palau in photos on the Big blue

[bttmdwllr]

Came back from a palau trip 2 weeks ago and wanted to share my photos (taken with a nikonos V)

www.bttmdwllr.multiply.com

[Shasta_man]

Very nice. I was on the BBE in 2005.

That's a great shot of Blue Corner to show what it's really like. The distance is perfect. Good job.

Who was DM'ing these days?

[Barracuda2]

Thanks for sharing the great picts bttmdwllr. You got my blood rushing now!!! I'll be on the Big Blue from March 9-17; just 4 weeks and 2 days to go. I shoot video and am really looking forward to capturing some great clips.

I am a WWII buff; did Truk in '04. Did the Big Blue give any option of going ashore on Pelilu island for a tour of that battlefield? I know I would have to miss a dive, but I would really like to take a walk on that island.

[Jason Ooi]

Nice photos...thanks you for your sharing

[mjarens]

Greetings Bottom Dweller,

A big thank you for sharing your photos. I am getting excited about my upcoming trip to Palau in late Sept 07. Your photos and comentary really wet my appetite!

Did you stay anywhere special pre-cruise? I am searching for lodging for one night before my cruise and am wondering where to stay without breaking the bank. I arrive in Koror at 8pm and want to check into my accommodations then get a good dinner before turning in. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
mjarens

[bttmdwllr]

Howdy folks, sorry havent looked at this thread for a while. Yes, if you tell the manager as soon as you board that you want to go to Peleliu, they can arrange something for you.I HIGHKY recommend visiting Peleliu. The tanks, the zeros that crasehed on the islands, the pockmarked buildings...I even wandered into a tunnel by mistake. Read up on the history of the island, it makes it soooooo much more interesting. I wrote about it for a local in flight mag.

mjarens, there are so many places to stay in koro depending on your budget. i fyo send an e mail to info@expeditionfleet.com , just giv ethem your budget tand they can make the booking for you. Its cheaper to stay just on the outskirts of Koror, one called west plaza malakal is near where the big blue docks so its convenient. I've seen the place its pretty clean and nifty.

bttmdwllr

[mjarens]

Greetings bttmdwllr,

I am signed up with the Palau Aggressor. Their office suggested two places, Palau Pacific Resort and Palau Royal Resort. Both are over $200 for one night.

So I am looking for suggestions for clean, comfortable and secure for a solo female traveler. I'm arriving on the 8pm flight and hope that wherever I stay will be close to a restaurant that stays open late, or have a convienient food store that I can purchase a dinner from after checking in at 9pm. A bit of a hassel, I know.

Thanks for your suggestion.
mjarens

[bttmdwllr]

West plaza malakal its under 100 usd its VERY CLEAN and there are restaurants close by and very near where the sggressor docks too.

[mjarens]

Thanks Bttmdwllr. I have contacted the West Plaza Malakal via their request form online. This looks like a good, clean and safe bet for me, for my one night pre-cruise. Thanks for the recommendation.

Regards,
mjarens

[sloss]

Hi mjarens,

Yes, the West Plaza Malakal is a nice place to stay on island that is reasonably priced. Many of the rooms there are also fairly new as they bought out a store front that was linked to them about three years ago. The girls at the front desk are very nice, there are a few computers in the lobby if you need to send and email, and best of all you are right near where the Aggressor docks. There is a nice restaurant right outside the front door and if you sneak through the back part of the parking lot you are about 100 yards or so from Kramer's cafe, a great place to hang out, have some wonderful food, good drink and just a fun time. They are open late and Rene' the owner and his wife Jane are beautiful funny people if you get the chance to hang out with them!

I used to live there and it is a good local watering hole and restaurant. You are also walking distance to Neco Marine, where the PAII docks, and Sam's Dive Tours another great hangout. Have fun on the boat. I am jealous, I worked on the PAII for 5 awesome years. You will have a great time. Dive safe and enjoy!
Doug