Destination aerial Photography: Birds Eye View of Palau, the Crown Jewel of the Pacific
Aerial Photography & Birds Eye View of Palau...
Crown Jewel of the Pacific.
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70 islands, Palau
Palau... To many the name conjures up images of lush jungles atop mushroom-shaped limestone islands surrounded by turquoise waters so abundant with life that it is nearly impossible to ingest it all. With magnificent reefs that contain over 1300 species of fish and 400 species of coral, it is no surprise that it is recognized as one of the best and most consistent places to see a huge diversity and abundance of both small tropical fish and large pelagic predators.
I been traveling to this island Paradise for many years now and fortunately enough to capture its beauty not only above and below the waves but also from high above, swirling around with a fix wing aircraft or later in a Helicopter.
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70 islands and surrounding reef, Palau
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Rock Islands,Palau
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The famous Blue Corner, Palau
Unfortunately the Helicopter has gone now and I am not sure it will return to Palau, hence the reason for this post; "Birds Eye View of the Crown Jewel of the Pacific."
Looking at beautiful places from above; like the Jellyfish Lake, the Bai, Blue Corner and its amazing reef, Milky Way and of course different views of the spectacular and unique 70 Islands plus so many others.
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A perfect day over the 70 Islands,Palau
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Cruising the Rock Islands,Palau
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Late afternoon aerial in the Rock Islands, Palau
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On the way to the German Channel, Palau
Enjoy the view from above and maybe you get a chance to visit this Island Paradise and enjoy it as much then I have over many years, remember there is a lot more to Palau then just below the waves... Nature at its very best.
It comes as no surprise that National Geographic named it one of the world's last "Edens." Palau is truly blessed with an abundance of natural wonders.
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High above the amazing 70 Islands, Palau
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Jellyfish Lake, Palau
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Three Coconut Island, Palau
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Kayaking the Rock Islands, Palau
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Pinchers lagoon, Palau
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Milky Way, Palau
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Natural Arch in the afternoon light, Rock Islands, Palau
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After sunset aerial view over the Rock Islands, Palau
More aerial photos from Palau at my PhotoShelter Archives and Galleries and land based images like culture, people, historical and environment at this Gallery.
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Reef patterns, Palau
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Palau's Ngardmau Waterfall
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Exploring the Rock Islands by Kayaks
Another first in the world was the declaration of a Shark Sanctuary, the Palau Shark Sanctuary was founded in 2001 in an effort to end the annihilation of Palau's sharks as a result of rampant shark-finning at the hands of foreign long-line fishing vessels licensed by Palau to fish in their waters.
Palau Shark Sanctuary seeks a declaration by Palau establishing the waters of Palau's Exclusive Economic Zone as a sanctuary for all sharks. Since then many Nations have followed Palau's example in conservation and in the protection of Sharks and other marine species.
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Palau's Capitol
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The beach at PPR Resort, Palau
Its highly diverse geological formations make Palau an exceptionally unique place to explore. In the north there are two limestone atolls, while the main island of Babeldaob is primarily volcanic rock, rising to 217 meters/716 feet at its highest point.
The world famous Rock Islands, remnants of ancient coral reefs lifted by volcanic forces are purely limestone. As such, though Palau is globally renowned for its superb and incomparable underwater wonders, it likewise offers stunning caves, marine lakes and other surface habitats shaped by natural forces and waiting to be explored.
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Mans meeting house or "Bai", Palau
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Palau's International Airport
Palau's magic does not end with its legendary dive sites. Palau's forests are home to both biological treasures and ancient cultural sites that demonstrate Palau's traditional belief system. The Palau Conservation Society's (PCS) conservation strategy provides an opportunity to link cultural preservation with resource protection.
Just one more…
Your next vacation could start here!
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Amazing Palau!
For more information on Palau and a detailed photo gallery visit palautours.com at the LINKS below:
palautours.com
http://www.palautours.com/gallery.html
http://www.palautours.com/palau-biodiversity.html
Travel Photography: Destination tips, Island Portraits from Chuuk - Pohnpei - Yap & Palau, Micronesia.
