Koror: The Jewel of Micronesia

• HelloAlii
  [Ah-lee]
• GoodbyeSulang
  [Soo-lang]
• YesEwe
  [Eh-way]
• NoChelid
  [Cheh-lid]
• Please/You're welcomeKmal mesulang
  [Kuh-mahl meh-soo-lang]
• Thank youSulang
  [Soo-lang]
• Excuse me/SorryKmal meral di chad
  [Kuh-mahl meh-rahl dee chad]
• How are you?Kemam a kmal mesisiich?
  [Keh-mahm ah kuh-mahl meh-see-seech?]
• Fine. And you?Sisiich a, oh a kmal mesisiich?
  [See-see-seech ah, oh ah kuh-mahl meh-see-seech?]
• Do you speak English?Ng diak el kmo ngak er tirke el kebliil?
  [Ng dee-ahk el kmo ngahk ehr teer-kehl ehl keh-blee-ihl?]
• I don't understandA di mengetekl
  [Ah dee men-geht-ehkl]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAk mo melai a rengul a menu
  [Ahk moh meh-lai ah rehng-ool ah meh-noo]
• I don't eat meatA di chimolbekakl
  [Ah dee chee-mohl-beh-kahkl]
• Cheers!Ungil tutau
  [Oong-geel too-tow]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAk mo meral di tang
  [Ahk moh meh-rahl dee tahng]

• Help!Mei
  [Meh-ee]
• Go away!Mla mekngit
  [Mah-lah meh-kngeet]
• Call the Police!Mengedub
  [Mehng-geh-doob]
• Call a doctor!Mengedeu
  [Mehng-geh-doo]
• I'm lostA diak lebo er a beluu
  [Ah dee-ahk leh-boh ehr ah beh-loo]
• I'm illA di meral mengedub
  [Ah dee meh-rahl mehng-geh-doob]

• I'd like to buy...Ak mo meral di bechil
  [Ahk moh meh-rahl dee bech-eel]
• I'm just lookingA di mechitechad
  [Ah dee meh-chee-teh-chad]
• How much is it?Ongal ta
  [Ong-ahl tah]
• That's too expensiveA rirel a meral mengui
  [Ah ree-rel ah meh-rahl mehng-wee]
• Can you lower the price?Mengui a meral diak
  [Mehng-wee ah meh-rahl dee-ahk]

• What time is it?Kemam a kmal mei?
  [Keh-mahm ah kuh-mahl meh-ee?]
• It's one o'clockKedei er a chim
  [Keh-deh-ee ehr ah cheem]
• Half past (10)A chedam er ngak
  [Ah cheh-dahm ehr ngahk]
• MorningNgalek a blil a sang
  [Ngah-lehk ah bleel ah sahng]
• AfternoonNgalek a blil a uchul a klengar
  [Ngah-lehk ah bleel ah oo-chool ah klehn-gahr]
• EveningNgalek a blil a ngelekel
  [Ngah-lehk ah bleel ah ngel-eh-kel]
• YesterdayA kmal di kudengei
  [Ah kuh-mahl dee koo-dehn-gay]
• TodayA kmal di kmo ngak
  [Ah kuh-mahl dee kmo ngahk]
• TomorrowA kmal di kau
  [Ah kuh-mahl dee kow]
• 1Chim
  [Cheem]
• 2Ngak
  [Ngahk]
• 3Telu
  [Teh-loo]
• 4Fa
  [Fah]
• 5Leleng
  [Leh-leng]
• 6Uor
  [Wohr]
• 7Kedei
  [Keh-deh-ee]
• 8Kedam
  [Keh-dahm]
• 9Kedeu
  [Keh-doo]
• 10Kuluk
  [Koo-look]

• Where's a/the...?Ng diak a/er...
  [Ng dee-ahk ah/ehr...]
• What's the address?Kemam a chemaod?
  [Keh-mahm ah cheh-mowd?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mengui a meral di chelid
  [Mehng-wee ah meh-rahl dee cheh-lid]
• When's the next (bus)?Kemam a kmal me kmal diak?
  [Keh-mahm ah kuh-mahl meh kuh-mahl dee-ahk?]
• A ticket (to ....)A bilel el chad er a...
  [Ah bee-lehl ehl chad ehr ah...]

