In the Land of Fruit Bat Pie

In The Land of Fruit Bat Pie. After a very pleasant overnight stay at the Diamond Hotel in Manila we arrived back in the Republic of Palau, a small island state south of the Philippines most famous for the ‘Rock Islands’ (and more recently for becoming the new owner of 17 Guantanamo detainees). Having played a major part in the Pacific War in WWII there are many Japanese influences, and it remains a popular destination for Japanese and Asians in general. There’s not a lot to do apart from diving, but diving is something there is plenty of including world-class dives such as “Blue Corner”, and some of the world’s largest underwater cliffs (‘drop-offs’). After a day’s diving there are some pretty interesting items on the menu – fruit bat pie is a local speciality, large and meaty coconut crabs (Birgus latro) and fresh velvety rich mangrove clams the size of plums stewed in coconut milk. Just watch out with the fruit bat pie… can be a little unnerving to see those hairy ears and white teeth emerging as you take the pastry off… (they put the creature in whole)! Off to Yap next week, then back through the Philippines and Thailand to Laos for a bit of an explore before heading on to Bali.

Welcome to the Rock Islands in Palau.

A cliche, but has to be taken!

Schooling trevally and jacks, Palau.

The size of some shoals of fish is extraordinary..

Underwater Palau is a world of colour, even in small details.

A beautfiful male Pseudanthia pleurotaenia, this species is commonly only seen in deeper water, here it is at only 10m. (It is a common feature of vertical underwater cliffs that deepwater life can be seen at shallower depths).

A crocodile fish, German Wall, Palau. They're like London buses..you don't see them for ages, then several appear at once..!)

One of the 20-30 sharks that seem to permanently patrol the edge of the drop-off at Blue Corner, Palau.

The ever-photogenic anemonefish (this one is a cousin of 'Nemo'), it's wonderful to see so many of them in rude health in Palau, they're so rare now in Polynesia and elsewhere due to the aquarium trade.

The centre of a 'barrel anemone', surely the most beautiful of the shallow water anemone family, also the rarest here in Palau.

Another anemone at 15m depth, this was photographed without lighting, the tentacles seem to have their own flourescence...never seen that before.

Another photographic favourite, the nudibranch (sea slug). Palau is not noted as a hotspot for them, but we've seen 7 species so far and counting..

Another nudibranch, colourful and diverse patterns are their speciality..

An electric clam, so-called due to the blue lining in the center, as the clam inhales and exhales the water this flaps in aand out quickly giving the appearance of an electric spark running across it. These like dark recesses and caves, this specimen was in 24m in a dark underwater cavern wall.

A real unique attraction of Palau, 'Jellyfish Lake'. One of the Rock Islands has a lake in the middle of the jungle on the island, and closed off for many thousands of years, jellyfish in the lake have evolved to have no sting. Everyday the jellyfish migrate around the lake following the sun.

Ascending from a free-dive in Jellyfish Lake gives the appearance that it is raining jellyfish..!

There are also some interesting caves to explore around the Rock Islands.

Descending through innocuous looking holes in the reef you can find yourself in magnificent cathedral sized caverns.

In the dark, quiet environment of the caverns small things like bubbles and light interact to become beautiful.

Underwater stalagtites in Chandelier Cave, Palau.

Some cave chambers have air pockets in allowing you to see the natural 'chandeliers' from above the water as well.

Emerging from the total darkness of the cave system into the light is a revelation.