It can be fun going back in time & digging through your archives…
I found some cool Island Portraits from Micronesia in the process.
High school student Chuuk, Micronesia
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A short break from Asia; traveling back in time to some other amazing places like Chuuk, Pohnpei, Yap and Palau in Micronesia.
While going through my archives the other day I thought hey why not share some images from the past, some taken on Kodachrome Film and others digital.
Traditional Chuukese blowing the shell as a welcome, Micronesia
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Young girl on a rusty Landing Craft, remnants from the IIWW,
Chuuk or also know as Truk Lagoon, Micronesia
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These are some of my favorite Portraits of people in Micronesia from the remote Island of Pohnpei with its mysterious ruins of Nan Madol (also called the Venice of the Pacific) or to Chuuk know better as Truk Lagoon where a whole Japanese fleet was sunk during WWII.
Of course then there is the charming and ever so traditional island of Yap with its still intact culture and tradition, very little has changed here over the years.
Traditional Palauan Girl during a ceremony,
Palau, Micronesia
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Late afternoon sun on this Palauan Boy near the waters edge
where he is playing, he is holding a large rock then jumping
into the water to dive, the rock is his ballast for easier diving.
Palau Micronesia
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Palau the magical Islands of the pacific needs no introduction…
a sheer paradise above and below the waves, natures awesome creation and for sure a highlight in the pacific.
I have written articles on all those remote destinations before but when I flipped through my archives the other day I decided to select some portraits of people I encountered during my visits.
Traditional Palauan, Palau Micronesia
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See below also some useful information and excerpts from Wikipedia and Palautours.com which by the way has a very nice Photo Gallery on Palau.
Yap Village Chief resting against Yap Money,
Island of Yap Micronesia
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A young boy during the Yap day festival, the culture
in Yap is thriving and very much alive
Island of Yap Micronesia
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Excepts from Wikipedia:
Yap, also known as Wa'ab by locals, is an island in the Caroline Islands of the western Pacific Ocean. Yap's indigenous cultures and traditions are still strong compared to other neighboring islands. The island of Yap actually consists of four continental islands (hence the alternative name of the Yap Islands). The four are very close together and joined within a common coral reef and entirely formed from an uplift of the Philippine Sea Plate.
Yap is notable for its stone money, known as Rai: large shaped, carved disks of up to 4 m (12 ft) in diameter.
Many of them were brought from other islands, as far as New Guinea, but most came in ancient times from Palau. Their value is based on both the stone's size and its history. Historically the Yapese valued the disks because the material looks like quartz, and these were the shiniest objects around. Eventually the stones became legal tender and were even mandatory in some payments.
Women young and old are topless not only during ceremonies and festivals but all year around, you even get greeted at the arrival at the airport by traditional dressed women, for the women being topless is a very normal and cultural part of this island. Island of Yap Micronesia
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Chuuk — formerly Truk, Ruk, Hogoleu, Torres, Ugulat, and Lugulus — is an island group in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean. It comprises one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), along with Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap. Chuuk is the most populous of the FSM's states. Geographically, Chuuk is also part of the larger Caroline Islands group. Chuuk means mountain in the Chuukese language and was known mainly as Truk (a mispronunciation of Ruk), until 1990.
It is not known when the islands of Chuuk were first settled, but, based on archaeological evidence, these islands had originally been settled more than 2000 years ago. Based on archaeological evidence, it seems that, after about 200 AD, there was no continuous settlement until about 1300 AD.
Pohnpei "upon (pohn) a stone altar (pei)" (formerly known as Ponape) is the name of one of the four states in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), situated among the Senyavin Islands which are part of the larger Caroline Islands group. Palikir, the FSM's capital, is located on Pohnpei Island.
Pohnpei Island is the largest, highest, most populous, and most developed single island in the FSM. The islanders of Pohnpei have a reputation as being the most welcoming of outsiders among residents of the island group.
