Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of Palau, you’re not alone. A pristine archipelago of around 340 islands near Micronesia, it’s one of the world’s smallest countries. But thanks to a new more direct flight from Brisbane, its world-class diving, fascinating culture and sigh-inducing sunsets are easier to access than ever. Here are 10 things you probably didn’t know about this beguiling Pacific gem.

1. It’s a world-leader in sustainable tourism

A dreamy scattering of jungled islands surrounded by tranquil turquoise waters, Palau is ridiculously scenic. And Palauans want to keep it that way. So not only was it the first country to declare itself a shark sanctuary, but it was also the first to ban reef-toxic sunscreens and make visitors sign a pledge promising to be ecologically and culturally sensitive.

2. Women rule the roost

Palauan village chiefs might all be men, but they’re chosen by a council of women. Villages still practice a strict matriarchal and matrilineal society, so lineage, inheritance and traditional titles are all traced through the female line. Women also take care of the finances and are the primary educators of Palauan traditions. To learn more, take the fascinating Airai Cultural Tour.

Image Credit: Palau Visitors Authority

3. The diving and snorkelling is world-class

Thanks to its remote location, pristine waters and impressive environmental stewardship, Palau is a genuine contender for one of the world’s best dive destinations. There are hundreds of dive sites within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock Islands, promising close encounters with sharks, turtles, manta rays, WWII wrecks and huge schools of tropical fish. Not a diver? Don’t worry, the snorkelling is equally impressive.

Image Credit: Palau Visitors Authority

4. It’s home to mysterious stone monoliths

Venture to the northern tip of Palau’s largest island, Babeldaob, and you’ll find an intriguing collection of basalt monoliths, some weighing several tonnes. Thought to date from around 150AD, the history and purpose of this Easter Island-like formation is shrouded in mystery. Local folklore claims it was built by the gods; others suggest it was constructed by the Portuguese.

5. Fruit bats are considered a delicacy

Don’t be alarmed if you find a fruit bat in your soup; the dish is a national delicacy (and guess what – it tastes like chicken). Thankfully, there are many more appealing options, including delicious mangrove crabs, creamy taro leaf soup and an enviable range of fresh fish, from grouper and snapper to parrot fish and tuna.

Image Credit: Rob McFarland

6. You can snorkel with jellyfish

Accessible by boat and a 15-minute hike, Jellyfish Lake is famous for its population of golden jellyfish. While numbers have decreased from the several million that were present a few years ago, you’re still pretty much guaranteed to see both golden jellyfish and ghostly moon jellyfish during a guided snorkel trip.

7. There are WWII tanks in the jungle

The island of Peleliu was the setting for a fierce two-month battle between the Japanese and the US during WWII. As a result, it’s littered with WWII relics, including the former Japanese military headquarters and two rusting US tanks near an airstrip. Visit on a tour with Neco Marine or Fish ‘n Fins.

Image Credit: Rob McFarland

8. There’s excellent Japanese food

Palau was governed by Japan for 30 years after WWI and many Palauans have Japanese heritage. As a result, you can find several restaurants serving unexpectedly good Japanese fare. Take a seat at the counter of Tori Tori and head chef Yoko Morisaki will whip up a feast of sushi and sashimi plus local delicacies including taro croquettes and steamed mangrove clams.

Image Credit: Rob McFarland

9. Palauans love karaoke

In another nod to Japanese culture, Palauans have enthusiastically embraced karaoke. The Canoe House is a popular venue, where you’ll find locals and tourists belting out everything from Britney to The Beatles. Don’t worry if your singing skills are questionable, everyone is welcome.

Image via Instagram (@canoehousepalau)

10. It’s a paddler’s paradise

Palau’s islands are riddled with intriguing inlets leading to soaring jungle-flanked bays, meaning it’s perfect for exploring by kayak. Paddling Palau offers several tours that mix kayaking forays into deserted coves and mangrove-lined lagoons with snorkels over fields of sea grass and colourful coral reefs teeming with tropical fish.

Image Credit: Rob McFarland

Getting there

Nauru Airlines flies direct from Brisbane to Palau once a week.

The writer was a guest of Palau Visitors Authority.

Image Credit: Palau Visitors Authority