Camping on Kayangel

Beach Photos

2008-10-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words and while my poor photographs don't do justice to the incredible beauty that I witnessed I think that they give you a good taste of it.

Facilities

2008-10-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

Camping on an island with no man made structure sounds nice. However, the reality is that you will have hot sun beating down on you during the day and perhaps some rain and a long 12 hour night. Having camped in the tropics I can tell you that I'd much prefer to do it under a roof. With the possibility of rain it is risky to sleep without a fly and it's sweltering hot with it on. During the day it's wonderful to have a source of shade and you can't sit under the coconut tree.

What I would do is sleep without a tent, laying my Thermarest mattress on one of the benches. As the area around the shelter is cleared out I would expect it not too be too buggy and just light some mozzie coils, apply bug repellent and use a top sheet. One can also safely pitch a tent without the rain fly.

As you can see there is plenty of space to spread your stuff out on. There is a cooking area and a toilet (clean, no stinky smell).

There are plenty of coconuts available for drinking, you can ask Mr. Obak to prepare some for you. (He was kind enough to send me on my journey back to Koror with several.) There is nothing more refreshing than the juice of a fresh coconut.

Supplies

2008-10-12T11:00:00.001-07:00

Camping supplies and fuel (if you don't trust your firemaking abilities, I failed in that respect on the Rock Islands) are readily available in Koror. Check out the second floor of the Surangel Department store.

The supermarkets of Koror (WCTC and Surangel downtown are the biggest ones) have a wide selection of products. There is one tiny little shop on Kayangel which should only be considered as a last resort (though you could stop by for a soda and snacks for the boat ride back).

Land Photos

2008-10-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

The main island of Kayangel is very buggy so it is a good thing that the shelter on the motu is in a relatively cleared area.

The Most Beautiful Spot in Palau?

2008-09-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

While visiting Kayangel Atoll in the Republic of Palau I had the opportunity to visit the outer motu (islets) of Kayangel. My host was Mr. Thomas Obak, who owns the middle and most beautiful islet. He has built a shelter, fireplace and even a toilet on his island. Staying there truly would be an opportunity to experience paradise.

You can leave a message for Thomas Obak at (680) 876-1939 or write him at
Thomas Obak
Kayangel State
Republic of Palau 96940

He can pick you up via his motorboat from the dock in Ngarchelong State in Northern Babedaob.
There, however, is no public transportation going up to Ngarchelong.

The other option is to take the Kayangel State boat which travels every other Friday/Sunday on Payday weekends. (Do double check this with the Palau Visitor's Authority or Kayangel State Office before making plans.)

The boat departs Koror (T Dock) on Friday at 9 am and arrives at Kayangel at 11 am.
The boat departs Kayangel at 1 pm on the same Friday and arrives in Koror at 3 pm.
Two days later on Sunday the boat departs Koror at 9 am and arrives at Kayangel at 11 am.
It then departs Kayangel at 1 pm and arrives in Koror at 3 pm.
The cost is $20 each way.

Reservations are required.
This is new and I almost fell victim to it. Be sure to call the State Office in Koror (488-2766) and be very specific that you want a reservation and get the name of the person with whom you made your reservation.

You can email the Palau Visitor's Authority for updated schedules and to find out when Payday weekends fall during your trip.