Pohnpei is also one of the wettest places on earth with annual recorded rainfall exceeding 300 inches (7,600 mm) each year in certain mountainous locations. Pohnpeian historic society was highly structured into five tribes, various clans and sub-clans; each tribe headed by two principal chiefs.
Young girl playing with yellow price tags along
the road on Pohnpei Island, Micronesia
Excerpts from Palautours.com
The magnificent islands of the Republic of Palau, fondly called Belau by its friendly inhabitants, were named by early explorers and have been known to the outside world at one time or another as West Caroline Islands, the Palaos, the New Philippines, Panlog, and the Pelew Islands.
Notwithstanding Palau's intriguing variety of names, in 1696 survivors of two canoes full of seafaring natives from the Micronesian island of Yap told Spanish priests about the islands' existence after they washed up on the shores of Samar Island in the Philippines. What followed were several determined attempts to reach them, but only in 1710 did Capitan Francisco Padilla – in command of the Santissima Trinidad galleon – finally discover and land on the Palau island of Sonsorol, where they were met with open arms by friendly natives.
The Republic of Palau comprises the westernmost group of the West Caroline Islands, an integral part of Micronesia. The country's local language remains Palauan, despite the many foreign influences ranging from Spanish to Japanese, German and English. Palauan is spoken throughout the island, except in the Southwest Islands where inhabitants speak a Yapese dialect.
Palauan is primarily a spoken language, with much confusion on correct spelling in its written form. In many cases words are “Americanized” so they become easier to pronounce. With an approximate 20,000 inhabitants, the islands are sparsely populated.
Within its composition the populace has a rather big “generation” gap. The older generation, mostly raised during the prewar Japanese era still speaks fluent Japanese, while the younger generation, mostly raised under American influence, speaks English.
Families who can afford to do so send their children to the United States mainland or to Hawaii for their education. Many who finish do not return primarily because of more lucrative job opportunities abroad, resulting in a serious shortage of young Palauans to fill pertinent vacancies.
Thus outside workers have to be hired, and they are conspicuously present among the population in the form of a large foreign workforce, mainly Filipinos. In terms of the public versus private sectors, about 45 percent of the population works for the local government, with the balance involved in either the tourism or fishing industries.
Travel Tip:
If you like to visit some of these amazing places and you happen to be at the Duesseldorf Boot Show in January then you have to check out the Booth of Sam's Tours and the Palau Visitors Authority.
Duesseldorf, Germany - Boot Show -
21st - 29th January 2012
Pls. Note: All images have been processed with Aperture 3 and no manipulation.
Check out also the GD Photo Workshop Calendar for 2012 & 2013.
For more info please Click this LINK.
GD
Late NEWS: Sea Shepherd to send vessel to patrol the territorial waters of Palau supporting the Shark Sanctuary
Breaking NEWS! For immediate release!
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society supports
Palau in protection of marine sanctuary & law enforcement
Sea Shepherd to send one of its vessels to
patrol the territorial waters of Palau
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Koror/Palau, March 31, 2011 – The support of a high-tech vessel will have a significant impact on the marine law enforcement against illegal fishing practices after Palau declared its waters a marine sanctuary.
On March 11, 2011, H.E. Johnson Toribiong, President of the Republic of Palau, Paul Watson, President and Founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and Steve Roest, Chief Executive Officer of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society signed a Memorandum of Agreement through which Sea Shepherd.
A global marine conservation organization, will undertake an initial patrol campaign in the territorial waters of Palau and will provide advice in assessing options and best procedures for ongoing marine conservations operations. In addition, Sea Shepherd will fully fund the operations of its vessel M/Y Bob Barker, a former Norwegian whaler, and assets and will provide support and training to local authorities where needed or appropriate.
The well equipped conservation society taps into high-tech resources such as helicopter surveillance, drone (UAV) technology, fast interceptor boats, and radar tracking systems, putting the marine enforcement entity of Palau at par with the illegal fishing operations it is trying to fight since the implementation of the world’s first shark sanctuary in September 2009, followed by the extension to a complete marine sanctuary in November 2010.
