

After diving most people head for the sundeck where they can relax (either in or out of the sun) and help themselves to iced drinks and delicious snacks. Freshly baked breads and biscuits show up in the morning and appetizers are served in the afternoon. Beverages and snacks are available at all times in the salon (along with a well-stocked bar). Meals are one of the highlights of the day. Hot breakfasts are cooked to order. Lunch is usually a buffet-style spread and dinner is waiter served. Wine is served with dinner and after dinner drinks are always offered.

Sun Dancer operates out of the government dock at Malakal Harbour for 7 nights cruises, departing most Sundays throughout the year. Some 10 nights cruises are also scheduled, departing on either Sundays or Wednesdays. Please contact our office for sailing dates.

A Peter Hughes' Dancer Fleet brochure is available from our office on request.

7 nights cruise (departures 11 August - 27 October)

£1395 for the Owner's Suite.

£1466 for a Deluxe Stateroom or a Master Stateroom.

7 nights cruise

£1747 for the Owner's Suite.

£1817 for a Deluxe Stateroom or a Master Stateroom.

10 nights cruise

£2379 for the Owner's Suite.

£2449 for a Deluxe Stateroom or a Master Stateroom.

Includes:

· Airport transfers at Koror if arriving/departing on the cruise departure/completion dates.

· 7 nights or 10 nights cruise on Sun Dancer II on a twin/share basis with full board, including soft drinks, wine, beer and spirits.

· 5 or 8 full days of diving (up to 4 or 5 dives per day, including night dives) plus one or two dives on the last day, cylinders and weights.

· Port tax and Palau diving permit fee.

Non-divers: A 10% reduction applies.

Additional Cruise: A 10% discount applies.

Single Occupancy Supplement: If you are travelling alone and are willing to share a twin cabin with a fellow passenger of the same sex you can avoid paying any supplement. If you prefer to have a cabin to yourself a 50% supplements applies and the deposit requirement is doubled.

Deposit: £600 (7 nights cruise); £900 (10 nights cruise).

PALAU AGGRESSOR

The Palau Aggressor is a very comfortable 33-metre catamaran that carries a maximum of 16 passengers in eight twin-berth cabins. Each air-conditioned cabin has a private head and shower with individual climate controls and a large window. Six crew members make sure that your diving holiday runs smoothly. Between dives guests can relax on the sundeck (either in or out of the shade) or try the amazing hot tub! The salon has an excellent collection of books, videos and music to enjoy.

The dive deck has racks for hanging dive suits. A large three-tiered camera table has plenty of space for camera assembly or preparation and separate rinse tanks are kept for cameras and videos. The photography department provides rental cameras and accessories as well as the services of the photo pro if you require a model or expert advice. E-6 processing is provided daily. Light tables are always available for slide viewing. A range of PADI and NAUI speciality courses are offered including Nitrox and Rebreather training and facilities. A full range of diving equipment is available for rental by pre-arrangement.

Because of the currents in Palau, many of the dives are done as drifts and for this the amazing Palau Aggressor 'II-and-a-half' is deployed. This 10-metre dynamo of a boat can cruise at 50 knots! Ladders on either side assist with water exits and a canopy keeps divers well-shaded in the tropical Micronesian sun. Divers board this little boat on the dive deck, where she stays between dives attached to a hydraulic crane, and are then lowered into the water. After each dive she is raised once more to the dive deck and divers merely step off 'II-and-a-half' and onto 'II'. Divers' gear is loaded on to 'II-and-a-half' at the beginning of the cruise and stays there for the duration of the trip!

For after the dive there is a freshwater shower and clean towels awaiting, as well as the chef's freshly prepared snacks to appease the after-dive hunger pangs! Delicious barbecues, American and local dishes are served; breads, biscuits and baked snacks come strait from the oven. Most meals are served buffet-style.

Palau Aggressor operates out of the harbour at NECO 'M' Dock/Commercial Dock, Koror for 7 nights cruises, departing every Sunday between January and July and in November-December.

A Palau Aggressor brochure is available from our office on request.

£1684

Includes:

· Airport transfers if arriving/departing on Sundays.

· 7 nights cruise on Palau Aggressor on a twin/share basis with full board (except dinner on the last night), including non-alcoholic and local alcoholic beverages.

· 5 full days of diving (up to 4 or 5 dives per day, including night dives) plus one or two dives on the last day, cylinders and weights.

Please note: A port tax, currently US $35 per person, and a US $15 per person dive permit fee will be collected on board. Dinner on the last night is not included, but guests will be provided with guidance about good local restaurants.

Non-divers: A £141 reduction applies.

Additional Week: A £141 discount applies.

Single Occupancy Supplement: If you are travelling alone and are willing to share a twin cabin with a fellow passenger of the same sex you can avoid paying any supplement. If you prefer to have a cabin to yourself a 50% supplements applies.

Deposit: £600

FLIGHTS

The airfares shown are the least expensive fare category available at the time of going to press. We will quote you the airfare applicable, based on current fare levels and booking class availability, at the time of booking. The usual airfare deposit is £100.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES

Midday departure on Singapore Airlines from London (Heathrow) on Monday or Thursday, arriving at Manila the following afternoon. After an overnight stay at an hotel in Manila, continue on Wednesday or Saturday morning on a Continental Micronesia flight to Koror (Palau), arriving in the afternoon. Return flights leave Koror for Manila in the morning on Wednesday or Saturday. From Manila you continue on a Singapore Airlines afternoon flight to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur and connect with an onward flight to London (Heathrow), arriving on Thursday or Sunday morning.

Flights are also available from Manchester at no extra charge.

£982 for departures 1 February-21 March, 1 September-30 November.