Koror, part of the island nation of Palau, has been inhabited for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that the first settlers arrived from Southeast Asia around 3,000 years ago. These early inhabitants developed complex societies and were adept at seafaring, which allowed them to navigate and settle across the vast Pacific Ocean.

The first recorded European contact with Koror occurred in the 16th century when Spanish explorers arrived. However, it wasn't until the late 18th century that more consistent interactions began, primarily through British and German traders and explorers. These interactions introduced new goods and ideas to Koror but also brought diseases that affected the local population.

In 1899, Koror and the rest of Palau were sold by Spain to Germany following the Spanish-American War. During the German colonial period, Koror saw the introduction of modern infrastructure, including schools and hospitals. The Germans also established coconut plantations and other agricultural endeavors, which began to change the local economy.

Following World War I, Koror came under Japanese administration as part of the South Seas Mandate granted by the League of Nations. The Japanese period (1914-1944) was marked by significant development. Koror became a central hub for Japanese administration and military operations in the Pacific. Infrastructure improvements included roads, buildings, and a seaplane base.

World War II had a profound impact on Koror. As a strategic location in the Pacific, Koror was heavily fortified by the Japanese. In 1944, the Battle of Peleliu, part of the larger Pacific campaign, brought significant military activity to the region. While Koror itself was not the site of major battles, the war left lasting scars on the island and its people.

After World War II, Koror came under the administration of the United States as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. This period saw the reconstruction of war-damaged infrastructure and the introduction of American educational and governmental systems. The U.S. administration also laid the groundwork for Palau's eventual move towards independence.

Koror became the capital of the newly independent Republic of Palau in 1994. With independence, Koror has continued to develop as a cultural and economic center. The city is known for its vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and historical sites that reflect its rich and varied past. Today, Koror is a popular destination for tourists from around the world, drawn by its unique blend of history, culture, and natural wonders.

Koror is the largest city in Palau and serves as its commercial center. The main entry point is through the Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR), located on Babeldaob Island, which is connected to Koror by the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge. Direct flights to ROR are available from major cities like Manila, Taipei, and Guam. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for a hotel shuttle to get to Koror, which is about a 20-minute drive.

Transportation within Koror is primarily by taxi, which are plentiful and relatively inexpensive. Car rentals are available and provide the most flexibility for exploring the surrounding areas. Public buses operate on a limited schedule, and bike rentals are also a good option for getting around the compact city. Walking is feasible for short distances, especially within the central areas of Koror.

The official currency in Palau is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available, particularly in Koror, but fees may be high for international cards, so withdrawing larger amounts at a time might be more economical.

Koror is generally very safe for tourists. Violent crime is rare, but petty theft can occasionally occur, so it’s wise to be vigilant, especially in crowded areas. The neighborhoods in Koror do not have high crime rates targeting tourists, but standard precautions like not leaving your belongings unattended and avoiding poorly lit areas at night should be followed.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The main hospital in Palau, Belau National Hospital, is located in Koror and offers medical services. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The local police station is also situated in Koror for any security-related issues.

Fashion: Do dress casually but modestly. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting cultural or religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting religious places. Public Transport: Do be courteous and patient, as public transport can be limited. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly smile and a slight nod. Handshakes are common, but not obligatory. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't waste food; it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Koror like a local, visit the local markets such as the Night Market for fresh produce and traditional Palauan goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and eager to share stories about their culture and history. Don’t miss out on visiting the Rock Islands and Jellyfish Lake for their unique natural beauty. Consider attending a traditional Bai meeting house to learn more about Palauan history and customs.