Dermot Keane, Founder of non-profit organization Palau Shark Sanctuary, who established the contact between Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and the Presidential Office of Palau, and signed the Memorandum of Agreement as a witness, comments:
“This is a major milestone for Palau’s conservation efforts and clearly sends the right message to the world: our nation is serious about the enforcement of our marine protection laws, and with the help of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, even small nations can make a big difference.”
# # #
To interview Captain Watson or for general media requests, please contact the U.S. IHQ Media Department of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society:
Traci Walter or Katia Carter, phone +1-360-370-5650, media@seashepherd.org
Australia: Jeff Hansen, phone +61-409-472-922, jeff@seashepherd.org
Europe: Brigitte Scheffer, phone +44-7969-297726, brigitte@seashepherd.org or Laurens de Groot, phone +31-64-22-99-727, laurens@seashepherd.org
For image material, please visit: http://media.seashepherd.org
# # #
Palau Shark Sanctuary
Dermot Keane
Founder
Box 7076
Koror, PW 96940, Palau
phone: +680-488-7267
e-mail sharksanctuary@gmail.com
www.sharksanctuary.com
About Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
Established in 1977, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) is an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization. The Society’s mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world's oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. Sea Shepherd uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas.
By safeguarding the biodiversity of the planet’s delicately balanced ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations.
About Palau Shark Sanctuary
Palau Shark Sanctuary was founded in 2001 in an effort to end the annihilation of Palau's sharks as a result of rampant shark-finning at the hands of foreign long-line fishing vessels licensed by Palau to fish in their waters. In May 2003, former Palau President Mr. Tommy E. Remengesau Jr., became a key supporter of the efforts of Palau Shark Sanctuary; in September 2003 he signed in to law some of the toughest anti-shark-finning legislation in the world.
On September 25, 2009, President Johnson Toribiong from Palau declared the EEZ of Palau the world’s first shark sanctuary during a speech in front of the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York. Palau Shark Sanctuary remains committed to the full implementation, enforcement and success of Palau’s marine sanctuary.
Travel Photography: Mysterious places... Nan Madol in Pohnpei called the Venice of the Pacific.
Another ancient “Venice”... but where is Nan Madol?
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Spectacular sunset en route from Chuuk near Guam to Pohnpei by boat.
Miles from nowhere...
Nan Madol is often called the “Venice of the Pacific” like Ayutthaya in Thailand which I described recently on my Blog. Another ancient “Venice”, but where is Nan Madol?
Nan Madol is extremely difficult to reach even after the long Journey to Pohnpei in the Pacific, (see map) constructed in the water and can only be reached during favorable tides by small boats or Kayaks.
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In the canals of Nan Madol, Pohnpei
Wow, how I love these ancient civilizations like Angkor Wat, Nan Madol and many others, going back in time and snooping around long forgotten worlds, thinking what it must been like during ancient times.
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"The Venice of the Pacific" the ancient ruins of Nan Madol, Pohnpei
Exploring these ancient ruins is quiet an experience and one starts to wonder how people managed to move such large rocks and build an entire city without the tools we have today.
Nan Madol is shrouded in deep mystery and many Archeologists still debating its origin and its people who build it. More excavation is needed and maybe one day we find out more about the “Venice of the Pacific” called Nan Madol.
But for the time being it will belong to one of those mysterious places I treasure so much.
Some more info & LINKS from Wikipedia below:
GD
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Locals girls enjoying the fresh water underneath
a waterfall on the Island of Pohnpei.
Nan Madol is a ruined city that lies off the eastern shore of the island of Pohnpei, in the Federated States of Micronesia, and was the capital of the Saudeleur dynasty until about AD 1500. Pohnpei is one of the wettest places on earth with annual recorded rainfall exceeding 300 inches (7,600 mm) each year in certain mountainous locations.
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Lush tropical vegetation on Pohnpei
It is also worth noting that Pohnpei and the ruins of Nan Madol also play a central role in author James Rollins' book, Deep Fathom.
Nan Madol was the ceremonial and political seat of the Saudeleur dynasty, which united Pohnpei's estimated 25,000 people. Set apart on the main island of Pohnpei, it was a scene of human activity as early as the first or second century AD.
