Restoring Island-Ocean
Ecosystems
DISCOVER THE JOURNEY
KEY
EXPERIENCES
- Ulong Archaeology Tour
- Kayaking technicolour coral lagoons
- Paddling through shark nurseries
- Participating in e-DNA Collection
- Diving in sites of historical & ecological importance
JOURNEY
INCLUDES
- Full board accommodation at Palau Pacific Resort
- Three nights aboard the Palau Siren Liveaboard
- Expert guiding & personal hosting throughout
- Diving, kayaking & snorkelling activities
- Community conservation activities
- Citizen science research
- Discovery of Palau’s communities, biodiversity & marine & terrestrial ecosystems
- Pre-trip advice and briefing
Important
Information
- DATES: 13th - 24th September
- DURATION: 11 Nights
- PLACE: Arrive to Koror International Airport
- SIZE: Small group experience
Important
Information
- DATES: 13th - 24th September
- DURATION: 11 Nights
- PLACE: Arrive to Koror International Airport
- SIZE: Small group experience
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the community champions weaving together traditional stewardship and science to protect Palau’s island-ocean ecosystems
WHAT TO EXPECT
ACCOMMODATION
PERFECT FOR
This trip ventures to Palau, a remote island nation in the Pacific Ocean. The journey will explore the rich culture and traditions of the region, its treasured natural environments, and inspire support for ongoing conservation programs. It is suited to divers, with a PADI Advanced Open Water certification and a minimum of 30 logged dives, and snorkelers.
The journey is perfect for couples and curious travellers who want to further their knowledge of terrestrial-marine connections and connect with community champions at the forefront of the restoration and rewilding of Palau.
CONSERVATION IMPACT
YOUR HOSTS
Meet your hosts:
Penny Becker and Stuart Sandin
Penny Becker
Penny joined Island Conservation in January 2020 and, as Island Conservation’s CEO, will be your terrestrial journey host.
She received a BS in Biology from Willamette University and PhD in Wildlife Management from the University of Pretoria. After several years spent living, travelling and working internationally, Penny returned to the U.S Pacific Northwest where her work focused on recovering at-risk wildlife species and conserving biodiversity. Her wide-ranging conservation and research experience includes coastal community initiatives, fisher re-establishment and building cooperation across diverse people for natural resource challenges and establishing partnerships with governmental agencies, non-governmental organisations, citizens and industries for wildlife.
Stuart Sandin
Stuart Sandin is a community ecologist interested in considering the patterns of change in marine ecosystems, in particular, noting how ecological communities respond to variations in environmental conditions.
His research focuses largely on the ecology of coral reefs with the goal of finding effective management and restoration approaches for this threatened ecosystem.
Having received a BS in Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution from UC San Diego and PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton University, Dr. Sandin is a professor and serves as the Director of the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. Stuart will be your marine journey host.
Where will your impact journey take you?
As a mission-led business our journeys are designed to be transformative, on the traveller and on the people and places you engage with. When you book a journey with us you become part of our growing community of changemakers – the curious, the intrepid, those looking to engage with the natural world on a deeper level. To learn, exchange and realise change.
A journey starts with a discovery call with our expert team. These journeys are personal – they offer connection and insights into cultures, wildlife and landscapes in wild corners of the world – for an experience that has a positive impact, long after you return home.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Journey to Palau
What is the climate like in Palau in September?
Palau has an equatorial climate meaning it is hot, humid and rainy throughout the year. In September temperatures range from 24-31℃ (76-88℉). Rainfall starts to decrease slightly following the rainier summer months, but you should still expect occasional heavy showers.
Can you organise an extension to this Hosted Journey?
Absolutely! We would be delighted to put together a bespoke itinerary for you should you wish to extend your stay in Palau or visit another country before or after this journey. Whether you would like to spend more time exploring the breathtaking archipelago or venture elsewhere in the Pacific or Asia, please contact Lara (lara.webster@stg-journeyswithpurposeorg-staging.kinsta.cloud) to start curating your bespoke itinerary.
What kind of activities will we be doing?
Your days will be spent discovering the extraordinary on-land and under-sea wonders of Palau. You will dive and snorkel in colourful reefs, kayak in sheltered lagoons, hike forest trails and explore archeological heritage sites. Evenings will be spent enjoying sundowners at the Palau Pacific Resort or onboard the Palau Siren Liveaboard, before feasting on delicious dinners with your fellow guests.
Where will we be staying?
This journey incorporates three nights aboard the Palau Siren Liveaboard and nine at the Palau Pacific Resort. The magnificent 40m Siren Liveaboard was built on the Indonesia island of Sulawesi and is handcrafted from traditional ironwood and teak. And the 5-star Palau Pacific Resort features beautifully designed guestrooms, suites and overwater bungalows. Both accommodations are well equipped with luxury amenities.
What happens after I book?
Once you have booked your trip the journey begins! Prior to departure, our team will share your personalised itinerary via the Safari Portal App which will contain all of the information about your journey. We will share reading and watching recommendations and updates from the field, so that you can begin your learning journey from home. In the days prior to your trip, you will be connected with your hosts and fellow guests on a whatsapp group as the excitement builds! The JWP team will be on hand in the lead up to and during your journey to assist with any questions you may have.
What is the best international airport to arrive at and depart from?
International flights are not included and are to be booked separately. There is only one international airport in Palau - Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (also known as Palau International Airport). Direct flights to Palau can be booked from Manila, Guam, Taipei, Narita, Korea and Tokyo. The most common route to Palau from the US is via Hawaii and Guam.
Who looks after us during our journey?
You will be joined on this journey by a JWP host. They will be on hand to assist with any questions or requests prior to or during your journey.
Can this journey be organised for a private group?
This journey to Palau from 13th-24th September 2024 has been designed to bring together a small group of curious and likeminded people who want to deepen their understanding of and engagement with pioneering projects involved in the restoration of island-ocean ecosystems. However, if you are unable to join the journey in September or would like to organise a transformative impact experience in Palau (or elsewhere) with a private group, our Journey Planners would be delighted to organise this for you. Please reach out to the JWP team on connect@stg-journeyswithpurposeorg-staging.kinsta.cloud to begin creating your unique impact journey.
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Join a global community of conscious travellers.
Sign up to our monthly field report to discover extraordinary projects, remarkable stories, and transformative experiences in wild nature.