£1057 for departures 1-31 January, 1 April-30 June, 1-9 December.

£1169 for departures 22-31 March, 1-31 August.

£1244 for departures 1-31 July, 10-31 December.

Includes:

· Scheduled flights London (Heathrow)/Singapore/Manila/Singapore/London (Heathrow) by Singapore Airlines.

· Scheduled flights Manila/Koror(Palau)/Manila by Continental Micronesia Airlines.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES

Midday departure on Malaysia Airlines from London (Heathrow) on Monday or Thursday, arriving at Manila the following afternoon. After an overnight stay at an hotel in Manila, continue on Wednesday or Saturday morning on a Continental Micronesia flight to Koror (Palau), arriving in the afternoon. Return flights leave Koror for Manila in the morning on Wednesday or Saturday. From Manila you continue on a Malaysia Airlines afternoon flight to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur and connect with an onward flight to London (Heathrow), arriving on Thursday or Sunday morning.

Flights are also available from Manchester at no extra charge.

£1007 for departures 1 February-21 March, 15 August-30 November.

£1066 for departures 22-31 March.

£1082 for departures 1-31 January, 1 April-30 June, 1-9 December.

£1244 for departures 1-15 August.

£1319 for departures 1-31 July, 10-31 December.

Includes:

· Scheduled flights London (Heathrow)/Kuala Lumpur/Manila/Kuala Lumpur/London (Heathrow) by Malaysia Airlines.

· Scheduled flights Manila/Koror(Palau)/Manila by Continental Micronesia Airlines.

Business Class Upgrades: These are available on Malaysia Airlines between the UK and Manila at attractive rates. Please contact our office for details.

Overnights in Manila: £42 per night at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, a comfortable hotel situated close to Manila Airport, on a twin/share basis with breakfast. A single occupancy supplement of £42 per night applies. Please note: Airport/hotel transfers are not included: local taxis are safe and inexpensive.

Important: For those wishing to join Sun Dancer II or Palau Aggressor from London, additional hotel-based nights in Palau will generally be required.

For cruises departing on Sundays, one night's hotel accommodation at Palau Marina Hotel or Palau Pacific Resort is required before the start of the cruise as you will arrive from Manila on Saturday afternoon.

For cruises departing on Wednesdays, no hotel nights are required before the start of the cruise as you will arrive from Manila on Wednesday afternoon.

For cruises arrangements finishing on a Sunday, the standard option is to stay for three extra nights at Palau Marina Hotel or Palau Pacific Resort and then return on a direct flight to Manila on Wednesday morning, arriving in London on Thursday morning.

For cruises arrangements finishing on a Wednesday, no additional hotel nights are required as you can return to Manila on the direct flight that morning.

Please see the Palau Marina Hotel or Palau Pacific Resort entries for the cost of additional nights. Transfers are extra.

Sample Itinerary (including 7 nights hotel or Big Blue Explorer in Palau)

Day 1 (Thursday or Monday): Depart London (Heathrow) in the morning.

Day 2 (Friday or Tuesday): Arrive Singapore or Kuala Lumpur in the morning and Manila in the afternoon. Overnight at hotel in Manila.

Day 3 (Saturday or Wednesday): Depart Manila in the morning, arrive Koror (Palau) in the afternoon. Transfer to hotel or (Saturdays only) Big Blue Explorer for 7 nights Palau.

Days 4-9 (Sunday-Friday or Thursday-Tuesday): 5 days diving and 1 day free (or maybe one or two dives on the 6th day on Big Blue Explorer).

Day 10 (Saturday or Wednesday): Depart Palau for Manila in the morning, arrive Singapore or Kuala Lumpur in afternoon and connect with onward flight in evening.

Day 11 (Sunday or Thursday). Morning arrival at London (Heathrow).

Sample Itinerary (including 7 nights Sun Dancer II or Palau Aggressor plus 4 nights hotel in Palau)

Day 1 (Thursday): Depart London (Heathrow) in the morning.

Day 2 (Friday): Arrive Singapore or Kuala Lumpur in the morning and Manila in the afternoon. Overnight at hotel in Manila.

Day 3 (Saturday): Depart Manila in the morning, arrive Koror (Palau) in the afternoon. Transfer to Palau hotel for 1 night.

Day 4 (Sunday): 1 day diving (shore-based), then transfer to Sun Dancer II or Palau Aggressor for 7 nights.

Days 5-10 (Monday-Saturday): More than five days diving (liveaboard-based).

Day 11 (Sunday): Transfer to Palau hotel for 3 nights. 1 day diving (shore-based).

Days 12-13 (Monday-Tuesday): 1 day diving (shore-based) and 1 day free.

Day 14 (Wednesday): Depart Palau for Manila in the morning, arrive Singapore or Kuala Lumpur in afternoon and connect with onward flight in evening.

Day 15 (Thursday). Morning arrival at London (Heathrow).

SINGAPORE STOP-OVERS

Why not take the opportunity to explore Singapore as part of your holiday? Singapore Airlines fly between London and Singapore daily and stop-overs are available at no additional airfare. We can arrange your hotel accommodation: for details please see the Sipadan entry in this brochure.

COMBINING PALAU AND YAP

Why not add extend your holiday so that you can visit Yap's amazing Manta Ray feeding station and explore Yap's magnificent reefs. We can arrange for you to stay at the well-known Manta Ray Bay Hotel. The cost of such a combination can be calculated by adding the cost of a stay at Palau to the cost of a stay on Yap (see Yap brochure entry). Flights between Palau and Yap are on Wednesdays and Sundays, and flights between Yap and Palau are on Wednesdays and Saturdays, while flights between Yap and Manila are on Wednesdays only. The airfares between London and Yap apply.