A local story holds that when Nan Madol was being built a powerful magician living in the well inhabited region on the northwest of the island was solicited, and that his help was a major factor in completing the buildings. In particular, he was responsible for supplying the huge stone "logs" used in much of Nan Madol by "flying" them from their source to the construction site.
The city Nan Madol consists of a series of small artificial islands linked by a network of canals and is often called the "Venice of the Pacific” The name Nan Madol means "spaces between" and is a reference to the canals that crisscross the ruins. According to Gene Ashby in his book Pohnpei, An Island Argosy, the original name was Soun Nan-leng (Reef of Heaven)
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Children on Pohnpei having fun on the road side with some price tags.
Archaeology
Today Nan Madol forms an archaeological district covering more than 18 km² and includes the stone architecture built up on a coral reef flat along the shore of Temwen Island, several other artificial islets, and the adjacent Pohnpei main island coastline. The site core with its stone walls encloses an area approximately 1.5 km long by 0.5 km wide and it contains nearly 100 artificial islets—stone and coral fill platforms—bordered by tidal canals.
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"The Venice of the Pacific" the ancient ruins of Nan Madol, Pohnpei
Carbon dating indicates that the construction of Nan Madol began around AD 1200, while excavations show that the area may have been occupied as early as 200 BC. Some probable quarry sites around the island have been identified, but the exact origin of the stones of Nan Madol is yet undetermined. None of the proposed quarry sites exist in Madolenihmw, meaning that the stones must have been transported to their current location. It has been suggested that they might have been floated via raft from the quarry, but no one has successfully demonstrated the process. Archaeologists have yet to unravel the mystery, and some modern
More @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nan_Madol
More interesting information about Nan Madol @ http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/nmad/hd_nmad.htm
Just one more...
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Happy face and colorful price tags, Pohnpei.
Travel Photography: "The Shy One" through the Classroom Window, Chuuk Micronesia
Through the Classroom Window
"The Shy One" 
© Gunther Deichmann - A student from the Public High School in Chuuk Micronesia, 2008.
From the article "The Forgotten Ones."
© Gunther Deichmann - Chuuk Micronesia,
High School Grounds
It is not known when the islands of Chuuk were first settled, but, based on archaeological evidence, these islands had originally been settled more than 2000 years ago. It is also not known with certainty where the original inhabitants came from. Based on archaeological evidence, it seems that, after about 200 AD, there was no continuous settlement until about 1300 AD.
More at Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuuk
Map of Chuuk: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_Chuuk_Islands1.png
© Gunther Deichmann - a Chuukese blowing the Shell as a welcome sign - the language of Chuuk belongs to the enormous Malayo-Polynesian family, one of the major branches of the Austronesian language phylum.
Chuuk is also with its vast, shallow, beautiful lagoon a Mecca for wreck divers. A major shipwreck site from WWII, Truk Lagoon is unquestionably the world's best shipwreck diving destination. Here, more than 50 hulks have been transformed into ship-reefs, holding the very best of the undersea world and maritime history at one site.
GD
Photography: Painted skies & oceans the Colors of Micronesia, adventure travel with your Digital Camera.
“Painted Skies & Oceans”
the Colors of Micronesia.
© Gunther Deichmann - Dramatic Sunset & Rainbow over the Pacific.
A dramatic sunset in the Pacific, the Image above taken between Chuuk (Truk Lagoon) and Pohnpei in Micronesia.
The Federated States of Micronesia is an independent, sovereign nation made up of Pohnpei and three other states; Chuuk, Kosrae, and Yap. Together, the FSM comprises approximately 607 small islands in the Western Pacific spread over almost 1,700 miles (2,700 km) from east to west just above the equator some 2,500 miles (4,000 km) southwest of Hawaii and about 1,800 miles (2,900 km) north of eastern Australia, above Papua New Guinea.
