Tucked away on the far western edges of the Pacific islands, Palau is one of the most unique and beautiful destinations of the world. From it’s world famous coral limestone Rock Islands to the low lying atoll of Kayangel. “Pristine Paradise” is the official slogan or motto that revolves around the official tourism bureau of Palau. But there is a whole story behind this two worded slogan that gives it so much more weight and meaning.
Receipt breakdown from Honolulu – Koror: Pristine Paradise Fee included in price
Pristine Paradise Fee
In 2018, the Palau government introduced a new fee for incoming visitors totally $100. This was called the Pristine Paradise Fee which was to be included with every airline ticket cost for those coming into Palau. That fee is divided up into different funds, agencies, or bureaus such as:
- $10 Fisheries Protection Trust
- $12.50 to State Governments
- $25 security operations, maintenance & improvement of the Palau International Airport.
- $30 earmarked for Protected Areas Network
- $22.50 National Treasury
**Source: Pacific Note
But it doesn’t end here at the Pristine Paradise Fee which is why I thought out loud, it actually costs a lot to be a tourist in Palau, for GREAT cause. In an age of over-tourism which has lethal effects to land and marine life, you need a permit for ….just about every kind of activity in Palau: from diving the Rock islands ($50), swimming Jellyfish lake ($100 or $75 upgrade from Rock Island Permit), exploring Peleliu WW2 ruins ($15), to visiting waterfalls and heritages site on Babeldoab (the big island)($ Cost varies from $5 – $20).
This particular cost of tourism in Palau may be enough to divert mass hoards into Palau for good reason, to protect what is essential for Palau to exist healthily.
A Pristine Paradise before Pristine Paradise
Palau’s arrival fee for incoming flights and boats set the stage for a concrete means to preserve it’s beauty. But what if I told you these two words go beyond that. Pristine paradise is more than just a $100 fee, it’s a mindset. I got asked, if I threw my trash in the ocean and later wanted to go for a swim, would you want to swim in my trash?
No.
We all beleived in pristine paradise for Palau way before the fee was introduced!
@aperezvoyages Imagine a GLOBAL pristine paradise 🦈🐢🐠🐟💙 #palau #palautiktok #scubadiving #diving #explore #travel ♬ Aglow (Intro) – Slowed Down Version – Karamel Kel
Rock Islands and Jellyfish lake are the tip of the iceberg. All of Palau is pure and pristine and Palauans for a very long time have recognized just how important their own environment is to their wellbeing. In a world that is destroying itself over money and corporate greed, Palauans set the beautiful example of just how much the land, air, and sea is just as important as life itself. I mean, it is life!
The world should align it’s priorities with Palau
Again, in a world that is destroying itself over less important thing, Palau truly sets the perfect example of what matters the most. Doesn’t matter who’s military is more powerful or what the GDP proves. There will be none of that if we don’t love and care for what takes care of us. Like the concept and philosophy of malama ‘aina in Hawaii. If we provide for the land, the land provides for us. This applies all the same with our oceans.
Pristine paradise is a powerful model for Palau and works three times more effective for Palau than people realize. At least an outsider myself feels so. Now if only this could become a movement for the next island, and the next island, before it reaches a continent and beyond.
A Pristine Paradise world…
…imagine that!
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