PICRC Join Familiarization Ecotours Organized by the Palau Visitors Authority

Across 4 days in August, outreach employees from the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) attended multiple familiarization tours hosted by the Palau Visitors Authority. The Palau Visitors Authority rolled out a series of tours for industry partners to familiarize and discover new community based ecotours. The attendance at these tours was influential in deciphering how PICRC can engage with different tour operators in Palau. Each tour offered something unique and special to their state led by knowledgeable, passionate and engaging tour guides.

The first tour was the ‘Experience Airai’ Tour, a tour of rich culture and heritage. The tour explored WW2 relics and the oldest traditional style Bai in Palau. Significant legends and stories were told accompanied with a visit to the Kesebekuu Palauan war canoe. The day concluded with a traditional lunch, filled with local delights and traditional dances, with a visit to a taro patch. This tour was filled with cultural gems and captured the essence of Airai and its people.

The ‘Discover Ngaraard’ Tour started with a walk to Ngerchokl, the Fountain of Youth, followed by a visit to the ancient petroglyphs of Olebakelderau. After a hike up to Bai ra Ngeruau, a traditional lunch was held at Kuabes Park. A visit to monumental sites and a trip to a lookout concluded the tour. The tour was delivered with passion and flare and explored Ngaraard’s rich history and culture.

Day three focused on the ecological side, with Ngiwal’s ‘Orsoulkesol Eco-Tour’. The day began with a boat ride meandering though mangroves, followed by a hike to Orsoulkesol Waterfall, a hidden oasis amongst the forest. A well-earned traditional buffet-style lunch was provided to complete the tour. This tour showcased Ngiwal’s extensive mangrove forests and reminded everyone of the joy that nature brings.    

The final day was Melekeok’s ‘Kingdom of the Northern Sky’ Tour. The day commenced by exploring the traditional entry to Bai Melekeong and the ancient stone path leading to Ngerang village. A traditional lunch was served with local people demonstrating roof thatching and jojo making. The day finished with a tour of the capital building, signifying the past and the present. This tour led you on a walk back in time, to discover the heart and soul of Melekeok.

PICRC hopes to increase its engagement with local ecotourism operators in the future. “Thank you to the tour operators and The Palau Visitors’ Authority for organizing these tours, each tour encapsulated the essence of their state. This opportunity provided us with the knowledge and understanding to increase our engagement with local tourism operators and how we may incorporate them into our programs”, said Director of the Outreach Department, Adeeshia I. Tellei.