© Gunther Deichmann - Sunset over the famous Truk Lagoon,
a Divers paradise for WWII ship wrecks
Chuuk or better known amongst the Scuba Diving community as Truk Lagoon is a must for Divers who like to explore the amazing WWII wrecks in this Lagoon. A whole Japanese fleet was sunk here during the WWII. Great Visibility and little current makes this a perfect destination for Wreck Divers.
© Gunther Deichmann - A lone Coconut tree at the edge of
Truk Lagoon, Chuuk Micronesia
© Gunther Deichmann - dramatic clouds over the
Palau Rock islands, Micronesia
Palau is also know as one of the best Dive destinations in the world, diving highlights include Blue Corner and the Blue Hole, plus so many others. In 2009 Palau became also the first Shark Sanctuary in the World, one of Natures best kept secret with its amazing bio diversity below and above the waves. Check out Sam’s Tours for all your scuba diving activities in 2010.
© Gunther Deichmann - a small island just in front
of the Palau Pacific Resort
© Gunther Deichmann - typical Pacific sunset, Palau
© Gunther Deichmann - Islands at sunset, Palau Micronesia
© Gunther Deichmann - Coconut trees at the edge of
Truk Lagoon, Chuuk Micronesia
© Gunther Deichmann - aerial view at sunset, Rock Islands Palau
© Gunther Deichmann - view from inside a
cave in the Palau Rock Islands, Palau
© Gunther Deichmann - sunset at the Palau Pacific Resort also known as PPR
Check out the GD PhotoWorkshop site for all the Calendar dates in 2010
including a trip trip to Palau Micronesia in June 2010
Adventure Travel with your Digital Camera!
Busy time ahead for Sam’s Tours Digital Photo Center... the Kids have arrived!
Busy time ahead for Sam’s Tours
Digital Photo Center...the Kids have arrived!
It is buzzing with Kids and adults at Sam’s Tours in Palau THE PALAU KIDS SEA CAMP has started...fun and education for Children another first for Palau and Sam’s Tours.
But with the state of the art equipped Digital Photo Center the Kids should have no problems managing & downloading their photos.
Sam's Tours Digital Photography Center is fully equipped to cater to digital photographers of all interest levels from those with handy “point-and-shoot” cameras to the most demanding digital photographers shooting in RAW format. Our six top of the line Apple iMac workstations are loaded with terabytes and terabytes of storage, archiving and secure data back up systems, lots of RAM, and completely optimized for digital imaging with Apple Aperture image management software, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Bridge, Toast, and topped off with DSL Wi-Fi internet access. No other photo center in Palau comes near!
Our rental equipment includes the latest Canon Powershot SD850 digital cameras and Canon ZR830 mini digital video cameras complete with underwater housings, large storage media, plenty of additional batteries, and full service support from our professionally trained Photo Center staff.
Other Photo Center amenities include a padded and dry camera prep table, battery charging stations, 110V and 220V electrical supply, separate camera rinse tanks, camera drying station equipped with towels and compressed air, and secure storage for your housings, equipment cases and other accessories.
© Gunther Deichmann - color below the waves, my son
Mark-Lee during one of his first dives
a few yeas ago in Palau, near Blue Corner
The Kids Sea Camp is Locally sponsored by Continental Airlines, Palau Royal Resort and Sea Passion Hotel & of course Sam’s Tours.
This is another first for Palau the first one being the Shark Sanctuary...not only is Palau a Shark Sanctuary but now contributing to Children’s education... learning about our environment while having real fun.
Photo © Courtesy Sam’s Tours - the Kids have arrived...
© Courtesy Sam’s Tours - the Kids have arrived...
Dermot Keane the GM of Sam’s Tours during the opening Ceremony.
Special thanks to all the International sponsors: Sport Diver Magazine - PADI Diving Society - PADI Project Aware - SCUBAPRO - Uwatec
UK Underwater Kinetics - Sea Life Camera - DAN Divers Alert Network. LINK to more Photos from the Kids Sea Camp in Palau
© Gunther Deichmann - aerial over the Rock Islands, Palau
Good luck to all Kids and adults who joined
this fun trip to Palau...
have lots of fun and be good!
